Delta council has given the preliminary thumbs-up for a rezoning application that is anticipated could encourage more green industries in the city.
At their Jan. 23 meeting, council granted preliminary approval to a zoning amendment to allow an electric vehicle and hydrogen vehicle research and sales business to set up shop an existing two-storey building on Annacis Island.
The application by Hui 789 Development Ltd. for the facility at 747 Cliveden Place, is zoned industrial and requires a rezoning to allow vehicle sales, but the city’s planning department notes a public hearing would not be required.
The site is currently being used to accommodate a recreational vehicle operation.
The new business would start its operations at the site with electric vehicle sales.
“The proposed uses would support the development of clean renewable energy related to electric and hydrogen vehicle development and sales and vehicle sales would be restricted to electric and hydrogen vehicles,” a report to council notes.
The planning department said the proposed uses would be compatible with other industrial uses in the area and are not expected to result in any negative impacts or traffic beyond what would be generated for other uses allowed in the industrial area.
Voting in favour, Coun. Jennifer Johal said she hopes the business will drive more green initiatives and industry in Delta.
According to the applicant, about 35 skilled jobs would be created.
