For more information on non-compliance follow these links:

https://portal.alc.gov.bc.ca/public/application/61331​

https://nrced.gov.bc.ca/records;autofocus=66ec653b5875ea00221170ef

 

Background & Concerns:

Cinnabar Valley is a low-density residential community situated next to Richard Lake, which drains into Richards Creek, an ecologically sensitive area and salmon habitat. Cinnabar Valley Farm is operating at an Industrial level, which is zoned AR1 under local bylaws and located within Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) land, has failed to comply with zoning, bylaw, and environmental regulations for years.

Although the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) has approved certain non-farm activities under strict conditions, these conditions have been breached. Specifically:

• The farm must comply with all applicable Acts, regulations, and bylaws of the local government.
• The farm must adhere to environmental protection laws and respect local land-use designations.
• The Environmental Act has issued a non-compliance form to the ALC, highlighting violations.

Despite this, local authorities have ignored repeated complaints from residents, allowing the farm to continue operations that are disruptive, hazardous, and unlawful.

Specific Violations & Impacts on the Community:

1. Traffic & Safety Hazards

• A continuous flow of semi-trucks transports soil and manure through two school zones along Richardson Road, creating significant safety risks for children and pedestrians.
• These oversized trucks are not suitable for residential roads and violate local traffic bylaws.

      2. Noise & Bylaw Infractions

• Farm operations involve the use of heavy equipment that exceeds noise limits set by local bylaws.
• Trucks operate late at night and in the early morning hours (e.g., 3 AM–4 AM), violating noise ordinances and disturbing residents.

      3. Environmental Contamination

• The farm’s activities pollute local roads and waterways; manure regularly covers roads, creating a health and environmental hazard.
• Plastic Pollution: The use of plastic bagged soil contributes to pervasive contamination, affecting the land, neighborhoods, and waterways. Microplastics spread from the farm to Richard Lake, nearby communities, and ultimately the ocean, just 10 minutes away.
• Water Pollution: The farm leaches manure and peat moss into local waterways, impacting Richard Lake and Richards Creek. In summer, this promotes toxic blue-green algae blooms, posing serious health risks to residents, pets, and those relying on well water.
• Air Pollution: The mixing of soil releases harmful particulates into the air, affecting local air quality and contributing to respiratory issues.
• Land Degradation: Continuous pollution and runoff damage the surrounding environment, threatening ecosystems and long-term soil health.

Our Requests:

We call upon the City of Nanaimo, the Agricultural Land Commission, and the British Columbia Ministry of Environment to:

1. Enforce zoning and bylaw compliance to prevent further non-conforming industrial expansion.
2. Ensure adherence to ALC conditions and take corrective action against ongoing violations.
3. Address public safety concerns by restricting semi-truck access through residential streets and school zones.
4. Implement stricter environmental protections to prevent further contamination of Richard Lake and Richards Creek.
5. Uphold bylaw enforcement and impose consequences on the farm for repeated infractions.

The ongoing negligence by local authorities demonstrates a failure in governance and a disregard for the well-being of residents and the environment. We urge immediate and decisive action to protect our community, uphold the law, and ensure responsible land use.