Castlegar city council has voted 5-2 to approve the rezoning of property at Blueberry for a light industrial park.
Kind Industries originally wanted to have a cannabis production facility there, but dropped the idea following pushback at a public meeting.
The approval granted last week still allows for a variety of uses, but a number of others were also dropped from the application such as auto repair and body shops, bulk fuel depots and recycling depots.
The developer would like to provide build-to-suit options for potential tenants such as an electrical supply warehouse and prefabricated home manufacturer.
Councillor Sue Heaton-Sherstobitoff said she was impressed the developer held a community meeting, although it was not a requirement, and listened to residents’ feedback. “I have great faith this is going to be nothing but good for Castlegar,” she said.
Councillor Cherryl MacLeod agreed. “I don’t know in my time sitting here if I’ve ever seen a developer or their agent be as amenable to what the citizens of the community wanted,” she said. “I’ve not seen anybody else make as many changes to their application.”
Councillor Brian Bogle said he was initially concerned about the volatility of the cannabis industry and was happy the developer shifted its focus to other opportunities.
“It’s refreshing to see a developer greet a change to alleviate some concerns,” he said. “We advertise we are open for business. If we do not vote in favour, I’m concerned how this will affect our economic development strategy.”
However, councillor Shirley Falstead disagreed.
“[Residents] went out there thinking this is a rural place to enjoy that lifestyle,” she said. “If you brought an industrial complex into any other part of town, I’m sure people wouldn’t be happy either.”
Councillor Sandy Bojechko also voted against, explaining that she feared the development would be too disruptive to the enjoyment of their properties.
Councillor Darcy Bell said he struggled with the decision after speaking with neighbours. However, he ultimately voted in favour.
Mayor Maria McFaddin said she went back and forth on the issue, but was “pleasantly surprised” by the developer’s willingness to accommodate concerns.
She noted the area is already designated for light industrial under the official community plan. “If I’m going to make a decision that goes against our OCP, I have to have a very large reason to justify it,” she said. She ultimately voted in favour.
City staff told council that concerns around landscaping buffers will be dealt with through a restrictive covenant, while other things can be addressed during the development permit process.
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. Staff also suggested upgrades to Dube Road will be required along with a formal right of way through the property.
