A Manitoba rural municipality gripped by controversy over hog barns has placed a moratorium on the introduction of intensive livestock operations until it completes a review of its zoning bylaws.
The Rural Municipality of Shell River, in western Manitoba, has been in discussions with Danish investors wanting to build a network of hog barns in the area.
But a group of local residents opposes such a venture, citing concerns about potential effects on their lifestyle and the environment.
Last week, the Shell River municipal council voted four to one in favor of the temporary moratorium, which took effect Jan. 10. Only the reeve, Albert Nabe, was opposed.
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“Once we do that we definitely stall any applications for intensive livestock operations,” said Nabe, explaining his opposition to the moratorium.
“I don’t believe I want the municipality in that situation.”
The reeve said there could also be legal ramifications to the decision, although he would not disclose what those might be.
The moratorium was applauded by a group of concerned citizens calling themselves Citizens Against Factory Farming.
Larry Powell, a member of the group, said the action taken by council showed courage, foresight and responsible leadership.
But in a News release
news, Powell described the moratorium as a temporary reprieve.
“This only gives us a breathing space,” he said. “We still have to keep our powder dry.”
The RM of Shell River borders Roblin, a community of 1,900 people, about 200 kilometres northwest of Brandon. The town’s economic development officer said the venture being talked about would include local investors and hog producers from Denmark.
The discussions have included a 3,000-sow farrowing barn and a feed mill in Shell River. A network of nursing and feeder barns is also being considered as part of the venture.
Nabe said no formal proposal has been presented to the RM council.
On Jan. 18, the municipality is holding a public meeting about planning.
