Silvercreek Development Ltd. Application (Lafarge)

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I believe that the application by Silvercreek Developments Ltd. to develop the former Lafarge property is still under reveiw by Guelph City Council. I am writing in support of City Council denying that application. As I see it, the proposed development is incompatible with the surrounding neighbourhood and with the City of Guelph’s own Strategic Plan 07 “the city that makes a difference”. The first goal in the Strategic Plan is: An attractive, well-functioning and sustainable city”. Allowing such a large commercial development within 2km of the downtown is not heading towards Goal 1. Most people would agree that big box stores are not attractive, even the developer admitted this and plans to do their best to ‘hide’ them. The increased traffic, (estimated up to 1600 trips/hour peak time) is not going to lead to a well-functioning or greener city. Such large commercial development is not lasting and not forward thinking. This is an opportunity for Guelph to create something unique, something that will draw people from other cities. More appropriate would be a walkable, mixed-use development, including residential, services, shopping, some green space. We need a development that has staying power, that provides viable employment, not minimum wage jobs for Guelph residents (which was one of Mayor Farbridge’s criticism of the development allowed by the previous City Council). This plan does not move towards Goal 3 of the Strategic Plan: “a diverse and prosperous local economy”, “thriving and sustainable local employment opportunities”. As a resident of the neighbourhood near the proposed development, but even more so as a resident of this city, I ask that City Council reject the current application on the grounds that it does not provide the people of Guelph with what they want, a beautiful city with unique character, a strong sense of community, and sustainable commercial development. We need something built here that is a welcomed addition to the neighbourhood, that this on a scale appropriate to the centre of a residental area and that will enhance the city as a whole. Commercial development of this size and type is nothing unique, they litter the urban landscape in communities across North America. Let’s create something special. I implore City Council to take this opportunity to follow through on the ideology that they were elected on. To move Guelph in the direction of an environmentally and economically viable city.         BB

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