Smiths Falls votes in favour of rezoning for plastics plant

Some residents in Smiths Falls, Ont., say they plan to appeal a decision that would see a plastic-melting recycling plant built in their town.

Smiths Falls council voted yes on Monday night to rezoning part of the old Hershey Chocolate factory to make way for the facility.

Summit Energy Inc. wants to melt plastic and turn the hydrocarbon gases it produces into heating oil and diesel fuel and were looking to move in to the facility, which is currently owned by Tweed Inc., the medical marijuana supplier that also has operations at the old Hershey plant.

Councillors say the Summit Energy project is an economic opportunity that will create jobs.

But some residents say they are concerned about the health and environmental impacts of having the facility so close to residential neighbourhoods.

"It's not just the polluting of emissions. What if a fire starts? Everybody would like to get rid of plastic but is this the right way? Not in a residential area," says Mark Greer, who lives around the corner from the old Hershey Factory.

Brian Marshall said he came to Smiths Falls in search of fresh air after suffering a chronic lung injury.

"I like Smith Falls. I plan on staying here. I bought a house. I won't be staying here if this plant gets up and running. I'll be moving. Because I won't be able to breath," he said.

Rezoning conditional on environmental approval

Smiths Falls councillors say residents' concerns are valid and have placed a condition on the rezoning that gives the town final say if the plant doesn't get approved by the Ministry of Environment.

Jake Jenkins, the president of Summit Energy, said his company will review the decision.

"I'll meet with the town again and get the details and see how that impacts us. And then we`ll move forward," Jenkins said.

Residents have 21 days to appeal the decision with the Ontario Municipal Board.