Terrace’s proposed inland port project is moving on to the next step in the process, with two concurrent public hearings set for June.
On May 10, Terrace city council gave first and second reading for the creation of a new M2A heavy industrial zone and a rezoning application for portions of 4800 Keith Ave and 4760 Keith Ave. Now, both of those items will proceed to public hearings on June 14. After that, council will consider a third reading and adoption.
The new M2A zone was created to accommodate Progressive Ventures’ potential transload facility. It combines some elements of existing M1 and M2 zones, limiting use to logistics, trucking and transport, warehouse and others. The M2 zone includes several heavy industrial uses that are not required by the facility like heavy manufacturing, so city staff decided it was not appropriate for the site and instead combined elements of light and heavy industrial into the new M2A zone.
The second element discussed by council was the rezoning application for portions of 4800 Keith Ave. and 4760 Keith Ave. to the new M2A zone. Should both items be read a third time leading toward adoption, the city would need the approval of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure because the rezoning would be within 800 metres of a provincial highway.
The inland port project is a proposed development that would see a train container loading facility built on the northern portion of the former Skeena Cellulose mill site in Terrace (just west of the Sande Overpass) and allow for a row of commercial or light industrial properties along Keith Ave. at the southern edge of the former mill site.
Should the new zone and bylaw amendment be approved, Progressive Ventures will still need to obtain development and building permits from the city as well as various provincial permits before construction can begin.
Council voted to amend the Official Community Plan for the project to move forward during a special council meeting the morning of Jan. 15, following virtual public hearing on Jan. 14 that lasted nearly four hours and saw over 50 members of the community providing their feedback about the project.
READ MORE: Terrace city council approves inland port OCP amendments