VANCOUVER – An Ontario company has pulled out of its plan to build a hazardous waste facility in Chilliwack.
Aevitas Inc. said in a statement on Wednesday: “Our intent was to build a recycling facility that could handle and manage drummed hazardous waste, transformer oil and fluorescent lamps from B.C.”
“Unfortunately the multiple hurdles have accumulated to a never ending uphill battle. We would like to thank the City of Chilliwack for their support and understanding of the project and CHP Architects for delivering a top notch design.”
Many residents in Chilliwack were opposed to the construction of the facility, saying the land is important to the Stó:lō First Nation, with registered archaeological sites, historic villages and cemeteries.
The recycling that was proposed at the plant included materials like mercury and CFL bulbs.
Aveitas said in the statement it was unfortunate that efforts and funding could not be “collaborated to develop world class facilities and processes as opposed to stopping them. In this day and age, we do have the means to manage these wastes in a safe and environmentally friendly manner. These wastes are present in everyone’s daily lives and without facilities such as the one we were proposing, improper disposal disburses them into the air, land and water.”
They referred to the people who provided support and positive feedback about the project as the “true environmental activists.”
WATCH: Chilliwack hazardous waste plant fight:
Mayor Sharon Gaetz gave a statement on the decision, saying they received an email on Wednesday evening.
She says the city had confidence in the Ministry of Environment to do its role and assess and monitor environmental safety in relation to the facility.
“Although we were challenged in court on rezoning procedure, the judge confirmed that the City of Chilliwack did absolutely everything correctly and followed proper legislative procedures,” she says.
“Despite the restrictive covenant and multiple levels of restriction, there were some that could not be convinced that such a facility could be safe,” adds Gaetz. “It is unfortunate that Aevitas did not take the time, in the beginning, to speak to those concerns. We’ve been disappointed in the proponent’s lack of engagement, not only with the City of Chilliwack, but more importantly, with our citizens.”
“Despite all that, we still believe that such a facility is needed in the Lower Mainland.”
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