The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

10 THE NEW TANNER THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011 Noble Ridge concerns There was anger, frustration, concern and a lot of questions at a statutory public meeting for the proposed 258-unit Harris subdivision last Monday at Rockmosa. Charleston Homes has filed three planning applications to turn 40 acres of Rockwood farmland once owned by the Harris family, including former Reeve Leverne Harris, into Noble Ridge, a mix of single family, condominiums and townhouses on the village's eastern boundary, off of Harris Street. The density of the development ­ the number of units per acre ­ was an issue with many of the 20plus residents who spoke at the meeting, several who told County planning staff, the applicant's consultants and Township councillors that they don't want urban sprawl, like Brampton. Traffic was a major issue raised by numerous residents who predict traffic nightmares if a stop light is not installed on Main Street (Highway 7) and Harris Street. The Ministry of Transportation requires the developer to build a left-hand turn lane for southbound Main Street traffic, turning left onto Harris Street. Harris Street resident David Clark, a safety specialist, said the road is dangerous now, and the development will make it worse. He said everyone involved the planning applications should start "lining up the body bags, because when people get killed... my wife almost got ran over last Wednesday," Clark said, adding his neighbour's dog was by a car and killed recently standing at the mailbox. Harris Street resident Marty Durksen said with overcrowded schools, convenience-only shopping in the downtown, and limited recreational facilities, the proposed cookie-cutter housing is too dense and will create traffic safety issues. "The only way to address this future traffic problem is to simply reduce the number of houses that are going into this subdivision," Durksen said to the loud clapping of the crowd. Guelph/Eramosa Mayor Chris White reminded the crowd several times that development has been on the book for over 20 years, and while they can't stop it, they can use innovative measures, including sug- MOTHERING SUNDAY: For the 45th year, the congregation at St. John's Church in Rockwood celebrated Mothering Sunday when children presented blessed flowers to all females, and a sweet biscuit called Simnel Cake was served. Jean Martin (left), Jean Gorton and John Jones helped at the service. ­ Submitted photo gestions from residents for one-way traffic system, to mitigate its impact on Rockwood and "make the best of a bad situation." Developer Charlie Kuiken stressed that Charleston Homes is a communityminded developer who has been in Rockwood for 25 years and is proud of what they've built. "I know change is difficult, but we are working within (planning) parameters," Kuiken said. All of the comments and questions raised at the meeting will be incorporated in a report that Township planners will prepare Council within two months. Township Digest Easter Egg Hunt What's Easter without an Easter egg hunt? Everyone is invited to join Rockwood's St. John's Anglican Church for an Easter egg hunt on Easter Sunday, from noon to 1 p.m. Parents are asked to pre-register their children at st.johnsrockwood@ belnet.ca or by calling 519-856-9211 by April 16. Shop Rockwood Just in time for Mother's Day shopping ­ the second annual Rockwood Women in Business Shop Rockwood Extravaganza is April 30 at St. John's Church Hall. The event offers free admission, door prizes, music, and jewellery, children's fashions and much more. It runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Active transportation money Guelph/Eramosa Township Council reconsidered an earlier vote and now will contribute $3,000 ­ like the County's other six townships ­ towards a $60,000 Active Transportation plan for Wellington. Several councilors questioned the value of the report, but agreed with Mayor Chris White who said the $3,000 could be leveraged into money to develop the Township's trail system. Council voted to take no more than $1,000 from the economic development budget to help pay its share of the study. Staff will find the balance from existing budgets. Saturday, April 30, 2011 Join Friends and Family of Avery Bond at the Rockwood Conservation Area for the 2nd Annual Avery's Bravery Race. All proceeds from this event will go to SickKids Foundation, who were there for Avery when she needed them the most. 2nd Annual Avery's Bravery Race Avery Bond How much is your Real Estate worth? FREE for the 2km walk $15 (includes nylon knapsack) KIDS · Bouncy Castle · Face Painting · Cupcake Decorating · Crafts · 100m Heart Pumper Run · Toddler Play Area 5km run $30 (includes t-shirt) Rockwood Lions 32nd Annual April 10, 2011 8am to 1pm Rockwood 2km family rate $40 (2 kids, 3 adults) Rockmosa Centre, Adults $7.00 Children $3.00 (10 or under) Register online at runningroom.com EVENTS START AT 10 AM For more information call 519-856-0066 averysbraveryrace.com Pre-schoolers Free Tickets available at the door.