Pinnacle wood pellet terminal

[Crazy Train]

Just my two cents here... I have never posted on here before but this pellet debate is driving me crazy.

Let’s look at the facts that are out there instead of pulling stuff out of nowhere and exaggerating it until we are blue in the face. If you read the environmental assessment screening report found on the pinnacle website http://www.pinnaclepellet.com/images/DR ... Report.pdf it says at full build out it would be 20-25 ships per year so even in the slight chance dust was an issue it wouldn’t be as described earlier as a constant wood pellet dust haze. Lets now look at why they have decided to go to westview. It is an existing industrial land and therefore the environmental assessment is 1/100 of the time that it would have been on an property on ridley so they clearly want to get operating and employing asap...which is a nice change (take note canpotex).Finally anyone that has the idea that Cn would even want Watson island in exchange for the property down on the waterfront is high off their tush. As much as i would like to see a park and seawall like amenities down there it just isnt going to happen so long as those tracks are down there and news flash.....they aren’t going anywhere for the next century. Instead of picking on this project we should be working with the port and cn to work on other areas around the community where we could get better waterfront access. Finally I am sorry residents in the area but if you had concerns you shouldn’t buy near an industrial area even if there is the slightest chance it could be redeveloped

Well stated and agreed!!

"The PRPA acknowledges that there are recreational and public issues that require consideration. Safe and secure Port operations remain paramount objectives of the PRPA. While efficient and safe operations of the Port are important, the PRPA also recognizes that the public has an on-going interest in some of the recreational attributes, particularly of Ridley Island. Although the safe operations of Port facilities cannot be compromised the PRPA will give consideration to:
 Working with a community liaison committee to identify recreational areas in and around the Prince Rupert area to identify suitable areas or initiatives to enhance public recreation opportunities;
 Whether it is feasible for the PRPA to assist in public recreational improvements to Diana Lake near Port Edward (approximately 16 km east of Prince Rupert on Highway 16);
 The overall feasibility of extending the waterfront walkway; and
 Potential for creation of a viewing or observation/interpretive area(s) to communicate the importance of
Port activities and facilities."

" For the medium term, the PRPA does not envisage any development for Lelu Island, but long term opportunities suggest use of this island for bulk commodity terminals and general industrial uses. More detailed site analysis, planning, and infrastructure analysis, including consideration of possible recreational features will occur prior to any development considerations."

http://www.rupertport.com/documents/prp ... t-plan/pdf

[midge]

If people think that this is a "Graham/Beach/Water St issue", you need to give your heads a shake... That's a bad attitude, for one, and it's completely ignorant of the complexity of issues surrounding Pinnacle Pellet and their site, for another. Yes, having 7 x 200 ft silos in front of my house will spoil my view, and that's a real bummer, but let us put that aside for a moment... What really aggravates me about this thread, is the misguided attitude that myself and my neighbours deserve to see our neighbourhood turned into an industrial wasteland because we CHOSE to live in a "traditionally" industrial neighbourhood... huh??

My husband and I bought our house about 10 years ago, right about the time that the pulp mill was going TU... We must have looked for over a year, at about 70-80 (maybe more!) houses, before we found this beautiful 5 bedroom house on lower Graham Avenue... WOW! The owner was a mill employee and he had another mortgage as well as this one, so he sold us this house cheap (hmm, now I know why)... What fools we were, buying a beautiful house, lots of bedrooms for the kids, a school nearby, an ocean view, and inexpensive to boot... yes, we were told that the Port owned the land across the lane. Did we (or I, I guess I should say) know that the land was designated "light industrial"? No, I did not... I had never even heard the term "light industrial" until last week... Moreover, I didn't really care! All I cared about was that, I got a cheap house on the waterfront... yay me!

But all that is beside the point.

What really bothers me is the opinion of some, that my kids health and well being, and my neighbours kids health and well being don't really matter as much as the rest of the children in Prince Rupert, because we bought cheap houses on the waterfront... We deserve to see the value of our homes plummet by at least 60%, leaving us with absolutely NO resale value, because we were arrogant enough to buy adjacent to port land... I guess we should just shut up and take our lumps... thank you very much for your support... That's a very dangerous attitude to have... I sure hope I'm around to see the day when you need someone at your back 'btthedog', because, rest assured, It won't be me... I'm gonna sell my house cheap and get the hell out of town!!

Any takers???

