Council postpones a decision on a new gravel pit development

City Council has postponed a decision on a proposal to develop yet another gravel pit along Westside Road across the river from Columbia Park. Councillors voted unanimously on Tuesday, August 11, to refer the proposal to municipal staff for further study of the environmental — and, possibly, health — consequences of another pit likely to blow crystalline silica dust into city neighbourhoods. Map courtesy of the City of Revelstoke
City Council has postponed a decision on a proposal to develop yet another gravel pit along Westside Road across the river from Columbia Park. Councillors voted unanimously on Tuesday, August 11, to refer the proposal to municipal staff for further study of the environmental — and, possibly, health — consequences of another pit likely to blow crystalline silica dust into city neighbourhoods. Map courtesy of the City of Revelstoke

By David F. Rooney
City Council has postponed a decision on a proposal to develop yet another gravel pit along Westside Road across the river from Columbia Park.
This context map developed by the City's Department of Engineering and Development Services shows the site of the proposed new Revelstoke Sand & Gravel pit in relation to the existing Interoute gravel pit, the dump and other developments along Westside Road as well as a portion of Columbia Park and the Golf Club. Please click on the image to see a larger version. Map courtesy of the City of Revelstoke
This context map developed by the City’s Department of Engineering and Development Services shows the site of the proposed new Revelstoke Sand & Gravel pit in relation to the existing Interoute gravel pit, the dump and other developments along Westside Road as well as a portion of Columbia Park and the Golf Club. Please click on the image to see a larger version. Map courtesy of the City of Revelstoke

“I would like to recommend that the resolution (to deliberate on this issue) be deferred until Council receive further information from staff with respect to the environmental implications of the proposed development permit application,” McKee said at the regular Tuesday, August 11, Council meeting after Councillor Scott Duke introduced Development Services Manager Dean Strachan’s report on the development permit.
The motion to defer discussion was made by Councillor Trevor English and seconded by Councillor Gary Sulz as the Mayor cannot introduce motions. Councillors then voted unanimously to refer the proposal to municipal staff for further study of the environmental — and, possibly, health — consequences of another pit likely to blow crystalline silica dust into city neighbourhoods.
Since stories about the proposal by Revelstoke Sand & Gravel began surfacing in the local news media last Friday at least two complaints have been registered with the City. That’s not very many, but more could be filed in the coming days as residents consider the potential impact of yet another gravel pit on their property values and their health.
Please click here to read Dean Strachan’s report to Council.
Please activate the YouTube player below to watch City Council discuss this issue as well as watch Strachan’s brief presentation to Council. Their discussion begins at about the 00:27:14-minute mark.

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