Puslinch council has decided to turn down a $200,000 grant from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) for the proposed Big Lake study.
Clerk Brenda Law said on Feb. 11 she planned that day to send a letter to FCM officials informing them of council’s decision.
“Hopefully we can get funding at another time,” Law said.
On Feb. 2 council discussed what to do about the FCM grant, an agreement for which had to be signed by Feb. 16. The township had already been granted an extension of 60 days from the original deadline.
Councillor Wayne Stokley asked if the township should ask for another deferral, but Mayor Dennis Lever noted the township would be on the hook for 50% of the Big Lake study if it accepts the FCM grant, as the funding covers half the cost up to $200,000.
Stokley wondered if the township could ask the aggregate companies involved to cover the other half of the study.
“I’d like to see them pay for the whole thing,” Lever replied.
Councillor Susan Fielding said she does not want to jeopardize future funding, but she would be willing to ask for another deferral. She noted the township could approach the gravel companies for the other 50%, but she was unsure that is the right thing to do.
“The FCM grant is still taxpayers’ money,” she said.
Councillor Ken Roth said there “will always be grants” and added “it’s too premature” to act on the FCM funding.
“I think $400,000 is a lot of money for a plan,” Roth noted.
Jerry Schmidt said he is strongly in favour of the Big Lake idea, but he thinks the big winners in the project will be federal government and the gravel companies. If the gravel companies kicked in half he may be in favour of the proposal, but the councillor said he is opposed to using any Puslinch taxpayers’ money.
“I feel the same way,” Lever replied. Noting the township wants to “maintain a good relationship with the FCM,” Lever proposed the township write a letter informing the federation it is too premature to accept the funding.
“Thanks, but no thanks,” Law said, describing the gist of the letter composed by staff.
