The Mountain View County municipal planning commission has approved a development permit for the expansion of the Richardson International grain terminal north of Olds.
Approval of the $9.3-million project came during the commission’s recent regularly scheduled meeting in council chambers.
The application was to approve a proposed agricultural processing facility expansion with easterly setback relaxations in accordance with Land Use Bylaw No. 16/18.
The property involved is located along Highway 2A about two kilometres north of the intersection of Highway 2A and Highway 27, at SW 9-33-1-5.
The applicant and owner is Richardson International Limited.
“The facility expansion will include a new bucket elevator and an extended drive shed,” administration said in a briefing note to the commission. “This will allow for the operator to speed the rate at which railcars can be filled.
“The existing development on the parcel encroaches the adjacent property to the east that is owned by CP Rail. The proposed development will also encroach onto CP Rail's property by three feet which is not an increase to the current encroachment.”
The applicant has received approval from CP Rail regarding the development, including the encroachment, members heard.
As well, the applicant has obtained a roadside development permit from Alberta Transportation for the proposed development.
Adjacent landowners within a half mile of the location were circulated the application and one letter of concern was received from Patrick Burke, Rosetree Development’s VP of Land Development.
In the letter, Burke expressed concerns about possible increased noise and traffic impacts, stating, in part: “Increased truck traffic on 50 Ave. would likely result in further and faster deterioration of the current/future roadway, thus increasing the tax burden on citizens from the Town of Olds, while the tax benefits of the project will go to Mountain View County.”
In a letter responding to the writer’s concerns, the applicant stated, in part: “Most traffic will not be entering the town unless they have a reason to be in the town of Olds. If such traffic were to enter the town for a specific purpose, the town is benefitted by increased support and patronage of local businesses by that traffic.”
