Editor:
We are responding to Doug Reid's letter (Coast Reporter, Oct. 30) concerning rezoning for a fish processing plant at Tillicum Bay.
He comments that Target's business initiatives are being thwarted by our opposition, when in fact the neighbourhood's opposition is not to the existing hatchery. It is the new spot industrial zoning in the middle or near a residential neighbourhood. It is a matter of location. There is no reason why Target can't carry on hatchery business without having the processing plant at the same location, which they have done for over 10 years.
We are not against the growing of the sturgeon and an interpretive centre. It is the upzoning to major spot industrial zoning that is unacceptable.
There are other areas in the District or on the Coast that already have the existing industrial zoning for a fish plant. There is no need to create new equivalent zoning.
Mr. Reid states that he has no complaints with the existing operation. In fact, families are already complaining about the existing problem with fan noise and worry that compressors from canning and smoking operations will result in considerably more noise. As for smells, both the Ministry of Environment and conservation officers have concurred that composting of fish product attracts wildlife. The reference to "vigilante" action by those opposed is insulting.
The 90-plus signatures gathered from our neighbourhoods are property owners living here or will be settling here. The objection is to both the industrial plant in our neighbourhood and the politicians who ignored our official community plan and the advice of our Ratepayers Associations
It is not derision Mr. Reid, it is anger at this outrageous behaviour by the previous council. Any residential neighbourhood could be spot industrial zoned anytime if this precedent is supported.
Kathy and Cam Turner, Lynne Forrest, Mark and Karen Cameron
On behalf of those residents opposed
