Closed landfill sites in Wellington County will continue to be naturalized, but pollinator habitats will also be incorporated into the design of the facilities.
In 2001 the County of Wellington assumed responsibility for all waste management operations from its member municipalities, including ownership and responsibility for 17 active and closed waste disposal sites.
In the years since, all the active landfill sites have ceased disposal operations except the Riverstown Waste Facility, although five still host transfer facilities.
A staff report from Solid Waste Services manager Das Soligo notes a long-term review of waste programs and services indicates there are a number of potential alternate uses for closed landfill sites, including: pollinator habitat, naturalization, recreational use, renewable energy generation and agriculture.
While most potential uses presented numerous “complicating factors” including financial implications, the current approach, which includes gradual and incremental efforts to naturalize the properties through the planting of trees and shrubs and creating pollinator habitats, are “appropriate and responsible,” the report states.
“The option of enhancing pollinators at the county’s closed landfill properties is a low-cost initiative that is environmentally beneficial, supportive of local agriculture, and is an impactful, educational opportunity for county residents.
“Further, it can be implemented on a limited number of properties, then expanded over time with relative ease to additional sites.”
County council approved the report at its Nov. 30 meeting.
Business fund
Wellington County approved funding for three projects in member municipalities from its Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Municipal Implementation Fund in November.
The Township of Mapleton requested $25,000 for an estimated 83 per cent of funding for the creation and implementation of a township-wide sign initiative. Building upon the county tourism sign program, the Mapleton initiative is aimed at promoting the township’s brand, improving wayfinding, highlighting key destinations and promoting buying local.
The Town of Minto requested $5,000 for 100% funding for a Community Youth Resiliency Worker. In 2013, the North Wellington Coalition for Youth Resiliency received a three-year Ontario Trillium Fund Grant to engage youth in rural northern Wellington County that has resulted in the development of Youth Action Councils in Minto, Wellington North and Mapleton. Trillium funding for the Community Youth Resiliency Workers ends on Dec. 31. BRE implementation funding allows the position to be extended to March 31, 2018 while alternate funding opportunities are pursued.
The Township of Guelph-Eramosa will receive $25,000 to fund 70% of a business inventory and mapping project. The project will involve MHBC Planning, a summer student and municipal staff. The map will highlight downtown Rockwood businesses and be available as a reference promoting business in Rockwood.
No stopping
Wellington County will implement a no-stopping zone in the vicinity of a set of railroad tracks near the intersection of Wellington Road 29 and Highway 7.
A report to the roads committee from operations manager Paul Johnson indicated transport trucks are using the shoulder for parking in this area.
“While not an issue during the summer months, during winter operations their presence poses severe operational and safety issues,” Johnson stated.
When a vehicle is parked there, snowplows are unable to clear the road and shoulder adequately, leaving a windrow around the parked vehicle, which becomes compacted when the vehicle moves, the report explains.
Wellington County council approved the “no stopping” bylaw on Nov. 30.
Truck tenders
A tender for the supply and delivery of four, six-tonne trucks (tandem cab and chassis) was awarded by the Wellington County roads department to Altruck International Truck Centres of Burlington, at the total tendered amount of $541,422. Altruck provided the lowest of three bids received.
On Nov. 30 the county also awarded a tender for the supply and installation of four plow boxes and plow rigging to Viking-Cives Ltd., of Mount Forest, at the total tendered amount of $675,073. Viking-Cives submitted the only tender.
