ZoneSJ does not include any provisions regarding buffers between residential areas and railway lines or industrial rights of way (such as pipelines). It also fails to address the presence of dangerous goods and hazardous materials (something that many other municipalities do include in their zoning restrictions).

Why this is important. Saint John is a very industrial city, and people often find themselves living and sleeping in close proximity to large-scale industrial operations and railway lines. The Lac Megantic disaster demonstrates how hazardous it can be for citizens close to rail lines that carry dangerous goods.

In addition, due to historical issues and lack of enforcement, many commercial and industrial operations currently exist in residential areas, potentially storing and using hazardous materials close to unaware populations. Incentives for mixed-use developments may actually contribute to this risk in the long term.

What ZoneSJ gets right. Nothing. ZoneSJ does not currently address this issue.

Issues and opportunities. There should be a clause addressing dangerous goods occupancy (the presence of hazardous materials requiring the approval of Emergency Services / EMO), in order to ensure that emergency management is informed about risks to the community.

While existing residences close to rail lines or industrial rights of way cannot be moved, ZoneSJ should prevent new development close to those hazards.

Cheat sheet for your feedback. If you want to provide feedback on this issue, feel free to use or edit the statement below:

Please address dangerous goods occupancy as part of ZoneSJ, and do as much as possible to mitigate the risks from railways and industrial rights of way by preventing adjacent residential development.

The deadline for your feedback to the City on ZoneSJ is Friday November 29th. Submit your input to (via webform, or in writing to planning@saintjohn.ca). And copy your councillors.