May 18 was the deadline for input for the Terms of Reference for the GTA West Corridor. I attended the Public Information Centre several weeks ago.When I asked people present at the PIC how Guelph City Council would be involved, they said that they would be making a presentation at the end of May to Wellington County Council, to which Guelph City Council would be invited.My concerns are twofold.
1) Guelph City Council will attend a presentation on the GTA West Corridor after the deadline for input. This means that you will not have been given the opportunity to provide meaningful and informed input to the terms of reference. Guelph is one of the major municipalities in the corridor, and I consider this significant oversight to be an early flaw in the process. Again, in speaking to one of the representatives at the PIC, I pointed out that our best agricultural land is located north of the city and to the south are the recharge areas for our aquifers. His response was, “Yes, we’re just starting to learn about that.”
2) There seems to be little awareness of this project in Guelph. Having the issue reviewed by staff and aired at Council would give Guelph citizens the opportunity to express their views.
I would ask that Guelph City Council ask for an extension on the deadline for input so that you will be able to make comments after you have attended the joint presentation with Wellington County. SW