Fort St John’s City Council is amending a zoning bylaw at the request of Reliance Ventures Inc., an oil and gas service that works in the city.
The land in question, located at 9611 77 Avenue, was originally zoned and permitted to use tank farms when construction was completed in 2018.
The following year, City Council updated zoning regulations in the area and disallowed the construction of new tank farms, along with other heavy industrial equipment.
As zoning bylaws are updated, property owners are typically allowed to continue their usage, but they become “non-conforming.” This term means the purpose was permitted but no longer abides by updated legislation.
Reliance Ventures asked council to bypass the city’s standard protocol of issuing a temporary use permit for two periods of three years prior to requesting a bylaw amendment.
“By pursuing this Zoning Text Amendment, Reliance Ventures can restore the property’s intended use as a tank farm … Supported by its compliant construction, proven compatibility, and original investment purpose,” Reliance Ventures wrote in their letter to City Council.
Tank farms are used to store chemicals, such as oil, gas, or water, in bulk.
Reliance Ventures claimed they need the zoning corrected for them to install new propane tanks, which they express to be necessary for their growth.
The city staff, who presented the recommendation, concurred with Reliance Venture. In their report, the city’s staff said there were no negative effects reported to the city by the fire department, public works, the RCMP, or other stakeholders.
The members of the Fort St John City Council voted unanimously to allow the zoning to be updated and called for a public hearing on the matter to be held on July 14 at 6 p.m.
