At least one councillor still is unhappy with the proposal, but it seems Guelph-Eramosa council will at least consider a bylaw approving the expansion of the Wellington County Market-place.
On Monday night, township planner Lana Phillips went over the concerns presented at the Oct. 5 public meeting and noted owners Bill and Brenda Ross are willing to make several changes to address the issues – including adding an additional four customer parking spaces.
Phillips explained that based on the number of weekly transactions at the market – about 575 – its customers account for only about 3.8% of the traffic along Jones Baseline.
She also said a recent speed reduction along the road, combined with enforcement by the OPP, should help lower speeds. Neighbours had previously expressed concerns with traffic volumes and speeds along the road.
Phillips also said the applicants say there will be a minimal increase in water use and they plan to update the wastewater system on the property as well.
But councillor Reta Moyer, who at the public meeting expressed disappointment with the Ross’ explanation of the wastewater plans, said she is also concerned with odours generated by meat processing on the property as well as a proposed new entrance that will be shared by the business and residence on the site.
Jeff Buisman, who represents the Ross family, said the family has received a letter of support from the Ontario Independent Meat Processors association, and noted the new entrance should improve traffic flow on the property.
“I’m not satisfied with that letter,” Moyer replied. She also said commercial and residential entrances should not be mixed, and stressed the township needs to have uniform rules across the municipality.
No other members of council seemed to share Moyer’s concerns. Mayor Chris White said the bylaw will come before council at its next meeting on Nov. 2.
