City council has given first and second reading to a zoning proposal that will allow for a second residence at Zaitamyn Poultry’s operation at 250 40th Street SW.
According to Zaitamyn president Amyn Alibhai, the 3.195 hectare farm, which in 1985 was a 14,000 hen operation and now accommodates more than 80,000 birds, had grown to a point where it now requires “two responsible people (manager, assistant manager and families) to provide the necessary support and assistance demanded daily.”
City staff recommended the creation of a comprehensive development zone to accommodate the request as the property’s current zoning (A2-Rural Holding) only allows a second residence on parcels of eight hectares or larger. In addition to the rezoning, the city is requiring a covenant be registered, ensuring the second dwelling is a mobile home, to be removed when it is no longer required for farm use.
While the Agricultural Land Commission is supporting the proposed addition, the city’s own agricultural committee is opposed, concerned it will prompt similar requests from owners of similar-sized agricultural properties.
While committee chair Coun. Ken Jamieson opposed the proposal, the rest of council (except Marg Kentel, who was absent) were supportive of staff’s recommendation.