The provincial government is making it easier to inspect grain dryers.

Growth, Enterprise and Trade Minister Blaine Pedersen announced today that they are streamlining the process for approval and inspections of grain dryers.

 The Office of the Fire Commissioner has established a central booking process co-ordinated with Manitoba Hydro to streamline the scheduling of inspections. 

“We recognize the importance of responding in a timely fashion, and the OFC has taken strides to improve the inspection and approval process for grain dryers,” Pedersen said.  “When producers find they need to dry the grain in their bins, it is important to be able to move quickly and accommodate a large number of requests that may come in at the same time.”

They are also making a 24-hour inspection hotline available from August 15th to December 31st.

“We have heard loud and clear from producers that we must do better when it comes to reducing red tape on grain dryers,” Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler said.  “The work we have done in conjunction with the Office of the Fire Commissioner and with Minister Pedersen means this process will be streamlined and that producers can focus on what they do best – working to feed the world.”

The OFC and SaskPower, in Saskatchewan, are working to align the approval process and installation requirements like venting, dryer and fuel tank protection and general installation code requirements.

Harmonizing installation requirements with Saskatchewan is expected to reduce confusion as equipment suppliers and installers often serve clients in both provinces. 

Minister Eichler says this is a step in reducing red tape. “I think this is a big step in the right direction, but I would be remiss if I didn’t remind farm families not to wait until the crop is needed to go into the grain bin. Get these things set up ahead of time, so you’re ready when you need them.”

Producers will still need to make sure the installation is completed in compliance with the manufacturers installation instructions and Canadian Standards Association code requirements, and that all checks are completed prior to the inspection to avoid unnecessary delays.