Councillor Wayne Stokley wants to get things rolling when it comes to developing its recently purchased property adjacent to the Puslinch community centre here.
On Aug. 15, Stokley commented briefly on council’s previous discussion on how council would proceed on the matter.
At that time, council reviewed a letter from planner Sarah Wilhelm on the best steps to move ahead.
But since Wilhelm was in the audience that night, Stokley asked if she could further elaborate on those comments on the steps the municipality could take to move forward on the use of the land.
Wilhelm said her previous correspondence included a review of the official plan and the zoning bylaws relative to the plans for the expansion of use of the community centre.
In terms of next steps, Wilhelm said she had recommended a formal consultation with the Grand River Conservation Authority.
“It would just confirm the boundaries of the developable area and the extent of uses which would be supported.”
Once that is taken care of, Wilhelm said, it would make sense to create a master plan and start a rezoning process.
“There’s a built in public process to that,” Wilhelm added.
“The concept plan could be presented as part of that process.”
Wilhelm added it might make sense to have a meeting to lay out the steps and timelines since she was uncertain of the township’s plans on moving the project forward.
Stokley said this could move to the committee level to take a look at moving this forward.
He asked council whether a committee should be created to bring a recommendation back to council.
“I imagine we would need representation from council, staff and Sarah to bring recommendations back.”
He then suggested that group might also talk to GRCA representatives as well to get some ideas.
“I’m looking for some direction from council,” Stokley said.
Mayor Dennis Lever commented, “At this point, I think it might be advantageous for all of council to be involved.”
He noted all of council was at the last meeting held.
Lever agreed, “We do need some defined boundaries and mapping from (the GRCA) outlining what can be done in the various areas.”
He wondered if Puslinch should be getting that information before holding a formal meeting. “Once we have a better idea of what we can do, we can get together again.”
Wilhelm agreed to contact the GRCA regarding mapping.
Lever said that once the defined mapping can be reviewed a meeting can be set up.
