Prince George, B.C.- The operators of the  gravel pit on Foothills Boulevard  want to  change  their plan for gravel extraction  and have  operations move closer to the western edge and  area residents are in favour of the  change.

Following meetings with area residents,  the applicant  increased the  natural  vegetation buffer zone from 50 to 60 meters and  will not  disturb the natural greenbelt along the north  edge of the Nechako River.

( at right, plan calls for  piece  running west from Foothills to be removed from extraction bylaw,  and  section  closest to  residential area be added)

The applicant (Pittman Asphalt) will construct temporary berms, and reduce hours of operation, eliminating  as much as possible noise  created by the  pit operations.  The applicant   will also reduce  Sunday operations whenever possible..

While residents have called for an end to the “back up beepers”  the equipment is a requirement  by the Ministry of Mines.

To sweeten the  pot,  the applicant is prepared to dedicate  16.2 hectare  site along the river as a  park.  The City  wants to have   more river access parks, and  the property (  shown in image at left)  would satisfy that  desire.  But  the piece of property in question is already on the City’s radar, as  General Manager of Planning and Development Ian Wells says the City would be looking to acquire that piece of property regardless of  the  outcome of the rezoning  application.

Kathleen Haines,  who has been a spokesperson for the residential neighbourhood west of the site,  has  appeared  before Council  6 different times opposing a number of  proposed  applications,  and this is the first application  that she supports. She told Council  this application  ensures a buffer and a park. She  says the proponents have gone about this process in “an honourable respectful and consultative manner”  she says  the proposal  is “a product of compromise.”

She was not alone, as two other  neighbours stepped forward to express their support as well, noting the consultation and efforts by Pittman to address their concerns.

There are only a few years left  in the lifespan of this particular gravel pit and the proponent is  already starting reclamation  work.

Council has  approved the application noting  the  positive reaction from the neighbours. Mayor Hall says he will support the project because of the continuing the dialogue  with neighbours about  the  plans for the pit and  the consultation that  took place to reach the compromises made “We have not seen this level of cooperation with parties involved in a public hearing.”