As the commencement of demolition and salvage work at Watson Island nears, Quickload Logistics has set its sights on the former Canadian Freightways yard for its container stuffing operations.
The company’s request to rezone the land came before city council on March 23, with the area needing a slight zoning amendment from Light Industrial (M1) to General Industrial (M2) before Quickload could set up at the site.
“The conundrum in this situation is that it is not a stock use. We don’t have it contemplated in our zoning bylaw. Moving containers, storage and stuffing containers best fits into M2 ... it is a situation that arises from new industrial development,” explained city planner Zeno Krekic, who noted the number of trucks entering the facility from Highway 16 may require discussions with the province.
“One of the things that I advised the proponent very strongly is that, prior to council giving first and second reading today, I would be referring it to the Ministry of Transportation. The highway is a controlled access highway, so we will require their comments before council can consider approval to the proponent.”
After first and second readings, a public hearing on the matter has been scheduled for the April 13 meeting of council. However, council did have some questions about what else could be done on the land under the M2 zoning if it was sold to another company in the future. Krekic noted the general industrial zone allows for more activity than light industry.
In its submission to council, Quickload Logistics noted the site is buffered from the highway and the “residential neighbours to the north have a substantial green barrier separation providing a highly effective visual and sound screen”.