Ontario Municipal Board rules in favour of London, Ont. abattoir

Mar 22, 2018

Residents wanted the facility shut down due to odours and flies

By Diego Flammini
News Reporter
Farms.com

A halal abattoir in London, Ont. can continue serving its local community, the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) has ruled.

“The Board concludes the (zoning by-law) represents good planning and sees no reason to interfere with the City’s decision,” Paula Boutis, a lawyer and member of the OMB, said in her March 16 ruling.

In February, residents appealed city council’s decision to approve a 2017 rezoning application for the four-acre facility on Longwoods Road. The property includes a home, storage shed and a barn.

Google map of the abattoir on Longwoods Road in London, Ont.

Resident Rick Burt cited “huge piles of manure and dead animals all over the place,” according to the ruling, adding his family could no longer enjoy picnics in the area.

Some farmers were also concerned with the abattoir’s operations.

The odours and visuals from the abattoir could cause a reduction in farm gate sales, said Bill Millar, a strawberry grower beside the processing facility.

People would be hesitant to visit his farm because the strawberries could be “inundated with flies or there is a really bad odour,” he said during the appeal, the OMB’s report stated.

The OMB’s ruling, however, states the abattoir is good for the local economy.

The abattoir “reinforces the long-term preservation and economic contribution of agriculture,” said Sonia Wise, a planner with the City of London, according to the OMB report.

Mike Abualhayja, who owns the property, will process about 2,000 pounds of meat each week. Processing and shipping will take place on two days each week, according to the OMB report. Manure will be shipped off-site daily and any other animal waste will be picked up at the end of the processing day.

Video: The new CLAAS ARION 6 CMATIC: Versatility, performance & comfort – in fields, on roads and in yards.

Hard work made truly comfortable? Challenge accepted. 💪

The new CLAAS ARION 6 CMATIC tractor combines continously variable CMATIC transmission, the CEBIS operating system and innovative assistance features to make every job easier and more efficient – in the field, on the road and around the yard. With its versatility, modern design and driver comfort, the ARION 6 CMATIC is the reliable farm tractor for everyday work.

👉 The highlights of the CLAAS ARION 6 CMATIC:

• Works anywhere – whether ploughing, transport or yard work, the ARION 6 CMATIC delivers across all jobs

• Continuously variable CMATIC transmission – smooth, fuel-efficient, powerful and always in the right speed range

• Assistance systems that make everyday work easier – you get out of the cab more relaxed at the end of the day

• Strong engine with plenty of power whenever it’s needed – you stay on top of every task

• High driving comfort, even on long days – supporting you so you can keep going when it counts

• Spacious cab with clear layout and good visibility – stay comfortable, avoid strain and keep everything in view

• Built for the future – in looks and in technology, a tractor ready for every challenge ahead

The new CLAAS ARION 6 CMATIC is more than a powerful tractor – it’s a reliable partner on your farm. It combines efficiency, comfort and innovation – making it a strong choice for contractors and farming businesses alike.With the ARION 6 CMATIC you add real comfort and versatility to your work – whether you’re in the field, hauling on the road or working around the yard.