Residents Demand Clarity on Proposed Carbon Capture Facility in Manitoba

Residents in southwestern Manitoba are seeking more information regarding a proposed carbon capture facility from the Montreal-based company, Deep Sky. Nearly 200 community members gathered at the Pipestone Community Hall on October 25, 2023, to discuss the project, which aims to capture and store carbon emissions in the region. The meeting, organized by the Grounded in Truth — The Deep Sky Awareness Committee, served as a platform for residents to voice their concerns and questions to both municipal councils and company representatives.

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.” The attendees raised significant concerns about the potential impacts of the facility on local hydro resources, water quality, noise levels, and the overall environment. Many questioned whether such a large-scale industrial project would align with the agricultural character of the community, situated approximately 80 kilometres southwest of Brandon.

Deep Sky’s plans include constructing a facility that aims to initially remove 30,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere annually, with a goal of scaling up to 500,000 tonnes per year once fully operational. According to CEO Alex Petre, the company intends to sell carbon credits generated by the facility to help other companies meet environmental targets. Petre assured attendees that the project will undergo a comprehensive environmental assessment and comply with all provincial regulations before moving forward.

Petre elaborated on the nature of the project, noting, “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 operates a carbon removal plant in Alberta and is currently evaluating potential sites for the Manitoba project in traditional Dakota territory, guided by geological studies and an assessment from Manitoba Hydro.

The proposed facility has the potential to create up to 1,000 construction jobs and between 100 to 250 long-term positions. Deep Sky has already initiated community engagement, including a prior town hall in early September, and plans to return to the area to provide further updates.

Despite these assurances, skepticism remains among some community members. James Wilt, policy development manager for the Climate Action Team Manitoba, expressed concerns about the viability of direct air carbon capture technology at a large scale. “There’s really no real proof of concept,” Wilt stated, emphasizing the energy-intensive nature of such operations. He highlighted the need for caution, especially given that Manitoba Hydro has indicated potential future demands for additional power sources.

Reeve of the Rural Municipality of Two Borders, Sandra Clark, acknowledged the council’s ongoing efforts to gather information about the project. Although councillors were unable to attend the recent meeting due to prior commitments, the municipality reassured residents of its commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection.

Local farmer Kim MacKenzie voiced frustration over the lack of information available to residents. “We haven’t been given the information we need,” she said, expressing concern over how the project could disrupt the rural lifestyle cherished by the community.

Woods concluded the meeting by reinforcing the importance of public engagement. “I’m proud of our community for coming together. We want to make informed decisions about our future,” she asserted.

As the community grapples with the implications of the proposed facility, the dialogue between Deep Sky and local residents continues, with a clear demand for transparency and comprehensive understanding of the project’s potential impacts.