The New Brunswick government will not be renewing the salvage dealer’s licence for a controversial Moncton scrapyard.
Public Safety Minister Robert Gauvin wrote to American Iron & Metal (AIM) last week announcing his decision.
Gauvin acknowledged the Toombs Street site has been licensed for an “extended period,” either as operated by AIM or its predecessor.
“However, each time the licence is renewed I am required to undertake an assessment of whether the site meets the statutory requirements and that granting the licence would be in the public interest,” the minister wrote in the letter.
Residents in the area have raised concerns about increased noise and pollution coming from the site and trains blocking Mill Road.
Gauvin noted that the company has taken steps to address those complaints, such as building a shipping container wall to help reduce noise.
The minister said the site is located within 300 metres of a public playground, public park or school, meaning it does not comply with provincial regulations.
“Further, I am also satisfied given all of the factors and information reviewed, that it is not in the public interest to issue a licence as a salvage dealer or renew a licence as a salvage dealer for the AIM Toombs Street location,” wrote Gauvin.
Jadesola Emmanuel, a spokesperson for the department, said the company has three months to file an application for judicial review of the minister’s decision.
The previous Progressive Conservative government threatened to shut down the site in May 2024 by suspending or revoking the company’s salvage dealer’s licence.
Kris Austin, who was public safety minister at the time, said AIM had violated provincial regulations, failed to comply with the National Fire Code and breached municipal bylaws.
In the end, Austin did renew the company’s salvage dealer’s licence until June 30, 2025.
Meanwhile, AIM is currently in a legal battle with the province over its operations on the Saint John waterfront.
The department revoked the company’s salvage dealer licence following a damning report into a September 2023 fire that burned for more than 40 hours and prompted a voluntary shelter-in-place order across the city.
