A proposed vehicle storage compound in Teulon is being met with mixed reactions.
Rockwood Wrecking and Recovery is seeking conditional use approval to set up a 190-foot by 100-foot storage compound area enclosed by a commercial grade slatted chain link fence. The base of the compound would be limestone and gravel. The property is located along Provincial Trunk Highway 7 and is surrounded by Petro Canada to the north as well as residential properties to the south, east and west.
“There would be no need for parking outside of the compound as we would be able to drive directly into the compound itself and drop vehicles. Parking stalls would be on the west and east sides of the compound,” states the letter of intent.
“The vehicles being stored would be vehicles that we are picking up for Manitoba Public Insurance and vehicle impoundment. Some vehicles may have minor damage or no dam-age at all — these vehicles will either be ‘seized vehicles’ or vehicles that are being held on behalf of bylaw enforcement.”
For damaged vehicles, spill containment practices would be in place using spill kits and absorbent materials to prevent any potential leaks.
The vehicles wouldn’t be dismantled on the property, nor would they be stacked or put on racking. A maximum of 50 vehicles would be stored on site.
“The current property has some greenery throughout — we would be removing and re-placing this greenery with shrubbery and trees lining the north and west side of the property. The highway-facing portion will also have some greenery, with signage stating our business name, address and phone number,” states the letter of intent.
“The appearance of the property will be well hidden once the greenery and shrubbery is grown in. In the meantime, the fence will be constructed of commercial-grade chain link with black slats that will create a barrier of being able to see inside the compound. The height of the compound will block most of the vehicles and the line of sight directly from the highway. There will be no environmental impact on our neighbourhood surroundings.”
The business would mainly operate from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, with occasional after-hours access for employees only. Access to the compound would be by appointment only.
“The frequency for movement in and out of the compound will vary daily,” states the letter of intent. “Access to the location could be two or three times in one day but could only be two to three a week. This would vary depending on the amount of accidents and seizures within the local area.”
Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure has reviewed the proposal and advised that traffic generated by the proposed vehicle storage compound might impact the operation and safety of Provincial Trunk Highway 7 and has requested that the applicant provide preliminary traffic projections for the development.
The entire property is zoned commercial highway in the Town of Teulon’s zoning bylaw. However, only the first 190 feet is designated highway commercial area in the South Interlake Planning District’s development plan, with the rest designated as a residential area.
“This split designation is what currently limits the use of the entire property for commercial development,” states the letter of intent. “This reflects on our site plan, showing the compound at the front of the property within that zoning area. This will ensure we are complying with both the Teulon zoning bylaw and South Interlake Planning Development Plan.”
The South Interlake Planning District noted that several issues should be confirmed prior to issuing a permit, including site drainage, screening, exterior lighting design, commercial signage, site maintenance and security. SIPD also recommended that council consider re-quiring a development agreement with the town as a condition of approval.
An online petition is circulating in the community in opposition to the proposed conditional use. At press time, it had more than 100 signatures.
“One of our primary concerns is the environmental impact. Wrecking yards are known for potentially leaking hazardous fluids, which can seep into the soil and contaminate water supplies. For many of us, our homes rely on well water, making this a direct threat to our health and safety. Studies have shown that chemicals from junkyards can pollute local groundwater, leading to severe health consequences for community members,” states the petition.
“Furthermore, the introduction of a wrecking yard may increase unnecessary traffic and noise pollution, destroying the small-town peacefulness we cherish. Residents like myself fear the potential escalation in crime associated with these businesses, which could fundamentally alter the character of our quiet neighbourhood.”
Those who sign the petition also have the option to add a comment.
“My parents and I have lived in Teulon for 39 years, we love this town and we along with my friends and other Teulon residents don’t want to see a compound in town and ruin the community of Teulon, my parents and I along with my friends are totally against compound being built in our town,” states one comment.
On social media, one commenter expressed support for the proposal.
“Rockwood Wrecking and Recovery is one of the best companies around!” states the post. “The owners are fabulous and very community oriented! This is amazing for Teulon!”
A public hearing took place on Tuesday, March 10. Attendance included two people in support, nine people in opposition and seven for information.
Discussions are scheduled to take place at the March 25 committee of the whole meeting, and council will likely make their decision during their April 14 regular meeting.
