Slaughterhouse in county to proceed despite opposition

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Despite opposition from residents, and an initially defeated proposal before the Wheatland County Municipal Planning Commission (MPC), the construction and operation of a beef abattoir will proceed. 

The County MPC discussed the application to develop the abattoir, May 9, during a regularly scheduled meeting. A total of 22 letters of opposition were received by the county, as well as two letters in support of the abattoir prior to a previously established response deadline.

An additional 10 responses from county residents were received, which were read into the public record during the MPC meeting. These letters were largely against the development of the abattoir. 

These also included a letter from Cattleland Farms, clarifying their position, and addressing several concerns from neighbours and nearby residents who had expressed concerns about the proposed facility.

Cattleland Farms also submitted a document to the county which included 143 signatures from surrounding ranchers and cattle operators expressing support for the project. 

Following the May 9 MPC meeting, at which the application was defeated, Cattleland and Creekstone Farms appealed the MPC’s decision to the Land and Property Rights Tribunal (LPRT).

This appeal was brought before the tribunal June 28 and 29, and was discussed during an appeal hearing. 

As of July 19, the LPRT had issued a decision overturning the MPC’s decision, which will allow the development of the abattoir.

Alberta Environment had issued their approval to the application, The Canadian Food Inspection Agency had provided their requirements to the applicant for receiving their approval by the time of the May 9 MPC meeting, and the Western Irrigation District had noted no concerns with the abattoir application.

Internally, prior to the MPC’s original defeating of the application, county staff had recommended road improvements to Range Road 253, off of Highway 564 to the furthest north entrance to the proposed facility. This redevelopment would see completion pending approval from Alberta Transportation.

The noted road improvements would facilitate transportation to and from the facility site, both during and post construction.

As construction will move forward, the abattoir is designed to process 26,000 head of beef annually, being approximately 100 head per day. 

Specific details regarding water consumption, wastewater management, processing of the animals and other information is publicly available via the County MPC meeting agenda for May 9, 2023. 

The county has not issued a statement on the matter of their decision being overturned by the Tribunal. Letters from county residents detailing their concerns and oppositions are also made available via the same document.