[heartsick]

from the Northern View, May 30, 2012

Indeed, Reitsma said there was a mix of positive and negative feedback on the project, as well as some good comments that will be considered going forward.
"I think a lot of people wanted a greater understanding of the dust in particular. A primary concern raised by the people in the neighbourhood to the east of the project is the impact on property values if the harbour view changed...That comes back to the balance of what we're bringing with this project to the community and the surrounding communities," he said, noting property taxes, employment, noise reduction through work with CN, cleaning up the Westview site and increased pedestrian access to the waterfront as positives.

my questions;

I'd like to know what Reitsma means by increased pedestrian access to the waterfront. That portion of the waterfront is closed and will remain closed to pedestrian as well as private vehicle traffic. Also the issue of property taxes. the property taxes in section 2 (graham, beach and water) will decrease because of the decrease in property value but the rest of the city will be increasing to make up for the shortfall. In speaking with the project manager, Pinnacle will not be paying taxes and nor does the Port Authority so Prince Rupert homeowners will have to fill the void. How is increasing rail traffic going to decrease the noise level? The one thing he did get right is employment. initially there will be 4 full time employees but that may increase possibly to 12.

[MEMEPOSTER5000]

[jesus]

If people think that this is a "Graham/Beach/Water St issue", you need to give your heads a shake... That's a bad attitude, for one, and it's completely ignorant of the complexity of issues surrounding Pinnacle Pellet and their site, for another. Yes, having 7 x 200 ft silos in front of my house will spoil my view, and that's a real bummer, but let us put that aside for a moment... What really aggravates me about this thread, is the misguided attitude that myself and my neighbours deserve to see our neighbourhood turned into an industrial wasteland because we CHOSE to live in a "traditionally" industrial neighbourhood... huh??

My husband and I bought our house about 10 years ago, right about the time that the pulp mill was going TU... We must have looked for over a year, at about 70-80 (maybe more!) houses, before we found this beautiful 5 bedroom house on lower Graham Avenue... WOW! The owner was a mill employee and he had another mortgage as well as this one, so he sold us this house cheap (hmm, now I know why)... What fools we were, buying a beautiful house, lots of bedrooms for the kids, a school nearby, an ocean view, and inexpensive to boot... yes, we were told that the Port owned the land across the lane. Did we (or I, I guess I should say) know that the land was designated "light industrial"? No, I did not... I had never even heard the term "light industrial" until last week... Moreover, I didn't really care! All I cared about was that, I got a cheap house on the waterfront... yay me!

But all that is beside the point.

What really bothers me is the opinion of some, that my kids health and well being, and my neighbours kids health and well being don't really matter as much as the rest of the children in Prince Rupert, because we bought cheap houses on the waterfront... We deserve to see the value of our homes plummet by at least 60%, leaving us with absolutely NO resale value, because we were arrogant enough to buy adjacent to port land... I guess we should just shut up and take our lumps... thank you very much for your support... That's a very dangerous attitude to have... I sure hope I'm around to see the day when you need someone at your back 'btthedog', because, rest assured, It won't be me... I'm gonna sell my house cheap and get the hell out of town!!

Any takers???

Listen, I feel for you really I do it sucks. HOWEVER, the land has been designated for industrial for years and years I mean theres a bloody rail yard there sure its been all but dead until recently but....

Your realtor was obviously terrible and negligent as they should have and were legally obligated to inform you that your property was next to industrial zoned land. I am looking to purchase a house and have had to skip a few "deals" because they were next to industrial zoned land and I do not want to be potentially faced with the exact issue you are now facing.

You admittedly got a deal when you purchased your house so should you decide to sell you should be able to at least recoup your costs otherwise it was not much of a deal. Sure your house would be worth less if this project went ahead but frankly that was the risk you took when you purchased where you did. You need to put the blame for any depreciated value where it belongs on yourself or your realtor. When purchasing a house you need to do your due diligence ESPECIALLY when its a "deal".

Again, I feel for you its a shitty break but one that should have been part of the risk assessment you did when making the purchase.

[Crazy Train]

If people think that this is a "Graham/Beach/Water St issue", you need to give your heads a shake... That's a bad attitude, for one, and it's completely ignorant of the complexity of issues surrounding Pinnacle Pellet and their site, for another. Yes, having 7 x 200 ft silos in front of my house will spoil my view, and that's a real bummer, but let us put that aside for a moment... What really aggravates me about this thread, is the misguided attitude that myself and my neighbours deserve to see our neighbourhood turned into an industrial wasteland because we CHOSE to live in a "traditionally" industrial neighbourhood... huh??

