Mail - February 10, 2006

Sent: Friday February 10, 2006
To: Jim Riddell
Cc: Byron Cunningham
Subject: Lafarge property development

Jim Riddell

Hello, I am writing with my concerns about the proposed Lafarge property redevelopment on Silvercreek in Guelph.

I have read a reasonable amount concerning this issue and I am quite concerned that the City is supporting a development that is contrary to the Commercial Policy Review (CPR). Why would the City support the removal of industrial lands that are designated for industrial on the Lafarge Property at a time when the city is arguing that there is a need for industrial lands?/

And as Byron Cunningham has stated in his letter to you and the Mercury;
"According to the consultants hired by the city on this file, increasingcommercial development by the proposed 450,000 square feet of retail space on this property would put Guelph into "residual -- high growth over-supply" resulting in sales transfer impacts from the downtown and other centers leading to deteriorating conditions."

Further why would the City support the development of a piece of property that is going to have a direct traffic impact on a residential neighbourhood? The developer has indicated that they plan to get access to this site from the Hanlon, but the Ontario Ministry of Transportation has clearly indicated that this is not a viable option. If the City supports this proposal there will be a direct impact on the traffic on the local residential streets and in particular on Silvercreek and Inkerman. It seems incredible to me that these potential traffic impacts are taken so lightly by the developer and City staff. Why would you want to create a traffic issue?

I believe that, if this proposal is allowed to proceed, the taxpayers of the City of Guelph will be on the hook for a number of potential costs. When traffic problems manifest themselves then we, the taxpayers, will be asked to foot the bill to complete an underpass under the CNR rail line at the south end of Silvercreek and or reconstruct other roads in the area. We will also be on the hook for the extra enforcement that will be required when the residents in the neighbourhood start to rightfully complain about traffic cutting through the neighbourhood to get quicker access to the shops.

This proposal is just exacerbating an already difficult traffic issue on Silvercreek. Why would you need to do this?

Doug Johnson
8 Fernbank Place
Guelph, ON N1C 1A7
Tel: 519-821-4533