After much scrutiny over housing provided for temporary workers at Howe Sound Pulp and Paper (HSPP), area directors had their questions answered by mill staff last week.
Fred Fominoff, HSPP general manager of fibre and energy, appeared at the Sunshine Coast Regional District's (SCRD) July 14 planning and development committee meeting. He explained the dormitory style housing on the HSPP property is strictly used to accommodate temporary workers brought in to work at the mill during its annual shut down.
With the ability to house just over 500 people, Fominoff said the housing is required because there is simply not enough room on the Sunshine Coast to facilitate all of the workers.
"We have 50 to 60 contractors staying in North and West Van because we couldn't find accommodations," he told directors.
Fominoff said the housing benefits the workers by not having them drive after long shifts, and the bunkhouses make much more econ-omical sense than housing off-Coast due to accommodations being full here. Many of the workers, Fominoff pointed out, are required on short notice.
As for feeding the employees, Fominoff confirmed there is a caterer on-site and believes food for cooking is purchased on the Coast, but said he would double check those facts at the directors' request.
Fominoff's SCRD visit comes in response to concerns raised over the mill housing and feeding its workers. Earlier this month, directors expressed worry over the number of employees housed on mill property after permits were taken out to renovate the dormitories. Several directors felt this, coupled with on-site meal provision, would cause a loss of economic benefits to the Coast. Directors suggested amending zoning bylaws to clarify only temporary workers would be housed.
West Howe Sound director Lee Turnbull sought assurance from Fominoff the housing would only be used for temporary workers, to which Fominoff confirmed.
"We are eager to maintain our reputation and relations in the community," said Fominoff.
Turnbull echoed Fom-inoff's sentiments by saying she wants to encourage a collaborative relationship with HSPP.
A motion to clarify bylaw language in regards to housing temporary employees was passed by all directors.
Transportation study
Directors discussed some fine tweaking in order to finish the long-awaited integrated transportation study (ITS).
Mark McMullen, SCRD manager of planning and development, presented directors with notes on clarified language on certain transportation issues. Only a handful of concerns remain that directors seek further refinement on, including an interim alternative route on Reed Road in Gibsons and creation of signage to encourage drivers to use Marlene Road as an alternative to the steeply inclined Flume Road.
McMullen encouraged directors to review the notes that highlight various concerns in order to move forward with final receipt of the study.
Roberts Creek director Donna Shugar said she wants to see all areas speak as one single voice.
"I think it takes the politics out of it and enables better decision making," Shugar said.
Directors asked staff to produce a final copy of the ITS, with the changes, and include it on the agenda of the next community services meeting for final review.
