Atlantic Canada
Climate Network
Helpful Links & Info for Writing Letters
Heavy Industrial Zoning By laws – Page 193
https://saintjohn.ca/sites/default/files/2021-02/Zoning_By-law_0.pdf
Zoning Map
GeoNB Map Viewer – here you can search PIDs and view property lines. Your own and those of proposed sites of development.
http://www.snb.ca/geonb1/e/index-E.asp
Proposed Municipal Plan Amendment
Neighbourhoods of Saint John, City of Saint John Describing Lorneville as “Peacefull. Spacious. Green”. Great quotes here to include in a letter.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) conducted by Dillion Consulting.
For some good sections to quote / refer to
2.1 (the project will eventually occupy 1590 hectares)
2.2.4 (apparently Lorneville is “embracing the evolution and growth of the Industrial Park”)
3.1.2.1 (drainage, wetland draining to Mill Creek, Stinson’s Brook and Provincially Significant Wetlands)
3.1.3.3 (wells and groundwater, only wells drilled after 1994, and within 1Km of the center of the PID included in EIA)
Mayor and Common Council Bios /info
https://saintjohn.ca/en/city-hall/council-and-committees/mayor-and-common-council
Key Points / Things to include in a letter – to help get people started.
Your family history to the area, why you chose to live here, what this place means to you.
The history of industry that we have been fighting since expropriation if you’re familiar with it.
How rezoning will affect you and your family as well as our community. Noise and light pollution, air and water quality, wells, erosion, etc.
Environmental impacts.
Objections to the argument that it will create jobs, IE at what risk to the health and safely of the residents of Lorneville, Saint John and NB?
Sample Letter:
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to express my concerns regarding the proposed development of Heavy Industrial Park in our community. While I understand the potential economic benefits, I believe the environmental and health risks outweigh these advantages.
My primary concerns include:
Well Water Contamination: The introduction of heavy industrial activities poses a significant risk to our well water. Contaminants from industrial processes could seep into the groundwater, jeopardizing the health and safety of residents who rely on well water for their daily needs.
Light Pollution: The increased industrial activity will likely result in higher levels of light pollution. This not only disrupts the natural night-time environment but also affects the quality of life for residents, impacting sleep patterns and overall well-being.
Noise Pollution: The constant noise from industrial operations can significantly disrupt the peace and quiet of our community, affecting residents’ mental health and quality of life.
24-Hour Traffic Congestion: The industrial park will likely lead to increased traffic congestion, with heavy vehicles operating around the clock. This not only contributes to noise and air pollution but also poses safety risks for residents.
Industrial Fires: The risk of industrial fires is a serious concern. Such incidents can have devastating effects on the environment and pose a direct threat to the safety of nearby residents.
Other Environmental Impacts: Heavy industrial activities can lead to various other environmental issues, including air and soil pollution, which can have long-term detrimental effects on the local ecosystem.
As Joni Mitchell famously sang, “They paved paradise and put up a parking lot.” This line resonates deeply with my concerns about the potential loss of our community’s natural beauty and environmental health.
Furthermore, the community of Lorneville has been around much longer than the proposed industrial park. The residents of Lorneville should not have to bear the consequences of the city’s mismanagement and poor planning decisions.
I urge the city council to reconsider the location of this industrial park and explore alternative sites that would minimize these risks. Protecting our community’s health and preserving our environment should be our top priority.
Thank you for considering my concerns. I look forward to your response and hope that we can work together to find a solution that benefits all residents.