On Sept. 6, Guelph-Eramosa council approved a new zoning bylaw and a drainage clean-out.
Zoning bylaw
Guelph-Eramosa’s new zoning bylaw successfully passed the required appeal period and is now in full effect.
“We’re now just down to one bylaw which makes things easier I think for staff especially in terms of interpreting,” said township planning consultant Mitchell Avis from MHBC Planning.
Drain clean-out
Council approved the clean-out of the McCrae open ditch drain for about $6,500, a cost that will be distributed between 44 property owners that benefit from the drain.
Last cleaned out in 1996, the drain is located between the Kissing Bridge Trailway and Wellington Road 86 near Wellington Road 30.
“A clean out has been identified as being warranted by the drainage superintendent,” said township clerk Meaghan Reid.
The ditch now contains silt up to 45cm (17 inches) in depth and “the private tile outlets are restricted and are at or near the bottom of the ditch,” reported drainage superintendent Gerard Uderstadt.
The drain will receive a full clean-out to the designed grade north of Wellington Road 30, while spot clean-out will occur south of Wellington Road 30.
Property owners are asked to identify their tile drains during the clean-out.
“It will be the owner’s responsibility if damage occurs to unmarked outlets,” Uderstadt said. He explained about one third of the estimated $6,500 cost could qualify for a provincial grant against the Farm Property Class Tax Rate. The municipality will apply for the grant after the project is completed.
In an email Reid explained the drainage superintendent will use the original report to determine the costs for each property. A levying bylaw will come to council once the work is complete.
