An open-sided, cold storage facility with 100 bays for RVs is planned along Otway Road.
On Monday night, city council approved third reading of a bylaw to amend the Official Community Plan and rezone a 1.7-hectare (4.3 acre) section of 6172 Otway Rd. to facilitate the development. A spokesperson for developer Western Star Ventures Ltd. said a berm is planned as part of development to help mitigate noise for residents on the other side of the Nechako River.
During a public hearing on Monday night, city council heard concerns about the impact of the project on the riparian area along the river and the city’s aquifer, which is located near the proposed site.
“These riparian areas are really critical for the city,” James Stiedle said. “It gets a little depressing when you hit Prince George and you have parking lots right up to the river. If anything, we should be rehabilitating where the city’s water comes from.”
In a letter, Riverview Road resident Kathleen Haines opposed the rezoning.
“We as residents have never supported light industrial or heavy industrial on the other side of the river,” Haines wrote. “It is a shame to see such a lovely river valley used for this purpose and residential zoning is our preferred use.”
Council was divided on the issue, with Coun. Trudy Klassen and Mayor Simon Yu opposing the rezoning.
“One hundred RVs will take a pretty big site,” Yu said. “I’m not comfortable moving ahead right now.”
Coun. Brian Skakun said he feels comfortable that any issues regarding the site can be managed.
“There is definitely a need for this,” he said. “The closest place where you can store an RV is 15 km past Salmon Valley, and it is full.”
