The final piece of the planning puzzle has fallen into place for the District of Port Edward.
L&M Engineering provided a final copy of the new Subdivision and Development Services Bylaw to members of council on May 13. It is a comprehensive 104-page document covering everything from who can approve potential construction, what type of requirements are needed in terms of drainage, lighting and road construction to what needs to be included in any schematics or design documentation provided.
Combined with the district’s new Official Community Plan and zoning bylaws, David McWalter of L&M Engineering said the municipality is ready for whatever may be coming.
“In preparation for whatever LNG may bring, whether that be development or subdivisions, you now have the tools deal with it ... it is a solid, water-tight bylaw that will allow you to control the future of development in Port Edward,” he said.
“You have come a long way in terms of preparing for LNG. It is now a matter of: Bring it on.”
However, when questioned about whether a large industrial development like Westview Terminal could conceivably be built in Port Edward, McWalter said there is one way that could be out of council’s hand.
“That was built on federally-controlled land. On federal land they can skirt the bylaws of the municipality for development,” he said, noting there is very little federal land within the municipal boundaries.
“Unlike Prince Rupert, you are unlikely to get a development that will block the view of your waterfront.”
Council gave the bylaw its first three readings on Tuesday night and will revisit it at the meeting scheduled for May 27.