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The battle continues to get the All-West Glass in Kitimat rebuilt

A lengthy and costly process has All-West Glass president frustrated in attempted rebuild
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Site of the All-West Glass in Kitimat on Oct. 5, 2021. (Christian Apostolovski/Kitimat Northern Sentinel)

An ongoing battle continues in an attempt to rebuild the All-West Glass in Kitimat.

Building of the property was halted due to ground contamination on the lot.

“Construction of the foundation on the All-West Glass property was started without the issuance of a building permit,” said Michael Dewar, Director of Economic Development and Communications with the District of Kitimat.

According to Dewar, a building permit can only be issued following provincial approval.

“In March 2021, All-West Glass submitted a request for a release notice for a building permit. The submission did not meet the requirements for a release notice, in part because it did not describe the full extent of the on-site contamination, including the impact on adjoining properties,” said the Ministry of Environment in a statement.

The ministry also noted the history of commercial and industrial uses that included underground fuel or chemical storage at the All-West Glass site.

Now after more than two-and-a-half years and over $200,000 spent, All-West Glass President Laura Stanton still can’t build on her property. Stanton has continued work with environmental consultants and contractors in an attempt to find a way to move forward.

“The ministry wouldn’t say if we did a certificate of compliance,” Stanton said. A meeting was held between the ministry and Stanton where there were no resolutions to the issue.

Stanton says she currently owns a lot she cannot build on and hopes to get this resolved without spending more money.