Objections continue over proposed expansion

by Mike Robinson

ABERFOYLE

A proposed expansion of Ren’s Pet Depot in Puslinch is still coming under scrutiny.

Earlier this month, additional correspondence came before council regarding the property at 20 Brock Road South - this time by councillor Jerry Schmidt.

The letter stated Puslinch had received and would shortly consider the application to rezone the property from agriculture to commercial designation.

“I am deeply troubled about this request as much of this property is classified as wetlands.”

Schmidt contended several hundred truckloads of fill were brought in illegally to increase potential areas for development.

“It appears that the current owner, and applicant, intends to build onto this fill that has elevated and now covers a substantial area of the wetlands.”

Schmidt also suggested there is a capped artesian well within 50 feet of an existing warehouse and is in direct line of a proposed additional warehouse under consideration.

“My concerns include that the fill was placed there illegally and should be removed, or at the very least no additional buildings or development should be allowed to be place on land that has been violated.”

He wrote that the existing fill has already caused considerable storm runoff problems to neighbouring residents.

Councillor Susan Fielding, as chair of the Puslinch planning advisory committee, said there was quite a lengthy discussion at the most recent committee meeting.

At that time, there were two delegations regarding the issue.

“It’s staying at PAC for the time being. There is still information outstanding and we don’t have our hydrogeology report yet.”

Fielding added “there certainly seems to be a lot of concerns and quite a few members of the public were in the gallery that night.”

She anticipated that this ia an issue council needs to remain on top of and get some answers - one way or the other.

September 21, 2012