Councillors here are paving the way for substantial expansion to WC Smith Wholesale Distributors in Clifford.
On May 17, councillors here approved amendments for the property at part of Park Lots F, G, and H – municipally known as 95 Elora Street.
The amendment allows rezoning of the lands to a commercial site to allow an expanded dry goods warehouse operation.
The property is subject to a consent application which would merge it with the adjacent WC Smith property, where a warehouse business already exists.
The company intends to expand its wholesale business and construct additional warehouse space.
Senior planner Mark Van Patter told council that Smith’s business is neat, attractively landscaped, and provides a major source of employment for the area. He supported the expansion providing potential impacts are acceptable and can be mitigated.
The business involves goods brought in from across the world and then redistributed to retail businesses.
There are roughly 40 employees, with an additional 50 part-time and summer student positions.
Van Patter said it is his understanding the use is relatively quiet, with all activity occurring indoors and limited trucking involved.
His understanding is that the expansion will be in three phases: 28,000 square feet in phase one, along with parking for 40 cars; 22,000 square feet in phase two; and 29,700 square feet in phase three.
He wrote in his report that he saw little use in requiring and official plan amendment. He believes the business is not an intensive use and there would be only limited potential for nuisance impacts on neighbours.
“As well, the surrounding lands in the north part of Clifford are all designated as highway commercial, other than the sewage lagoons, which are designated as industrial,” he concluded.
