The farmland on the Pelton Estate in Maple Ridge was considered for development summer/fall 2010. The Pelton property owners proposed their lands as a site for industrial development. The Peltons proposed to exclude 152.2 acres of land from the ALR to build an industrial site in the area east of 203rd Street to 132nd Avenue. A further 51.7 acres wass slated for other uses, which included a community park/game field, experimental/incubator land, community gardens, an agri-product terminal, horse trailer parking, multi-use trails and 27.7 acres for unidentified non-farm use.
In a poll taken a few years ago, 80% of the population of Maple Ridge wished to see the agricultural character of Maple Ridge protected. In April of 2009, the Pitt Polder Preservation Society handed in a petition of 2,335 signatures opposing industrial development in this area. Councillor Hogarth remarked that it was “silly” to spend a “…lot of energy on something that’s just a discussion” (The News, Friday, April 1/09). Obviously, our reaction was not silly.
The Polder Society is conducting a petition in opposition to this ALR exclusion proposal. You can sign the petition and/or request copies to circulate among friends and acquaintances. Petitons are available via Diana Williams - (604) 465-8038 or Peter Jongbloed - (604) 465-4342.
Many letters have been sent to the ALC and there have been requests to hold a public hearing about the removal of this land from the ALR. No hearings or information sessions were held.
The Pelton application was reviewed by the ALC on October 13, 2010, its decision made public on October 27th. The application was refused on the grounds that the land is appropriate for farming.
The ALC stated the proposed ALR exclusion would "impact agriculture" in the area (Maple Ridge Times, Oct. 29/10), and confirmed that the application was inconsistent with its mandate of preserving and encouraging agriculture.
The Pitt Polder Preservation Society applauds this decision: it is a refreshing example of ethical decision-making by the ALC. Currently, the Pelton family has no further plans for the property; although, they are able to reapply to the ALC in one year.
The North Lougheed Connector (NLC) is a pending east/west connector that would cut through prime agricultural lands between Lougheed Highway and Old Dewdney Trunk Road. The NLC would sever six lots, four of which are actively farmed right now.
The City of Pitt Meadows is supporting the construction of this road and the Agricultural Land Commission recently responded to this application. The ALC has approved the NLC through these agricultural lands with two conditions. First, land owners must sign covenants that their lands will remain in the ALR. This would prevent commercial development on either side of the connector. Second, the project must be completed within three years. (September 2010)
Currently, there is no funding for the project unless it comes from the developer. The City of Pitt Meadows is seeking a legal opinion on the conditions attached to this road; it would appear that the NLC is not intended as a road to benefit farmers. Smart!Centres developers own more than 29 acres along the proposed NLC route.
The Polder Society is in strong opposition to the NLC as it would undermine agriculture in
this area by subdividing agricultural parcels and encouraging intense land speculation in
Pitt Meadows and adjoining Maple Ridge.
If allowed to expand, Pitt River Quarry operations—the dust and noise, habitat disturbance and destruction—could continue for up to 15 years. Mining activities of Pitt River Quarries Ltd. have completely destroyed the north side of this hill, causing considerable environmental damage and visually defacing a beautiful Pitt Meadows and First Nations landmark.
Besides the environmental devastation that will be caused by increased mining activities, there are geophysical, cultural (Sheridan Hill has spiritual significance to First Nations People), regulatory issues, and the best interests of the public that must be addressed. Pitt River Quarries have stated that they intend to leave the hill tiered and suitable for residential development. This would cause additional long-term environmental and agricultural concerns for the polder, in particular, increased pressure to develop surrounding ALR. Also, the wildlife park donated to Pitt Meadows by Wilma Robinson would be negatively affected. A lawyer from West Coast Environmental Law is examining this case.
While the Albion Flats are located in east Maple Ridge, the Polder Society is watching this case with concern as it may set a strong precedent for development of agricultural lands throughout Maple Ridge.
Smart!Centres, the mall developer in the area, is seeking removal of land from ALR for a large shopping center along Lougheed Highway bordered by Tamarack Lane and 105 Avenue. The developer owns 35 acres in this area.
The City of Maple Ridge is working on an area plan for the Albion Flats before any firm decisions are made on the mall. Currently (fall 2010), discussions and charettes are being held to determine the views of stakeholders. Presentations to Council are scheduled for December.