Dear friends, family and neighbours,
Present at meeting: Councillor Orlikow, and River Heights residents Debra Black, Rhonda Chegus Hjorleifson and Alain Vermette.
Issue: Further industrialization of the BNSF property along Lindsay St between Corydon and Taylor Ave. Specific concerns are the appearance of 8 storage silos and the intended CANDO construction of a transloading station. Long term solution is the relocation of the BNSF and CN tracks.
Background: In September 2012 eight storage silos were erected by Fort Distributors on the BNSF land at Lindsay and Mathers. The City of Winnipeg ordered Fort Distributors to remove the silos because of bylaw infractions. Fort Distributors appealed the City of Winnipeg order on Jan 15/13. The appeal was heard by the Standing Committee of Property and Development. RHRA made presentations to the committee. Fort Distributors lost the appeal. The storage silos have not been removed by the date ordered. The matter is now proceeding to Court. The City and residents’ goal is to obtain an order to remove from the Courts which will force Fort Distributors to remove the silos and to make payment of associated fines.
Outcome: Councillor Orlikow will advise RHRA of the Court date by May 3rd, 2013.
Issue: CANDO is planning to expand the use of BNSF property by constructing a transloading station on Lindsay St between Corydon and Grant. The CANDO plan is to have trucks entering the BNSF property at Corydon and exiting at Grant Ave. In order to facilitate this BNSF filed an application with the City of Winnipeg for a curb cut on to Grant Ave. In addition a road will be constructed on the BNSF property leading to the proposed curb cut. The Public Works Department at the City of Winnipeg has already approved the curb cut. The curb cut does not require a variance or rezoning. The decision is an administrative application to the Public Works Department.
Outcome: Councillor Orlikow is in discussion with the Director of Public Works to appeal the curb cut decision based on neighbourhood impact and hardship. Councillor Orlikow will update the RHRA of the response from Public Works by May 3/13. Residents expressed concern to Councillor Orlikow that Public Works approved the curb cut without a clear plan of the proposed operation and construction of the CANDO station. Councillor Orlikow has been informed that any construction of the curb cut or construction by CANDO will trigger public picketing and media protest by residents. Volunteers are ready to distribute information flyers to the River Heights area.
Updates and Progress
1. Councillor Orlikow has initiated discussion with MP Joyce Bateman and the MB Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation, Steve Ashton. The Federal Minister of Transportation, Denis Lebel has also been advised of the situation by Joyce Bateman. There has been a proposal to fund a feasibility study by all three levels of government to match funds needed to relocate the BNSF and CP tracks. To date there is not a signed tri level agreement.
2. Councillor Orlikow has contacted the BNSF system coordinator in Minnesota indicating that there is the intention to work towards relocating the yards. In light of this information it is hoped that BNSF will alter their plans for any expansion of their operations pending further negotiations.
3. A suggestion has been made that the homeowners most affected the current activities of BNSF could petition the City of Winnipeg for a lowering of the tax assessment until these issues have been resolved. Councillor Orlikow advised that he would check with the Tax Assessment Department by May 3rd, 2013 and share their response. It was agreed that affected residents may not be fully aware of the CANDO situation. The process of going door to door for the tax petition might be a useful step towards improving local awareness. Councillor Orlikow will provide information on the petition process that would give us the best chance of success.
4. Councillor Orlikow noted that Joyce Bateman, Mayor Sam Katz , and Provincial representatives are all of like mind that the BNSF should be relocated.
Submitted by Rhonda Chegus Hjorleifson, Member of RHRA Core,