Councillors here were updated on heritage study in the Black Bridge area community on June 18 as part of a presentation by Tom Hetherington Chairman of the Black Bridge Community Association.
Hetherington explained the reason the group was at the Puslinch council meeting that night because the issues cross the boundary of Cambridge/Puslinch.
The Black Bridge Community Association is a legally incorporated entity representing 40 households (about 140 to 160 residents).
Hetherington said the group’s objective is to provide a dialogue on community issues and to maintain the area’s character based on its historic background and in harmony with nature.
In addition it wants to safeguard or promote greenspace, trails and parks and at the same time address potential traffic issues such as speed, volume, parking and safety.
Hetherington said the intent was to keep local councillors up to date on the happenings at Cambridge council recently.
He noted that in May, Cambridge council voted to move ahead with a cultural heritage landscape which includes portions of Puslinch and Cambridge.
Hetherington added “all the homeowners within the boundary (of the study area) on the Puslinch side area in support of the study.)”
Councillor Wayne Stokley said it was good to see this group maintaining a rapport with Puslinch.
He then advocated a continuation of the group’s work to apprise council of the various scenarios as they arise.
Councillor Jerry Schmidt also was encouraged to see there was no objections from the Pulsinch side.
Mayor Dennis Lever sought some clarification on the mapping. “I wasn’t aware the area being considered went that far north.”
Hetherington explained the borders extend to the original dam heads along the Speed River.
Irish Creek provided an additional power source, Hetherington added.
The larger area in Puslinch, he said, was due to the location of the mill pond.
Lever originally believed the study area was much smaller and originally centred around the bridge, but now saw it extended to a much larger area.
Hetherington also noted the Black Bridge is designated under the Ontario Heritage Act.
“Plus there are a number of properties on the Cambridge side (of the Speed River) which are designated as well (or in the process of being designated).”
While the old mill itself is not designated, a number of surrounding properties are in the process of being designated.
On the Puslinch side, there are only heritage listed properties as compared to official heritage designation.
