Monday evening will see a potentially crucial meeting regarding the future of the proposed Xinyi glass plant in Guelph-Eramosa Township.
Councillor David Wolk served notice of motion at the last township meeting that he would be bringing forth a motion to reject Xinyi’s application because it does not meet the zoning requirements for the location.
The meeting happens at 7 p.m. and in anticipation of a large turnout has been switched to Parkwood Gardens Community Church at 501 Whitelaw Rd. in Guelph.
Wolk, and others opposed to the plant, say the 2 million square-foot float glass plant does not fit the category of “dry industrial use” that the property on County Road 32, just north of Highway 124, is zone for.
Four members of GET Concerned, a citizens group opposed to the plant, are on the agenda to speak at Monday’s meeting, as is Xinyi spokesperson Neil Dunsmore.
Many residents are opposed to the project for several reasons, most notably the up to 1.6 million litres of water the plant will use as part of the process.
Xinyi has stated over half of that water, which is used in the cooling process, will go back into the ground after being treated. The rest evaporates.
There are also concerns over traffic congestion, air pollution and an on-site dormitory planned for the facility.
Potential benefits of the plant would be over 300 local jobs, according to Xinyi, and a huge boost to the township’s tax base.
Xinyi has been running regular ads in a local newspaper, including one recent ad that invited potential employees to apply for jobs when they become available, defending the project.
He has also been regularly sending letters to the editor to GuelphToday explaining their position.
This week he sent one that says, in part: “We have heard a lot about stewardship of water and when you see the numbers, especially the replenishment numbers, we hope you will see that Xinyi has put time and resources into proving we are good stewards of our water.”
Wong’s latest letter can be read in full here.
