Council gave the nod to the first step in creating a modern looking industrial park in the Village West area of Chilliwack.
Councillors approved introduction and first reading last week of the OCP amendment to create a new Development Permit Area #12 with a proposed text amendment covering properties on on both sides of the freeway, west from Evans Road to Cannor Road.
But at the council meeting last Tuesday, Coun. Chuck Stam wanted an explanation first from city staff, as to why an existing DPA or CD zone couldn't be expanded, as opposed to creating a new one.
Stam said in general he'd prefer the city keep these areas "down to a minimum," recognizing the industrial land owners or taxpayers' perspective.
Coun. Pat Clark said she understood what Stam was getting at, and acknowledged there are both existing CD (comprehensive development) zones and DPAs in the area, and suggested that staff prepare a comparative chart in time for the April 5 council meeting to get a sense of what's unique about this one.
The public hearing to create the new DPA in Village West is set for Tuesday, April 5.