“Western Archrib is a major part of our municipality and we appreciate Western Archrib is in our municipality and continues to grow,” said Head of Council Judy Swanson. “Any business we have is important to us, and I know you employ a lot of people who live in this community. Thank you for what you do.”

Rhonda Kleebaum, a resident of the area of Aikman Street near where the plant is located, had several questions for council. One was who was responsible for what was under the street, such as water and sewer pipes, after the transfer. Head of Council Judy Swanson said the municipality would still hold responsibility for this infrastructure. She asked if they had considered leasing the land to the company instead of selling, with the reply that was not feasible for either Western Archrib or them for development.

Kleebaum asked if the road that was to be built in the area to alleviate the Western Archrib traffic on Aikman, which has not been built, had a timeline. The answer was there was no specific timeline for it at this time, but it was planned, as was further development on the new lot. At this time, the parent company of Northland Products was working on other projects, but planning to move on to Boissevain as soon as they were ready. Their work would include permanent barriers in the Buckingham area for safety reasons. At that point, a building permit would come to council to be decided on.

Swanson said that they certainly had wanted Western Archrib to stay in the community and had discussed different options with them. She added if someone had suggested they move out of the town limits, they would have left all together.

Kleebaum brought up the concern of lack of access with Buckingham taken off the public grid, and Swanson said this would be taken under consideration.

In the end, council passed the second and third reading of the by-law. As explained, the by-law goes on to Winnipeg for approval, and could take around six months to fully take effect.

by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff