Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter
Peace River town council held a public hearing on Aug. 12 to discuss the possibility or rezoning a parcel of land from Residential to Direct Control District.
The request for the rezoning came from landowners who operate Wapiti Gravel Suppliers, looking to expand and complete their intended gravel extraction of 4.8 hectares.
“It is zoned Residential 1A which does not allow gravel extraction,” explains Mayor Elaine Manzer.
“The pit operator has applied to amend the land use district applied to River Lot 38 from Residential 1-A District to the Direct Control District to then allow for a new development permit application for natural resources extraction to expand and complete their intended gavel extraction on the property.”
Manzer says other parts of the property have been used for gravel extraction and the current owners bought the land from another gravel extracting company.
“The briefing note indicated that Wapiti Gravel Suppliers would like to complete their intended gravel extraction on the property,” explains Manzer.
“Some residents have indicated that they feel it would impact them.”
During the public hearing some residents voiced their concerns about having loud gravel extraction and crushing happening so close to their homes.
They asked council to evaluate carefully how this would impact residential owners if expanded.
“The town moved to recess the hearing until Sept. 16 council meeting,” explains Manzer. “This allows the town to receive a reply from the Municipal District of Peace as per our Intermuncipal Development Plans.”
Shaftesbury Estates is a residential neighbourhood with about 200 residential properties located across Shaftesbury Trail from the subject property.
Manzer says the public hearing was recessed until Sept. 16 to ensure MD of Peace can comment, more information can be obtained and digested, and the hearing can then resume. Information about time for the public hearing will be provided on the town’s website and Facebook page.