Port Authority applies to city to make room for gasification plant

The Hamilton Port Authority (HPA) is seeking city approval to modify property boundaries on Pier 15 to help create a lot for a proposed waste-to-energy gasification plant on Hamilton's waterfront. 

The HPA is seeking a minor variance, allowing it to split a large swath of land on the harbour into six parcels, each with industrial zoning, and one in particular, set aside for the  contentious gasification plant in Ward 3. The motion to the city's committee of adjustment is on Thursday's 1 p.m. agenda.

• Morrow changes tune on waterfront waste-to-energy plant
• Company behind proposed garbage plant not seeking city approval

The gasification plant would require garbage to be burned to create energy. The company behind the plant, Port Fuels and Materials Services has said the plant would not be "a significant source of air contaminants relative to existing sources in the area."

The company also maintains it likely won't need the city approval to place the plant in Hamilton, drawing the ire of some councillors and residents. 

HPA spokesperson Larissa Fenn said if approved, the application would allow it to create "distinct parcels where the uses are very dissimilar."

"The proposed lot configuration formalizes a substantial, permanent buffer between each property and the surrounding community, Fenn said by email. "The change will also allow HPA increased flexibility as a landholder with respect to future sale or development of the properties. This will give us more certainty around the lots and their possible uses before we enter into negotiations with prospective tenants."

Lots for industrial purposes

The committee of adjustment does not deal with zoning issues, although in the application submitted by IBI Group, for the HPA, notes the parcels are meant for "industrial purposes." 

Neither the IBI Group or Port Fuels and Materials Services head Bob Clark responded to requests for comment Wednesday, ahead of Thursday's application. 

In late August, when asked what type of zoning  exemption or variance requests would be needed for the gasification project, Clark responded, "I am not sure this is required."

Residents, environmentalists and some councillors have expressed concerns about the plant and the lack of details around the actual proposal. Some councillors have argued the plant would need a zone change from the city. 

The committee of adjustment is expected to meet Thursday at 1 p.m. in City Hall, in the first floor, rooms 192 and 193.