Local businesses and neighbours to the south say there is an economic benefit to the proposed Highway 6 bypass around Morriston.
As Puslinch council reviewed more correspondence on the matter at its May 7 meeting, the economic impact of the proposal was made more clear.
Part of that comes from a coalition of local interests that have put their money where their mouths are to make a difference in the campaign.
One of the letters was from Rory McAlpine of Maple Leaf Foods.
Part of that letter asked whether Puslinch Township would consider financial support of the campaign.
McAlpine explained Hill and Knowlton Strategies Canada would be engaged by the stakeholder coalition to provide organizational and communications support for a period of approximately two to three months.
The contract with Hill and Knowlton Strategies Canada will be held by Maple Leaf Foods on behalf of the coalition.
“Any surplus funds will be returned to the coalition members,” said McAlpine.
“On behalf of the coalition, and the wider business community, we sincerely appreciate the support of Puslinch Township for this important transportation infrastructure project.”
Some of those who have made financial contributions include: Maple Leaf Foods Inc., Tim Horton’s Ltd., Nestlé Waters, Grain Farmers of Ontario, Con Cast Pipe Ltd., Sleeman Breweries Ltd., City of Hamilton, Ontario Trucking Association and Fluke Transportation Ltd.
Councillor Susan Fielding said staff was requested to provide a report on the issue.
CAO Karen Landry, who noted the City of Hamilton was contacted, stated the city has committed to providing funds and further information would be forthcoming.
Chamber support
In addition to area businesses supporting the campaign, more support came in the form of an article from the Flamborough Chamber of Commerce (FCC) lending its support of the Highway 6 bypass.
In it, a resolution suggests the draft transportation development strategy for the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) West Corridor will not provide sufficient infrastructure for the long term to support economic growth in the north-south corridor west of the GTHA (Greater Toronto-Hamilton Area).
The same article suggests the bypass would reduce costs relating to commuting time and freight shipment delays, as well as provide opportunity to retain and grow manufacturing and food processing businesses in Waterloo, Wellington and Hamilton.
Figures cited in the Newsletter estimated the annual value of commuter travel time saved during peak periods with the proposed bypass (applied to 2011 traffic) would be $13.1 million, while commuter time savings could be $23.4 (2021) and $31.3 (2031) million respectively.
Fielding said her home is close enough to the Flamborough border that she sometimes receives some of that correspondence.
“I thought that council might be interested in this, which is why I asked for it to be on the agenda,” she said.
Mayor Dennis Lever said he was also aware of the FCC resolution.
