Puslinch councillors seem in favour of moving to a public meeting for a proposed industrial subdivision south of Aberfoyle, despite having limited details about the plan.
Councillor Jerry Schmidt called the request from 340268 Ontario Ltd. for a 19-hectare development on a 36-hectare property at the corner of McLean and Brock Roads “reasonable and responsible and maybe even desirable.”
The rest of council agreed to proceed with a public meeting on the matter, though several said a few issues with traffic and water need to be addressed before that meeting takes place.
Bruce Donaldson, who represented the company, told council his client has completed hydrogeological, servicing, groundwater and traffic studies, the findings of which all supported the proposal.
He added the proponent is seeking zoning bylaw amendment to designate the land industrial, with a holding symbol on the entire property. Donaldson said his client is unsure of the demand, but needs the zoning in order to effectively market the property to prospective buyers.
Once the demand and number and size of lots are clear, Donaldson said his client will proceed with a plan of subdivision application or consent application. But nothing can or will happen until council decides to remove the holding symbol on all or a portion of the property, he said.
County planner Aldo Salis said usually proponents for such an application would seek land division approval first, but in this case the proponent is seeking the zoning first. Salis told council he can’t remember another application proceeding in that manner, although it’s not an uncommon request.
However, he warned if council grants the zoning first it may not have a choice to refuse an end user on the property as long as the use conforms to the bylaw.
The bylaw would specify any use has to be a“dry” industry, Salis added, and planners would take precautions to ensure council is comfortable with the proposal.
Councillor Wayne Stokley said he’s glad Salis brought the above facts to council’s attention, as councillors may not be in favour of certain uses on the property.
