Pipeline to go through Rockwood Park

The National Energy Board has said yes to a natural gas pipeline through Rockwood Park,and while the mayor of Saint John says that's great news, some residents are disappointed.

The board issued its decision late Thursday.

Mayor Norm MacFarlane says the pipeline will help cement Saint John's position as an energy hub, and he says many Saint Johners seem to share his feelings.

"I went down to have a coffee this morning, which I quite often do at Tim Hortons, had a number of people shake my hand and congratulate me," MacFarlane said Friday.

Leland Thomas of the Friends of Rockwood Park says his groupisunhappy with the decision.

"We'll certainly be discussing our options over the next few days," Thomas said. "To appeal the decision or to take any legal action is extremely expensive, so we'll have to see about that."

Thomas says he feels the National Energy Board only listened to corporate interests, and the interests of regular people didn't seem to count in this process.

MacFarlane says it's important to listen to voices of dissent, but he believes the majority of those in the city are in favour of the pipeline, and the jobs that it will help create.

The pipeline will run through the park in the centre of Saint John, from the Canaport Liquefied Natural Gas Terminal at Mispec Point to the U.S. border.