PUSLINCH – Puslinch council is enthusiastically supporting a push by Royal City Science to see a new science centre built on what is now the Mill Creek gravel pit.
The University of Guelph owns the pit, leasing it to an extraction company. Those activities are anticipated to cease by 2028. The University has yet to agree to allow the property to be used for a science centre.
Joanne O’Meara, co-founder of Royal City Science and a physics professor at the University of Guelph told council at their latest meeting it will be great for economic development.
“We believe that the facility that we envision would be an incredible asset, not just to the Township and the County, but it will become a must-visit tourism destination for all of southwestern Ontario,” said O’Meara.
O’Meara told council it’s an easy 90 minute drive for eight million people, including those that live in the Greater Toronto Area.
“You have folks who live in Mississauga, Oakville, Etobicoke,” O’Meara explained. “It is easier to get to Guelph or to get to Puslinch, much easier to get to Puslinch, than it is to get to the Ontario Science Centre on the DVP at many times of the day.”
Councillor Russel Hurst says he’s very excited at the prospect of a science centre in the Township.
“My kids are six and nine,” said Councillor Russel Hurst. “They’re in the wheelhouse of what you guys are envisioning so this makes me excited.”
Council did identify challenges like zoning, traffic, and servicing the site as obstacles but agreed they could be overcome. They are sending a letter of support to the University of Guelph which has yet to agree to lease the land for the science centre. Puslinch council is also asking for a meeting with the executive to get the project off the ground.
