The regional district is seeking input from the public on a zoning amendment proposal to formalize a Sawmill Road property as an auto salvage operation.
Last week the board discussed the application by Darcy Griffith to amend the zoning of approximately 1.3 hectares of his property to formally allow his salvage business as a site-specific use. The operation is currently a legal, non-conforming use, and has been previously allowed via a temporary use permit.
The property sits adjacent to an oxbow associated with Okanagan River. Adjacent development consists of rural residential parcels and agricultural operations.
A similar rezoning application was previously denied by the board in 2010. At that time, concerns were expressed about the incompatibility of heavy industrial uses occurring within floodplains, and environmentally sensitive areas.
Regional district planner Christopher Garrish said the proposed new zoning is substantially the same as the proposal denied by the board in 2010.
Garrish noted they want to transition away from heavy industrial uses, which are a concern in environmentally sensitive areas.
He did recognize that the auto recycling operation provides a source of employment in Area C.
Garrish also noted that the operators made a significant effort to reduce the impact on the environment by removing vehicles adjacent to the oxbow.
But the planner stated there is more suitable industrial land in the area.
“There is an existing industrial park in the Town of Oliver that may have land available that would prove more suitable for the auto salvage use.”
Area C director Allan Patton said the original motion was to deny the application, but he changed that so the public could have input.
The public hearing is scheduled for Monday, May 26 in Room 1 at the Oliver Community Centre starting at 7 pm.
Patton acknowledged that Griffith has done a good job on the site, but the question is, what happens when the property is sold to another entity?
Patton said the future industrial use of the property is not really suited to the surrounding “residential” area.
Anyone with an interest in this application is encouraged to attend the hearing.
