BATTLEFORD —The council of the Town of Battleford received an application to develop a junkyard and auto wrecker business in the Industrial Park at 472-13th Street at their Oct. 2 meeting. Citing environmental concerns, the increased likelihood of crime, and concerns surrounding the renewal of business mortgages in the area, the application was denied unanimously.
Within the application that was brought to council, proper drainage, signage, pile height limits, and fencing, signage, landscaping, and parking requirements were among the items discussed.
"To ensure that the areas of the site visible from the street are kept tidy, several measures can be taken, including,"
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a regular cleanup schedule,
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a proper waste management system, and
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site organization
"By implementing these measures, we aim to differentiate ourselves from other scrap metal businesses and ensure that our operations are well-managed and visually appealing," reads the application provided to council in a report.
But Chris Odishaw, former mayor of Battleford and owner of Battleford Furniture, was there to express his concerns with the project.
“I know there's lots of concern in the industrial area,” Odishaw said, noting that it poses both environmental concerns along with concerns that it may affect the renewal of mortgages.
“The Credit Union in their new documents for mortgages have the right to ask for an environmental study. So my mortgage is going to be coming up. I toured the property and there's oil, there's gas, there's lots of s**t on the ground."
Odishaw also noted that businesses in the industrial area are often dealing with thefts and break-ins, and a wrecking yard in the industrial park would pose a bigger risk of increased crime.
“It's not very secure, it's not very friendly for the neighbourhood, and the fact is it doesn't meet zoning. So it's really frustrating for me.”
Odishaw noted that he'd also come out to speak for other concerned residents in the area, as new buildings that may be erected in the industrial park will now be beside a junkyard.
“I would just suggest there are better places, possibly to have a wrecking yard. Of course, nobody wants it in my backyard and it has to be somewhere... you guys are dealing with issues every day with contamination ... So how do you fix it? Let's get one more in there and maybe it will go away? I don't think so," Odishaw said, adding that the town while looking for new businesses should also consider the current taxpayers.
“I just want you to do what's best for residents in our community.”
Town administration noted that the applicant has also committed to doing soil and groundwater testing and installing groundwater monitoring wells on site.
"The application conforms with the Town’s Official Community Plan and is suited to the uses intended within the ... Industrial District. The proposed development meets the minimum site requirements and the prescribed fencing and landscaping requirements," reads the report from the town.
"In accordance with the Planning and Development Act, Administration mailed out a public notice to all property owners within a 75-meter radius of the property."
The mayor did note that no letters in opposition had been received by administration, and Councillor George noted that they would take this matter seriously later in the agenda.
Comments from Council
"Personally, not in favour of this. I don't think that this is what we're looking for ... although the comment has been made if not in the industrial park, where, I don't know where. But we're currently struggling with a few other [similar] businesses" Councillor Doug Laing said, citing environmental issues down the road that might leave the Town of Battleford in a tough place
Councillor David George said that the ex-mayor brought up a good point.
"I know it's great to have a new business in the community, but I still feel it should be the right business, in the right spot," ... is there any other place in the community?"
"I'm not totally up to par on this, I'd have to do a little bit more research, but as it's presented I can't say yes."
Councillor Kevin Russel noted that he had a few community members come to him expressing their concerns.
"It is tough ... I hate to turn away a business but to echo former mayor Odishaw's comments ... we need to keep in mind our current taxpayers," he said.
"I think we need to deny this request and hopefully we can work with Rusters [Recycling] to find a new place to put it moving forward."
Councillor Judy Pruden noted that she can appreciate the work the developer has done, but the close proximity of the river poses a concern to her.
"And the fact that anything can happen down the future and we're stuck with a problem. So, I don't think it's the right spot and I don't have any ideas where it could be."
Deputy Mayor Shelly Boutin-Gervais noted that everything has been said already though she agreed that she's appreciative of the work done to bring this forward to council.
"I'm just worried about the environmental impact of the whole thing. I just don't think it's something we should go forward with."
Mayor Ames Leslie noted that it seems council doesn't not want the business, as this is what industrial parks are for, but the proximity to the river concerns him. Administration also noted that Rusters Recycling did not speak with the town before purchasing the land, and didn't do their due diligence.
When asked after the council meeting in comments to the media if something will be done to support Rusters Recycling in the future, he said,
"We'll definitely reach out, our community planner ... I don't believe the town has any property in that sector but we'll definitely have discussions to see if there's anything we can do in the future."
"Sometimes you just have to put the environment before business."
