Lumby’s future is tied to 14 properties but they need to be cleaned up first.
Council held a meeting Monday to discuss brownfields or former industrial sites that may have contaminated soil.
“They are all in the downtown core and unless they develop, it’s difficult for anything else around them to develop,” said Coun. Nick Hodge.
Previous activities on the sites may have included mills, logging truck operations or gas stations.
Mayor Kevin Acton insists that the community’s economy depends on what happens with the brownfields.
“If we can clean up these derelict sites, Lumby will be a better place,” he said.
However, the outstanding issue is who is responsible for removing any contamination.
“The provincial government is not in a position to deal with those who did the pollution,” said Acton.
“We need to find a way to help landowners clean up.”
A number of property owners added the meeting Monday and Acton hopes that will put pressure on the government to pursue options for brownfields.
“We need to keep up the momentum. Having community champions makes things happen,” he said.
Budget interest lacking
Nobody is beating down the door over Lumby’s proposed tax hike.
Council held an input session on the 2017 budget Monday but no residents showed up.
“Maybe they were all busy,” said Coun. Lori Mindnich.
The budget proposes a 1.18 per cent tax increase.
The budget won’t be adopted until May and further public meetings will be held.
“There is still a chance to pick up budget packages at the village office and provide input,” said Mindnich.