Councillors praised Pittman Asphalt for its ability to get community buy in on its business expansion before they unanimously approved a request to increase its gravel extractions.
The company was before council at Monday night's public hearing asking to excavate an additional 8.15 hectares, which required council to agree to add the extra area - near the west property line - to the Soil Removal & Deposit Bylaw.
The company told council how it had listened to nearby residents' concerns and adjusted their approach to address concerns around dust and noise. Those early efforts meant three residents rose to support the project and none spoke against.
Coun. Brian Skakun said in his 15 years he hasn't seen that level of cooperation and such a well run public hearing.
"For the Pittman Asphalt to go out to talk to the neighbourhood, to come to some agreement to make some compromises I think is absolutely incredible," he said.
"This is really a textbook case of how you do it and how you do it right."
"In my eight years I've never seen a situation like this either," added Coun. Garth Frizzell.
"This is a benefit to the whole city. You're going to see this in my UNBC class on municipal government."
The expansion could add another eight or nine years "of economically viable aggregate resource that is needed for many community projects such as roads, paving and construction," said consultant Dan Adamson with
R. Radloff and Associates, speaking for Pittman.
"This is needed for many community projects such as road, paving and construction."
Pittman Asphalt also offered 16.2 hectares to the city as a park dedication if the application goes through. Staff said it wouldn't be appropriate to discuss the purchase price, but it is a "very marginal," "very minimal" cost.
At the end of the pit's life the area would be transitioned into residential use.
Pittman met with neighbouring residents in January, February and May and said it adjusted its initial pitch by removing two hectares of space and widening a natural buffer between the pit and residences, creating an area that could be suited for permanent park land.
To address concerns around noise, the company agreed to limit operations to between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., try to stop working on Sundays and put the crusher behind waste piles to try and muffle the noise.
Residents also said they were worried about well water quality, dust control, wildlife habitat and keeping a river trail as well as views.
Resident Kathleen Haines said she'd been before council several times over the last two decades to object to Pittman projects, but this was the first time she'd appeared in favour.
"The current proposal is the result of that request and negotiations. It is a product of compromise," Haines said.
"Nobody wants gravel extraction in the neighbourhood, however I recognize the need for gravel," she said, adding it will be "relatively short-term pain" for residents and long-term gain for the city.
A second resident called it "a good compromise" and said the proposed park will be "a real gem" for the community.
A third resident, Jim Burbee, praised the company's approach to consultations.
"It's my feeling that an honest effort's been made."
He said the experience offered a direct contrast to the conversations with Timber West and CIF Construction to designate the Otway site as light industrial. Burbee spoke against that project in the spring, during public hearings that happened over 11 hours and three days, with council ultimately voting in favour 5-3.
In that case residents "may have lost the battle," Burbee said, but he's seeing a better approach to conservation by the city since then including, the city's park planning and more support for preserving riverfront trails and land.
"For me it's the long-term opportunities between the neighbourhood and Pittman," said Mayor Lyn Hall to end the meeting, adding he also "had not seen this level of cooperation."
