Norwich council briefs

Luke Edwards, Post Contributor

Southfield Windows and Doors looking to relocate to Norwich

An Elmira business hopes to be the first occupant of a redeveloped industrial subdivision in Norwich.

VDK Development Inc. pitched the plan to Norwich councillors at the Aug. 12 meeting. Zoning bylaw amendments are required to make it possible.

While it would be a phased development, the first would see Southfield Windows and Doors take up residence on the site. The family-owned company began operation in 2005 and would use the Norwich site to assemble windows and doors from components it has shipped in.

Phase 1 has a footprint of just under four hectares, with nearly 10 hectares left over for future industrial development.

Some concerns were raised by councillors and residents at the meeting, namely around traffic. A traffic impact study was submitted, which didn’t note any immediate concerns, although a left-turn lane on Highway 59 at Quaker Street is already identified as being needed sometime in the next 20 years.

There were also some worries about a nearby drainage system and tiling system, though Nathan Kok, from Everest Estate Homes and representing the owner, said they’re working with the township on the drain issue.

“We won’t be getting any type of approval unless we can demonstrate clearly that we are not having any negative impact upstream or downstream,” he said.

Council approves Oxford Centre Hall well replacement

It turns out that a new well at Oxford Centre Hall will be cheaper up front, and in the long term.

A report to Norwich council on Aug. 12 recommended moving forward with a well replacement project at the property. The estimated cost is $25,000, which includes about $7,000 already spent in emergency work when the existing well faltered earlier this year.

The well provides water for the hall as well as a neighbouring residence. A loss of water pressure in June prompted staff to investigate, which led to the discovery of not just a failing pump, but also a well casing in poor condition.

In July, councillors asked staff to consider moving to a cistern water supply for the properties. However, staff estimates suggest it would cost $25,000 to $30,000, above the roughly $15,000 to replace the existing well. Additionally, it would cost an additional $500 a month for water delivery, and as much as $900 a year to service the cistern.

The township awarded the contract to replace the well to McLeod Well Drilling, whose estimate came in the lowest of three at $13,140.

Elgin Street reconstruction timeline moved up

Reconstruction of a portion of Elgin Street will take place earlier than planned in order to allow the township to complete simultaneous improvements to the Orth drain.

Councillors approved the new timelines at the Aug. 12 meeting, following a report recommending the change. Improvements to the Orth drain are required as a result of upstream commercial development.

Norwich’s 10-year capital forecast project includes work for Elgin Street in 2027. To align with the drain improvements, a staff report recommended doing the road work on Elgin Street between Spring and Centre streets this fall.

“(We’re) realizing some savings for the township and the developer and minimizing construction impacts on the community,” said Director of Public Works Ken Farkas.

To pay for the road work, council approved a recommendation to authorize up to $150,000 from the road construction reserve.

At the same meeting, councillors also approved a tender of just over $210,000 to RF Almas Company Ltd. for the drain improvements.