A rezoning request that, if approved, would have allowed a mobile asphalt plant to operate in the Steelhead area has been withdrawn.
However, that does not mean the proposal is being shelved.
According to a staff report presented to Mission council on Monday night, the applicant, Tyler Dean, at the direction of the property owner, submitted a formal request to withdraw the rezoning application.
But council was also informed that the applicant intends to apply for a temporary-use permit for the subject properties – at 11596 and 11546 Dewdney Trunk Rd. – as an alternative to rezoning.
The proposed rezoning request first came before council on Dec. 2, when it received first and second reading. Two weeks later, a public hearing took place and a large group of Steelhead residents voiced concerns about the project.
Concerns raised included diminishing air quality, smell, noise, truck traffic and environmental concerns, as well as questions about how much asphalt would be produced, what equipment would be used, what technology would be on hand to prevent or reduce emissions and who would enforce it.
A petition was created against the proposed plant and protesters picketed outside of city hall on several occasions, demanding council reopen the public hearing so more information could be shared.
The rezoning withdrawal ends the debate about reopening the public hearing, but a new process will begin.
A temporary-use permit request will require a public information meeting, which should give Steelhead residents an opportunity to ask more questions and voice concerns once again.
Council will receive a new report, with more information about the proposed mobile asphalt plant. Staff hope to have that report in time for the March 16 council meeting.
A temporary-use permit would give council the ability to add conditions it feels are relevant to the site, as well as the need to get a permit to operate the plant from the provincial government.
A temporary-use permit normally runs for three years, and a three-year extension can be applied for.