Dear Editor:
An estimated 4,000 vehicles could be added to the streets of Elora, twice a day.
An application has been made to amend the official plan to include 200 acres of agricultural land in Salem, between Gerrie Road and Irvine Street, for the development of approximately 2,000 residential homes by Cachet Developments.
This property has been excluded from the official plan due to its geographic location. The limited number of roads and bridges crossing the Irvine and Grand Rivers cannot feasibly accommodate the logistics of high-volume traffic. There are limited opportunities for employment in this area and new residents would likely be commuting to Guelph or Waterloo for work.
Traffic options would include:
– Gerrie Road to Wellington Road 18/Mill Street, crossing the Grand River at Tower Street in Fergus or the Metcaffe bridge in downtown Elora;
– Irvine Street passing St. Mary’s Catholic School in a 40km/h zone and using the David Street bridge to access Wellington Road 7; or
– passing Salem Public School in a 40km/h zone, through the congested Salem switchback, then choosing to cross the Irvine River in Salem or using Geddes Street to access the David Street or Metcaffe Street bridges.
None of these roads are intended to accommodate such high volumes of traffic.
The county has been wise in its decision to develop areas south of the rivers in order to preserve the quiet quaintness and walkable neighborhoods that make Elora a wonderful place to live or visit. Adding this land to the official plan for development would be an injustice to our community, the residents of Salem and Elora and damaging to our tourist economy.
Notice of this application was mailed only to properties with 120 meters of the subject land, which seems completely insufficient considering the impact it would have on our community in Salem and Elora.
Current residents have until May 30 to submit their opinions to the county.
Shane Lambert,
Centre Wellington