Final approval on alternate use for old flour mill site lies with council
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on August 24, 2023.
https://www.medicinehatnews.com@MedicineHatNews A plan to initially use the Ogilvies Mill site as RV storage while the hulking former flour mill is redeveloped has earned initial approval, but city council still has to give the final OK. The city’s municipal planning commission recommended approval of a three-year temporary purpose to rent RV storage stalls on the 13-acre site as the owner works to convert the facility. MPC members endorsed the plan by a 7-0 vote on the application with conditions that parking be orderly at 200 set stalls, a route throughout the site is maintained and no permanent storage, such as seacans are placed. Casey Van Maarion, the owner of 12Twenty2 Ltd., has told the News he plans to rework the facility (at 1222 Allowance Ave.), toward light manufacturing, energy research and development. He is seeking tenants or potential partners for the 200,000-square-foot buildings that include warehouse and multi-storey buildings. He agreed with the three-year time frame, during which he plans to reconfigure the buildings. Since the site is zoned a direct control district, council will also have to formally approve the application directly. On Wednesday, city planner Brad Irwin said the overall plan is in line with “incremental growth” goals for the city, and could result in benefit of redeveloping the brownfield site in the central part of the city. The area is considered a general growth node for city planners, where redevelopment is encouraged along major transportation networks. But, planners said, the specific site offers some challenges – it is partially in a flood fringe zone and is rail serviced. As such, it is considered to have “special-use” typography that presents challenges for typical development. “The use (as RV storage) does not trigger the same level of concern” that a more intensive development application would regarding potential contamination. “It’s a stepping stone towards the eventual redevelopment,” said Irwin. During discussion, MPC members were told the three-year timeframe would begin when the permit is approved, residents of Mill Street (which borders on a fenceline) were informed by letter of the application) and any further change of use would require a new development application approval. Vacant seat A public seat is vacant on the municipal planning commission after a resignation this summer. Wednesday’s proceedings heard that former member Mark Asham had resigned as he had moved out of the community. Asham, an unsuccessful candidate for city councillor in 2021, was named to the MPC later than year. Chair Coun. Darren Hirsch made the announcement of his departure and extended his thanks. It is believed the seat will remain vacant until annual selections for city boards, commissions and advisory bodies takes place in December. 20-19