My husband and I bought our house about 10 years ago, right about the time that the pulp mill was going TU... We must have looked for over a year, at about 70-80 (maybe more!) houses, before we found this beautiful 5 bedroom house on lower Graham Avenue... WOW! The owner was a mill employee and he had another mortgage as well as this one, so he sold us this house cheap (hmm, now I know why)... What fools we were, buying a beautiful house, lots of bedrooms for the kids, a school nearby, an ocean view, and inexpensive to boot... yes, we were told that the Port owned the land across the lane. Did we (or I, I guess I should say) know that the land was designated "light industrial"? No, I did not... I had never even heard the term "light industrial" until last week... Moreover, I didn't really care! All I cared about was that, I got a cheap house on the waterfront... yay me!

But all that is beside the point.

What really bothers me is the opinion of some, that my kids health and well being, and my neighbours kids health and well being don't really matter as much as the rest of the children in Prince Rupert, because we bought cheap houses on the waterfront... We deserve to see the value of our homes plummet by at least 60%, leaving us with absolutely NO resale value, because we were arrogant enough to buy adjacent to port land... I guess we should just shut up and take our lumps... thank you very much for your support... That's a very dangerous attitude to have... I sure hope I'm around to see the day when you need someone at your back 'btthedog', because, rest assured, It won't be me... I'm gonna sell my house cheap and get the hell out of town!!

Any takers???

It's unfortunate that your view will be compromised but as my friend JC pointed out to you, there is a rail yard right in front of your property. There's also a warehouse, dock, a tug operation, and components of the fishing industry. It's a waterfront industrial area in a port community that is on the rebound. These types of issues occur all the time in many other areas but we're not used to growth anymore. I have family in Surrey who just lost the view from their condo because of a high rise development. I also can appreciate the issue surrounding property values but more jobs and industry will still improve the market for you. Still a great location.

[Tona]

I can't believe anyone wants to see this on our waterfront, have you seen the pictures? It's a monstrosity and will be visible from many more neighborhoods than just graham and water streets, Borden,summit, and the service park area will have a great view too. I urge everyone who cares to show a picture of this horrendous thing to everyone they know. Years after they have figured out that it's impossible to keep the pellets dry and are long since shut down we will still be looking at this thing. This is NOT light industry, put it in Ridley!!!!!

[Jabber63]

how high do you think the old grain elevator silos were? and back then when rupert was booming no one on graham avenue houses lost value because of the silos right across from them. They were still in demand. But all those concerns are serious for the current house owners about pollution, sight lines, value and so on. no one can predict how much house values will decline because of the pellet plant, but the company can reassure or not, the other legitimate questions the owners have

[kbrentzen]

If people think that this is a "Graham/Beach/Water St issue", you need to give your heads a shake... That's a bad attitude, for one, and it's completely ignorant of the complexity of issues surrounding Pinnacle Pellet and their site, for another. Yes, having 7 x 200 ft silos in front of my house will spoil my view, and that's a real bummer, but let us put that aside for a moment... What really aggravates me about this thread, is the misguided attitude that myself and my neighbours deserve to see our neighbourhood turned into an industrial wasteland because we CHOSE to live in a "traditionally" industrial neighbourhood... huh??

My husband and I bought our house about 10 years ago, right about the time that the pulp mill was going TU... We must have looked for over a year, at about 70-80 (maybe more!) houses, before we found this beautiful 5 bedroom house on lower Graham Avenue... WOW! The owner was a mill employee and he had another mortgage as well as this one, so he sold us this house cheap (hmm, now I know why)... What fools we were, buying a beautiful house, lots of bedrooms for the kids, a school nearby, an ocean view, and inexpensive to boot... yes, we were told that the Port owned the land across the lane. Did we (or I, I guess I should say) know that the land was designated "light industrial"? No, I did not... I had never even heard the term "light industrial" until last week... Moreover, I didn't really care! All I cared about was that, I got a cheap house on the waterfront... yay me!

But all that is beside the point.

What really bothers me is the opinion of some, that my kids health and well being, and my neighbours kids health and well being don't really matter as much as the rest of the children in Prince Rupert, because we bought cheap houses on the waterfront... We deserve to see the value of our homes plummet by at least 60%, leaving us with absolutely NO resale value, because we were arrogant enough to buy adjacent to port land... I guess we should just shut up and take our lumps... thank you very much for your support... That's a very dangerous attitude to have... I sure hope I'm around to see the day when you need someone at your back 'btthedog', because, rest assured, It won't be me... I'm gonna sell my house cheap and get the hell out of town!!

