Parrish & Heimbecker, Bunge, and Harbour West Neighbours have taken the City of Hamilton to the Ontario Municipal Board appealing against various aspects of the City’s plan to develop the Pier 8 lands into a series of mid-rise buildings housing 1500 residential units as well as commercial and institutional units.

Both Parrish & Heimbecker and Bunge are appealing to protect their interests in conducting industrial operations near Pier 8 decisions.

[7] The parties agreed that Bunge’s appeal satisfied each of the foregoing factors. Bunge’s interests are similar to and aligned with the appeal filed by Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited (“P&H”) and may therefore shelter under the P&H appeal. Both companies operate industrial facilities at the harbour to the east of the lands and are concerned with the potential restrictions on their operations which may arise from mixed use development. It is in the public interest to ensure that employment lands containing industrial uses are adequately considered when planning for other uses on nearby lands. Apart from a potentially minor increase in the length of the hearing, no party would be prejudiced by Bunge’s party status. Bunge’s direct interest in the matter is confirmed by its existence as a harbour industrial operation located on a nearby pier to Pier 8. Bunge has an interest in the property it occupies under a lease from the Hamilton Port Authority effective to 2039. Avoiding a multiplicity of proceedings was not particularly relevant here, and Bunge’s argument related to historical background was not contested by the City.

The City and Parties are expect to complete their issues list to each other by December 4, 2017, and circulated an agreed (or identified disputed issues) list by January 15, 2018.

The parties will be in front of the OMB again on Tuesday, February 27, 2018 at 10am at Dundas Town Hall for another pre-hearing conference.