The District of North Vancouver has scrapped a plan to keep a major chlorine producer running long-term.
Chemtrade has done liquid chlorine IN North Vancouver since 1957 and supplies more than 40 percent of Canada’s drinking water treatment needs.
The company had sought rezoning approval to continue operations on land adjacent to its current port location, but that land is managed by the District of North Vancouver.
On Monday, the council voted 4-3 against approving the rezoning.
Chemtrade Group commercial vice-president Alan Robinson said they did not expect that result.
“Surprised, disappointed, is the easiest way to sum it up,” he said.
Councilors who opposed the plan said the biggest issue was safety, including the risk of a catastrophic chlorine release.
While the evaluations say that the facility meets the current standards, some say that this is no longer enough.
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“We are now in an era where critical infrastructure, including chemical facilities, water systems and power plants, are drone targets in modern conflict,” said Catherine Pope, a North Vancouver District Councillor.
However, not everyone agrees.
“What planet are we living on?” said Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West.
“On that basis, you’re going to reject this? If we apply that logic, we’ll have nothing.”
Chemtrade says it has never had a major safety incident and approval would have unlocked additional safety improvements
The company also warns that the shutdown could leave Western Canada reliant on the US for liquid chlorine.
“What we would call self-reliance or independence for Canada and keeping the factories open that supply the major industries that make Canada thrive here, we would like the vote to go the other way for us,” Robinson said.
Supporters called the facility a major economic driver that relies on the North Shore’s unique geography.
“It requires a very special combination of rail, vehicular and marine access, and I think it’s going to be very difficult to find another suitable location,” said North Vancouver ward councilor Jim Hanson.
BC Jobs and Economic Growth Minister Ravi Kahlon said there should have been discussions with the province.
“For such a decision to be made without engaging with the province or any other community depending on it, I think it’s problematic,” he said.
Chemtrade hopes that the decision can be reviewed.
Meanwhile, West said Port Coquitlam will welcome them “with open arms.”
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