Pipedream Project crew heads home

2 November 2010 (VANCOUVER) — After two months paddling the length of British Columbia’s coast, the three Pipedreams Project kayakers have returned safely to Vancouver. The Pipedreams Project began their journey in Kitimat on September 1st, and paddled south to Vancouver to connect and engage with B.C.'s coastal communities about the Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline.

"B.C.'s coast is a unique and incredible place. We're lucky to have had the chance to spend two whole months on the coast. The abundance and richness of wildlife we've seen is astounding and humbling. It is heartbreaking and frightening to imagine what a disaster an oil spill would have on this coast,” said Pipedreams Project team member Curtis White.

The team developed the project after hearing of Enbridge’s proposal and feeling unsatisfied with the distance they felt to the issue despite their physical proximity, and the lack of space available to get involved in the decision-making process. They embarked in their kayaks to experience the coast first-hand, searching for effective and meaningful ways to get involved in opposing the project.

"The feeling of solidarity on the Enbridge issue among the communities on the North Coast is inspiring. Talking with people up there, you really realize that this project will simply not go through. They are determined to stop it at all costs,” said Pipedreams Project Team member Faroe Des Roches Their voices are strong; it’s the hard work that these people are doing that will protect our coast."

"Enbridge is really the force driving this whole debate. The people on the coast don't want this pipeline. The opposition is so incredible that it seems ridiculous to think that we're even debating the issue," said Pipedream Project team member Ryan Vandecasteyen.

The Pipedreams Team was greeted on Saturday by a crowd of family and friends, as well as a handful of paddlers who came out to join them for the last day of their journey. 

"It's been incredible to see people here at home get on board with what were doing, and the support they have given us. Arriving at the beach and seeing all the welcoming faces, it feels like we may have succeeded in small way in connecting the coast and creating the solidarity it will take to make sure this project does not go through,” said Faroe Des Roches. 

The team is now busy in the post-production stage of a documentary they are making about their experience. To find out more about the project and find out how you can get involved, visit www.thepipedreamsproject.org.