On Dec. 19, councillors here reviewed correspondence from planner Sarah Wilhelm regarding the concept plan to enhance the parkland at the Puslinch Community Centre in Aberfoyle.
Councillor Wayne Stokley said this work will allow the project to move forward.
“It makes the job a little bit easier as far as moving towards the concept plan and getting to the position where we can start to do something.”
He noted that in this particular report Wilhelm stated that the proposed trails should be included within the concept plan and contacting Greg Scheifele.
The letter expanded upon recent conversations about the Puslinch Community Centre Concept Plan regarding:
– zoning compliance of park uses extended onto the additional lands behind the community centre acquired by the Township; and
– the preliminary site plan by Gamsby and Mannerow.
Wilhelm reviewed the general provisions of the zoning bylaw which identifies “uses permitted in all zones” including public and institutional uses.
“As I understand it, possible uses for the property include soccer fields, trails, parking, a playground/picnic area, outdoor pavilion and a skate park.
“Based on the above, I am no longer of the opinion that a rezoning is necessary to permit a wider range of recreational uses within the applicable Natural Environment (NE) Zone as indicated in the letter she sent to council in June.”
Stokley proposed to council that it move forward on that basis.
He added that Scheifele’s input was relevant in determining where the trails could or should be located.
Council supported the approach.
Mayor Dennis Lever added that when Scheifele is on site making that determination, a Grand River Conservation Authority representative should be along as well.
Clerk Brenda Law spoke to Scheifele on the issue and he indicated that he too would like someone from the GRCA or someone similar along as well.
