Burnaby scuttles controversial proposal to build waste facility in parkland
City councillors in Burnaby, B.C., have abandoned a controversial proposal that would have seen parkland paved over for a green recycling and organic waste facility.
During a special meeting Monday, councillors voted unanimously to cancel a public vote on whether to move forward with constructing the facility within Fraser Foreshore Park.
"I'm pleased that city council spoke with one voice in recognition that the public does not support the use of parkland for this project," Mayor Mike Hurley said in a statement.
"We'll continue to explore other locations for this project and will also continue to seek other ways to make rapid progress on climate. We know big, bold moves are needed to achieve our climate action targets."
Officials previously said they had conducted an exhaustive search for lands that would be suitable for the green recycling and organic waste facility, but found nothing else big enough within city limits.
But the proposal to build in Fraser Foreshore Park – which was acquired by Burnaby in 2004 as a wetland habitat – was met with fierce community backlash.
Josh Wong, a member of the SaveFraserForeshorePark campaign, expressed concerns that moving forward with the proposal would set "a precedent for future generations."
"Once a parkland like this is bulldozed over, there's no coming back,” Wong told CTV News last week. “This is one of the most biodiverse parks in Burnaby, which is one of the last standing marshlands situated along the lower Fraser River.”
The public vote was scheduled to take place until April 28, with Burnaby residents able to deliver their ballot by mail or in person. In a news release, the city said it will be issuing notices about the cancellation of the process "as soon as practicable."
With files from CTV News Vancouver's Abigail Turner
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Live updates: What star witness in Trump hush money case has said on the stand so far
The star prosecution witness in Donald Trump's hush money trial took the stand Monday with testimony that could help shape the outcome of the first criminal case against an American president.
Police release 3D images of young child found in an Ontario river two years ago
Police have released a three-dimensional image of a young child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville, Ont. almost two years ago.
Steve Buscemi punched in the face while walking in N.Y.C.
Hollywood actor Steve Buscemi has been treated for injuries after being punched in the face while walking in New York City.
'Be very, very careful': Wildfire conditions 'still extreme,' says Alberta fire chief
As wildfire conditions remain 'extreme' in northern Alberta, residents are being urged to be extra cautious and follow a fire ban.
Wildfire smoke drifts across Canada, over parts of U.S., prompting air quality advisories
Air quality advisories are in effect across Western Canada as smoky conditions plague some areas, according to the latest forecasts. Here's where.
Canucks' Zadorov fined $5,000 for post-game crosscheck on Oilers' McDavid
A Vancouver Canucks defenceman has been given the highest possible fine under the NHL's collective bargaining agreement after a scrum broke out at the end of Game 3 against the Edmonton Oilers Sunday night.
City of Ottawa negligent in allowing Uber to operate outside of taxi bylaw, judge rules
An Ontario Superior Court judge has ruled that the City of Ottawa was negligent in its enforcement of the city's taxi bylaw when it allowed Uber to begin operating in 2014, harming the city's established taxi industry.
Jerry Seinfeld speech prompts pro-Palestinian demonstration at U.S. university graduation ceremony
A tiny contingent of Duke University graduates opposed pro-Israel comedian Jerry Seinfeld speaking at their commencement in North Carolina Sunday, with about 30 of the 7,000 students leaving their seats and chanting "free Palestine" amid a mix of boos and cheers.
Just how bad are ultraprocessed foods? Here are 5 things to know
Many foods fall under the category of ultraprocessed foods, depending on their exact ingredients. This type of food has been studied a lot lately, and the results aren’t great.