We acknowledge the necessity for more economic development and additional opportunities for business growth in our community. We desire sustainability in such growth.

The initial Hanlon Creek Business Park (HCBP) plan was envisioned originally as a ‘green’ initiative, with low impact development practices aimed at preserving provincially significant wetlands and old-growth trees found in the area between Downey Road and the Hanlon Expressway. However the plans we reviewed in spring 2009 were not consistent with this ‘green’ plan.  It appeared to us that cost-effectiveness has taken priority over low impact development goals.

We had the opportunity to meet with Peter Cartwright to discuss in detail our concerns about the plans as they existed. In particular, we were concerned that the impending changes to the natural systems present would dramatically affect a water catchment area, which is crucial to the Downey Well and the groundwater recharge of the Paris-Galt Moraine.  The Moraine is a critical source of municipal water supply for Guelph and surrounding area. We were told at that point that it was too late to revise the plans.

The natural systems present on the Hanlon Creek Business Park site – that of the hummocky hills typical of a moraine serve to best provide water catchment and groundwater recharge. This is nature’s way of maintaining the integrity of our local groundwater. Too often we have seen well-intentioned plans find their shortcomings many years later once the problems created are too difficult to remedy.

We believe that the City has a golden opportunity to be an effective leader in the province by planning a development that can be sensitive to the environment while at the same time provide a sustainable economic opportunity.