A direct control development permit for Liquids in Motion has been approved, despite some disagreement among County of Wetaskiwin councillors.
Recently council has had many discussions regarding road and intersection improvements, where funds can be found and if companies adding more traffic to those roads should help shoulder the costs.
During its Aug. 11 planning and economic development meeting, council was debating whether or not it could rightfully include a clause in the development permit stating Liquids in Motion would have to contribute to future road improvements.
“I think we should have a discussion administratively because we don’t have a policy in place,” said assistant CAO Rod Hawken. “I think the best way to deal with this is table it, unfortunately,” he added
Coun. Larry McKeever was in favour of tabling the matter but all other councillors voted against it.
Reeve Kathy Rooyakkers felt tabling it to the end of August could put Liquids in Motion on too tight of a construction schedule, with winter approaching. Coun. Terry Van de Kraats did not feel it was appropriate to hold up the permit for one condition.
“They’re investing a lot of money into the county, they’re going to be employing a lot of people. I understand we need to find funds … at some point we need to find those funds not always going to the same well,” said Coun. Lyle Seely.
Majority vote passed approval of the permit with conditions development officer Jarvis Grant presented prior to councillors’ decision. McKeever voted against the motion.
Prior to development, Liquids in Motion wanted to do some basic, preliminary groundwork; the land in question is directly adjacent to the northeast corner of the Town of Millet. The groundwork request included stripping top soil, sourcing clay, filling the stripped area with clay then covering it with gravel.
Liquids in Motion may strip the top soil and source clay but cannot re-grade or put fill material into the excavation and gravel until approved by council through a development permit, says Grant.
A request for a 90 foot tower is with Industry Canada at the moment to see if that development falls under that department’s jurisdiction.
County administration would like a haul route and road use agreement in place as a condition of the development permit.
Grant informed council the Town of Miller has indicated it does not want Township Road 475A used as main highway access. “Transport (Canada) has also indicated 475A was not suitable.”