For the second time in a week, a B.C. city has rejected a proposed Wal-Mart store. Faced with overwhelming public opposition, Campbell River city council voted Monday night against plans for a large store along the river.
Campbell River's rejection comes on the heels of a decision by Vancouver city council to stop plans for a big-box store on Southeast Marine Drive.
Opponents of the planned store in Campbell River said the estuary of a heritage river, where there has been extensive habitat restoration, was no place for any large commercial development.
Opposition to Wal-Mart's plans for the Island community peaked last week during a three-night, 15-hour public hearing where more than 200 speakers urged council to reject Wal-Mart's rezoning application.
Members of the Campbell River Indian Band Council, who hoped to purchase the land and lease it to Wal-Mart, were among the few who spoke in favour of the project.
There were almost 400 people in the audience on Monday night for the vote, roaring their approval as each of the councillors spoke against the Wal-Mart application.
"I feel that the people have spoken and that you are asking us to protect the river," said Counc. Morgan Ostler. "In the very simplest of terms, it is the right thing to do and therefore, I will not be supporting a change in the zoning."
Wal-Mart spokesperson Tiffany Duzita says Wal-Mart wants to be in the community and will be looking at alternatives.
"I won't deny that I'm not disappointed. I like to win, but you've got to respect what council has to say," she said.
Campbell River's rejection comes on the heels of a decision by Vancouver city council to stop plans for a big-box store on Southeast Marine Drive.
Opponents of the planned store in Campbell River said the estuary of a heritage river, where there has been extensive habitat restoration, was no place for any large commercial development.
Opposition to Wal-Mart's plans for the Island community peaked last week during a three-night, 15-hour public hearing where more than 200 speakers urged council to reject Wal-Mart's rezoning application.
Members of the Campbell River Indian Band Council, who hoped to purchase the land and lease it to Wal-Mart, were among the few who spoke in favour of the project.
There were almost 400 people in the audience on Monday night for the vote, roaring their approval as each of the councillors spoke against the Wal-Mart application.
"I feel that the people have spoken and that you are asking us to protect the river," said Counc. Morgan Ostler. "In the very simplest of terms, it is the right thing to do and therefore, I will not be supporting a change in the zoning."
Wal-Mart spokesperson Tiffany Duzita says Wal-Mart wants to be in the community and will be looking at alternatives.
"I won't deny that I'm not disappointed. I like to win, but you've got to respect what council has to say," she said.
Here's hoping that the same deal happens in Rothesay[just outside of Saint John]
