R.M. of Portage la Prairie council meeting. March 13th, 2012

A small farm operation in the R.M. of Portage la Prairie is asking for changes to the rules for how close cattle can be to a home. The variation request from the property located in the northeast corner of the municipality would decrease the cattle buffer zone to a inhabited dwelling from 800 feet to 150 feet. Deputy Reeve Garth Asham says if it were approved, it would only apply to this one section of land, though it could set a precedent.

The proponents for this change say the operation is small enough that it will not have a significant impact on the area. However, the neighbours to this property are concerned about the noise and smell that would now be closer to their property. Asham says council is going to consider the issue and hopes to come up with something that will be fair to everyone involved. A decision  should be made at the next R.M. meeting on March 27th.