Plans shelved for proposed truck parking facility in Surrey

Plans for a controversial semi truck parking facility at 192 Street and 16 Avenue in Surrey have been shelved.

A large and vocal group of people opposed to the project, including Canadian author Margaret Atwood, argued a fuel spill would pollute nearby salmon-bearing streams and the local aquifer.

Concerns were also raised about increased truck traffic along 16 Avenue, increased noise and air pollution.

The developer, GG Metro, says it is now working with the city to find another use for the 31-hectare parcel of land.

"While GG Metro's engineers and environmental peer reviewed studies strongly show that the truck parking facility would be constructed in an environmentally sustainable fashion, it became clear that although Surrey residents involved in the trucking industry were very supportive, the Hazelmere community immediately adjacent to the property was opposed to the foundation of the application," the company said in a statement.

Where to park?

Semi truck drivers have complained about a lack of parking in Metro Vancouver for years.

Surrey city council estimates 1,300 big rigs routinely park illegally in the city.

The provincial government is building at least two new truck parking facilities in the region as part of its 10-year transportation plan.

"The lack of parking has highway trucks parked on farmland and in residential suburbs due to a lack of commercial parking," GG Metro said.

"The 'overflow' has caused environmental concerns, amongst the community, as any fuel or oil spills flow directly in the storm drains into local streams."