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Contaminated aquifer one of Chilliwack’s main concerns Kinder Morgan pipeline Jennifer Feinberg The Progress City of Chilliwack filed its letter of comment to the National Energy Board Tuesday on the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, citing concerns ranging from aquifer protection to socio-economic impacts of construction. The Trans Mountain plan by Kinder b Morgan to twin Once its existing contaminated, pipeline from to it is unlikely Edmonton Burnaby features a proposal that the for 25.5 km of aquifer could new pipeline directbe remediated “passing ly” through Chilliwack, to use for residrinking water including dential areas, purposes again watercourses, riparian areas, agriculture, rec~ City of reational areas, parks and three Chilliwack “vulnerable drinking water aquifers.” Chilliwack’s letter cites five areas of priority: protection of the Sardis-Vedder aquifer during construction and operation, protection of natural areas, impacts of construction and mitigation, Trans Mountain’s communication plan, and timing of construction at Vedder River. The alarm is sounded over potential effects on groundwater that the city get its drinking water supply from should their be “an accident or malfunction” of the pipeline. “If the aquifer is contaminated due to an accidental oil spill or leak, the water supply to 76,000 residents and businesses will be affected,” according to the city submission
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Sobeys will demolish old Safeway and sell Jennifer Feinberg The Progress A last-ditch effort by Sobeys has yielded a solution in the longstanding problem with the old Safeway property in downtown Chilliwack. City officials had been moving ahead with the paperwork for a demolition order to take down the buildings. However, as a result of lastminute efforts, voluntary compliance has been offered by Sobeys to demolish both structures on the property within 90 days. A letter from Earl Brown, Sobeys vice president, spells out new plans — and even some remorse over the state of the
dilapidated properties at Main and Kipp Street. “Sobeys is in full agreement that the properties in their existing condition are not appealing nor do they add to our mutual desire to have a vibrant downtown,” wrote Brown, in a letter to Mayor Sharon Gaetz, dated Aug. 17. The boarded-up buildings are sitting on a prime chunk of real estate, which is seen as pivotal in the revitalization of the downtown core. Growing frustration by City of Chilliwack with their inability to obtain voluntary compliance by Sobeys to apply for a Vacant Building Regulation permit led to a plan last week to take remedial
action to get the buildings demolished. But in the end it wasn’t necessary. Council members expressed relief at city hall Tuesday night. “I can’t stop smiling,” said Chilliwack Mayor Sharon Gaetz, adding her thanks to Sobeys for coming up with a solution. Coun. Chuck Stam offered “kudos” to all involved and said he’s looking forward to “seeing some dust” when the demolition work starts. “This has been a difficult file, and it’s been about 10 years that it has been an eyesore in the downtown.” Coun. Sam Waddington said the voluntary compliance was very welcome by council.
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“It’s so much better than having to force the owners to tear down the buildings,” he said. Coun. Sue Attrill called the resolution “wonderful” and said the old Safeway building was the one topic council constantly heard about from residents. “I hope we get notice of the date of demolition so we can get out there and dance a little jig,” she said. The letter by Sobeys made their intent clear. “In order to expedite the potential redevelopment of the downtown property, Sobeys hereby undertakes to have the building structures on the subject properties demolished within ninety Continued: COUNCIL/ p5
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Chilliwack city council was prepared to force the property owner to take action on its derelict building downtown.