North Vancouver council reverses chlorine plant ban after three months

North Vancouver council voted Monday to allow Chemtrade to keep operating its liquid chlorine plant at Maplewood, reversing a split decision made in April.

The reversal came after Mayor Mike Little brought the matter back for reconsideration when Chemtrade proposed changes intended to address council's earlier concerns. The company now commits to ending chlorine operations by December 31, 2046, through a covenant on the property's title. It also pledges regularly updated risk assessments and adoption of the best available safety technology.

In April, council voted 4–3 to reject the rezoning, citing safety concerns and worries about taking away future councils' ability to control land use at the site. The debate raised life-and-death fears about chemical leaks in an increasingly populated neighbourhood.

Monday's vote split identically: councillors Herman Mah, Jordan Back, and Jim Hanson voted in favour; councillors Lisa Muri, Betty Forbes, and Catherine Pope opposed.

Supporters pointed to peer-reviewed risk assessments showing extremely low likelihood of a dangerous spill, and noted Chemtrade supplies 70 per cent of the chlorine used in Western Canada's water treatment chain. Opponents dismissed the necessity claim as a "brilliantly crafted PR strategy," with Metro Vancouver's top water official telling one council member she had no concerns about the region's ability to supply clean water.

Mayor Little said he hoped the final covenant agreement would give both community protections and certainty to the company. Council still retains the ability to withhold a final vote if the terms don't meet expressed concerns.