Join the Conversation
Join us for a community-led town hall to discuss the urgent safety and environmental risks posed by the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion (TMX). This event is organized for students, residents, workers, and other members of the Burnaby community whose health and safety are at risk due to the nearby Trans Mountain tank farm and terminal.
Your voice matters. Bring your questions, concerns, and ideas to this town hall. Let’s work together for our collective health and safety while demanding transparency and climate justice in Burnaby.
There are limited spots available. Please register ASAP to reserve your spot. For questions, email 350sfu@gmail.com
Read and share our Open Letter to Mayor Mike Hurley.
Land Acknowledgement
This event takes place on stolen and unceded ancestral Coast Salish territories, including that of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Katzie, and kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) Nations. Specifically, this event takes place on Lhuḵw'lhuḵw'áyten, the Squamish place name for what is more commonly known as Burnaby Mountain.
Unceded means that this land was never surrendered, relinquished or handed over in any way. As such, we strive to honour the Host Nations’ protocols for gathering as we hold this event and while continuing to occupy these lands. The purpose of this event is to protect these lands and those we share the land with, while upholding Indigenous sovereignty and rights.
Why This Matters
The City of Burnaby secretly signed a “Community Contribution Agreement” with Trans Mountain Corporation. The agreement bars Burnaby City staff and consultants from communicating directly or indirectly any “fact or opinion or otherwise” that negatively affects TMC (Schedule C). This includes past communications. Public announcements related to TMC must also be pre-approved. In return, TMC will pay the City $20.1 million over the course of 20 years.
The City has also delayed any full-scale emergency preparedness exercises until 2027 — three years after TMX's completion. Meanwhile, our community faces increasing risks:
Potential petroleum tank farm fires, wildfires, and pipeline leaks
Environmental impacts from extreme heat waves and droughts
Lack of transparent emergency planning from city officials
City Council failed to consult the community before signing this deal. However, to move forward, we invite an open dialogue between members of our municipal, provincial and federal governments, Trans Mountain Corporation, safety officials and the general public.
Please join us to voice your concerns to the decision-makers responsible for our immediate safety.
What to Expect
Get informed about the risks of the Trans Mountain expansion and the impact on our community
Discuss concerns about emergency preparedness, environmental impact, and public safety
Access a safe space to engage in open dialogue with key stakeholders, including local officials, safety experts, health experts, and land defenders.
Enjoy a light meal!
This event is not bound by agreements to remain silent—it is a community town hall dedicated to truth, transparency, and accountability led by the people, for the people.
Who is Organizing This?
This town hall is organized by:
SFU350: A Student-led group mobilizing for systemic change in solidarity with intersecting movements while working to engage the SFU community in climate action.
SFSS: The Simon Fraser Student Society is a student-led organization that represents and advocates for the interests of the 25,000+ undergraduate students at SFU. It is the not-for-profit support network and voice at SFU that provide services and support to make SFU student life better.
Kwekwecnewtxw (pronounced Kwu-kwe-ow-tukh): Traditional Coast Salish Watch House on Lhuḵw'lhuḵw'áyten (Burnaby Mountain) where Stehm Mechok Kanim (Jim Leyden) serves as an appointed Elder. His role is to conduct ceremonies to keep peace and monitor activities of the Trans Mountain tank farm and pipeline expansion project.
BROKE: The Burnaby Residents Opposing Kinder Morgan Expansion is group of concerned Burnaby residents dedicated to preventing the expansion of the Trans Mountain (formerly Kinder Morgan) pipeline, tank farm, and tanker traffic through science, education, advocacy, and partnership.
Mountain Protectors: An Indigenous-led collective of land defenders working to monitor and report on Trans Mountain activities and protect the lands and Salish Sea.
Protect the Planet (PTP): A grassroots volunteer organization that works with members of the community, environmental organizations, and Indigenous groups to share compelling information, organize and participate in direct action,against Trans Mountain Expansion.
CANE: The Canadian Association of Nurses for the Environment is a part of the Canadian Nurses Association’s (CNA) Network of Nursing Specialties. CANE represents Canadian nurses who are dedicated to the improvement of planetary health.
CAPE: The Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment is a Canadian-based non-profit organization dedicated to environmental issues, especially as they relate to human health. The group was founded in 1994, and is composed of over 4,700 medical doctors and concerned citizens from across Canada.
WE-CAN: The West Coast Climate Action Network is a cohesive network of climate action groups, organizations, businesses and initiatives in British Columbia who share a deep desire to see more urgent action from our local, provincial and federal governments. The network comprises nearly 300 organizations, urgently addressing the climate emergency in B.C.
Accessibility
This event will be at SFU Burnaby in the Student Union Building (SUB) Ballroom (located on the 5th floor). Please note the following:
There is elevator access in the SUB.
Accessible washrooms are located on each floor of the SUB, including single-stall all gender washrooms on Floor 1.
Paid accessible parking available - see here for more info.
Sturdy, armless chairs will be available
A light meal will be provided.
Masks are optional but encouraged. By registering, you are agreeing to release the event organizers from liability related to COVID-19.
We aim to make this event accessible to all participants. Please indicate any access needs you have in the registration form, and we will do our best to accommodate them.
Community Agreement
The SUB is under the authority of the Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS). All participants must comply with the SFSS Space Guidelines. In addition to these guidelines, participants must comply to the following:
There will be zero tolerance for those who promote violence and/or exercise discrimination against others on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, or different ability. Anyone who incites harm towards other attendees will be asked to leave the event.
Do not assume pronouns, gender, or knowledge based on someone’s name or appearance.
Please respect the opinions of others. Every attendee brings unique perspectives and ideas!