Large rezoning raises debate

By Dan Hilborn
Published June 14, 2006


A massive rezoning that will guide the redevelopment of one of the most heavily industrialized corners of the city is stirring up controversy at Burnaby city hall.

Councillors Lee Rankin and Gary Begin are trying to slow down passage of the city's proposed Riverbend Drive West plan, which will limit the future uses of the land currently occupied by the Montenay garbage incinerator and the Norampac paper mill, warehouse and cardboard box plant.

"I'm a tad reluctant to approve this when a significant property owner wishes to speak," Rankin said when the rezoning came up for preliminary approval at the May 29 council meeting.

Rankin said the city has already received several letters from affected owners who oppose the plan, which received first reading on Monday night and is subject to a public hearing in the council chambers on June 27.

According to the city's planning department, the new zoning will allow for "higher quality" industrial use in the neighbourhood while accepting the legally conforming, permitted uses currently taking place on the lands.

Uses that are not currently permitted under the existing M3 heavy industrial district bylaw would remain as illegal non-conforming uses in the new bylaw, said the report.

The city has already heard back from five of the six affected property owners, and most of them are concerned about losing development potential and market value of their lands, said the report.