WESTLOCK — In spite of concerns raised by two local residents over increased traffic and water use, Westlock County councillors recently passed second and third reading on a bylaw that will allow the development of microbreweries or distilleries, including one possible distillery that may be established by Westlock Terminals south of Hazel Bluff.
At their meeting on March 12, 2024 councillors passed first reading on the bylaw, which amends the county's land-use bylaw to add new regulations that enable conditions for development to be applied with developmental approvals associated with microbrewery or distillery uses, and to add the defined land use of "microbrewery or distillery" to four existing land use districts (agricultural, urban general, highway commercial and industrial).
A public hearing was then held during the April 9 council meeting for council to hear written and verbal arguments against the amending bylaw.
Senior planning and development officer Kathleen Deshoux said that in 2022, Westlock County had amended the land-use bylaw to add the "microbrewery or distillery" land use. However, consultations with the broader community were not undertaken beyond the notification and engagement requirements identified in the Municipal Government Act.
Then, in 2023, Deshoux said a developer (later confirmed to be Westlock Terminals) contacted the county about their intention to develop a distillery in conjunction with its agricultural operations. (In 2021, Westlock Terminals had previously purchased the "home quarter" of land previously belonging to Milwest Farms, which was owned by the late Albert and Florence Miller, with the idea of expanding the co-operative's agricultural operations.)
Deshoux said the needed land-use at this time would be limited to small-scale manufacturing and distribution of beer and/or other alcoholic beverages. The developer also indicated that this first stage would last four to five years and will only involve the proposed distillery.
"During this time, they will focus on refining their production process and building brand recognition," Deshoux stated.
Once that first stage is over, the developer may consider additional stages of development like agri-tourism, value-added agriculture and event venues, Deshoux indicated. But for now, both the county and the developer agree that just amending the land-use bylaw to address microbreweries and distilleries would be sufficient.
Public comments
Stuart Buxton, who said he lives in the area where the proposed distillery may be developed, noted he was especially concerned about increased traffic in the area.
“Maybe it’s a small-scale distillery to begin with, but what happens when they’re doing agri-tourism?" he asked.
Buxton said the road that runs past his residence is already "bored out" due to the traffic that is currently going down it, which he considered to be bothersome.
“I prefer to have it quieter, and the way that it is currently constructed is not quiet," he said.
Coun. Stuart Fox-Robinson asked if administration had had any discussions with the resident about mitigating his concerns around traffic.
Collin Steffes, general manager of planning and community services, indicated the county could look into ways of mitigating those impacts, but he also emphasized that the county could require traffic impact assessments and similar actions before they approve a development permit for the proposed distillery. As well, the county can also impose restrictions around hours of operation, peak site visits, noise impacts and so on.
“There will be the opportunity for discussions on the development specifics to apply conditions to mitigate circumstances," he said.
The next to speak was resident Douglas Empey, who indicated a major concern around potential water use.
Noting that microbreweries and distilleries "use a significant amount of groundwater," Empey pointed out that the wells in the area where Westlock Terminals may place a distillery has "marginal" wells.
He also noted that the nearby Fifth Meridian Road, which is effectively the only road going north and south from Highway 18 to Alcomdale, already has a high amount of traffic, which he characterized as "very intense."
Empey wondered why a distillery was being considered for that area when there are villages and hamlets with the infrastructure to handle its water needs and increased traffic.
He added that he felt Westlock Terminals had not been a good neighbour, having removed trees on both his land and a neighbour's property that they were not supposed to.
Pointing out there are a substantial number of acreages living along that road, Empey said that if water and dust control issues are not address, "there could be a lot of angry people out there."
Westlock Terminals CEO Clifford Bell then stepped up to address some of the points he had heard.
On the water front, Bell said they would not be using well water for the proposed distillery, as they had tested the local water and determined it wasn't suitable for distilling.
“So there won’t be any draw on the local well there," he said.
As for liquor sales from that site, Bell indicated they have stated from the get-go that they will be producing and warehousing on site in existing buildings.
However, there will be no liquor tastings or people going out there for events. All the marketing, accounting and distribution will be done through Westlock Terminals' office in town, and they would use a closed mini-van for deliveries as opposed to a tractor-trailer unit.
Initially, they would only distribute liquor products to farmers' markets, small shops and liquor stores.
Bell admitted that they had had an issue with "overzealous contractors" removing trees that they weren't supposed to be, but they were working to mitigate those damages.
“It’s the intent of the board and myself to be a good neighbour," Bell said.
Final comments
When asked by council if she could think of any reason not to give second and third reading to the bylaw, Deshoux said she could not.
Acknowledging that residents had brought forward some legitimate concerns, Deshoux said, "I do believe that we can mitigate (those concerns) through the development permitting process."
Deshoux said that this amendment would support the county's Strategic Plan pillar of economic strength and viability, as well as the county's goal of developing a strong business ecosystem.
Coun. Isaac Skuban clarified that this was not about simply increasing the county's tax revenue, but also about value-added agriculture and supporting the municipality's farmers.
“Farming is our biggest commodity in the county. So I think it’s important for us to look at that side as well," he said.
