The City of Kamloops has unanimously approved a rezoning application for the development of Iron Mask Industrial Park, following a public hearing Wednesday night.

Comet Industries Senior Project Consultant, Randy Lambright, the approval is a significant step forward for their vision for the 190-acre industrial park between Sugarloaf Road and Bowers Place, near where the Coquihalla Highway and Trans-Canada Highway meet.

Speaking on NL Newsday, he says it will help meet a growing demand for industrial land across Kamloops.

“You know there is not much land that is available,” Lambright said.

“Based on that, I think Comet took the bold step to be able to move forward and say yeah, we’re going to do this. We’re going to bring 50 lots onto the market, hopefully within the next two to three years. Hopefully the uptake will match demand, and we think it will.”

Lambright says Comet Industries will now work on the next steps, which includes submitting an approved traffic impact assessment and a storm water management plan.

The company will also need approval from the Ministries of Transportation and Environment prior to development on the site, which was home to the former Iron Mask mine that was active until the 1980s.

“The next steps of the project will involve environmental remediation efforts as well as significant earthwork to prepare the site for construction and infrastructure development,” Lambright said.

“[We are] looking forward to engaging with local contractors and suppliers to maximize the economic benefits for the local community.”

He says the Comet Industries has had “significant interest in the park” since its initial Sept. 2022 announcement.

“The industrial park will play a pivotal role in enhancing economic diversity and attracting new businesses to the region,” Lambright said. “Since the initial announcement…most of the inquiries coming from local companies seeking additional space to facilitate their business growth.”

“I think the City is doing a great job of balancing off development and regulations and things of that nature, and that is what Comet is banking on more or less, is to be able to bring in new businesses but also to assist those that want to expand or relocate.”

Comet Industries President and CEO, Mike O’Reilly – a Kamloops City Councillor, who has been recusing himself on discussions pertaining to industrial parks or development cost charges – previously told RadioNL that this will be the first light industrial park in the City in 25 years.