Vote on future of proposed float glass plant held tonight

Guelph Eramosa Township council will vote on a motion tonighton plans by Xinyi Glass Holdings to build a float glass plant at the intersection of Wellington Road 32 and Highway 124 between Cambridge and Guelph.

The company is proposing to build a plant that would manufacture glass products for markets in Canada and the northern United States.

But the company's plan to use an estimated 1.6 million litres of water a day in the manufacturing process is a concern to area residents.

"Uphold the bylaw"

David Wolk, councillor in Guelph Eramosa Township said the company's plan violates an existing bylaw that calls for the proposed land to be considered "For Dry Use" only. That means any industry that sets up there cannot use significant amounts of water.

"My motion essentially is calling on council to uphold the bylaw that is now in place," said Wolk.

"And under that bylaw, to uphold the fact that the applicant should have been told and now needs to be told that their proposed development does not fit within their bylaw."

A Xinyi representative has said the water, which is used to cool the manufactured glass, would be recirculated within the system to reduce usage of water from the local aquifer.

• Residents try to block proposed glass plant near Guelph

The company has plans to build an advanced manufacturing plant on the site and employ up to 400 people from the area.

Delegates from a group of residents opposed to the project, and company representatives will speak to council Monday night before the vote takes place.

Monday's meeting starts at 7:00 p.m at Parkwood Gardens Community Church 501 Whitelaw Road in Guelph.