In a surprising move, council voted to oppose Enbridge's Northern Gateway pipeline project on Feb. 28, 2012.

Smithers joins three other local governments that have recently passed motions opposing the project: Terrace, Prince Rupert, and the Skeena-Queen Charlotte Regional District.

Just over a month ago, Smithers council decided to postpone a vote on the matter until after the federally appointed Joint Review Panel rendered its decision on Enbridge's proposal. But when councillor Phil Brienesse reintroduced the motion, the vote came back 5-1 in favour.

One councillor was absent from the meeting, which left councillor Charlie Northrup both disappointed and surprised that council would vote in such an important issue.

"Council tabled a motion to wait until after the process had taken place," Northrup said. "All council was present, lots of emotion around this issue in the community on both sides so I just thought it would be appropriate to wait until all council was present to have the full discussion. And then it would be a full council vote."

Dan Mesec