TransCanada Corp. has turned down the City of Fredericton's request for a public information meeting on the proposed Energy East pipeline.

Council asked for the meeting in January, so residents could ask questions about the project, which would carry Alberta crude to refineries in Quebec and New Brunswick.

"We wanted to have some engagement of the city and that engagement isn't going to happen," said Coun. John MacDermid.

"I'm disappointed, I'm not 100 per cent surprised."

MacDermid initially brought forward a motion to request the meeting.

In a letter to Fredericton city council, received by MacDermid on Monday, TransCanada says it has already held 17 open houses in New Brunswick on the proposed pipeline for more than 2,500 visitors.

"We respectfully decline the suggestion that we hold a public meeting in Fredericton. Our focus remains on communities and landowners directly affected by the pipeline route," Patrick Lacroix, the New Brunswick lead on the Energy East pipeline, said in the letter.

"We will continue to engage with affected landowners, stakeholders, and First Nation leadership through means that ensure an open and effective dialogue."

Councillor says Fredericton deserves meeting

MacDermid said even though Fredericton isn't located along the proposed pipeline route, the city should still be able to ask questions and raise concerns directly with TransCanada.

"We may not be along the route of the pipeline, but I think that the people in Fredericton deserve an opportunity to have the same conversation," MacDermid said.

"If there was an issue of safety it could affect the city."

Environmental activist Mark D'Arcy has been advocating for a public meeting in Fredericton. He made a presentation to the city's public safety and environment committee on the issue in December.

"It's in our interest as residents here to be allowed to have the opportunity to publicly ask questions and hear the answers," D'Arcy said.

TransCanada filed a formal application for the Energy East pipeline with the National Energy Board last October.