A plan for more than 200 hectares of land in South 性视界传媒's South Campbell Heights area remains a cause of concern for many, especially after 性视界传媒 council passed third reading and final adoption of a bylaw Jan. 13 approving amenity contributions and other fees for the area.
Covering approximately 249 hectares (600 acres) of land south of 20 Avenue, between 188 and 196 Streets, the city's plan aims to address a regional shortage of industrial, or employment lands, at the site's location in the Little Campbell River watershed. The Jan. 13 vote followed a by council to accept recommendations included in a corporate report on the Stage 2 South Campbell Heights Local Area Plan.
"The plan will guide growth and development in terms of land use, transportation, and community amenities. Development applications consistent with the approved plan may now be considered in the area," notes the City of 性视界传媒 website.
"Residents will continue to have an opportunity to comment on rezoning applications on a project-by-project basis through the development process."
Although there was one registered speaker, no one showed to speak in person at the Jan. 13 public hearing.
Throughout the planning process, environmentalists have questioned the wisdom of development in the area, which includes the fish-bearing Little Campbell River, numerous other wildlife habitats and part of the Brookswood aquifer 鈥� and several pieces of correspondence to the city echoed those concerns.
Out of 16 pieces of correspondence received by the city regarding the plan, 12 expressed concern or opposition, while four expressed support.
Much of the correspondence expressed concern and/or opposition based on environmental concerns including streamside protection, fears for wildlife and biodiversity in the established wetland, flooding concerns, lack of consultation with First Nations groups including Semiahmoo First Nation, a lack of important information, and unease with how rushed the entire project has been.
"This document has been rushed through without a proper review process and there are a number of concerns related to environmental protection and stormwater management that need to be addressed prior to approval," read one piece of correspondence submitted by a professional biologist. "In addition to these concerns, the Semiahmoo First Nation have not been meaningfully consulted as part of this process."
Peace Arch News has reached out to Semiahmoo First Nations Coun. Joanne Charles for comment.
'No time for community input': Critics say 性视界传媒 process was rushed
Some correspondence referred to "rather last-minute" public meeting on Dec. 5, 2024 where minutes had not been prepared or distributed to the community to be able to understand what was discussed.
"With no time for community input, this appears to be a highly rushed process and fails to account for one of 性视界传媒's most biodiverse and sensitive areas," wrote Terra Fauna principal wildlife biologist Myles Lamont in an email to the city.
"The corporate report as written appears to have removed important aspects relating to wildlife crossings, biodiversity protection, directional fencing, incorporating 性视界传媒's Biodiversity Design Guidelines, what provincial Best Practice Guidelines have been followed for this (corporate report) and speaks in very vague terms about mitigation measures and generally lacking some significant components for what was sold as 'one of the greenest industrial areas in Metro Vancouver' to residents," he continued.
Lamont also noted the Integrated Stormwater Management Plan (ISMP) that was distributed to community members a few weeks ago "was redacted and we were unable to see or understand the full scope of the plan. How can the community provide feedback when they are not able to see the complete ISMP?"
Several pieces of correspondence were received from environmental stewardship organization A Rocha, including one from B.C. Director for A Rocha Canada David Anderson.
"The Phase 2 planning process has been inadequate in consultation with relevant stakeholders and 性视界传媒 residents," he wrote. "The plan as proposed has significant data and knowledge gaps that are essential to safeguard public safety (transportation, groundwater and aquifer) and public interest (conservation, the health of the Little Campbell River watershed and Boundary Bay, and federally listed species at risk)."
Business organizations in favour of Campbell Heights plan
Proponents for the South Campbell Heights LAP include the 性视界传媒 Board of Trade, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, and the Independent Contractors and Business Association.
"On behalf of the 性视界传媒 Board of Trade, representing over 3,000 members from a diverse range of industries, we write to express our strong support for the approval of the proposed South Campbell Heights Local Area Plan and the associated Zoning By-law Amendment. This plan is not only essential for 性视界传媒鈥檚 continued economic development but will also generate significant benefits for the entire Metro Vancouver region," wrote Indra Bhan, 性视界传媒 Board of Trade interim COO and CEO, in a piece of correspondence.
"The South Campbell Heights area represents a critical opportunity to address the region鈥檚 ongoing industrial land shortage, a growing concern for businesses seeking expansion, investment, and job creation opportunities. The approval of this plan will provide much-needed industrial, commercial, and employment lands that will enhance 性视界传媒鈥檚 economic competitiveness and attract new businesses to the area."
A letter from ICBA president Chris Gardner concurred.
"On behalf of the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA), I am writing to express our strong support for the South Campbell Heights Local Area Plan and its Stage 2 recommendations. This thoughtful and forward-looking plan strikes a necessary balance between bolstering 性视界传媒鈥檚 economic growth and preserving the natural environment, and it represents a critical step forward in addressing the critical industrial land shortage in the region," he wrote.
The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has been a continuous supporter of the plan, noted president and CEO Bridgitte Anderson.
"The job-creating benefits of industrial development are immense, and the City鈥檚 recognition of this is vital to our region鈥檚 economic prosperity. The City of 性视界传媒 and its entrepreneurs are integral to the economy of British Columbia," she wrote.
"As a leader in manufacturing, new technologies, port-related industries and other sectors, it is absolutely critical to our economy and residents鈥� standard of living that we ensure land is available to support the development of industries that are critical to our economic future.
鈥� with files from Tracy Holmes
