Today the Trans Mountain pipeline project kicked off construction in British Columbia with work starting in Kamloops. 

Preparation has begun for the Kamloops Urban Area section of the pipeline, which will span seven kilometres and take approximately seven months to complete. 

According to Trans Mountain Corporation chief executive Ian Anderson, the beginning of construction in Kamloops is a key milestone for the project.

Read More: How to find a job with Trans Mountain

“We know these are challenging times for many communities and we are pleased to be able to contribute safely to the economy in Kamloops,” Anderson said, “Trans Mountain knows that getting to work is important, but it must go hand in hand with a strong and unwavering commitment to the safety of our workforce and communities.”

In June, 30-50 people will be in Kamloops for the start of the pipeline expansion project. The workforce will peak at approximately 600 workers during the height of construction in either late summer or early fall. 

Trans Mountain has worked extensively with the Kamloops Accommodation Association to find local hotels and service providers who are able to meet the strict COVID-19 measures, including food service, extra cleaning requirements, and dedicated areas for workers to undergo COVID-19 screenings before going to the worksite. 

Trans Mountain will work with a small number of providers during the project’s start in June. As the workforce grows throughout the summer, additional properties will be included. 

Kamloops is part of Trans Mountain’s BC Interior construction area, which stretches from Black Pines (about 40 km north of Kamloops) to the Coquihalla Summit. This section includes approximately 185 kilometres of 36-inch pipeline, 18 valve assembly stations, and three pump stations. 

Currently the Trans Mountain Pipeline carries approximately 300,000 barrels of petroleum products each day. With the expansion, that number is expected to increase to 890,000 barrels per day.

Read more on local local job opportunities in Kamloops via Trans Mountain.

img: Transmountain.com