Stonewall council received a request from MityBilt Products Inc. to vary the minimum rear yard and side yard setbacks in order to build a two-storey 21,600-square-foot manufacturing and storage facility to house Hush Acoustics on a Limestone Bay property.
The property, which is in a light industrial zone, is currently vacant and is surrounded by existing industrial uses. The applicants sought to vary the minimum rear yard and side yard setbacks to five feet from the required 15 feet minimum. Hush Acoustics intends to build a new full-function facility to produce high-quality acoustic products using cutting-edge technology and recycled materials like water bottles and pop bottles.
The company expects to employ about 10 to 12 people. The applicants already have an existing building across Limestone Bay to the east.
“MityBilt is a vital contributor to the furniture industry within our region, serving as the sole manufacturer of school furniture in western Canada and the exclusive provider of furniture coast to coast through local dealers across Canada. Currently, our operations at the Stonewall industrial Park employ over 70 dedicated full-me staff members,” states the company’s letter of intent.
“The proposed establishment of a new building for our affiliated company, Hush Acoustics, located at 31 Limestone Bay, presents an opportunity for optimization. Consolidating our manufacturing activities by relocating from our current facility at 549 King Edward St. in Winnipeg to a site nearer to Stonewall will facilitate operational efficiency. This move will not only enhance our logistical capabilities but also create employment opportunities, with an estimated 10 additional employees commuting from Winnipeg to Stonewall daily.”
The operations of Hush Acoustics and MityBilt share administrative, financial and marketing functions. They also collaborate on projects nationwide.
“By co-locating, we can consolidate shipments, thereby minimizing shipping costs and reducing our overall environmental impact, in alignment with our commitment to sustainability,” states the letter of intent.
“In conclusion, we urge the council to consider the significant benefits that the establishment of the new Hush Acoustics facility would bring as we plan to consolidate operations in Stonewall. In addition to improving efficiencies and competitiveness, this move would also create new job opportunities and contribute to the economic growth of Stonewall.”
Council conditionally approved the request.
“It’s good news for the town that they’ve decided to bring the development here rather than leave it in the city,” Mayor Sandra Smith said. “It brings good economic value for us and employment opportunities.”
Council also conditionally approved an excess animal request from Desiree Griffin-Eros to keep two dogs and five cats for companionship and pleasure purposes only at a 4th Avenue South property. When any of the current animals die, they can’t be replaced unless the total number of dogs is two or less and the total number of cats is three or less. The excess animal permit must be renewed each year.
The applicant also requested permission to temporarily foster one extra dog and one extra cat over six months old at the same address.
Four members of council felt that the number of animals in the residence is already significantly large and were in support the excess animal permit but not the additional request of fostering. Coun. Kim Newman said council also needs to consider the neighbouring properties. Newman added that she is an animal lover who has fostered animals herself.
Meanwhile, Mayor Sandra Smith said she felt Griffin-Eros should be able to temporarily foster one cat or one dog in need of special medical care since there would be enough checks and balances in place.
Council denied the request to allow for the temporary fostering of one additional dog and one additional cat over the age of six months besides the ones listed on the excess animal permit.
In other council news:
• Residents can voice their opinions about the Town of Stonewall’s asset management system. The town is updating its asset management plan and is seeking community feedback on what level of service residents expect from physical assets that the town operates, maintains, repairs and replaces. The information will help the town to better manage its physical assets for today while also planning for future service needs. Residents can provide input on their satisfaction with municipal services, their service priorities for funding allocation and their willingness to pay to maintain or increase services. They can also share service improvements. The survey is available on the Town of Stonewall website at www.stonewall.ca until the end of the day on Monday, May 13.
• Stonewall’s Anglican Church is now officially and legally designated as a municipal heritage site, which indicates that it’s a site of architectural or historic value. Council passed second and third readings at the April 17 council meeting.
• At the same meeting, council also passed second and third readings of a bylaw to establish a rate for urban services being provided to the Town of Stonewall.
• The Town of Stonewall ahs an existing funding agreement with Manitoba Water Services Board from 2019 to help with upgrades to the south lift station. However, the existing funding agreement doesn’t provide enough resources to complete the upgrade project, which is estimated to cost $2 million. As a result, the town approved an amendment with MWSB to fund the project up to $2 million to be cost-shared on a 50/50 basis.
• Representatives from partner municipalities have requested a meeting with Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara to discuss the local personal care home project.
• Council approved a proposal from WSP to provide engineering services to advance the continuing care retirement community project.
• The Stonewall Rockwood fire chief has designated authority to implement a burning ban at his discretion based on the level of fire restrictions outlined in the town’s burning bylaw. Unusually dry conditions and below-average moisture levels create a potentially high risk of wildfires. The burning ban might need to be implemented with urgency at short notice.
• Council agreed to provide a grant to the Grade 2 students of École RW Bobby Bend School to cover the admission cost of touring the Heritage Arts Centre in the spring of 2024. In their request they indicated that they have attended the centre in the past and have found it to be a valuable resource to learn about the town’s history since it fits in perfectly with the Grade 2 social studies curriculum.
• Yard waste pickup began April 22. Unlimited yard waste pickup is available until June 7.
