Seeley hosts second annual Mayor’s Breakfast for business community
Breakfast was well attended; hope it will become a regular thing
ABERFOYLE – Mayor James Seeley offered some food for thought at the second annual Mayor’s Breakfast on May 13 at the Puslinch Community Centre.
About 40 people attended the breakfast offered to local businesses, and the focus of the speakers was on what Puslinch Township and the County of Wellington have to offer by way of grants, promotion, tax incentives and opportunities to offer feedback and suggestions.
Seeley said there is strong interest in investment and growth in the township, and council tries to enable economic growth while protecting the rural character of the township.
“We need growth, but it comes with a challenge,” Seeley said.
He encouraged his audience to fill out the survey on the Brock Road study area that runs through Aberfoyle from Wellington Road 34 to Gilmour Road.
Seeley is hoping the study will indicate Brock Road should be narrowed to one lane of traffic in each direction with a centre turn lane and possibly on-street parking through the hamlet.
“We hope this will become a business-friendly economic zone,” he said.
It’s actually a Wellington County road study as Brock Road is also Wellington Road 46. The survey, which closes on May 22, can be found at wellington.ca/programmes-services/roads-construction/road-safety-initiatives/wellington-road-46-road-study.
Deputy clerk Laura Emery gave an overview of the programs and initiatives the township has undertaken to assist with economic development.
The 2026-30 strategic plan recently approved by council focuses on rural heritage and environmental protection, measured growth, keeping the community safe, and overall good governance.
“We hear the importance of balance,” Emery said, referring to feedback from other surveys. “Businesses want to see growth but still want it to feel like Puslinch.”
She talked about the employment land study, Puslinch by Design, that identified three employment areas: two north of Wellington Road 34 (areas G and H) and one south of Highway 401 (area D).
These lands, a minor change to the boundary in Arkell, and a change in the land severance date to 2025, are all part of the county’s official plan amendment 131 (OPA 131), which has been approved by Puslinch council and county council and awaits approval from the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs.
Emery also outlined the township’s community improvement grant program, which can provide some financial assistance for businesses wishing to make façade improvements or expand their business location.
The township intends to expand the program to all of the township; currently only businesses in Aberfoyle and Morriston qualify.
Emery also said the township recently received a $60,000 grant from the Rural Ontario Development grant program that it will use to beautify Morriston and Aberfoyle.
Funds will be used to purchase benches, new lighting, signage and a mural in each location.
The township also publishes a Community Guide and Business Directory annually and writes a feature story monthly about a local business that’s featured on the website and in the Puslinch Pioneer.
Christina Mann is manager of economic development with Wellington County, which also has a number of programs to assist businesses in the county.
They offer support through grants, tax deferrals, resources and data, and workforce development. Some programs are aimed at agriculture, tourism and green projects. A few are aimed at agri-tourism.
Mann said the county also has information that can help farmers with succession planning.
“The county tax incentive is deferral for up to five years, which could be significant,” Seeley noted. “Take advantage of that.”
He added township staff are happy to talk to residents and businesses and point them in the right direction if the township can’t provide what they’re seeking.
