UXBRIDGE -- A proposed recycling transfer station in Uxbridge's west end has been deferred by council -- again. Neighbouring residents who have been outspoken against a rezoning application from AllStar Wood Waste and Recycling Inc. in previous meetings were at Town Hall again Aug. 13, awaiting a council rezoning decision on the property. The transfer station would involve the sorting of wood and brick, amongst other materials, left over from construction sites. Concerns have arisen regarding possible runoff of waste materials onto neighbouring farm properties.
On July 16, council voted to delay a decision until more input from all parties could be gathered. Since then more correspondence has poured in regarding the application, including a letter from Save The Oak Ridges Moraine (STORM) Coalition, and as a result, council decided to hand the Township's planning consultant Liz Howson more time before she brings forward a final report. Ms. Howson had previously recommended councillors approve the zoning if certain conditions are met.
Councillor Jack Ballinger said he visited a York Region transfer station to get a better idea of what to expect. "There was garbage everywhere. We should all do our homework on this," he said. "This (proposal) will affect the whole industrial site." Coun. Bev Northeast added, "Transfer stations scare me after seeing some of them in action."
But Debbe Crandall, executive director of STORM, wrote in support of the consultant's recommendation. "Given the proximity to the town's water (supply) and neighbouring residences, and its location within a... wellhead protection capture zone, all efforts to limit the types of materials being stored on site seem prudent and represent good governance on the part of the Township."