The next phase of Port Metro Vancouver's land use update is under way.
The new long-term plan will identify the port authority's future land needs, as well as "assist tenants in identifying areas to locate or expand their operations and investments."
Last year, the port authority began the process by gathering input from stakeholders and the community to identify major issues and priorities. The port says it's now in phase three of that consultation, which will focus on developing a draft plan using the technical work and consultation from earlier phases.
That draft plan is to be produced this fall.
The port authority states, "We anticipate growth, and this might mean intensifying the use of our existing lands as well as potentially acquiring new lands for Port operations. The Land Use Plan will help us plan ahead to ensure we have the capacity to grow sustainably."
During the process, concerns have been raised about the potential industrialization of the region's farmland to serve port-related activities and expansion, especially in Delta and Richmond.
Farmland advocates have voiced concern about the future of Gilmore Farm in eastern Richmond. It's owned by the port authority, and some fear it could be seen as an attractive spot for industrial development if a new a bridge replacing the George Massey Tunnel is constructed nearby at the foot of No. 8 Road.
There's also concern about the future of hundreds of acres of prime farmland in South Delta, eyed by a consortium hoping to convert the properties to industrial uses to serve port expansion.
A recent report to Delta council notes some of the maps used by the port showing land use designations are difficult to interpret, as well as some being out of date, inaccurate or having incomplete information.
Among the concerns listed by Delta staff are farm designations.
"Some areas that are designated as 'Agriculture' on Delta's OCP are shown as blank on Port maps. This should be corrected to avoid any suggestion that the Port is seeking an alternate designation for agricultural land," the report states.
A recent port report submitted to Richmond council, meantime, also leaves out ALR designations.
"In their most recent analysis of the land they own - they sent a report to both Richmond and Metro Vancouver - they had several properties listed as 'undetermined use.' Otherwise, they are in the ALR and they are being used as agriculture, but suddenly they are showing up as their uses as undetermined," Richmond Coun.
Harold Steves told the Optimist.
The latest consultation phase is taking place as a parallel process is underway for the port authority's proposed Terminal 2, a new three-berth container development that would be built at Roberts Bank.
Port Metro Vancouver says it's continuing field studies this month as part of ongoing environmental and technical work for the proposed T2 project.
