A4 - The Canadian Champion, Tuesday, October 24, 2006 /Council defers decision on Brookville Golf Course By Melanie Hennessey CANADIAN CHAMPION STAFF It looks like council won't be making any decisions on the proposed Brookville Golf Course until the Province issues its water- taking permit. That was the verdict at last week's admin- istration and planning committee meeting where a motion was put forward to defer the issue until the permit is received. The plans, which Town staff recommend- cd be approved, call for an 18-hole golf course on Guelph Line, south of No. 20 Sideroad. Residents both for and against the course turned out at Monday's meeting to voice their thoughts. Neighbouring farmer Sharon Anderson expressed concern about wayward golfers that could trample ber crops looking for balls. She also noted that she bas permis- sion to spread manure on ber land, which could result in "nothing but complaints about odours." Elizabeth Norrington, who operates a farm beside the proposed course, said she feels a variety of issues she previously raised - largely focused on ber water supply - haven't been dealt with. She requested that the committee defer the proposal until everyone's concerns are addressed. The golf courses consultant, Glen Wellings, said he was "troubled" by Norrington's comments because numerous efforts have been made and discussions had to resolve ber concerns. He noted that they've been monitoring her well and sever- al others in the area since june last year. He also said that the course will likely be one of the most environmentally friendly in the region, pointing out that the two wood- lots on the property will be maintained. But, local fanner Lieven Gevaert - who recommended committee turn down the proposal - contended that golf courses are "not a friend of the environment." He also questioned whether a wildlife assessnent was done on the subject property and what effect a golf ball could have il a cow eats it. Several residents spoke out in favour of the golf course, such as Eli Daigle, who said he thinks its something thats necded in north Nassagaweya. Susan Capone, who owns a property near the course, said since shes employed in the fitness and recreation field, shes pleased that the proposal has come forward. lin also happy to sec this would he a public golf course," she noted. And Guelph Line bee keeper Danny Bowers said the golf course would actually henefit his business, since it would be home to flowers and trees that would produce nec- tar for his bees. Golf course developer Rob Stevens told the comrnittee that hes found the large majority of the property's neighbours sup- port the project. He described the course as family-oriented and affordable. He also noted the course would support local chari- ties and fundraisers if its given the go-ahead. Town Senior Manager of Development Review Anne Dawkins acknowledged the public bas reported there appears to be activ- ity, like grass planting and stock piling of materials, already taking place on the prop- erty. She also said while the developer applied for a site alteration permit, it wasn't granted because council had yet to make a decision on the proposal. The Town then issued a stop work order to prevent any fur- ther alterations. Wellings explained that grass seeding occurred to eliminate erosion and the stock- piles at the front of the property - from the Guelph I ne construction project - are actually on the Regions land. lie also point- ed out dead trees have been removed and almost 1,000 seedlings have been planted. Stevens said prior to the stop work order, some loads of recycled gravel were brought in. He noted that if the golf course is never approved, the gravel could then be used to fix the land's current laneways. Ward 3 Councillor Cindy Lunau ques- tioned why the site the golf course is pro- posed for is "so ideal" when there are many other 100-acre parcels in Nassagaweya. Dawkins said the land was available to purchase and it has relatively few environ- mental constraints, such as the fact its not encumbered by trees. Fellow Ward 3 Councillor Jan Mowbray said in her opinion, theres a shortage of pub- lic golf courses like the Brookville Golf Course. She also noted that many local resi- dents support such a type of "inexpensive entertainment." Ward 4 Councillor John Challinor ulti- mately put forward the motion to defer the matter. He explained that while he bas no objection to the course, he said there are some issues that need to be dealt with before approval. Melanie Heniessey can be reached at mhen- iessey@milioncatiadianchairpion.com. Free Special Report REDUCING RISK IN YOUR PORTFOLIO Are you tired of losing money in your investments? 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