Proposed rezoning of 600 acres in Surrey's South Campbell Heights raises conservation concerns

Thousands of peopleare petitioningthe City of Surrey to stopa proposal that willchange how hundreds of acres of land can be used, with conservationistsraisingalarm bells about the risks ofdevelopment on a sensitive ecosystem.

The city has brought forward a proposal to change the zoning designation for600 acres in South Campbell Heightsto "mixed employment use."The land, which is currently zoned for rural use, includes the salmon-bearing Little Campbell River and the prospect of industrial and commercial activity in the area is raising concerns.

As of Monday, more than 7,000 people opposed to the rezoning havesigned a petition created byLittle Campbell Watershed Society, one of five conservationgroups actively working on river restoration.

The signatures have been gathered in advance of avirtual public healing scheduled for 1p.m. PT Monday via the city's website.

David Anderson isco-director of A RochaCanada's Brooksdale Environmental Centre an 18-acre property within the 600 acres up for rezoning that operates asaliving lab where environmentalresearch on the river system and surrounding woods takes place.

Anderson,speaking Monday on CBC's The Early Edition, said his primary concern is that the river, a "beautiful wild salmon run" fed by groundwater, could become contaminated.

"There's considerable evidence to show that that magnitude of industry on a sensitive aquifer-charged river just is not sustainable for the long term," said Anderson.

The Little Campbell, which Anderson estimates to be about 30 kilometreslong,flows through Semiahmoo First Nationlands and into Boundary Bay and is part of an internationally designatedImportant Bird Area.

The 600 acres that's been proposed for rezoning hasalso been designated as"special study area" by the city meaningit isan area of the city where future land planning is projected.

Much to the chagrin of those calling for the land to remain zoned for rural use, that future is here.

According to a city report, therezoning would help with a shortage of available industrial land in the area.Industrial activity is often seen as a jobs generator.

But Anderson says there are many people working there under the current zoning parameters.

"There's care facilities down in the area. There's mental health, residential support facilities, there's working farms, there's stables and equestrian centres so it's not as though the area is jobless," he said.

The City of Surrey currently has 18 per centof Metro Vancouver's industrial lands, of which 32 per cent is undeveloped or vacant. It also has eight industrial parks, including the 1,900 acresCampbell Heights Business Parklocatedjust minutes north of the 600 acres now up for discussion.

Surrey First Coun.Linda Annissays she"wholeheartedly" supports the creation of new jobs and businesses, but also has serious questions when it comes to "chipping away" at Surrey's rural and agricultural lands.

Annis said in a statement she wants to refer the proposed plan back to city staffwith instructions to carry out proper consultation with the community and environmental groups.

"It's clear the neighbours have real concerns, there are serious and sensitive environmental issues, and we also have other industrial land and zoning options in Surrey," said Annis.

Click here to participate in thelivestream of the Surrey City Council land use meeting happening Monday at 1p.m. The event has been changedfrom its previously posted start time of 2p.m.