The provincial Subdivision Development Appeal Board has upheld the MD of Bonnyville's Municipal Planning Commission's decision to deny William Dixon's application to construct a 512-person work camp on his property north of Ardmore at a hearing Tuesday.
Though Dixon's land is designated agricultural, a work camp would fall under discretionary use for the land, which requires permission from the commission.
The work camp in question would be part of a bid from an outside company, Dixon explained at the appeal, adding he believed the company intended to present the bid to Imperial Oil, though he was not sure.
According to David McDaniel, a spokesperson for residents of the affected area, TWP 640, they received a letter requesting public input on the application dated June 6. Concerned citizens assembled to discuss their concerns, which ranged from the safety of their families, environmental factors, noise pollution, dust, and damage to existing infrastructure.
The original application was denied at a commission meeting on June 14. Following the denial of his application, Dixon had 14 days to appeal, which he did, responding to many of the residents' concerns.
Dixon said the camp would be temporary and buses would be used to transport workers, which would cut down on dust, traffic, and road deterioration. Water and food would be hauled in, while waste water and sewage would be hauled out to lower environmental impact. Split shifts would also reduce traffic. Generators with whisper packs would be used to power the camp, which would reduce noise pollution, and the camp would be dry, meaning there would be no drugs or alcohol on the premises. This would be enforced by the company running the camp. The camp would also have professional security on site at all times.
He also added similar camps in the Fort McMurray area pay about $370,000 in municipal taxes, and though this camp would be smaller, the MD would benefit from the added finances.
For the full story, see the Aug. 2 issue of the Bonnyville Nouvelle.
