Taylor council reviewed a resident’s complaint about ongoing industrial activity

TAYLOR, B.C. — The District of Taylor council reviewed a resident’s complaint regarding industrial activity in the area. 

At the June 15th Taylor council meeting, Colleen Janz addressed the council about issues she and other residents are facing regarding commercial trucks, traffic and industrial activity in the area, which are associated with Source Energy’s partnership with Trican Well Service. 

Janz said: “Our concerns are not about opposing business or industry; we understand the importance of economic development and jobs these communities provide.” 

“However, we believe there must be a balance between industry operations and the safety, health and quality of life of our residents who live here.” 

She noted commercial class one trucks and employees frequently travelling at “excessive” speed through the neighbourhood, causing safety concerns for pedestrians, children, pets and motorists. 

Residents of the neighbourhood are also concerned about the frac sand and dust blowing from the trucks when the loads are not secured properly. 

Frac sand is a type of sand with small and uniform particles, which is injected into rock formations along with the water to fracture the rock. 

“[They] have witnessed material entering yards, settling on property and going towards people walking on the road,” she said. “We believe this presents both environmental and health concerns.” 

In addition, residents have been experiencing noise from the compression release engine brake, loud banging and crashing, which she said has affected their ability to sleep and enjoy their homes and negatively impacted the neighbourhood’s peace. 

When concerns were raised directly with the company, calls and messages went unanswered, Janz said. 

“We do not feel residents should have to choose between relocating and living with ongoing disturbances,” she explained. 

Janz asked the council to consider increased monitoring and enforce speed limits for commercial vehicles in residential areas. 

Mayor Brent Taillefer said the council is there to represent the town, and the district has contacts with Source Energy. 

He said: “We can certainly take the concerns there, I’ll take a quick stab at a few of the complaints.” 

“We could request they put up an electronic sign [showing] their speed to them when they’re going. I think that’s an appropriate thing to ask.” 

He added that Source Energy has a social responsibility to work with the community and believes it is not an unreasonable request for the company to hold another town hall. 

“I do think a town hall would be appropriate to request from them and see what they said. We have a community [benefit] agreement with them and have to look to see what it says about community engagement,” he noted. 

Ryan Galay, the chief administrative officer, said it would be appropriate to ask Source Energy to have contracted trucking companies attend the town hall. 

“At the end of the day, they’re selling the product, but most of the people coming in and out aren’t, so if they could be more invested in the community and understand the issues they’re causing, hopefully that would help,” he explained. 

To read Janz’s letter to the council, see below.