Curtis Avenue proposal raises concerns as details emerge at planning meeting

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

A proposal to permit a hydro-vac slurry processing facility at 40 Curtis Ave. N. is drawing growing concern from nearby residents following its presentation at a County of Brant planning meeting in April.

The application, submitted by Zelinka Priamo Ltd. on behalf of property owner DCH Group Inc., seeks a zoning bylaw amendment to allow the use on lands currently zoned Heavy Industrial (M3). 

A hydro-vac slurry processing facility is used to handle waste collected by hydro excavation trucks, which vacuum up a mixture of soil, water and debris from construction sites. At a processing site, that slurry is offloaded into tanks or holding areas where it is mechanically separated — typically using high-speed equipment — into reusable water and solid materials such as sand and gravel, which are then transported off-site for reuse or disposal.

Zelinka Planner Danieli Elsenbruch, speaking on behalf of the applicant, presented the proposal to council on April 14, explaining the amendment would rezone the property to a site-specific exception to permit the facility at the rear of the site. 

“This type of use is not permitted within the current Heavy Industrial (M3) Zone, and therefore a Zoning By-Law Amendment is required,” her presentation noted. 

The report was received for information only, with no decision made.

The 0.6-hectare property, located within the urban settlement area of Paris, is currently used for industrial and ancillary office purposes. 

A hydro-vac slurry processing facility separates water and solid materials collected by hydro excavation trucks, which remove debris such as sand, soil and gravel from construction sites. 

During the meeting, councillors pressed for more information about how the operation would function and its potential impacts.

“It all boils down to two things. Is it noisy and is it smelly?” said Coun. Steve Howes. 

Coun. Robert Chambers questioned where similar facilities operate and asked for opportunities to review one before the proposal returns to council.

Elsenbruch said the owner operates a similar facility but she couldn’t recall where. It was later determined that a similar facility called Da-Lee operates in Hamilton and has been using comparable technology for several years. It is a licensed industrial waste treatment and recycling plant that processes hydro-excavation slurry and other materials, using equipment designed to separate solids from liquid waste. 

At the Curtis Avenue site, the consultant indicated the business would process its own materials, with an estimated 10 to 20 trucks entering and exiting the property daily.  Residents living nearby say the proposal raises significant concerns about noise, environmental impact and proximity to homes and greenspace.

“I learned about the proposal from a neighbour after the April 14th council meeting. I was flabbergasted that there was seemingly no attempt to notify the residents just down the hill from the proposed site,” said Christine Turple. 

Turple questioned the need for a zoning amendment if the use is consistent with surrounding industry.

“If a hydro-vac slurry processing facility is ‘consistent with surrounding industry’ … then why is a zoning amendment even necessary?” she said. She referenced Councillor Lukas Oakley’s online comments in a social media post that he didn’t see issues with the proposed use as it was consistent with surrounding industry, referencing Mitten Vinyl in business since 1959. 

Turple also raised concerns about quality of life impacts.

“I worry I will no longer be able to do the things that drew me to the area such as relaxing in my backyard enjoying the wildlife, riding my bike on the rail trail or paddling down the Grand on a hot summer day.” 

Other residents echoed similar sentiments.

“If this project moves forward it will significantly increase the noise pollution in my neighborhood. We already endure a great deal of industrial and traffic noise here,” said Denise Miller. 

“The noise, environmental impact, and increase in heavy vehicle traffic are all of concern to me,” she added, noting worries about “industrial zoning up against residential areas.” 

Michael Bertolini said the facility could have broader impacts on the community.

“This plant would have constant noise increase 365 days a year and serves no benefit to Paris businesses, or tourism,” he said. 

“I feel that this would directly impact the ability to enjoy the outdoors without excessive noise and other unnecessary detractors like smell and traffic increase.” 

He also pointed to potential health and environmental concerns tied to the materials processed at such facilities, noting slurry can contain “petroleum hydrocarbons … heavy metals … industrial chemicals or unknown contaminants.” 

An online petition opposing the proposal has gathered support, arguing the facility would be better suited to lands specifically zoned for heavier industrial uses and raising concerns about noise, odours, traffic and potential contamination of air and water.

Facilities of this kind can produce “high-pitched, piercing whine” and involve frequent truck traffic, with petition organizers warning of possible impacts on nearby homes, wildlife and the Grand River watershed.  Council has not yet made a decision on the application. The proposal is expected to return at a later date following further technical review, public input and a staff recommendation.