Just where the Village of Burns Lake mayor and council stand on the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline project could remain a mystery.
Mayor Bernice Magee said to councillors that the up and coming committee of the whole meeting, planned for Nov. 8, 2011, specifically to discuss the project will not result in any decisions. She said, "There will be no decision, just a discussion."
As reported in the Lakes District News edition of Oct. 19, 2011 councillors held a lengthy discussion earlier this month as to whether the committee of the whole meeting should be held prior to the November elections, or after to give new mayor and councillors an opportunity to weigh in on the conversation.
Council were split in their decision and mayor Magee cast the deciding vote, choosing to hold the meeting before new mayor and council take up their seats.
The topic was brought up again during last week's council meeting when local resident John Phair submitted a letter to council, as well as several informational sheets and news articles about the project. Phair requested an opportunity to discuss the issue during a public forum.
Councillor Quentin Beach asked mayor Magee, "When will council make a decision?"
"It is not up to us to make a decision on the project, it is up to the joint review panel," responded mayor Magee.
Beach went on to say that he understands council does not have a deciding say in whether the project moves forward, but he said council should make a decision on where they stand.
"Community members are asking where we stand, they want to know," he said.
"A discussion needs to take place first. This could be something you can bring forward at the committee of the whole meeting, but we need to look at all the information first," mayor Magee said.
Councillor Beach said to Lakes District News that wants to wait until council makes a joint decision on the project before making his opinion public. He also said that he feels the public would support council making a decision on the project.
"I think the public do want to know where we stand and I think this is why the committee of the whole meeting is a good idea."
Councillor John Illes said he doesn't have a personal opinion on the proposed pipeline project, but says he supports holding a committee of the whole meeting. "I think it will be a good discussion," he said.
Councillor Luke Strimbold also said he doesn't have a personal opinion about the project to make public at this time, however he said that he is very supportive of the up and coming committee of the whole meeting. "I hope as many people come to the meeting as possible. We want to hear from the public and I think they want to hear from us," he said.
Jim Minger, municipal election candidate for mayor of Burns Lake said he is still undecided about the project. He said he is currently leaning more against the project. "I haven't found enough information on the proposed project to make me a believer," he said.
Lakes District News also contacted Coun. Eileen Benedict and up and coming councillors that have been elected by acclamation, Susan Schienbein and Frank Varga for comment but they were not available as of press time.
The committee of the whole meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Nov. 8, 2011.