Any takers???

Hey, I feel your pain and disappointment. While not precisely on issue, we bought a house too (not on the waterfront), but in what we thought was a quiet neighborhood with crown land behind us. As soon as people started leaving the area for other areas, their houses became dilapitated rentals and party houses. The junk in the yards of homes is deplorable. Multiple broken down boats, cars and other crap. Not sure which is worse - living in a town (& neighborhood) that appears straight out of "hoarders" (and worrying about rats potentially packing disease) or looking at silo's and worrying about one's health. Somehow there has to be a compromise in all this - industry and residential -- it comes down to respect. Perhaps the City of PR needs to create a department that works as a liason between the Port and the citizens affected by industry on the waterfront, and at the same time works towards cleaning this town up ... it's been let go for too long and now we are all paying the price in one form or another. Bylaw's enforces pretty much squat from what we see. They threaten to clean up messes and bill the homeowner, but never do. Our town looks like a slum and if there are silos blocking views ... that is so unfortunate especially because it's kind of a saving grace - our magnificent views. If you look at the lower mainland waterfront, they have the same issues and most of the waterfront land is taken up by industry. Fairly recently, some North Shore residents with views fought (I believe it was Campotex, but don't quote me) for similar reasons. My understanding is that the residents won. What North & West Van have done over the years is provide waterfront walkways with train tracks right next to them. The walkways follow the beach line and they have a retaining wall with a fence separating the train tracks. It's a compromise but keeps most people happy. Perhaps if the City had a dedicated 'growth liason department', they could work with the Port to create compromises and while not optimum when one's view is at stake, they may come up with an acceptable compromise. Of course, all this costs money ... therein lies a problem. Perhaps the growth liason department needs to be a board of interested volunteers making recommendations to council and the Port. It sure is a dance.

[justhereforthesun]

Pinnacle Pellet is back in town tonight at the Lester Center at 7 pm. They will be making a presentation and then allowing the public 3 minutes each to speak. Here's some things to think about from the Waterfront Committee.

What is the Future of our Waterfront?
Would you like to have a more aesthetically pleasing waterfront with beach access that is safe and developed for community use? Do you want to continue to be able to go for a walk, ride a bike or attend waterfront events during Seafest?

Are you concerned about tourism in our community? Do you think visitors to our city are surprised when there is no waterfront park?

Did you know that the area adjacent to Kwinitsa station where 40 years ago in 1972 a waterfront fire occurred, is still fenced off, contaminated, and littered with jagged rocks, broken pilings and rebar?

Did you know that people are already experiencing delays of up to an hour getting on and off the Airport ferry, BC Ferries and the Alaska ferry? And that there have already been letters of complaint sent to CN Rail because of these delays?

Are you aware that train traffic is projected to increase 5 fold with the development of Phase 2 of the Prince Rupert Container port? And that the pellet shipping terminal will add to the rail congestion?

Are you concerned about the potential for gas and dust emissions? Are you worried about the potential for explosions and fires such as those experienced at other Pinnacle pellet producing facilities?

Are you concerned that the loss of taxes from the depreciated values of the homes that are adjacent to the railway and the pellet terminal will be made up by increases in other areas of the city?

Did you know that each of the 7 proposed Pellet Shipping Terminal silos will be nearly as tall as the Highliner and that the terminal will only bring 10 new jobs? Is that a reasonable trade-off?

The Port is holding a public meeting on Monday, June 18 at the Lester Centre from 7-9 pm where you will be able to express your opinions and ask questions.

Would you like to see a comprehensive plan to develop our waterfront for more residential, community and recreational use for the people of Prince Rupert?

We need to think of the future of our community for our children and our own quality of life
The Prince Rupert Waterfront Committee
– Citizens for an accessible, beautiful, vibrant waterfront. Visit:www.pelletfreeneighborhood.wordpress.com for more information

[Jabber63]

why do ppl think the public has a right to the waterfront? it is owned by the port and cn, anybody that does walk around down there is trespassing unless you stay near the old train station, if CN wanted to they could put up a fence and close the waterfront off for good. Get real ppl, we have a working waterfront and will always have a working waterfront, until the mid eighties the waterfront was always busy with trains and so forth, most ppl just got used to it being dead for so long they think it is a public right to be there. Ppl objecting to the pellet plant might have legitimate concerns but access to the waterfront is not one of them.

