Moncton proposes zoning changes to land near École Champlain

There is mixed reaction to a proposal by the City of Moncton to change the zoning of four empty lots near École Champlain.

The amendments would change the zoning of the properties along Mill Road from industrial use to commercial or residential use.

Parents at the Moncton elementary school have repeatedly complained that strong odours from nearby industrial companies pose a health hazard and have demanded that the city fix the situation.

The Department of Environment tested the area in 2009 and 2010 and found the smells do not pose a health risk to the students.

The proposal to change the zoning of the four properties is welcome news to Stephanie Hopper, president of the Parent School Support Committee at École Champlain, who says it is a good first step.

Her son will enter Grade 2 in September.

"When I get e-mails at work saying that recess had to be cancelled or the kids had to be brought in because of the smells, I know that as a parent that this isn't acceptable," Hopper said.

Business owner "shocked"

While proponents of the change say that this is a step in the right direction because it will effectively move the industrial park away from the school, not everyone agrees.

Bruce Nowlan, president of Tri Province Enterprises, an industrial recycling company, said he was "shocked" when he read the notice of the rezoning.

"As the business grows we certainly would take any opportunity to expand if necessary but my feeling, after looking at what they're proposing, is it's going to prohibit us from doing any further expansion in this particular area."

Nowlan says the industrial park was there long before the school was built and he is not in favour of changing the zoning of the four lots which are near his operation.

"It would affect the saleability of our property, if I so choose to sell down the road," he said.

Nowlan said he has been operating on the same 25 acres for 30 years and moving his operation, which includes six buildings, would be expensive and difficult.

The issue will go before the next council meeting on Monday.

Both Hopper and Nowlan are planning to speak at the city council meeting on Monday evening where the zoning amendments are scheduled to be discussed.

When École Champlain was built in 1969 there was only an asphalt plant in the area.