A group of more than 60 Smithers residents have taken issue with District plans to amend a zoning bylaw.
That amendment would allow for a crematorium to be built at 3844 Henry Road, currently zoned M1A.
The amendment, which received its 2nd reading in November, would alter the Bylaw’s text to allow the M1A zoning to include crematoriums.
Now, 64 residents have signed a petition in opposition to the changes, which has been sent to the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako.
In the petition, signatories bring up a number of concerns, including: negative impacts on the aesthetics of the community, possible water and waste management issues, and the release of toxic pollutants.
The petition requests more information regarding testing and assessments on the impacts on the environment, air quality, soil, and septic system.
While the signatories are not against a crematorium in the community, they are opposed to it going in a residential area, next to a highway.
A virtual public hearing to further discuss the concerns of community members is scheduled for next Tuesday.
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