City A No Show At Public Hearing

By Robert Thomas

Where was the City of Moose was a common question on Tuesday morning as a public hearing was held into a proposed cattle trailer and liner wash facility.

The hearing had approximately a dozen people voicing their concerns and support for the project.

However, the majority of people there were opposed to the project. They were not just Iron Bridge residents but people living in the area acreages.

The letter to allow comment went to the City on April 9th but residents only received the letter on May 1st.

The City was not at the public hearing with the RM stating it would be nice if the City attended,

The City did not respond by publication time about the problems with waiting weeks to send out the letter earlier.

Additionally there was no response as to why the City did not attend the public hearing.

Those attending were told all the City did was to send a letter and make two telephone calls about the proposed development

If approved the discretionary use project is slated to wash 30 trailers a week.

Water for the project would come by teeing off of the existing line to Caronport,

Access to the waterline must be approved by the City,

Letter sent to Iron Bridge and other residents of the City - MJ Independent file photo

FOR

Two RM farmers spoke In favour of the proposed development,

One farmer said that when you live so close to farms, you have to get used being around farms.

AGAINST

The majority of people attending the hearing were opposed to the project. It was also the same for people who submitted their opinions regarding the project.

The majority of people were opposed to the project all quoted smells that would fill the area..

Location of proposed truck wash

Additionally opponents spoke out about the negative effect on property values.

The project was said to have negative affects on property valies with one attendee stating he should “sell my property before the project is completed.”

Another concern was dust on the road by increased truck traffic. The semis were also said to have a negative fact on roads in the area.

Another concern was the increased affect it would have with flies in the area.

“I think the smell is going to reach us more,” a project opponent said.

A mention was made if the project follows Ag Saskatchewan policies when it comes to locating close to urban centres.

It is unknown if those policies would stop the development.

The RM received 21 written submissions with one in favour and 20 opposed to the project.

The RM told those gathered that they have a set process and they would be following that in order to decide yes or no regarding the prosed development. The RM has no opinion at this time regardless the proposed truck wash.

Those gathered were also told that they may be better off and get more done by contacting the City of Moose Jaw and speaking to them.

Attendees were told that the RM had policies and a process to follow before they make any kind of decision.