Indian Arm and Belcarra are seen from a helicopter in Burnaby, B.C., on Friday, Nov. 25, 2016. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is approving Kinder Morgan's proposal to triple the capacity of its Trans Mountain pipeline from Alberta to Burnaby, B.C. a $6.8-billion project that has sparked protests by climate change activists from coast to coast.

Image Credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

VANCOUVER - The federal cabinet's decision to approve Kinder Morgan Canada's Trans Mountain pipeline expansion has prompted a flood of outrage and promises of protests and court challenges in British Columbia.

Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson said he was "profoundly disappointed," calling the decision a "big step backwards" for Canada's environment and economy.

"I — along with the tens of thousands of residents, local First Nations, and other Metro Vancouver cities who told the federal government a resounding 'no' to this project — will keep speaking out against this pipeline expansion that doesn't make sense for our economic or environmental future."

The $6.8-billion project would triple the capacity of the Trans Mountain pipeline, from 300,000 to 890,000 barrels a day, and would add 980 kilometres of new pipe along the route from near Edmonton to Burnaby, B.C.

It would also increase the number of tankers leaving Vancouver-area waters seven-fold, from five to 34 per month, prompting fierce opposition from local mayors and First Nations who say any risk of a diluted-bitumen spill is unacceptable.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the project would be approved with 157 conditions at a news conference Tuesday. He said he expects the decision to be "bitterly disputed" by a number of people across the country, but said the project is in Canada's best interests.

"If I thought this project was unsafe for the B.C. coast, I would reject it," he said.

Premier Christy Clark has insisted her government would not allow new pipeline construction unless five conditions were met, including a "world-leading" marine spill response regime. Earlier this month, Trudeau announced a $1.5-billion ocean-protection plan.

Clark was unavailable for comment Tuesday, but her Environment Minister Mary Polak said the province will continue to work to ensure each of its conditions are met.

"Because we have taken that clear and principled approach to stand up for our province, we have seen the proponent and the federal government take actions, including Ottawa's recent Ocean Protection Plan," she said in a statement.

North Vancouver's Tsleil-Waututh Nation and the City of Vancouver already have legal challenges before the courts. The actions were filed in May after the National Energy Board recommended the federal government approve the project.

Delegates from the Tsleil-Waututh Nation travelled to Ottawa on Monday to urge Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr to reject the project.

On Tuesday, Tsleil-Waututh spokeswoman Charlene Aleck accused Trudeau of breaking his promise of a "renewed, nation-to-nation relationship with indigenous peoples."

"They are making a big mistake. We will not allow this pipeline to be built," she said.

Sven Biggs of the environmental group Stand.earth said a new phase in the struggle against pipelines would now begin, with the movement escalating to the streets, in the courts and at the ballot box.

An "emergency rally" was planned for Tuesday evening in Vancouver. A recent protest against the project in the city attracted thousands.

The business community in B.C. was pleased. Ian Black, president and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, said the project will generate more than $1-billion in construction spending and create thousands of high-paying jobs.

Kinder Morgan Canada called the approval a "landmark decision that affirms both the strength of the project and the rigour of the review process it has undergone."

Trudeau also announced Tuesday that his government has rejected the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline and enacted a moratorium on crude oil tankers on B.C.'s north coast. The news was met with celebration from those First Nations opposed and environmental groups.

The West Coast Environmental Law Association said the rejection proves communities can stop pipelines.

The Gitga'at First Nation said the decision ends struggle that pitted the Gitga'at and their allies against Enbridge in a "David vs. Goliath battle."

— Follow @ellekane on Twitter.

News from © The Canadian Press, 2016