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Regional district moves ahead on rezoning


The Skeena-Queen Charlotte regional district has approved a controversial rezoning application in Naden Harbour, as long as the lease holder can meet all health requirements.
Regional district administrator Janet Beil said directors gave second and third reading to Ken Edgars's rezoning application Friday in Prince Rupert (Sept. 22).
Mr. Edgars had applied to rezone a chunk of property on the west shore of Naden Harbour for tourist accommodation use, so that he can build an eco-tourism lodge/drug and alcohol treatment centre there.
Ms Beil said directors will give final approval to the zoning change as long as Northern Health approves the water and septic systems.
The land, although remote, is subject to several claims. The Council of the Haida Nation says it is Haida land, and has also designated it as a protected area. The provincial government considers it crown land, and has offered Mr. Edgars a licence of occupation on it.
Ms Beil said the rezoning vote was unanimous. Island directors present at the meeting were Ian Hetman, Barry Pages, Cory Delves and Carol Kulesha.
In other news:
o The regional district will be hiring another staff person to work in the Prince Rupert office. Ms Beil said the position is now being advertised on the Civic Info website, with applications due by Oct. 24.
o The regional district is applying for money from the Ministry of Energy and Mines for a pilot project demonstrating solar water heaters. Ms Beil said water heaters are one of the biggest energy users in the average home, and there are advanced solar models which don't need a lot of sunshine to work. The regional district is hoping to put one heater to work in Rupert, and one on the islands, and see how much energy can be saved.