Puslinch Township is moving forward with funding applications for its Big Lake proposal, but two councillors seem to have soured on the idea.
The plan to transform several gravel pits into a large lake measuring 700 acres – twice the size of Puslinch Lake – was proposed by Mayor Brad Whitcombe in May.
Hydrogeologist Stan Denhoed told council last week it will cost about $425,000 to $450,000 to develop a plan to transform a series of nine small ponds into one large lake and two smaller lakes. The land in question is a 1,200 acre parcel along both sides of Concession 2, south of Highway 401.
The township has submitted an application under the province’s Rural Economic Development (RED) program for $385,000. If successful, the township will receive 50% of that amount – about $193,000 – and have to come up with the other half on its own.
However, last week Abby Spielmacher explained the township hopes to “marry” the RED funding with a federal grant through the Green Municipal Fund (GMF) offered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
Spielmacher, who, with Denhoed, represented Harden Environmental Services Ltd., explained the idea is to apply for a total project cost under the GMF of $400,000 – of which the township would receive 50% or $200,000 if successful.
That would leave the township with about $393,000 in federal and provincial funding if both applications are approved, with the township contributing $40,000 on its own as a condition of the GMF application.
Spielmacher told council CBM and Lafarge Canada have each committed to $10,000, but the University of Guelph – the main landowner – and Dufferin Aggregates have declined for now, although Dufferin has expressed interest in helping out later on.
So, theoretically, that leaves the township to cover just $20,000 or less than 5% of the total cost for the plan. If either or both applications fail, Spielmacher said the township can ask the aggregate partners for more funding.
But several councillors seemed apprehensive about the plan.
“I’m afraid we’re going to have to rely on the system that got us into this mess to get us out of it,” councillor Matthew Bulmer said, alluding to gravel companies and pit rehabilitation throughout the township.
Bulmer said any of the aggregate partners could pull out at any time, leaving the township on the hook for even more money. He considered it “a red flag” that Dufferin Aggregates is unwilling to provide funding from the start.
Councillor Dick Visser went one step further.
“I think they can fund this whole thing themselves,” Visser said of the gravel companies. While in favour of the project, he does not want to use any public money for it, including federal and provincial grants, which also come from taxpayers.
Visser added he has a problem approving the GMF application without a lot of background information and he also questioned what he saw as a lack of council involvement in the whole process.
Councillor Susan Fielding said she is “really disappointed” the university and Dufferin Aggregates are unwilling to put up any money and said all the aggregate partners should be paying more.
Spielmacher said Lafarge and CBM have expressed an interest in giving more money, but the township required a minimal amount only for the application process.
Whitcombe said from the beginning and among all parties involved, there has been a spirit of cooperation and of wanting to provide a public asset for the community.
“I can tell you, the [aggregate] industry is on board with this, and so is the university,” the mayor said. “No one wants this to fail.” He added that once the plans get rolling he is sure there will be increased involvement from all parties.
Councillor Don McKay said he understands the concerns of fellow councillors, but it’s important not to lose sight of the big picture.
“This is a monumental project … It’s a good project,” McKay said, adding it will be a great benefit to the community. He vowed to be involved in future efforts to lobby the gravel companies for more money.
After some jockeying over verbiage, council passed by a 3-2 vote a resolution stating the township will develop a plan for the future Big Lake site – including “a sustainable community vision” and “sustainability targets” – and will commit $40,000 from its budget upon approval of the GMF application.
Whitcombe, McKay and Bulmer were in favour, while Visser and Fielding were opposed.
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Earlier this month the township received a letter of support from GRCA Chief Administrative Officer Paul Emerson. He called the Big Lake plans “exciting” and said they would offer better end-use options than currently exist for the gravel pits.
