Coquitlam’s squabble with Fortis BC has prompted the city to ask the province to review its jurisdictional system so municipalities have more authority over their own roads.
The natural gas utility began work this month on its planned pipeline upgrades underneath 5.5 kilometres of Como Lake Avenue. The city wants Fortis BC to resurface the width of Como Lake, not just the dug-up portion, and to remove the old pipe instead of filling it in with cement and leaving it in the ground. The company has said removing the pipe would cost $77.5 million. A report to council, however, said the abandoned pipe ends up occupying much needed space for other utilities.
The city is upset the BC Utilities Commission can supersede municipal jurisdiction when there’s disagreements on the use of municipal roads and rule in favour of the utility.
The dispute has prompted Coquitlam council to endorse a resolution to the Lower Mainland Local Government Association (LMLGA) asking the the province, with the help of the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM), to review the regulatory framework to let local governments have more of a say in overseeing the use of their roads.
“This is an important issue,” said city manager Pete Steblin. “[Utilities] are free to usurp the road right of way without consideration to the owners of the road, which is the city of Coquitlam.”
The LMLGA’s annual general meeting will be held May 8 to 10 in Harrison Hot Springs. The UBCM’s convention is Sept. 23 to 27 in Vancouver.
