Vancouver Island mining in the 1880s: when ‘safety’ was a dirty word
LIVING, Page 10
Enjoy sneak peek of locally recorded album with eclectic Adam Bay WEDNESDAY
A&E Page 13 A&E,
Serving the Cowichan Valley
LMG HEADED BACK TO JACKSON CUP FINAL /21
www.cowichanvalleycitizen.com
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
CONTAMINATED SOIL
PASSION FOR ART Never too late Page 16
Artist Hans van der Werff of Duncan works on a pencil sketch of a European village in his home workshop. [PAUL BRIAN/CITIZEN]
Soil dump breaches bylaws, judge rules ROBERT BARRON CITIZEN
The importation of contaminated soil to a site next to Shawnigan Lake must stop immediately after a ruling by the B.C. Supreme Court that was released Monday, says Jon Lefebure. Lefebure, chairman of the Cowichan Valley Regional District, was responding to a ruling by B.C. Supreme Court Justice Brian MacKenzie that local CVRD bylaws prohibits the establishment of a contaminated landfill on Stebbings Road. “I’m not a lawyer, but what I’m reading in this ruling is that the companies involved have to stop the importation of contaminated soil at that site immediately,” Lefebure said. “The court has ruled that bringing this soil into the site is not allowed under our bylaws and I hope the ruling, which is clear and logical, will be observed. But, of course, there’s the B.C. Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court
of Canada, and I expect the companies involved may decide to go there and appeal this decision.” The ruling, which was made after an 11-day hearing in Victoria before Christmas, confirmed the district’s long-standing contention that local bylaws prohibit a contaminated soil landfill facility on property adjacent to Shawnigan Lake where Cobble Hills Holdings Ltd. and South Islands Aggregates Ltd. has established their controversial soil-dumping site. Andrew Weaver, leader of the B.C. Green Party, said the ruling vindicates the concerns raised by the district and other concerned parties. “I look forward to reviewing this ruling and working with local politicians and residents to ensure that we continue to move this issue forward in a way that protects the rights of the Shawnigan Lake community,” he said. See SOIL DUMP, Page 3
Dental Care in the Valley for over 20 Years. Island Dental Health Centre Dr. Randy Koniuk Dr. Scott Stewart Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm • Wednesday 8:00 am – 6:30 pm
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