Supreme Court of Canada Denies CVRD Application for Leave

Duncan, BC – The Supreme Court of Canada dismissed today the Cowichan Valley Regional District’s (CVRD’s) application for leave to appeal from the judgment of the BC Court of Appeal in the case of CVRD vs. Cobble Hill Holdings et al. The application for leave was filed with the Supreme Court of Canada on December 29, 2016.

“We are disappointed the Supreme Court of Canada has dismissed our application as the CVRD felt it was important the November 3, 2016 BC Court of Appeal decision on this matter be reviewed,” states Chair Jon Lefebure. “The BC Court of Appeal decision has significantly limited local government’s ability to regulate certain activities associated with mining, as the Court found was the case with Cobble Hill Holdings’ contaminated soil landfill facility at their rock quarry operation in Shawnigan Lake. That is not in the best interest of our communities.”

The Supreme Court of Canada was the CVRD’s final avenue of appeal. The CVRD will continue to advocate for provincial ministries to respect the interests and concerns of local communities when considering approval of similar facilities in the future.