Calgary residents concerned new development could release underground toxins

A new development in the Calgary neighbourhoods of Sunnyside and West Hillhurst have residents concerned due to a chemical legacy underneath the ground that some say has been long ignored.

A wood treatment plant on the south side of the Bow River, just west of 14 Street SW, operated from 1924 to 1962 and used creosote — a mixture of 200 chemicals as a wood preservative.

The province says over time, the chemical migrated under the river and into the communities on the north side of the Bow.

“We do have a concern, and the city and the province have long been concerned, about the creosote site that has leached creosote down from the west end of the city centre and into the Hillhurst area,” says resident Neil Campbell.

“They’re going to dig down into the creosote laden earth to build a very large development that we also feel doesn’t fit the neighbourhood.”

In a statement to CityNews, the developer Anthem Properties say they are “committed to responsible redevelopment and ensuring our environmental commitments are maintained long-term, both during and after construction.”

A risk management plan was approved by Alberta Environment and accepted by the City of Calgary, but after hearing the concerns of residents in his ward, Ward 7 Coun. Terry Wong says more information may be needed.

“Has the applicant engaged effectively, have they engaged enough, have they heard all the issues?” asks Wong. “Judging by the audience today, there’s more to say.”

“I will go back to the city, and the applicant and ensure that all the information in escrow will come forward. And if they’re not ready, maybe consider some sort of delay or postponement.”

The land use redesignation for the site to support up to six-storey apartments will be at a public hearing of council on July 15.