BY NANCY KELLY

Kings County Register

In response to preliminary discussions about an “ecosphere” in the former Stirling Apples facility, Berwick’s Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) is hosting a public consultation. The meeting will explore possible zoning amendments that could lay the groundwork for the revolutionary business idea.

Representing Nova Verde Industries, Barry Wamboldt first approached PAC in January with his ecosphere project, which would see the existing warehouse building at 125 Front Street converted into a multi-story industrial greenhouse. In addition to the growing space, the site would incorporate manufacturing facilities, product sorting and storage space, office and accommodation space. Wamboldt’s business proposal would employ “oxidation, rather than burning,” of pallets of compressed waste material to generate heat for the greenhouse.

The property in question is currently zoned Commercial Warehouse C-3, which would not permit much of Nova Verde’s intended use of the property. If the town is to consider Wamboldt’s proposal, it will have to amend its Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-Law.

Chris Millier, who provides planning services for the town, identified text in current commercial zoning documents which would need to be deleted before the ecosphere could be considered. A public consultation focusing on the zoning amendments - not the business proposal itself - must be conducted.

“What we have before us is a development proposal that the town has no legal right to consider,” said Millier. Any discussion of zoning changes required for the proposed new business could “be opening the door to future mixed commercial, industrial and agriculture uses” in that area of town.

Wamboldt has been invited to deliver a summary presentation of his proposal at the meeting, February 19 at 6 p.m. in council chambers, in order to put the land-use question into perspective.

“This is a fairly abstract concept - we need to make it logical to the public by providing an explanation of the intent for the property,” said Millier.

Berwick chief administrative officer Bob Ashley acknowledged a need for a public information piece on Wamboldt’s project, but cautioned discussion and questions at the meeting will be limited to the zoning aspects of the process.

“We can’t put the cart before the horse. We need to focus on the impact of future land use, good or bad, should council approve changes that would facilitate further exploration of Mr. Wamboldt’s business plan.”