It’s an issue which crops up from time to time at municipalities across Wellington County – and Puslinch, it appears, is no exception.
Councillor Susan Fielding asked whether it might be possible for Puslinch councillors to get a more formal report on what is happening at the county level “as it relates to Puslinch.”
She used the example of the recent creation and screening of a documentary produced on behalf of Wellington County regarding the impact of slots revenues and the equine industry.
“I think it would be beneficial to have a report in our agenda package. Something like this (the equine industry) is something which would heavily affect Puslinch.”
She suggested it seems to be difficult to get information sometimes and she wondered if either the mayor or county councillor Don McKay (Puslinch ward) might be willing to provide reports, following county council meetings, on issues affecting Puslinch.
Fielding readily admitted she did not attend the county council session nor did many local residents.
“I just thought it might be beneficial to have it in our reports.”
Mayor Dennis Lever explained the video came about because of a county initiative with people involved in the equine industry.
As a result of a meeting between the county and those involved in the industry, the idea came about to create a video outlining the impact the move would have on the equine industry.
“The county had the resources to look at this from a county-wide perspective.”
Fielding agreed, but said since the issue would likely have a direct impact on local residents, she would like to remain informed.
She stated many of the farms sold in Puslinch recently have been for equine operations.
However, Fielding said there are other issues at the county level which likely impact Puslinch as well.
“It would be nice to have a report to keep in touch, because a large portion of our tax dollars do go to the county. Sometimes it seems very far away. I think people might be interested in what is happening at the county.”
Lever said that sometime ago he and councillor McKay discussed the idea of making presentations.
“If he would still like to make presentations, we can set something up.”
Lever noted Wellington County council’s agenda package is online as well at www.wellington.ca.
Councillor McKay said he would be pleased to make presentations to council to provide updates.
