A gun producer in Kitchener might be increasing its amenities.
At a gathering on Monday, council permitted a request to amend the official plan to redesignate properties close to 1036 Wilson Avenue from low-rise residential use to enterprise park employment use.
Paperwork submitted to council present Colt Canada plans to construct additions onto their present facility and relocate worker parking.
The corporate has already bought the 1084 and 1092 Wilson Avenue properties, instantly south of the prevailing Colt Canada constructing. Empty single indifferent properties nonetheless sit on the property however the majority of the land is roofed by woodlot and pure options, in addition to a steep slope to the Grand River.
“The two dwellings that exist now are currently vacant and have been vacant for some time,” Kitchener’s Director of Housing Approvals Garett Stevenson stated. “We did review those buildings. Our senior heritage planner reviewed them and they are not historically significant and they are vacant so no one is being displaced.”
The request handed by a vote of 6 to 4.
A picture included in Metropolis of Kitchener council paperwork exhibiting the positioning places for a proposed growth at Colt Canada in Kitchener. (Courtesy: GSP Group)
Opposition
A number of group delegates appeared earlier than council, expressing their concern with the manufacturing of weapons.
Councillor Debbie Chapman stated council obtained a whole bunch of messages expressing considerations concerning the nature of the manufacturing actions on the Colt manufacturing facility.
“The City of Kitchener’s bylaw does not regulate weapons manufacturing or manufacturing as separate uses. The manufacturing, distribution, sales and use of weapons is all under federal jurisdiction. So that is not within [council’s] jurisdiction under the Planning Act,” Stevenson defined.
“A denial of the application could potentially trigger an appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal,” Stevenson stated when requested what would occur if council determined to disclaim the applying based mostly on the merchandise which are manufactured on the facility as an alternative of specializing in official planning considerations.
Delegates additionally fearful about potential environmental impacts of the growth. Stevenson stated these points can be addressed at a later stage within the improvement course of.
Colt Canada responds
In a press release despatched to on behalf of Colt Canada, CEO Sean Congdon stated: “Colt Canada is proud that the City of Kitchener approved our expansion plan yesterday. In light of this, we want to address recent claims about our supposed deliveries to Israel. Colt Canada has never delivered any products or parts to Israel, and there are no such contracts in place.”
He went on to say: “Our expansion will primarily support the needs of the Canadian military and law enforcement, thus reinforcing Canadian national security. As a significant local employer, we are committed to contributing positively to Kitchener’s economy and the broader community.”
