A request to construct a series of grain storage bins at a flax processor on Myrtle Avenue will proceed to the public notification process following a unanimous decision by Yorkton Council at its regular meeting Monday.
"The existing facility has two grain storage bins. The additional bins will provide increased grain storage and allow the applicant/owner to purchase higher volumes of grain when prices are lower. The operations of the processing plant, which currently involves cleaning, milling and oil processing, will not change. The oil production process uses cold-pressing, which does not create any heat or noxious odours," detailed a report circulated to Council.
City Planner Michael Eger said the bins are not ideal for the location, but there are elements which buffer their impact.
"The property is surrounded by a mix of land uses, including residential, institutional, commercial and industrial. Because of close proximity to residential land uses, industrial use is not ideal in this location. However, an existing row of boulevard trees on Myrtle Avenue will provide some screening to the proposed 40 feet tall bins. Grain trucks will continue to access the site from the rear of the property, via Dominion Avenue, and will not generate direct traffic movements on Myrtle Avenue. Further, the applicant/owner has proposed a fence to provide security and to screen the property from ground level operations," he said. " Although not ideal at this location, Administration is of the opinion that expansion of the existing business will not be detrimental to the function and amenity of the surrounding residential, institutional and commercial land uses. The lengthy time in which these properties sat vacant is indicative of low demand in this area for new residential and/or commercial developments."
The application was referred to the Planning and Infrastructure Commission at the May 16, 2012 meeting. The Commission expressed concerns over expansion of industrial uses in the City's core which have the potential to detract from neighbouring residential, institutional, and to a lesser extent, commercial land uses. Given the history of industrial activities in the area and the desire to foster the local business community, the Commission recommended that Council approve the application, stated the circulated report.
Councillor Bob Maloney said the potential impact of truck traffic "that close to residential" was an issue of concern for the Commission, adding the vote was close. But he said he looked at the lot himself, and where the bins will be located, and with only one truck a day expected the impact should be limited.
It was also pointed out the City encouraged the business to start in that location, so it's rather late in the process to suggest a move.
The public will now have a chance to state support, or objections, as part of the public notification process.
