Terrace, B.C. — A controversial proposal to place an asphalt plant on private business property has been rejected by Terrace City Council, despite having already received provincial approval.
The decision came during a tense council meeting Tuesday night, where residents voiced strong concerns about noise, air quality, and the plant’s proximity to homes. After hearing from the public, council voted four to one against approving the project.
The debate has highlighted a broader question for Terrace: should the city prioritize environmental protection or industrial expansion? While some regions are celebrating new business developments and Indigenous nations are securing their economic futures, Terrace is weighing the cost of potential growth against the value of clean air and a non-polluting environment.
Not all opinions were against the project. Following a site visit, some neighboring business owners expressed full support for the asphalt plant, pointing to existing industrial operations in the area that already produce similar noise and emissions, though on a smaller scale.
With the provincial government having already granted approval, it remains unclear if this council vote will be the final word on the matter.