Farm in Guelph-Eramosa can manufacture drainage tiles

BRUCEDALE – Guelph-Eramosa council approved a site plan agreement for a farm to add facilities to operate a drainage tile business on the property at 5898 6th Line.

Council heard a presentation on Nov. 16 from Wellington County planner Zach Prince, who explained that since the business pertains to agriculture, a zoning change is not required.

The site plan includes a new building with a total gross floor area of 890m2 (9,580ft2), parking, and a new septic system. The existing well will be sufficient, Prince said.

Objections from commenting agencies had been met, Prince said, and there were no other objections.

“It’s great to have an agriculture-related business coming to Guelph-Eramosa,” said Mayor Chris White.

Council unanimously approved the motion.

Revenue down

Linda Cheyne, director of finance, told council that revenue from community centres and programs is down about $147,000 since the pandemic hit in March.

“Staff continue to monitor and manage the 2020 budget expectations and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and are working to reduce costs where possible to mitigate lost revenue and keep the budget on target,” she wrote in her report.

Council meeting via zoom

Council also approved the meeting schedule for November and December.

Council meetings will be held on Dec. 7 at 1:30pm and Dec. 21 at 1:30 pm.

The committee of the whole meeting slated for Dec 9 has been cancelled.

Councillors can attend the next meeting in council chambers or from home via zoom.

Township staff will continue to monitor the evolving COVID-19 situation and bring back any  suggested  changes  to  the December  meeting  schedule,  if  necessary clerk Amanda Knight wrote in her report.

The next few council  meetings in 2021 are slated at 1:30pm on January 11, February 1, February 17, March 1 and March 22.