The Public Health Unit has asked Guelph-Eramosa council to reconsider its refusal to support a county-wide “active transportation” study, but councillors still seem uncertain about the request.
At a budget meeting on March 3, staff reminded council about the Wellington Dufferin Guelph Public Health Unit’s (WDGPH) request for $3,000 to be put towards the unit’s active transportation study, which will encourage walking and cycling.
That idea was not well received at all by council.
“Ask again next year,” Mayor Chris White said of the request, adding the item needs to be funded by the upper tier.
But last week, Chief Administrative Officer Janice Sheppard told council Public Health officials have asked the township to reconsider. Included in Sheppard’s report was an update and outline of the project, as well as a draft terms of reference, provided by the unit’s Karen Armstrong.
Sheppard said $3,000 was not included in the 2011 budget, but it could be taken from $5,000 set aside for economic development projects. Councillors were unconvinced.
“I’d hate to see us take a nickel out of economic development,” said councillor David Wolk. “It’s for our future.”
Councillor Doug Breen said he was not keen either on spending $3,000 “for a study” and councillor John Scott asked if council could defer the request.
White said council could defer because the township should be aware of what other municipalities in the county are doing, and Armstrong should perhaps make a presentation to council. “If we’re going to be spending money [let’s make sure we get value for it],” White said.
Council unanimously deferred and asked for a delegation from WDGPH officials.
