Gravel quarry
Both Powell River local governments have passed motions stating they have no objections to an application for an aggregate quarry sand and gravel mine on vacant Crown land west of Duck Lake Road. Stephens Developments Ltd. applied for a licence of occupation for the quarry to supplement its existing operations on Stevenson Road.
Powell River Regional District board passed a motion at the June board meeting. The only condition was that approval should be subject to an assessment of the sensitive woodland ecosystem.
City of Powell River council passed a motion at a special meeting on July 12. Its conditions were that mining activities don’t result in any damage to the airport beacon located on an adjacent lot and that access to the beacon is kept free and clear. As well, the city asked that the operator abide by federal and provincial rules to ensure airplane navigation is not jeopardized.
No contravention
City of Powell River’s auditor reviewed a complaint filed by a resident.
George Orchiston alleged that city officials did not have “legitimate approval” of council to permit the construction of the new barge terminal facility. He claimed any city funds spent during 2011 “to facilitate and maintain this action, was unauthorized and improper.” He filed a complaint against the city under Section 172 of the Community Charter.
In a letter dated July 10, Bill Cox, a partner in BDO Canada LLP, stated, “We report that, in our opinion: the transactions in question do not contravene the authority provided to staff and council under the Community Charter [and] no further action or investigation is warranted in regard to this matter.”