[Gracies Mom]

why do ppl think the public has a right to the waterfront? it is owned by the port and cn, anybody that does walk around down there is trespassing unless you stay near the old train station, if CN wanted to they could put up a fence and close the waterfront off for good. Get real ppl, we have a working waterfront and will always have a working waterfront, until the mid eighties the waterfront was always busy with trains and so forth, most ppl just got used to it being dead for so long they think it is a public right to be there. Ppl objecting to the pellet plant might have legitimate concerns but access to the waterfront is not one of them.

I agree with you Jabber63 and its not like we don't have access to the water front. We have more than there use to be many years ago when there was more industry going on. There are lots of places that have industry on the water front and that have public access too.

[Crazy Train]

Pinnacle Pellet is back in town tonight at the Lester Center at 7 pm. They will be making a presentation and then allowing the public 3 minutes each to speak. Here's some things to think about from the Waterfront Committee.

What is the Future of our Waterfront?
Would you like to have a more aesthetically pleasing waterfront with beach access that is safe and developed for community use? Do you want to continue to be able to go for a walk, ride a bike or attend waterfront events during Seafest?

Are you concerned about tourism in our community? Do you think visitors to our city are surprised when there is no waterfront park?

Did you know that the area adjacent to Kwinitsa station where 40 years ago in 1972 a waterfront fire occurred, is still fenced off, contaminated, and littered with jagged rocks, broken pilings and rebar?

Did you know that people are already experiencing delays of up to an hour getting on and off the Airport ferry, BC Ferries and the Alaska ferry? And that there have already been letters of complaint sent to CN Rail because of these delays?

Are you aware that train traffic is projected to increase 5 fold with the development of Phase 2 of the Prince Rupert Container port? And that the pellet shipping terminal will add to the rail congestion?

Are you concerned about the potential for gas and dust emissions? Are you worried about the potential for explosions and fires such as those experienced at other Pinnacle pellet producing facilities?

Are you concerned that the loss of taxes from the depreciated values of the homes that are adjacent to the railway and the pellet terminal will be made up by increases in other areas of the city?

Did you know that each of the 7 proposed Pellet Shipping Terminal silos will be nearly as tall as the Highliner and that the terminal will only bring 10 new jobs? Is that a reasonable trade-off?

The Port is holding a public meeting on Monday, June 18 at the Lester Centre from 7-9 pm where you will be able to express your opinions and ask questions.

Would you like to see a comprehensive plan to develop our waterfront for more residential, community and recreational use for the people of Prince Rupert?

We need to think of the future of our community for our children and our own quality of life
The Prince Rupert Waterfront Committee
– Citizens for an accessible, beautiful, vibrant waterfront. Visit:www.pelletfreeneighborhood.wordpress.com for more information

You ask a lot of questions about what we would like to see or want and I'll tell you what I'd like to see. I'd like to see my property taxes go down. I'd like to see a prosperous community once again - one that will allow out children to stay in their home communities because there are jobs and the ability for them to prosper. I'd like to see the community become excited again about where it's heading rather than dwell on negativity. I'd like to see the community take advantage of its unique position on the west coast of North America to allow ourselves and those who rely on the industries in other communities to prosper.


The waterfront has always been the key to Prince Rupert's economy. We're not going to be growing crops, drilling for oil, or mining in our community. We ship and receive here, that's what we do. The port has already indicated that they are aware of the social issues and have identified the need for recreational space. Relax.. It's going to be ok.

[brah]

Yeah, I'd never buy a house in that area for this reason, would hate to spend all that money and then lose a ton of value and make resale even hard when it's already hard in the first place in this town. I don't know who will be spending the near and over $400,000 for a home on Graham Ave now, or over $500,000 for a home on Water st. that's going to be a tough loss for those people cause they won't get anything near that price now.

[brah]

The waterfront has always been the key to Prince Rupert's economy. We're not going to be growing crops, drilling for oil, or mining in our community. We ship and receive here, that's what we do. The port has already indicated that they are aware of the social issues and have identified the need for recreational space. Relax.. It's going to be ok.

isn't their plan 15 years away hahah lets develop and take away all the water front from the people of Rupert and in 15 years from now we'll throw them a bone.