Corman Park Council approved an application for expansion of the Skywest Farms Ltd. Intensive poultry operation near Dalmeny during a video-conference council meeting on Monday, May 25.
But the proposed expansion of the intensive livestock operation (ILO) from 600 to 1250 animal units (AU) wasn’t popular with several adjacent landowners, who say it could lower property values in the area and lead to increased odour issues.
The 29.97 hectare (74.05 acre) poultry intensive livestock operation (ILO) located along Highway 305 and Range Road 3061 was originally approved for a maximum of 600 AU in 2014. Corman Park council approved an expansion for 1250 AUs on January 16, 2017, but no development permit was issued at that time by the RM because required co-existence agreements with adjacent landowners were not signed.
In July 2019, construction of an additional barn on the property to accommodate extra housing space for laying hens was given approval by the RM. However, the new barn was built at the owner’s risk since there was no guarantee additional AUs would be approved by council.
Skywest owner-operator Brian Pauls told the council meeting he intends to increase the amount of screening for the operation. He said the ventilation system in the barns filter out virtually all the dust and feathers and the farm’s manure management practices exceed provincial standards.
He noted the facility represents a large capital investment and employs many local people.
David Odnokon, a neighbouring landowner, said while he’s not opposed to business expansion, he believes adjacent property values will be adversely impacted.
“My taxes are going up but my property values are going down,” said Odnokon.
Corman Park Division 5 councillor Art Pruim said he believes the Skywest Farms ILO is “a well-managed operation” and suggested with additional screening the impact on neighbouring properties would be mitigated.
Corman Park council also gave approval at the May 25 meeting, in a narrow 5-4 vote, to a discretionary use application for an abattoir operation just outside the hamlet of Rheinland north of Osler.
The discretionary use application was made by Raquel Dyck on behalf of Joseph and Ruth Wollf.
Several residents of the hamlet of Rheinland had raised concerns about the facility.
The abattoir, built about a decade ago as a home-based business for custom processing hogs for sausage, had recently been sold to a new operator. The sale required the subdivision of the property and a permit for the abattoir to operate as a stand-alone business. An abattoir is a discretionary use in agricultural districts.
The discretionary use proposal included the addition of a “holding area” for animals awaiting processing, which would reduce the amount of daily traffic.
Smoky Joe’s, the home-based business which had previously utilized the abattoir facility, is still in operation but has relocated to a different facility on the owner’s farm.
Several residents of Rheinland said the abattoir contributes to additional traffic, noise, dust and other nuisances, as well as potentially lowering area property values.
Corman Park Division 8 councillor Wendy Trask said while the type of business is suitable to an agricultural area, she believes this particular abattoir location is “too close” to the hamlet residences.
Other area residents, including dairy farmers, supported the proposal.
Bryce Fisher, owner of R&F Livestock which transports livestock to the abattoir, said the facility serves about 80 producers in the area and represents about 30 full-time jobs. He said the operators are willing to put in place measures to mitigate the concerns of residents.
Corman Park Division 6 Councillor Bas Froese-Kooijenga said he supports the application. He added that the facility will be limited to its current capacity only.