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Making room for a growing business

County of Barrhead MPC approves Dwayne Miedema and Pakrat Towing’s application for 50-vehicle impound yard and towing business
Jenny Bruns Aug 16 2022
County of Barrhead development officer Jenny Bruns recommended that councillors approve the application to expand an impound lot in the Neville Lake area during the municipal planning committee's Aug. 16 meeting.

BARRHEAD – A County of Barrhead resident will be able to expand his business following a decision by the Municipal Planning Commission (MPC). 

Following administration’s recommendation, the MPC unanimously approved Dwayne Miedema's application with several conditions, following administration's recommendation, to store up to 50 vehicles as part of towing/impound business (Pakrat Towing) near Neville Lake during their Aug. 16 meeting. 

Development officer Jenny Bruns said the property is part of an Agriculture District, and as such, the business as a generic industrial use is allowed under the Land-use Bylaw. 

The parcel is developed with a residence and has several outbuildings, including multiple structures for garage and storage use. 

"Previously, he had a letter of support from the municipality for storage for 20 vehicles, but he has expanded far beyond what (former development officer Rick Neumann approved in the letter) that we've decided a development permit is the best course of action," she said. 

Bruns added because Miedema's operation has grown substantially, the industry's regulator, the Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council (AMVIC), requires him to have municipal approval in the form of a permit. 

She also noted that due to the operation's proximity to Neville Lake, Alberta Environment and Parks requires a 100-metre setback from the lakebed, saying they also included this requirement as part of the county's permit conditions. 

"But he does have room to meet that condition," Bruns said. 

Miedema must follow all applicable provincial legislation and regulations regarding the handling and storage of dangerous goods and fluids to prevent offsite and subsurface leaching, provide proof of an AMVIC licence and approval of activities on site, and he must limit the number of impounded vehicles stored at any time to 50. 

County manager Debbie Oyarzun added the benefit of having a development permit, rather than just a letter of support, is that it gives the county the tools to enforce the conditions if any problems arise. 

Coun. Walter Preugschas was concerned about the proximity of a neighbouring residence, saying it "was very close." 

Bruns agreed but noted she believes there is a large enough of a "green buffer" (bushes and trees) that it will not be a problem. 

She added that Miedema has been operating on the property for some time, and his neighbours have not raised any concerns. 

Bruns also noted that as part of the permit process, the municipality notified adjacent landowners of Miedema's intentions. 

Coun. Paul Properzi asked what the process was if there was an environmental complaint. 

Bruns said county staff often receive these types of complaints, adding that most of the time, they get referred to the 24-hour Environmental Response Line (1-800-222-6514). 

On rare occasions, she added, they will report it themselves on behalf of a complainant.  

"I will do it if I believe there is a valid concern, but often it is just a case of a civil matter where people who are not getting along are trying to cause trouble for someone, so sometimes we need to investigate a little bit," she said. 

Bruns added that sometimes AEP, depending on their capacity, will ask the county to do the initial investigation. 

Coun. Walter Preugschas asked if the property would accommodate further expansion. 

"Right now, we are limiting it to 50 cars, what if sometime in the future they want to go to 100?" he asked. 

Bruns said she believed the property could accommodate such an increase, but by limiting them to a lower number, it forces them to plan. 

"But if it still grows and they go over the limit, we can look at it again, impose proper conditions, help create a proper site plan," she said. 

Reeve Doug Drozd suggested that a 50-vehicle limit should meet Miedema's needs. 

"It is different than a vehicle dismantler," he said. "(As an impound yard) the vehicles are never to be there permanently. They are recovered and stored temporarily until they go to auction, et cetera." 


Barry Kerton

About the Author: Barry Kerton

Barry Kerton is the managing editor of the Barrhead Leader, joining the paper in 2014. He covers news, municipal politics and sports.
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