Puslinch community centre grounds to increase by 10 acres

Councillors here now have an agreement in principle to purchase approximately 10 acres of property here immediately behind the Puslinch Community Centre.

On Dec. 8, Mayor Dennis Lever said the announcement was made immediately following the previous night’s in-camera council session.

Final approval remains conditional on a lot line adjustment at the county level.

Lever added that the 10 acres would extend back as far as Mill Creek.

The boundary would be on the west side of Mill Creek.

He noted there is a large portion of the property near Mill Creek that is wetland. There is also an open section and a bush section.

“Approximately five acres is open and farmed and about five acres includes the bush and creek area,” Lever said.

“We have checked with the [Grand River Conservation Authority] and we can used it for recreational fields and for parking.

“We cannot construct any structures back there and we cannot pave it.”

Lever said the municipality is considering space for additional Sports fields and parking.

In the past, the municipality has used the property for additional parking for the Aberfoyle Fall Fair, with the agreement of the landowner for access. Once the deal is complete, it will be under the jurisdiction of the township, Lever said.

Lever later emailed the Wellington Advertiser office to note that the purchase would be funded from the municipality’s parkland reserve and not affect the tax levy.

The parkland reserve is built up with funds from developers etc. as cash in lieu of parkland.