VANCOUVER — More than 1,000 demonstrators gathered at a Vancouver beach on Saturday afternoon to protest Enbridge’s controversial $6.5 billion Northern Gateway pipeline.



The rally, held at Sunset Beach, was one of 60 similar events held in cities across the country, as part of a national day of action against climate change.



It was the second large-scale demonstration against the pipeline, after an estimated 5,000 people attended a similar event at Science World in November.



Some protesters said they’ll do anything to stop the project — even chain themselves to trees and machinery — if it gets the green light from the Stephen Harper government in June.



Ben West, a spokesman with ForestEthics Advocacy, which organized the Vancouver event, said he is not surprised that people are prepared to take drastic measures.



“I hope it doesn’t come to that. I think it’s important we try all the traditional means before those tactics,” he said, at the rally Saturday. “I’m still holding out hope that our prime minister will listen to the thousands of people who are against this.”



If the project goes ahead, West said first activists will call on Premier Christy Clark to act on her government’s opposition to this project and ask her to do everything in her power to stop the pipeline.



He said they are also launching a Stop Harper Fund, seeking donations which will be used for political efforts to help defeat the Conservative government in the next election.



“We still live in a democracy and the people are saying no to Enbridge.”



The pipeline proposes to carry heavy-crude oil to a port at Kitimat from the oilsands in Alberta to be shipped overseas. The federal government is expected to make a final decision on the pipeline in June.



In December, a federal panel led by the National Energy Board approved the pipeline, but only if Enbridge meets 209 conditions. Those conditions include Enbridge carrying $950 million in spill insurance coverage, putting in place a plan to offset losses in Caribou habitat and putting into effect its promised enhanced tanker safety plan. That plan includes the use of escort tugs, a new advanced radar system, and an increased spill-response system.



The project still faces other major hurdles, including public opposition, legal action by First Nations and the B.C. Liberal government’s five conditions for heavy-oil pipeline support.



Speakers at Saturday’s rally included First Nations representatives, federal, provincial and municipal politicians, union leaders, scientists, youth, environmentalists and musical guests.

article continues below