GUELPH-ERAMOSA – Some Guelph Eramosa residents are concerned with a proposed bylaw limiting where skilled trade, home-based businesses would be permitted.
The proposed by-law deals specifically with trade uses like a home-based plumber, electrician, or welder. It also includes craft or artisan uses like woodworking or welding and service uses like small engine repair, home cleaning business and the like.
Some people argued at a public meeting on the issue Monday, that allowing tradespeople to work from home would limit commuting, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and allow people in the community to access services like small engine repair right in their neighbourhoods.
Nigel Baker, a citizen of Guelph Eramosa for 12 years, expressed concerns about restricting home-based businesses. He says socially, environmentally and economically the Township should be promoting home-based businesses.
“Socially, the Mennonites use a horse and buggy so they maintain a community close to home; traveling for work is a bad idea; and economically [Apple founder] Steve Jobs started [Apple] in his garage and that would not have been allowed according to this bylaw because he had more than two employees,” Baker told council.
Mayor Chris White says they are trying to strike a balance between allowing people in the trades to establish businesses on their residential properities against any potential conflicts with neighbours. He thinks the bylaw is heading in the right direction. Staff will be revising the bylaw based on yesterday’s feedback and will be bringing the document back to council at a later date.