Gravel quarry-turned-development could add 290 homes to Lake Errock

Large development on site of present day gravel quarry could boost local population by as much as 50%.

A Lake Errock gravel pit may become the site of a new subdivision that would dramatically swell the tiny community’s population.

For a community the size of Lake Errock, the proposed project could have a huge effect. In the 1,200-resident community midway between Agassiz and Mission, the 300-unit project would dramatically increase the supply of housing. It could boost the local population by as much as 50%.

Residents can provide their input at a public information meeting tonight at 6pm. An array of information and documents are also available online.

Big development, small community

The development, which is being marketed as “Harrison Rise,” needs the sign-off of the Fraser Valley Regional District. and residents will be given a chance to learn more about the project at an information meeting tonight.

The developers hope to build 155 houses, 68 townhomes and a 67-unit rental apartment building. Most would be built off of a new road north of Lougheed Highway. The apartments would be built along Highway 7. The entire project would be built across 19 hectares of land, with the remainder of the 71 hectare site left as forest or converted to parkland.

A market study commissioned by the developer suggested the project could cater to empty-nesters, early retirees and young families seeking affordable homes. Purpose-built apartments, on the other hand, could address the lack of housing for local tourism workers.

The developers also hope to convert a 1.2-hectare chunk of property along the highways into “employment lands,” which could be used for light industry, warehouse, offices, or retail businesses. In addition, they say they have pledged to dedicate a 17-acre “potential park and environmental area to Sq’ewlets First Nation.”

Plans for the project started more than six years ago, when the FVRD approved a proposal for short-term gravel mining and, potentially, future residential development.

Gravel operations are set to conclude by the end of the year. Over the last 18 months, the developer has started consultations and completed a range of technical studies and assessments.

A formal application was submitted during the summer. To proceed with house-building, the property must be rezoned and the Official Community Plan amended.

A wildfire threat assessment suggests there is a “low to moderate risk of wildfire” in the forest within 200 metres of the proposed development. The report, though, doesn’t consider the forest beyond that 200-metre threshold.

The public information meeting will be held Wednesday from 6 to 8pm at Deroche Community Hall. Those who can’t attend the meeting can also provide feedback online.

Join the conversation

or to participate.