Trans Mountain Expansion Project prepares Kamloops for jobs and revenue

KAMLOOPS – The Trans Mountain Project has not gotten the official go ahead just yet but the company is preparing as though it will.

The federal government is required to make a decision on the project by May 22, 2019.

"We can't start that planning on May 23," Kate Stebbings with the Trans Mountain Expansion Project said to Kamloops city council this week. "We need to be ready to go."

If they do get the approval, work is expected to start in Summer 2019, Stebbings said.

She estimates about 600 workers will be needed for a nearly 18 month contract starting in the Kamloops urban area. Workers who reside within the municipality will be given preference to ensure that local hotels do not become over crowded.

Her report says a third of the estimated $7.4 billion construction costs will be spent in the North Thompson. These estimates are based on Conference Board of Canada studies from 2014 and 2015; and a Canadian Chamber of Commerce report from 2013.

The company says Kamloops will make over $3 million in tax revenue per year when the pipeline is in operation. In addition, the City has the opportunity to gain $700,000 from a "Community Benefit Agreement" that is to go towards community investment, environment, and safety.

The report says about $5 billion in goods and services are required. Contractors can learn more about this at a "Business Readiness Workshop" where Trans Mountain Contractors will be in attendance.

Anyone who has goods and services that they feel would benefit the project are invited to the event Tuesday, March 26 at the Coast Hotel and Conference Centre from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Contact the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce to RSVP. Registration is required.

—This story was corrected for grammar at 5:50 p.m. Friday, March 8.

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