Mapleton approves minor variance for turkey barn, manure storage

MAPLETON – Owners are looking to build a turkey barn and manure storage area closer to the nearest road and neighbouring building than is typically allowed. 

The property, at 7890 Wellington Road 8, about a kilometre southeast of Drayton, is 73 hectares (180 acres) and occupied by a residence and poultry farm operation. It is owned by Schill-Land 1950 Inc. 

The barn and manure storage would be 15 metres from Sideroad 16, whereas it typically would need to be at least 33 metres from the nearest road. 

And it would be 294 metres from the closest neighbouring building (which is kitty corner from the farm property) instead of the 332 minimum that is usually required.

The property is designated as both prime agricultural and core greenlands, but the proposed barn and manure storage are entirely within the prime agriculture area. 

“The proposed barn and manure storage area located in an area of the farm property that maintains an appropriate setback from the municipal drain,” state township planners in a report presented to Mapleton’s committee of adjustment on Sept. 9. 

“Because of the topography on the remaining lands, there does not appear to be an alternative location that will not further reduce the productive farmland,” the report continues. “The proposed location provides for operational efficiency.” 

Township planners have no concerns with the proposal and say it maintains the general intent and purpose of Wellington County’s official plan and Mapleton’s zoning bylaw and would be desirable and appropriate.

Wellington County planners also have no concerns, nor does the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA).   

In order for the committee to approve a minor variance application, it must find it: 

– is minor in nature; 

– is desirable for the appropriate development or use of lands; and 

– maintains the general intent and purpose of the  county’s official plan and Mapleton’s zoning bylaw. 

Nutrient management consultant Gary Van Ankum said the reason the owners needed to apply for the minor variance is because if the barn and storage were located further south on the property, they would be encroaching on land regulated by the GRCA. 

Larry Schill spoke in favour of the application, noting “my wife and I live across the sideroad on 200 acres – we have no issues with the proposal – we think it’s a great idea and a very good location. 

“And because it’s a turkey barn ... it’s probably low on the end of issues with smell and noise.” 

Committee member Peg Schieck asked what kind of manure storage was proposed, and applicant Curtis Schill said it would be outside on a flat bed. 

“It’s manure storage greater than 30 per cent dry matter, therefore it’s approved to be uncovered,” Van Ankum added. 

Committee member Robert Stanners said he has no problem with the application and was “glad to see a neighbour come and speak positively to an application like that. 

“I know it is all family, but it’s still good to hear from somebody else within the neighbourhood that they are in favour of it too.”  

The committee, which had two absent members (Dennis Cuomo and Jeff Duimering), unanimously approved the application.