A company that wants to build an industrial park at Blueberry says cannabis production is no longer part of their proposal. But neighbours are still wary of the idea, citing a variety of concerns.
Kind Industries applied last year to rezone property between Highway 22 and Dube Road from rural to industrial park. It’s already designated for light industrial under the official community plan.
The company suggested a variety of possible uses, which originally included cannabis production and retail, but following an open house in December decided to drop those things from the plan.
“The zone has been customized and we removed a lot of the uses that were potentially causing a nuisance or concern to the neighbouring community,” said Jennifer Powers of land use consultant OTG Developments.
Also deleted were auto repair and body shops, bulk fuel depots and recycling depots. But allowable uses still include things like warehouses, auto dealers, car washes, and truck terminals.
Powers said they would like to provide build-to-suit options for potential tenants, such as an electrical supply warehouse and prefabricated home manufacturer. She said some existing light industrial businesses on 6th Avenue in Castlegar have also expressed interest in re-locating to the proposed industrial park.
A public hearing last month before Castlegar city council heard a traffic study has recommended the closure of the Highway 22 and Dube Road intersection due to concerns with sight lines and lack of use.
City staff suggested if the zoning is approved, upgrades to Dube Road will be required along with a formal right of way through the property.
Council heard from several neighbors who remain concerned.
“My property is directly affected by this proposed development, and I am strongly against this,” said Jason Craig.
Traffic remains one of their biggest worries. Several said they didn’t want to lose the secondary access to the community via Dube Road.
Only realtor Jack McConnachie spoke in favor of the proposal, noting the demand for light industrial properties in the area. Planner Shannon Marshall agreed the city has fielded many inquiries, mainly from out of town.
Marshall said some of the concerns neighbours raised could be addressed during the development permit stage, but didn’t need to be dealt with as part of the zoning process.
Council hasn’t yet decided on the application. Their next meeting is Aug. 14.
