Tillsonburg Council says no to propane filling tank
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At a re-scheduled Town of Tillsonburg council meeting Wednesday night, council voted against an application to install a propane tank at the Petro-Canada gas station on Broadway.
Application file A-02/13 was submitted by Harnek Grewal, and pertained to the storage and dispensing of propane on the Petro-Canada property site.
After discussion, questions and concerns from both council and members of the public, the application was denied.
“I am really disappointed because we met every single criteria of the TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority) and for the fire department,” said Grewal, owner of Petro-Canada on Broadway after the application was rejected. “It would be a really good opportunity for business for the town and for the people around here – it will get them something better and cheaper.”
Grewal said he understands concerns raised by the public and town council, but both he and the company representative in attendance, Tim Wolfe of Sparlings Propane, attempted to answer all questions and meet all requirements for the application regarding the propane tank.
Presentations were made by Wolfe, Bob Parsons, and the Oxford County development planner.
Concerns expressed by council included the height of the proposed propane tank, the location, and possible safety issues with regards to the adjacent residential area.
“After what happened in Toronto, were there no guidelines from Toronto that say ‘wait a minute here, let’s put these where there’s no homes around,’” said councilor Brian Stephenson, in reference to a propane explosion in August 2008 that killed two people and damaged a neighbourhood.
Parsons, a former Tillsonburg Fire Chief, spoke against the application, citing several safety reasons and was pleased with the outcome at Wednesday’s council meeting.
“The propane tank in itself I’m sure would be installed correctly and to standards,” said Parsons. “My concern is the human side of this – the opportunity for error and hazards. My house is in the shadow of this tank, I believe this lot is a little over utilized – I don’t know where there’s a good place to put this propane tank, but it should not be near residential areas, especially after what we learned coming out of the Sunrise explosion with those two people that died and $1.8 million in damage and homes that are still not back to where they should be today.”
Upon completion of the presentation, council voted unanimously against the application.
“Moved by myself, and seconded by councilor (David) Beres, and resolve that Tillsonburg Committee of Adjustment deny application A-02/13 submitted by Harnek Grewal, for lands described as Part Lot 77, Plan 500,” said councillor Marty Klein. “The application has been denied for the following reasons – one, the variance requested is not a minor variance for the provisions of the Town of Tillsonburg zoning by-law, two, variance requested is not desirable for the appropriate development or use of the land, building or structure, three, the variance requested is not in keeping with the governing intent and purpose of the County official plan, four, the variance requested is not in keeping with the general intent of the purpose of the town zoning by-law and, five, the variance requested is not desirable due to the concerns adjacent or the investments of the community in general.”
Parsons said when it comes to safety and saving lives, preventative measures need to be considered first and foremost.
“I think the committee was presented with both sides of this – from the supplier and with respect to all the good things they do. With respect to safety, the gas station owners themselves, and the local fire department - they all do, I think, good things. But nevertheless, the risk is there, the risk is too great in a residential zone.
“After something’s happened the homes will be gone, the people may be dead and it is too late.”