2024 R01 – Bamberton Quarry Expansion Project Adjacent To The Saanich Inlet

Whereas the BC Provincial Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy decided in late June 2023 that there would be no complete environmental review of this project under the Environmental Assessment Act, but rather an “enhanced review” pursuant to the Mines Act;

And whereas that given the major industrial nature of the quarry expansion, including the proposal to store soil material; and the highly sensitive nature of the Saanich Inlet with its unique topographical and marine peculiarities, marine and fish life, (including the Goldstream salmon run), this decision will adversely affect the Inlet and its marine life;

And whereas that in Minister of the Environment and Climate Change Strategy of BC, Honourable George Heyman’s response to District of North Saanich Mayor and Council on September 11, 2023, he states in paragraph 3, “I acknowledge that the project as proposed may have potential effects on the environment…”:

Therefore be it resolved that AVICC requests that:
1. the BC Provincial Government should not proceed further with this extensive expansion of the Bamberton Quarry, and storage of soil material, unless and until the necessary, full environmental review and oversight is put into motion and accomplished pursuant to the Environmental Assessment Act;
2. this resolution be forwarded to the attention of the Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and the Federal Department of Environment and Climate Change to review and address without delay this critical environment and urgent marine issue; and
3. the BC Provincial Government inform interested parties, such as First Nations, local governments, and the Saanich Inlet Protection Society of the progress/results of the enhanced permit review process for the project.