In Puslinch, there is one pit that could really go back to the dogs.
With the final rehabilitation work done to the former Croft Holm Pit, proponents are asking that the site return to a former agricultural and natural environment use.
Planner Jacqueline Zmija was on hand to explain the proposal to council on April 6.
The changes would remove further aggregate extractive uses from the 103.2 acre site.
Zmija said the property was purchased by Harold Holms’ father in 1958 and the agricultural use of the property continued until 2002.
From 2002 to 2009, the Preston Sand and Gravel Company extracted aggregate.
She said the lands are now fully rehabilitated to the satisfaction of the Ministry of Natural Resources – and the aggregate extraction licence surrendered to the MNR in August 2010.
The plan now, she said, is to move the property back to its former agricultural zone – a zone that allowed a kennel on site.
That use was allowed on the property prior to the extraction at the property, she said.
Zmija said some study has been done to determine the exact limits of the natural environmental zone of the property.
Currently the land is planted with an oats and barley and a hay mix to help build up the soil as part of the rehabilitation.
Mayor Dennis Lever asked if the allowance for a kennel is normally a two step process.
Clerk Brenda Law said propoponents are attempting to deal with it in one step because it was a former use.
Lever asked about the southern end of the property, which was dug below the water table.
Zmija said that area is now a large, man-made pond, but her understanding is it was to be included in the agricultural zone.
She also explained that is one reason they are working with the GRCA … to determine its impact on Irish Creek.
“It’s still a work in process.”
Councillor Wayne Stokley asked what efforts are being done to “rehabilitate” the pond.
Zmija believes it was being left to natural success.
Law asked if council wants to set up a public meeting for the rezoning.
Lever, however, recommended it might be premature until the GRCA is satisfied with the proposal.
