The future of a proposed gravel pit in Oyama is unknown.
Lake Country council was supposed to discuss a soil processing and removal permit for an Old Mission Road site Tuesday. But just prior to the meeting, the applicant withdrew the item from the agenda.
“There’s no real indication of where things stand with the matter,” said Coun. Owen Dickie.
“It’s difficult to know what the plan is.”
The applicant had been seeking a temporary use permit and soil removal permit for the 8.34-hectare site. Because it’s on agricultural land, the application would have also had to go to the provincial Agricultural Land Commission for consideration.
Lake Country staff was recommending against permits, and Dickie admits he has concerns if the proposal comes forward again.
“Our official community plan states that any development of gravel plants should be discouraged until existing plants are depleted and reclaimed,” he said.
“There are existing plants and they are still operating and they have viable product.”
Based on other gravel operations, Dickie says common concerns from residents are visual appearance, traffic and noise.
Being near orchards is also a complicating factor.
“There have been concerns about the ability to sell apples because of dust (from the gravel),” said Dickie.
