Barnston West Council addresses concerns in monthly meeting
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
At Barnston West’s monthly council meeting on Nov. 4, approximately five residents gathered to discuss a range of local issues with Mayor Johnny Piszar in Way’s Mills’ Community Hall, including the recent rejection of a quarry proposal, ongoing concerns with coyote hunters trespassing on private property, and potential measures to reduce speed limits to protect children.
The first question period opened with a query about the council’s decision on the proposed quarry. One resident sought clarity, asking whether the project might still proceed under revised conditions or with adjustments in location. Mayor Piszar responded firmly, stating, “We’ve had no further contact from the landowner,” and explained that the current proposal conflicts with municipal regulations, particularly regarding the distance from residential properties. “As of now, it’s effectively dead and buried,” he confirmed, though he added that the proposal could resurface if the owner decided to submit a new plan or applied for a zoning change.
Another resident delved deeper into specific zoning restrictions, referencing regulations in other municipalities where stone-crushing activities are strictly prohibited. The council clarified that Barnston West currently lacks the zoning required for large-scale quarry operations and noted that implementing such changes would be a lengthy process. “It’s not a simple decision. Any modification to zoning would involve considerable time and resources,” one council member said, offering assurance that the limitations are in place to protect local residents.
The potential financial burden of allowing quarry operations also stirred concerns among attendees. According to the council, if heavy quarry machinery frequently used local roads, upkeep expenses would rise sharply. “We’d see a 40 per cent increase in road maintenance costs,” explained Piszar, who emphasized that while a small revenue might come to the municipality, “the transportation fees and damage to infrastructure make it financially unsustainable.”
