Dear Editor,
In the ongoing Cheakamus Crossing asphalt plant discussion, many things are concerning. One is the certainty that Mayor Melamed mentioned at the last council meeting. Rezoning legitimizes a non-conforming operation. The option of downzoning after giving the asphalt plant proper zoning would guarantee a negative court judgment if downzoning was attempted after the fact. The only certainty that some members of council are creating by this course of action is that there will be an asphalt plant in Cheakamus Crossing in perpetuity or at least until the quarry is exhausted.

This is not about certainty for the residents of Cheakamus Crossing; it’s about certainty for Alpine Paving.

Another of many concerns is air quality safety. If the administration was really concerned about safety, why were they originally satisfied with just notifying the potential purchasers in the disclosure statement of the existence of the asphalt plant? Mayor Melamed’s safety argument is vacuous and comes too late in the day to be over legitimate concerns for residents’ safety. They promised ambient air testing this summer in Cheakamus. Summer officially started June 21 and fall is quickly approaching on Sept. 22. No one can guarantee that the upgrades to the approximately 30-year-plant will make it safe. The only certainty of safety the residents will have is if the plant is moved.

One last comment for today and that is about purchasers’ patience. The residents would be patient if council was going to use its powers as a business procurer, business licensor and zoning to force the plant to move. The paving season is almost over. What is the rush? The plant’s not going anywhere for now, it seems, and there are only a few people looking for certainty that the plant will stay in the same place, albeit 150 metres.

I would love for everyone in Whistler to attend the council meeting on Aug. 17 and share their questions and concerns with our elected officials and staff. If you think that “something smells in Whistler,” please show up.

Tim Koshul
Chair, No Asphalt Plant

Whistler