There are worries about upcoming development in the City of Sarnia and the Village of Point Edward after Cargill Limited filed a two-tier request for a Minister’s Zoning Order (MZO).
Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley mentioned that he got a letter from Cargill, just before Christmas, informing the city about its application to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
“Recent proposed development activity near the terminal raises concerns about the encroachment of new sensitive land uses to Cargill’s industrial operation. This creates significant land use compatibility challenges,” read the letter. “Accordingly, separation from sensitive land uses is required to mitigate potential adverse effects such as noise, dust, odour, and vibration.”
The Cargill Sarnia Grain Terminal is located at 101 Exmouth St.
Essential for agriculture, the terminal manages fertilizer and exports grain from southwestern Ontario to clients worldwide. The company stated it directly handles around 35 percent of Ontario’s export grain.
650 metres from the Cargill property limit. (Photo included in letter sent to the City of Sarnia)
The MZO suggests a two-tier buffer strategy: banning sensitive land uses within 300 metres of Cargill’s property limit and a holding provision (301m to 650m from the property limit) that requires technical studies and mitigation measures for any new sensitive land uses.
Bradley pointed out how controversial MZOs can be since this provincial tool can override local decisions and eliminate public consultation.
“I’m just disappointed they jumped to this step, and I know the mayor of Point Edward is too,” Bradley said. “It’s heavy-handed. I just don’t understand the approach.”
If approved, Bradley expressed concern about what this would mean for mixed-use waterfront developments.
He believes that Cargill’s sudden move was prompted by progress in plans around Harbour Street.
Tricar Properties bought the former Stokes By The Bay site with intentions for residential development. Bradley also mentioned plans from the Sarnia and District Humane Society possibly building in that area.
“I don’t know why they (Cargill) jumped to that step. Why not see Tricar’s proposal or hear about the humane society’s proposal before working with the community?” Bradley said. “That would force us to do all those things.. traffic studies, planning hearings.”
“If they get this order, then we lose total control,” Bradley added.
While he understands how important agriculture is, he doesn’t agree with taking away property owners’ rights.
“They’ll make the case this is a big deal for agriculture, and yeah, I get that,” he said. “I’ve supported them in the past. But boy, they’ve lost an ally with this approach.”
Village of Point Edward Mayor Bev Hand shared she felt caught off guard by Cargill as well and quickly wrote a letter to Housing Minister Rob Flack and Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey.
“Yes, we are concerned,” Hand told Sarnia News Today. “I don’t feel it’s fair. Any citizens [wouldn’t] feel it would be fair for government to come in and override local authority when we’ve had a planning process.”
Hand is unsure if the proposed MZO limits (related to 600m) will affect development on the former Holmes Foundry site but worries it may restrict future projects near the casino.
“It’s too early to tell; I haven’t talked to owners of that property,” Hand said.
MPP Bailey informed Sarnia News Today that Cargill’s MZO application has not yet been officially received by Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
“So we don’t know specific details regarding what Cargill is requesting,” said Bailey in an emailed statement. “However, every MZO application review by our ministry includes a public consultation process. I strongly encourage all interested parties to engage once that process starts.”
A report from Ontario’s Auditor General in 2024 noted that Ford’s government used MZOs more frequently without having consistent protocols in place.</پ
“Cargill actively engages with government officials on initiatives critical to ensuring long-term viability of our grain terminal operations. This includes advocating for effective land use policies and tools needed to protect vital economic corridors while supporting agricultural supply chains,” Cargill stated in an emailed response provided to Sarnia News Today.”We have proudly partnered with Sarnia community since 1988 supporting local economic prosperity along with community safety as well as farmer livelihoods.”</پ
The company reported employing approximately 50 team members.
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