GUELPH/ERAMOSA – Council here received the report for the proposed municipal boundary adjustment for the Dolime Quarry, directing staff to bring back a recommendation at the next regular council meeting.
The annexation report was presented by CAO Ian Roger in a June 21 council meeting.
The City of Guelph has initiated an annexation of land for the Dolime Quarry located in the Township of Guelph/Eramosa, requesting a boundary adjustment to annex the quarry lands to address ongoing issues relating to groundwater protection and supply.
The annexation would settle a dispute between the city and the property owner in addition to allowing the city to increase control over groundwater supply and end aggregate extraction.
As part of the proposal, the owners of the quarry are requesting the lands be redeveloped for residential purposes, requiring urban services not currently provided by the municipality.
In response, the City of Guelph will be submitting a request to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to rezone the lands to establish them as designated residential development to help facilitate the city’s solution for the quarry revitalization and protection of Guelph’s drinking water.
The report noted, as part of the restructuring proposal to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, each council involved (Guelph/Eramosa, Wellington County and Guelph) must support the proposal through public notice, a public meeting and resolution and bylaw.
The city will submit the application for the boundary adjustment to the province after these requirements are completed.
Moving the quarry will take lands out of the township that it collects taxes on, resulting in the loss of annual property tax revenue.
As part of the process there will be payments to both the township and county for lost tax revenue when the province provides final approval for the boundary adjustment and the annexation is in effect.
It is expected the application will be made to the province late next month depending on the consideration of public comments and approval of a boundary adjustment agreement.
The boundary adjustment must be completed in 2021 in accordance with legislative requirements, currently proposed to take place Oct. 1.
Roger noted council will have to pass a motion approving the city’s request in order for the city to move forward with the adjustment.
Council also held a public meeting to receive comments on the proposed annexation. No one spoke at the meeting.
Staff will present a recommendation on the boundary adjustment at the council meeting on July 12.
