Drummond/North Elmsley Township will ask the province to review turning lanes at North Innisville following concerns about safety along Highway 7.
DNE council also supported a zoning amendment that would permit several commercial and industrial uses at a Drummond Concession 7 property, including uses associated with a fire truck refurbishment and servicing business.
MTO asked to review North Innisville turning lanes
Drummond/North Elmsley Township will ask the Ministry of Transportation to review turning lanes from Highway 7 into North Innisville following concerns raised by a resident.
Coun. Paul Kehoe brought the issue to the Sept. 22 committee of the whole meeting after receiving an email about the northbound turning lane into North Innisville.
CAO Cathy Ryder said the resident raised concerns that the turning lane is very short and located close to the Mississippi River bridge, making entry to and exit from Highway 7 dangerous.
Council agreed to send a letter to the Ministry of Transportation outlining the safety concerns and requesting a review of the turning lanes into North Innisville as part of Highway 7 improvements.
Committee supports zoning amendment for Drummond Concession 7 property
Committee supported a zoning amendment for a property at 2762 Drummond Concession 7 that would permit several additional commercial and industrial uses.
James Adam and Jessica Rothwell applied to have the approximately one-acre property rezoned from Rural to a site-specific Rural Exception zone.
The amendment would permit a fabrication plant, heavy equipment service and commercial emergency vehicle sales and service.
The applicants’ business is Iron and Trade Works, currently located in Perth, which refurbishes and services fire trucks.
The property contains a single-family home, shed and large garage with a separate entrance. Township planning staff reported the garage and parking area had previously been used for industrial purposes, including by a former septic hauling business.
Staff recommended approval of the amendment, saying the proposed uses could be accommodated on the property and would support the local economic base.
The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority had no objection to the zoning amendment. Portions of the property are associated with the regulation limit of the Blueberry Marsh Provincially Significant Wetland, non-evaluated wetland and potential organic soils. Future development within regulated areas could require conservation authority approval.
The closest residential neighbour also submitted a letter supporting the application.
Ryder said no additional comments were received from members of the public during the Sept. 22 public meeting and committee supported the application.
The zoning amendment would allow the proposed uses on the property. An implementing zoning bylaw is expected to come before council.
Township strengthens Ontario, Canadian purchasing policy
Drummond/North Elmsley has amended its procurement policy to place greater emphasis on purchasing Ontario and Canadian goods and services.
The amendment directs the township to review supply chains, procurement processes and upcoming purchases to identify opportunities to increase domestic purchasing.
Staff are also directed to determine whether goods and services originating outside Canada can be replaced with Ontario or Canadian alternatives.
The new provision takes precedence over other clauses in the township’s procurement policy where there is a conflict.
The change follows provincial Buy Ontario requirements aimed at increasing the use of Ontario and Canadian goods and services in public-sector purchasing.
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