Sometime within the next year or so several dozen workers will be living in temporary housing while they build the Bruce to Milton hydro corridor.
Hydro One Networks is widening the Bruce-to-Milton power corridor, which will run 180 kilometres and pass near Fergus.
The $695-million transmission-line project will have up to 250 workers at the peak of construction – and they need a place to live.
For Centre Wellington, it means the township will collect $4,350 in rent per month, a $35,000 service connection fee, and hold a site restoration fee of $40,000 for the duration of the camp. The company renting the site is building the power line. It is Valard Construction L.P., of Edmonton, with several offices in the west.
It was incorporated in 1978, and has evolved into one of the largest powerline contractors in Canada.
Its website stated Valard has built transmission lines through mountain passes, vast expanses of muskeg and the rock of the Canadian Shield, and “We can build anything… anywhere.”
Centre Wellington council held a public meeting on Aug. 23 in order to provide temporary zoning to allow the housing to be built on Gregson Court.
Township planner Brett Salmon said the effect of the temporary zoning bylaw would be to allow the housing in an industrial zone. The housing project would consist of lodging, a cookery, office, mechanical shop, parking, equipment storage and a fuel depot.
Salmon said there is already a similar housing project built for the workers in Hanover. He said when the company approached the township for possible sites, the one on Gregson Court seemed to be the best.
The camp would be located at the north end of Gregson Court, in township owned industrial lands.
Salmon said the site has full municipal services and would house 50 to 60 workers. The zoning amendment was needed because there is no provision in the current bylaw for residential uses on that industrial land.
He told council the temporary use could last up to three years, and if a longer term is needed, a new amendment would be needed and the company can reapply.
When the time limit expires, the industrial zoning would be back in effect.
Salmon said the township has received no written objections to the proposal
Gregson Court resident Fred Hiller, the only resident on that street, said he has concerns about cleanliness because people have been dumping brush on the property, and there was supposed to be a drain run from the land to Gartshore. He is concerned about his pond.
Salmon said the cleanliness issue could be dealt with through the site plan control agreement.
Public Works Director Ken Elder said he had recently met with Triton Engineering and there will soon be a move to finish the storm water management pond.
Hiller said of the camp, “We’re not opposed to it at all. It’s good for the town.”
There were no further speakers at the public meeting, and the bylaw to grant the amendment was approved unanimously.
Elder said the camp will be self contained and have showers and a recreation area, and likely will even have billiards.
A spokesman for the company said the housing will be similar to that provided for police during the G8 and G20 summits held in Ontario this summer.
Council was unanimous in passing the bylaw. Councillor Ron Hallman was absent.
