Paterson GlobalFoods is moving forward with plans for a new grain terminal facility near Bowden after a recent appeal by an area landowner was denied.
The subdivision and development appeal board (SDAB) with Red Deer County recently denied an appeal by adjacent landowners Leonard and Fern Kobewka of Bowden.
Shane Paterson, corporate development officer with Paterson GlobalFoods said they are pleased to see support from the county.
“It was welcome news,” said Paterson, noting that the company had discussed the Kobewkas' concerns with them privately and attempted to address them.
“We offered to plant trees, build a fence to act as a sight and sound barrier and none of those alternatives were acceptable to them,” he said. “The reality of the location is it's a very busy highway. Which is primarily why we picked the location.”
One of the main concerns for the Kobewkas was the impact on the rural environment and perceived tranquil atmosphere. Paterson said the company does not believe it will disrupt a pristine, rural environment, any more than it already is.
“Our overall increase in traffic was just over one per cent (via a traffic impact assessment). “There's 250 heavy trucks going in front of the Kobewkas' house every day at present. Add to that the fact that they live right next to the Canadian Pacific mainline (railway) where several trains per day go by at highway speed,” explained Paterson.
Leonard Kobewka said he and his wife Fern are not opposed to the development of the grain terminal itself but the impact such a facility would have on the environment, the local atmosphere and overall quality of living.
“It's a major industrial facility and we can't live with that kind of facility,” said Kobewka, noting the terminal will impact their skyline and view. “People choose the city for convenience and people choose the country for country living,” he added. “It will no longer be a country environment that we can be comfortable with.”
Kobewka said they will accept the ruling and the way things are for now but will consider their options in the future.
“We chose this property (several years ago) for its proximity to Bowden and for the fact that it was agriculturally zoned. There was no such plan for any such development,” he said. “It has really changed things for us.
“We chose a country life many years ago and all of a sudden it's being taken away from us,” said Kobewka. “We raised our family in the country and we continue to want to live our remaining years in the country.”
Progress for the grain terminal is still on schedule, despite the appeal, noted Paterson.
“We're hopeful to begin construction late summer or early fall,” he said, adding that they expect to finalize paperwork, details, and meet all requirements for the development permit in the near future.
“It was unfortunate that we had to be a bit delayed, but it hasn't impacted anything so we're continuing to progress the project as quickly as we can,” said Paterson, noting construction could take about 12 to 15 months.
“One other thing we have to do is to gain the trust of the local farmers,” said Paterson. “We very much look forward to doing that.”
"We offered to plant trees, build a fence to act as a sight and sound barrier and none of those alternatives were acceptable to them."Shane Patersoncorporate development officer
