The City of Prince Rupert has rezoned District Lot 444 for an LNG terminal and included it in the Official Community Plan following a public hearing on Dec. 3.
The event started with presentations by city planner Zeno Krekic, city manager Robert Long, environmental engineer Dr. Barb Faggetter and WCC LNG project manager Donna Parker.
Approximately 60 people attended the hearing, with a number of individuals taking the opportunity to highlight their concerns with the project proposed on Tuck Inlet and the LNG industry in general. There were also a few that spoke in support of the project.
In the end, council members approved changing the Official Community Plan and zoning DL 444 under the new LNG zoning designation and public use.
Coun. Nelson Kinney was the only member of council that wasn’t present at the meeting, with all other members of council voting in favour.
“We heard extensively from the public and this was a difficult decision for the community. However, given our present state of infrastructure decay, assurances that the environmental concerns will be addressed in the environmental assessment process and the $18 million to help with the city’s finances, the council was prepared to vote unanimously in favour of this zoning,” Mayor Lee Brain said.
“This action opens up an opportunity for the community to envision a more sustainable future, which I believe should involve exploring renewable energy options, as well.”
It’s anticipated that WCC LNG will begin their environmental assessment process shortly.
Look for more on this story, including comments from members of the public, in the next edition of the Northern View.
