(File Photo/battlefordsNOW)

By Roger White

SCRAPPED

Proposed junk yard scrapped for Battleford

Oct 4, 2023 | 6:06 AM

A proposed new junkyard for the Town of Battleford has been scrapped following Monday’s monthly meeting of Battleford Town Council.

Ruster Recycling made the application to the town hoping to secure the parcel of land at 472-13th St. in the Battleford Industrial Park to establish a new auto wrecker business alongside a junkyard.

Citing numerous concerns including the environmental impact on the area and the possibility of an uptick in crime, the application was unanimously defeated (5-0) with Councillor Alexis Christensen not in attendance.

In its application to the town, Ruster Recycling proposed that if its submission was approved, precautions such as a proper waste management system and a regular facility clean-up would be taken.

“From what I am hearing from council is that no one is necessarily against this business (Ruster Recycling) in town; it’s just its proposed location,” cited Battleford Mayor Ames Leslie. “These types of businesses are what industrial parks are for, however the close proximity to the river and with environmental clean-ups being costly, it’s just not a road we are prepared to go down at this time.”

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Those around the council table were not the only ones with concerns.

Chris Odishaw who owns and operates Battleford Furniture expressed his issues with the potential project.

“I’ve heard from citizens who have serious concerns about this proposed venture,” said Odishaw. “I would suggest there are better places possibly to have a wrecking yard. Of course, nobody wants it in my backyard and it has to go somewhere.”

Odishaw said he understands the situation the Town of Battleford is in as no one wants to turn away business opportunities however there are more cons than pros with this development such as zoning, the environment and the potential for an increase in crime.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com