Politicians are being warned to not actively endorse a company’s expansion plans.
Regional District of North Okanagan directors have been invited by the Agricultural Land Commission to participate in an April 30 public information meeting on North Enderby Timber’s application to swap property for industrial activities.
“There is significant (public) opposition to this. Let’s be careful,” said Trafford Hall, RDNO administrator.
“You will be judged on your lack of bias.”
The warning was issued because if the ALC approves the application, North Enderby Timber must then apply to RDNO for OCP and rezoning amendments and a development permit. There is some concern that directors endorsing the company’s proposal at the ALC session may lead some residents to believe RDNO directors are not being objective when they consider zoning changes.
“This could put our process about land use in jeopardy,” said director Mary-Jo O’Keefe.
The ALC information meeting will be April 30 at 7 p.m. at the Grindrod Recreation Hall.
“If you attend, attend as individual directors and not as the board,” Rob Smailes, general manager of planning and building, told directors.
“If you make any comments, they should be specific about the ALC application and not the development proposal.”
North Enderby Timber wants to exclude 4.9 hectares adjacent to its Highway 97A site from the Agricultural Land Reserve so it can be used for a log storage yard and dry kiln.
In return, the company wants to convert a former 4.9-hectare log sort yard on Crandlemire Road into agricultural capabilities.
The company is concerned that if it doesn’t replace a kiln that was destroyed by fire in 2012, it could lose customers.
Howie Cyr, Enderby director, says he will likely ask his city council to write a letter of support for the company’s ALC application.
“It’s an enormous economic driver and we have an interest in that business,” he said.
