Burnaby Mountain was a hot spot despite the drizzle this week as protesters clashed with police in their attempts to halt Kinder Morgan crews from preliminary work to build a new pipeline. As the terminal lies directly across Burrard Inlet, it's an issue that has also roused passions on the North Shore.
It's an emotional issue for many. This week's clash was a test for both sides. And it appears that neither is ready to back down.
There are those who have called out the protesters for breaking the law by defying a court injunction.
Yet the flawed process through which the federal government appears set to fast-track this proposal has all but invited such dissent. Many voices have been shut out of airing their concerns. Even the province has raised questions that have yet to be satisfactorily answered.
Yes, everyone must obey the rule of law. But laws are made by governments whose authority comes from the governed and civil disobedience is only natural in the face of laws that do not serve the public.
Most concerning for Ottawa is likely the involvement of local First Nations which have opposed the pipeline and delivered a message of support to the protesters.
Recent court decisions have given First Nations more power over resource development that takes place within their traditional territories and their concerns can't easily be brushed aside.
Add to that a looming federal election with B.C. as key territory and there's a recipe for conflict that isn't going away anytime soon.
