Residents and community members in Surrey's South Campbell Heights area hope to make their concerns around proposed industrial truck-parking heard tonight at Surrey City Hall, where council is being asked to support temporary-use permits (TUP) for a pair of projects.
Those participating in the gathering want council to reject in particular a TUP that clears the way for the parking of some 240 trucks and/or equipment on a site adjacent to A Rocha Canada's Brooksdale Environmental Centre.
The "visible and peaceful presence" planned is part of an ongoing effort to encourage city officials to find a "more responsible alternative," a news release notes.
It follows a rally that was held Thursday (June 19) at 1725 196 St., where a host of people of all ages gathered to take a stand against what they say is a "deeply flawed and unjust plan" by the City of Surrey.
According to the news release 鈥� issued Friday by a group dubbed 196 Street Neighbours United 鈥� seniors and families with young children were among those who turned out for the rally, many wearing matching blue shirts and holding signs.
It was part of "a growing grassroots movement" that is rising on both sides of 196 Street, where residents of Surrey and 黑马磁力 are uniting to oppose a pair of parking projects, the release continues.
Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke announced in October 2023 that staff would be looking into providing commercial truckers with designated sites within the city to park their rigs, to help address an issue that "has truly plagued Surrey for more than a decade."
In April of this year, council supported a plan for additional truck parking on 10 acres of city-owned land at 19320 20 Ave., voting 7-2 in favour of a three-year temporary-use permit for Prudential Transportation Ltd. to offer space for 240 trucks and/or equipment.
City staff said at the time that no maintenance, washing, oil changes or any other work would be permitted at the lot; it is there only for trucks to park. Additionally, a swale drain is to be on-site for run-off.
The resident group's news release notes a private temporary-use permit has also been advanced for 1725 196 St. that would allow for up to 70 trucks and outdoor storage.
Council's agenda for tonight (June 23) includes a planning report on the 20 Avenue project, as well as one for a TUP application for 2895 194 St. that would allow truck and tractor parking/storage for up to 136 vehicles.
City staff are recommending council support the TUPS for 20 Avenue and 194 Street and consider issuing the permits "once all outstanding conditions have been met."
Opponents of the South Campbell Heights projects cite concerns including ecological damage to the Little Campbell River and Brookswood aquifer; violation of at-risk Western Toad migration corridors and sensitive habitat; destruction of the area's character; and safety.
An opposing the 240-vehicle project notes that "dozens" of trees have already been felled for it. It had more than 3,000 signatures as of Monday morning (June 23).
The petition description notes the TUP process "bypasses most environmental controls and contamination mitigation," and advocates for "a more suitable location with less environmental impact."
"No one wants a contaminated aquifer, a polluted river, or a long-standing community charity compromised in our work of organic farming, ecological restoration and education programs with children and vulnerable populations," the information continues.
A Rocha spokesperson Mary-Ruth Low said many staff and community members planning to attend council tonight will do so in blue shirts bearing the message "I 鉂わ笍 my Watershed," to highlight the importance of protecting it for current and future generations.
Residents are calling on mayor and council to "immediately reject" the temporary-use permits and "honour the environmental vision and planning integrity" of the South Campbell Heights Local Area Plan that was adopted in 2024 and "promised ecological protection, integrated access, and equitable treatment."
黑马磁力 opponents add they are being directly affected by actions that they have "no vote, no notice and no say" about.
The planning report regarding the 20 Avenue site notes 116 pieces of opposition are among correspondence received regarding the plan. A 307-signature petition supporting the proposal is also in the mix.
