Dave McRae Revisits an Old Plan

 

• The council had directed staff to identify operating sites that might be suitable zoned for Triack.
• Six month after that motion, the site has yet to be found.

By Gagandeep Ghuman
Published: July 4, 2013

Six months ago, a local business presented a test case for the much-touted Business Retention and Expansion services program in the District of Squamish.

That business was Triack Resources, and its owner, Dave McRae alleged he had to shut down his business because of his outspoken nature, and because the district was in direct competition with him. [manual_related_posts]

Following a massive pipe leak last year, the district had cut water services to McRae’s business, Triack Resources, which operated out of the former Interfor mill site.

Sewer service to the site had also been affected as the district waited for a private main to be reconnected to the district’s outlet sewer.

Despite the misgivings from both sides, it was resolved that council would help find a new site for Triack.

The council had directed staff to identify operating sites that might be suitable zoned for Triack.

Six month after that motion, the site has yet to be found.

“We have seen a few sites, but not one of these properties would suit our business.” Dave McRae 

McRae said the district had suggested a few sites, with some of them being in the Industrial Park, while others were located in the Cheekeye fan.

“There is no way the wood waste business is going to go into industrial park, because of the truck traffic, and the noise and the rest of it,” McRae said.

Now, McRae is revisiting an old plan.

In 2009, Dave McRae had applied before the district to construct and operate a wood waste processing facility over 3.26 hectares on Centennial Way in Squamish, the old Gary Hasting wood waste site.

That application, however, was rejected because of potential impact of noise, flooding potential, and the possible impact on recreation areas.

The rezoning application also didn’t support the land designation and the move contravened the Official Community Plan.

McRae said he has toured the site with the district economic development officer, Dan McRae, who promised to get back to him.

The district EDO, Dan McRae said if Triack does not relocate to any suitably zoned industrial land, it can elect to pursue a rezoning application for a land use designation.

“Approval of a change in designation or land use is at the council’s discretion,” he said.

With his wood waste recycling business closed, McRae is now working in logging in Pemberton.  

Meanwhile, the district engineering department continues to probe how the sewer force main was damaged to determine if a third party was responsible.