keystone pipeline
The route of the Keyston XL Pipeline as originally proposed by TransCanada

A decision made in the White House in early 2012 had a major effect in the southwest.

US President Barack Obama rejected a proposal by TransCanada Corporation to build the controversial Keystone XL pipeline, that would bring oilsands crude from northern Alberta through the U-S heartland and into refineries in Texas.

The pipeline proposal had received some opposition by environmental groups for a number of reasons, including its planned route through ecologically sensitive land in the state of Nebraska. However, on this side of the border, there was disappointment in the rejection from the energy sector and many politicians, as well as locally in the Town of Shaunavon, where the pipeline would have been built just kilometres from the community.

Town Administrator Jay Meyer told us in January that the delays could cost Shaunavon the economic benefits the pipeline would have brought.

"Anytime you can get an influx of employees, probably more on the higher-end paying jobs as well with tradesmen in and around your community, some of the benefits would be additional money to our small businesses, our hotels, restaurants, bars and so on," Meyer said. "We could maybe get a few of them that would be even interested in sticking around and putting in roots in the community for years to come."

TransCanada said they remained committed to the Keystone project and gave Washington a new proposal for the pipeline in May, but the decision on it has been delayed to the new year.