Minor variance approved to relocate grain storage bins

HARRISTON – Town council has approved a minor variance application allowing Harriston resident Max Von Westerholt to expand and relocate four grain storage bins on his property.

The property, at 5746 Wellington Road 87, is approximately 77.4 acres, zoned agricultural and natural environment, and currently contains an existing farming operation, including crop cultivation.

It also includes a grain drying and storage operation.

The council report was discussed by the committee of adjustment on July 8.

The purpose of the application is to seek relief for a minimum interior side yard of 18.3 metres while 3.05 metres is proposed. The proposed storage bins have a diameter of 10.06 metres.

Town staff, the county’s planning department and property owners within 60 metres of the subject property received notice of the application and all had no concerns.

No one registered to speak against the application, nor did any speak during the meeting.

“Are there any motorized fans on the bins?” asked councillor Ed Podniewicz.

Von Westerholt explained an aeration fan accompanies each bin, which is protocol when storing grain.

“In my past I’ve dealt with something like this before and there was always complaints from the neighbours about the noise from these fans … but I guess this may not be a big issue,” Podniewicz replied, taking into account Von Westerholt owns the adjacent property.

Town staff stated the proposed relief meets the four tests of the minor variance and recommended approval.

Council approved the application unanimously.