Council here has agreed to a cost-sharing arrangement for upgrades on Sideroad 12 as part of a draft site plan agreement with a local grain elevator operator.
The site plan agreement pertains to the existing and future use of an agricultural grain elevator operation on the property of Neil and Barbara Driscoll on Sideroad 12.
Council received a letter at the Jan. 8 meeting from surveyor and planner Bruce Donaldson, who is representing the Driscolls in regard to the site plan agreement. The letter indicated the Driscolls were prepared to pay half the estimated $30,000 cost of proposed improvements to Sideroad 12 from Wellington Road 8 to the first driveway of the Driscoll property.
The letter notes that agriculture activity on the property has increased since the Driscolls purchased it in 1974 in order to service their clients, approximately 80 farm operations. The letter also points out both the Driscolls and the municipality have made improvements to Sideroad 12 and the proposed improvements will benefit the municipality and neighbouring property owners as well as the company, which employs six people.
Donaldson stated the improvements by the Driscolls include extension of three phase hydro service, as well as natural gas “for community use” and that taxes on the property have more than tripled since 2010.
Councillor Jim Curry asked if the taxes had increased so sharply because the grain elevator is considered “more of an industrial use?”
“Commercial assessment has been in place for two years,” explained CAO Patty Sinnamon, adding, “That certainly does support the request that’s coming forward.”
Public works director Larry Lynch said road improvements, which include widening it by three metres, are necessary to accommodate increased traffic generated by the business.
“At certain times of the year we have massive amounts of traffic on that road,” he said, noting township staff do gravel and grading work on the road “quite regularly.”
Mayor Bruce Whale suggested the proposed 50-50 split is a good compromise.
“It’s something to encourage commercial activity in the municipality and I think we’re going to see benefits to this. It’s just unfortunate it was on a road where there wasn’t too much traffic.”
Councillors Neil Driscoll and Mike Downey both declared a conflict of interest when the item came up on the agenda and did not participate in the discussion.
