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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2012 Public invited to comment on industrial subdivision plan west of Rockwood of uses proposed under the rural/industrial zoning is an issue, especially their potential impact/threat to water resources. Prohibited uses now include an auto body/repair shop, service station, food processing plant, fuel storage, machine shop, asphalt plant operation, recreational trailer sales/service and fuel storage related with a transport business. Phillips said along with dealing with the land uses and transportation and traffic issues, the key to the look of the proposal is urban design guidelines to deal with the building facades, making them "higher calibre" and more "glamorous" with lots of landscaping and buffering to screen parking and storage. Several councillors questioned the allowed land uses ­ Councillor David Wolk suggested the definition of a "computer establishment," and Councillor Corey Woods questioned why a welding shop is an approved use, but not a machine shop when both do similar work. Phillips said the permitted uses are a "framework" which THE NEW TANNER 11 Bring "renderings of the lots to give neighbours a visual." That's the advice Guelph/Eramosa Township Mayor Chris White had for property owner David Robertson who wants to build an industrial/business park on 33-hectacres at the southwest corner of Highway 7 and County Road 29. Township planner Lana Phillips briefed Council on the revised application last Monday, noting many concerns raised in the past have been worked on by the applicant who downsized the number of lots to 22 from 30, and removed some of the proposed uses that caused concern when the application was last before the public in February 2010. Among the changes are removal of access to Highway 7 ­ access will be from County Road 29 ­ relocating an interior loop road to ensure the lots seen from Highway 7 will be landscaped, upgrading the look of buildings and removing some potential land uses. Although the land is currently used for agricultural purposes, it is zoned rural industrial. Phillips said the range Council could change. Mayor Chris White noted that the aesthetics of the development were a major issue when over 100 people jammed the council chambers three years ago for a public meeting on the application. He said that people didn't want to be staring at warehouses, and the applicant should move the buildings back from the road and "tree it up" so it's not so bad for people in the neighbourhood. Councillor Doug Breen agreed that the aesthetics are better, but his major concern continues to be water and septic system issues ­ each of the 22 lots would require a well and septic system. He also reported that local farmers told him the site is "soaking wet" and proper drainage will be an issue. Landowner David Robertson countered that the land has been farmed for years and has never need- ed drainage. Mayor White said "clearly this (application) is an absolute improvement" over past versions, and suggested the applicant and his planner bring drawings of the proposed lots so neighbours can see what is proposed and what it will look like. After the meeting, White said the "aesthetics are better," and the latest plan is an improvement because they have taken a "lot of things off the list of approved uses, " but there are still some "heavy questions" including water usage and septic tanks. He said some people don't want to see any development on the site while others welcome jobs and assessment, so it will be a "bit of a balance" to keep everyone happy. The revised application will be the subject of a public meeting on Monday, December 10, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Rockmosa Community Centre in Rockwood. Santa and Mrs. Claus coming to Acton Christmas is in the air, the Christmas lights are up, downtown shops have decorated their windows and this Saturday is the Acton Fire Fighters Association Santa Claus Parade. The theme this year is "A Dr. Seuss Christmas". The parade starts at 1p.mm from the MSB Public School and parades through downtown Acton ending at Prospect Park. The Acton BIA will take free photos with Santa at Roxy Coffee this year from 11 a.m. to 12:45 pm. Photos will be taken before the parade and can be picked up at Roxy Coffee right after the parade has ended. The Acton BIA will also be serving hot apple cider along the parade route compliments of the Acton BIA and MacMillan's Frozen Foods. November is also the kick-off for our "Sharing Tree". Unwrapped gifts can be dropped off at BMO Bank of Montreal, Scotia Bank, CIBC, TD Bank, RBC and Prosperity One Credit Union. This is a great opportunity for you to share the Christmas spirit by donating unwrapped gifts for adults and children to be distributed through the Acton Christmas Hamper Society to families in time for Christmas. As the Christmas season is upon us remember that downtown Acton has over 90 shops and services to meet your every need. Please try and shop local and show your support to our downtown businesses. These are the businesses we call upon to support our local sports teams and service clubs all year long through sponsorships and donations. They support us, we need to support them. Watch for our Holiday Magic on Mill and Main Streets on Thursday, December 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. Lots of in-store specials, customer appreciation, horse and carriage rides with Santa and lots more. Upcoming Schedule of Events: Friday, November 23 ­ Acton Rotary Wine and Cheese 6:30 p.m. at the Acton Town Hall Centre. For tickets call Robert Bedard at 519-853-5858 or Dick Crane at 519-853-4338. Saturday, December 1 ­ Light Up The Hills ­ Acton Arena 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, December 6 ­ Holiday Magic on Mill and Main Street ­ 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday, January 27 ­ Acton Winter Carnival ­ Prospect Park For more information visit the BIA website at www.downtownacton.ca or email actonbia@cogeco.net Gourmet Gift Baskets from $15 - $200 Corporate orders welcome ACTON INDIAN RIVER DIRECT CITRUS TRUCKLOAD SALE THE HIDE HOUSE (Eastern & Mill) WED. NOV. 21th, 12:30PM - 2:30PM 20 lb box FLORIDA www.millstreetcheesemarket.com SEEDLESS NAVEL ORANGES or RUBY RED GRAPEFRUIT $ 25.00 PER BOX