Residents Demand Clarity on Proposed Carbon Capture Facility in Manitoba

Residents in southwestern Manitoba are expressing significant concerns regarding a proposed carbon capture facility by the Montreal-based company, Deep Sky. During a town hall meeting held at the Pipestone Community Hall on October 25, 2023, nearly 200 community members gathered to voice their questions and apprehensions about the project, which could see a carbon capture and storage facility established in the region.

The meeting was organized by a local group known as Grounded in Truth — The Deep Sky Awareness Committee. Organizer Keely Woods emphasized the need for transparency, stating, “I think there’s power in the people. If it doesn’t feel right, ask questions. Be critical thinkers. Your opinion does matter.” Many attendees raised concerns about potential impacts on local utilities, water resources, noise levels, and the broader environment.

The proposed facility is designed to initially capture 30,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, with aims to expand this capacity to 500,000 tonnes per year as the project develops. The facility would function under a business model that includes selling carbon credits to companies seeking to meet environmental goals. Alex Petre, CEO of Deep Sky, underlined the company’s commitment to addressing climate change while assuring that the project will adhere to a full environmental assessment and meet provincial standards.

Petre remarked, “I think a lot of people are thinking about super-large infrastructure — oil and gas refinery infrastructure and things like that. This is not what we are talking about here.” The company has not yet selected a location for the proposed $200 million facility, which is intended for an area within traditional Dakota territory, approximately 80 kilometres southwest of Brandon.

As the project is still in its planning stages, Deep Sky aims to finalize a site based on geological studies and a forthcoming assessment from Manitoba Hydro. Petre indicated that construction could commence as early as next year, potentially generating up to 1,000 construction jobs and between 100 to 250 long-term positions once operational.

Despite the potential economic benefits, skepticism remains prevalent among some community members and environmental advocates. Concerns were raised regarding whether such a large industrial project aligns with the agricultural character of the Pipestone area. James Wilt, policy development manager for the Climate Action Team Manitoba, highlighted the challenges of direct air carbon capture technology, which remains largely unproven at a large scale and is known to be energy-intensive. He stated, “There’s really no real proof of concept.”

Local farmer Kim MacKenzie articulated the feelings of many residents who feel uninformed about the project. “We haven’t been given the information we need. We’re in a nice rural area. We like our lifestyle. How could it change?”

The Rural Municipality of Two Borders has also expressed the necessity for more information. Reeve Sandra Clark mentioned that her council is awaiting further details about the project. Although councillors were invited to the town hall, prior commitments prevented their attendance.

As community members continue to seek clarity, Woods noted that the strong turnout demonstrates a collective desire for informed decision-making regarding their future. “I’m proud of our community for coming together,” she said. “We want to make informed decisions about our future.”

Deep Sky plans to re-engage with the community to ensure a two-way dialogue about the proposed facility. Petre acknowledged the importance of building understanding and trust as the project progresses, stating, “We would be very passionate to figure out how to bridge that gap in understanding.”

The discussion around the proposed carbon capture facility exemplifies the complexities and challenges that communities face when balancing environmental initiatives with local values and concerns. As more information becomes available, residents hope to gain a clearer perspective on what the future may hold for their region.