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Council's meeting has been moved to Helen E. Taylor School as a large crowd is expected to share their views about the proposed land-use change (Photo: Facebook / Helen E. Taylor School)
Crude-by-Rail

Big crowd expected at Wembley council meeting

Jul 22, 2019 | 5:30 AM

A big crowd is expected at tonight’s Town Council meeting in Wembley.

An organized group of residents has come out against having a crude-by-rail facility in the community.

The Town is looking at a change to have truck and transloading terminals as a permitted use in its Land Use By-Law.

A crude-by-rail facility had been proposed by Source Energy Services with Tidewater Midstream as one potential customer.

Mayor Chris Turnmire says tonight’s meeting will be the best opportunity for residents to have their opinions heard.

“That’s an opportunity for the public to come and voice their thoughts, concerns, support or opposition to that,” said Turnmire. “After that process is over, then council will make a determination of whether or not they want to proceed with second and third reading.”

The meeting is expected to draw such a large crowd, that it has been moved to Helen E. Taylor School from the town office. Turnmire says that it’s not unusual for the town to have citizens voice their opinions on bylaw changes, but this one is certainly a different case.

“This one juts seems to be a hotter topic and we (council) look forward to having those people attend and present council with their views.”

He is also not expecting that everyone in attendance will be against the facility and is expecting a range of opinions to be shared.

“I think when you say in favour, there are people that have no opinion one way of the other, but they’re not opposed to it,” said Turnmire. “I guess we’ll see at the public hearing whether those people are willing to come forward and express their concerns or express their support for the project.”

Council’s regular meeting will begin at 7 p.m. this evening, with the public hearing to begin around 8 p.m.