Municipal Affairs
October 19, 2012

Input Sought on Potential Amendments to West Coast Zoning Plan

Consultations will begin next week to consider changes to the Trans Canada Highway Channel-Port aux Basques to Corner Brook Protected Highway Zoning Plan. The Department of Municipal Affairs will examine if changes are necessary to recognize existing, proposed and potential development on or adjacent to the Trans Canada Highway in the Pinchgut Lake and Codroy Valley areas.

“This consultation process is a requirement under the Protected Road Zoning Regulations anytime there is consideration to changing zoning plans,” said the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “The regulations are designed to keep people travelling on highways safe, to allow traffic to flow properly, and to provide for consistent development throughout these areas of the province. It is important that we hear from anyone in the Pinchgut Lake and Codroy Valley areas about their views on proposed changes along the Trans Canada Highway in these areas.”

The Urban and Rural Planning Act, 2000 outlines the process to amend a Protected Road Zoning Plan which includes a consultation with the public. Advertisements will be placed in local newspapers on October 22 and 24 providing details of the proposed amendment and asking for comments from the public.

Following feedback from the public, a public hearing, presided over by an independent commissioner will be held in Corner Brook on Wednesday, November 28, and in Port aux Basques on Thursday, November 29. Notice of the public hearings will also be advertised in advance.

To obtain more information, a copy of the proposed amendment and to provide comments, please contact:

Jordan Gasior, Planner
Department of Municipal Affairs
P.O. Box 8700
St. John’s, NL A1B 4J6
jordangasior@gov.nl.ca

Information can also be obtained by calling 729-4694 or by fax at 729-0477. Copies of the proposed amendment can also be obtained online at www.gov.nl.ca/consultations/

Comments must be received by noon, Friday, November 2.

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Media contact:
Vanessa Colman-Sadd
Director of Communications
Department of Municipal Affairs
709-729-1983, 682-6593
vanessacolmansadd@gov.nl.ca

2012 10 19                                    11:55 a.m.