SERVING THE MAPLETON COMMUNITY
THE
COMMUNITY NEWS VOLUME 50 ISSUE 49
DRAYTON, ONTARIO
Celebrating Christmas and Canada - Members of Mapleton council ride on the township’s float celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday in the Moorefield Santa Claus Parade on Dec. 2. Photo by Caroline Sealey
1 Year GIC - 2.30% 3 Year GIC - 2.71% 5 Year GIC - 2.90% Daily Interest 2.25%*
638-3328
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017
www.jackfinancial.ca
Santa parade in Drayton - The Edge Mutual Insurance Company float in the Drayton Santa Claus Parade on Dec. 1 featured a nostalgic toy theme. Photo by Caroline Sealey
Township agrees to new five-year deal with OCWA By Patrick Raftis MAPLETON – Council here has approved a new five-year contract with the Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) to operate the township’s water and wastewater systems until Dec. 31, 2021. OCWA has been providing water and wastewater servicing to the Township of Mapleton since 2002. “The responsibilities of the service agreement have developed over the years into the comprehensive delivery of cost-effective and efficient operational and maintenance activities that not only pro-
vide safe and reliable production and distribution of drinking water to the community, but also provide environmentally friendly collection and treatment of the resultant wastewater,” stated public works director Sam Mattina in a report presented to council on Nov. 28. The report indicates the proposed annual cost for the service renewal agreement translates to a monthly cost of $24,477. “This is a reasonable fee to operate and maintain the system from an operational perspective,” states Mattina. Councillor Dennis Craven
suggested it would “more than likely be more expensive” for the town to operate its own system, when the cost of hiring and training staff and obtaining equipment was considered. “Mapleton’s infrastructure in water and wastewater is not, at this point, large enough to sustain its own system. To have its own department to operate the system at this time would not be financially feasible, no,” replied Mattina. The monthly cost to contract with OCWA translates to “$10 per person per month for safe clean water,” coun-
cillor Marlene Ottens pointed out. “I think most people would think that’s a bargain.” Interim CAO Murray Clarke told council that in light of “the complexities post-Walkerton in the compelling argument about the delivery of safe water,” and the relatively small number of users on the local systems, “it really is, for Mapleton, a most efficient and affordable solution.” Craven asked about the possibility of looking into forming a joint operation with a neighboring munici-
pality that runs its own system as a possible way to reduce costs. Mattina responded that “proximity to the system is important, especially emergency response. “It’s not a feasible alternative. It would still mean additional staff, additional equipment, additional administration - those factors do not go away.” While noting, “Staff would not recommend that at this point of time,” Mattina said staff could look into the possibility of a joint operation if council requests it. Councillor Michael
Martin pointed out past deals with OCWA have generally been for a three-year term. “What was the motivation to go to a five-year deal?” Martin wondered. “It’s a set price for five years …. It’s in our best interest for budget purposes and the best rate for the consumer,” replied Mattina. He added a longer deal also reduces the possibility of the deal expiring before renewal can be arranged. He pointed out OCWA is currently operating under a one-year extension of the previous three-year deal, which had expired.
Traffic study soothes concerns about tire shop location By Patrick Raftis MAPLETON – Council here appears set to approve a zoning amendment to allow a tire sales and repair shop on a three-acre parcel of land along McGivern Street (Wellington Road 10) across from Maryborough Public School. The rezoning of the property would permit Moorefield Tire to build a shop for retail sales and repair of car, truck and agricultural tires. The amendment would also permit the use of private septic services on a temporary basis. The rezoning is a con-
dition of a severance application granted provisional consent by the Wellington County land division committee. Following an Oct. 10 public meeting on the proposal, applicant Lloyd Brubacher of Moorefield Tire submitted a traffic study and a revised site plan in response to concerns raised by neighbouring property owners. The study indicated the busiest hour in the morning is estimated at 13 trips (eight cars in and five cars out) and the busiest hour in the afternoon is estimated at 21 trips (nine in and 12 out).
HELD OVER
WONDER
Fri. and Sat. 8pm & Sunday 7pm RATED PG AND 113 MINUTES
MAIN ST. W. PALMERSTON 519.343.3640 www.norgantheatre.com
The study identified that other commercial and industrial uses currently permitted by the existing C1 zoning on the site could generate much more traffic in comparison to the proposed tire shop. The study also concluded the business would not generate the need for any improvements to Wellington Road 11. The study also recommended the proposed driveway be aligned with the existing Murray Group driveway across the road to minimize turning conflicts. However councillor Dennis Craven suggested
‘‘
a different driveway placement in order to keep the driveway as far away from the school as possible. Wellington County Senior Planner Curtis Marshall said the driveway placement could be looked at as part of the site control process. Councillor Michael Martin, who stated on Oct. 10 he felt the operation would be best located in an industrial park setting, said at the Nov. 28 meeting, “I do support the current application.” Martin, who lives near the proposed development, said he “separated my personal and professional opinion on
WEEKLY WAG
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” - Martin Luther King Jr.
‘‘
this” and concluded the tire shop “should be able to fit into the neighbourhood.” However, he maintained, “In a perfect world … this belongs in an industrial park.” Mayor Neil Driscoll expressed support for the local business, which is currently located on Concession 8 at the southwest corner of Moorefield. “With Mapleton being 90 per cent agriculture, I think it’s important we have a tire shop,” said Driscoll. Councillor Marlene Ottens said, “I think council wants to support any busi-
BILL’S
ness that wants to stay in our area.” She added, “I don’t have a problem with the driveway. It makes sense being across from the Murray Group.” Craven said, “I do not want to be part of a council that gets blamed for losing another business.” Council passed a resolution directing staff to prepare an amending bylaw for consideration, including provisions to accommodate the applicant’s requests for a front yard setback of 38 metres instead of 26 and installation of a loading dock at the front of the building.
PAINT and COLLISION Specializing in... Collision and Complete Re-Finishing, One Mile East of Moorefield.
519 638-2048