An Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) appeal launched by the owners of the Preston mill over concerns its operation wasn't compatible with a massive residential development across the street has resulted in assurances that noise won't impact residents living there.
In a decision issued last week, Jean-Pierre Blais, on behalf of the tribunal, said the development can go ahead with noise mitigation measures outlined in a site plan.
That site plan includes a noise abatement action plan with provisions requiring upgraded exterior/facade walls, including brick veneer or acoustical equivalent masonry construction, and upgraded window glazing on several building facades.
Those measures will allow the development to meet Class 4 sound level limits, Blais wrote.
Based on the stationary noise impact study prepared by Valcoustics Ltd., Blais agreed the development is compatible from an environmental noise perspective and is appropriate.
Cambridge councillors approved three mixed-use residential towers on the long vacant former Kress Hotel property at 255 King St. W. in 2022.
The towers will contain up to 600 units, range in height from 14 to 16 storeys and feature commercial and retail uses on the first-floor podiums.
Parrish & Heimbecker Limited took its concerns over noise compatibility to the OLT last fall saying it worried about the viability of its continued operations if noise from its operations weren't adequately mitigated by the developers.
The company produces flour on site and receives flour from other mills for packaging.
In the latter case, flour is delivered by trucks and transferred using a truck-mounted blower system, all of which produce noise the company worried would lead to complaints from their new neighbours.
P&H Milling Group has operated a mill next to the Speed River since 1807.
