Council passed two bylaws to allow the Starland Seed Cleaning Plant a chance.
In a recent update from board chair Murray Marshall (who also sits on council), news emerged that Canada Grain Commission has suspended WA Grain’s trading license until April 30.
The plant was gunning for export grain as part of their business plan but did not have many commitments outside of what they had with WA Grain.
A couple of weeks ago, the plant met their shareholder investment objective of $1.4 million.
“We are currently working out the final financing details, but the project has met all of the parameters required to ensure success,” said Marshall in his notice to stakeholders.
For now, the plant committee is working out the details of establishing another exporter with preliminary conversations with AGT Foods and their accountant and lawyers.
Once their direction is established a meeting will be set to discuss further.
With the project now secured financially, administration recommended two bylaws pass first reading to get the ball rolling as it could take some time to come into effect.
These bylaws set out provisions for a long-term loan of $2.5 million over 20 years.
If the plant can’t meet the payments, the county is accepting liability.
Coun. Jackie Watts asked if accepting first reading tied the county to anything yet, but administration said no as the bylaw hasn’t been passed yet.
It was also asked if Marshall should refrain from voting on this matter considering his involvement with the project but administration shared he is not in a conflict of interest as he is not a shareholder with 10 per cent or more of the project.
Council established both Bylaw 1169 and Bylaw 1170 and passed first readings for each.
Morrin campground update
The Morrin Historical Park and Sod House Society Campground Proposal was brought to the village’s attention recently with an application for a development permit being submitted on April 16.
Bremer said the county is willing to pay the permit fee but has not heard back on how much this will cost.
Bremer explained that Official Administrator (OA) Harold Johnsrude who is acting as council until the October municipal election hasn’t been getting much information on this project although the society has reached out to the village beforehand.
Terri Huxley
ECA Review
