More opposition to industrial park expansion at third session of public hearing

The third session of a public hearing on a proposed industrial park expansion on the outskirts of Saint John was adjourned Tuesday without a vote.

Opponents of the controversial project, who also spoke during the first two sessions, concluded their remarks to city councillors after one-and-a-half hours.

The next phase of the public hearing, scheduled for June 16, will be focused on support for the project, followed by a vote by Saint John city council.

On Tuesday, Mayor Donna Reardon stated that only new arguments would be considered, repeatedly reminding attendees of this rule during the hearing.

Opponents of the project have spoken for a combined total of more than eight hours since the public hearing began on May 12.

Area residents have expressed concerns about issues including potential groundwater contamination and damage to wetlands.

The mayor previously stated that environmental matters were outside of the purview of the hearing, citing limits on the city’s jurisdiction.

On Tuesday, some residents also raised concerns that in case of an industrial emergency, Lorneville Road could be blocked.

“If there is a fire, our community will be trapped,” said Lorneville resident Jenna Petri. “The nearest [fire] station is 13 kilometres away.”

At one point, Ward 2 councillor Barry Ogden asked if there was some kind of compromise possible with residents who oppose the project.

“Is there a middle ground?” Ogden asked.

“You’ve heard them all the last couple weeks” replied Lorneville resident Bruce Martin.

Some residents have opposed the proposed 500-metre minimum buffer between homes and heavy industry, instead repeatedly calling for a 1.5 kilometre buffer zone.

The city previously introduced changes to the plan in a bid to satisfy opponents, following consultations with a committee of Lorneville residents.

But those changes haven’t quelled their concerns.

“It was clear the city had no real interest in serious and honest engagement with the community,” said Adam Wilkins, co-chair of the Lorneville Community Liaison Committee.

“Offers and statements were made from the city side only for them to be changed at subsequent meetings.”

He also raised concerns about perceived conflicts of interests.

Ward 1 Joanna Killen and Ward 3 Councillor Gerry Lowe are members of the city council while also being members of the Saint John Industrial Parks board.

Last month, provincial Environment and Climate Change Minister Gilles LePage announced that he would recuse himself from an environmental impact assessment for the project.

“Although government ministers are not directly involved in the environmental impact assessment, there may be a perceived conflict of interest with my dual roles as minister of environment and climate change and the minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation,” he said in a statement.

Lucas Reynolds is a student at Mount Allison University and a summer intern at the NB Media Co-op.