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Dewdney Trunk fill site a non-starter

Council unanimously rejects temporary use permit for property in rural area
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This council map shows the location of the rejected fill area.

Mission council has unanimously rejected a proposal for a soil fill site in a rural area near Dewdney Trunk Road and Wilson Street.

The rejection follows a public meeting with close to 50 residents of the area on July 5 and a recommendation from staff not to allow the fill plan to proceed.

Property owners David and Ralph Telep had proposed allowing fill to be placed on three properties they own in the area, over a period of several years.

A temporary use permit had been applied for by Aplin and Martin Consultants, on behalf of the Teleps.

The area is a rural residential area and many neighbouring property owners were concerned about the water supply, if the fill site was to proceed. Some said any adverse effects might take years to show up.

Other concerns raised included additional truck traffic and noise. Up to 90 additional trucks per day could be accessing the site.

There were also concerns about erosion, damage to municipal roads, impact on the environment and wildlife, and reduced property values.

In a letter to the District of Mission sent after the meeting had taken place, David Telep said that of those who took part in the meeting, “many were not in the catchment area.”

He said he felt that the engineers they had hired and Ken Workman, the proposed operator of the site, could deal with the concerns that were raised.

“We live by the words of our engineers. They believe this is a sensible proposal and we rely on these experts to make their judgments and decisions based on their experience and education in the engineering field.”

Coun. Jim Hinds said he felt that the applicant didn’t always give clear answers to questions raised at the meeting. He was concerned that the fill site would affect people’s water supply.

Coun. Danny Plecas said there were concerns about soil, traffic and the impact on the environment.

“Does this project benefit Mission more than prejudice it?” asked Coun. Jenny Stevens. “In my mind, the benefit is outweighed by prejudices.”

Coun. Pam Alexis thanked members of the community for their detailed response to the proposal and the impressive amount of research they did.

“It’s the right decision,” Mayor Randy Hawes said of the rejection.