PUSLINCH ― It was standing room only at Puslinch council Wednesday morning as residents came out in droves to oppose a recently requested Minister’s Zoning Order related to a large-scale industrial development proposed for the north edge of Puslinch.
“Local decisions should stay local … We’re not here in opposition of growth, we’re here in support of responsible planning,” said Donna Christie, a Puslinch resident who opposed the request on behalf of Help Protect Puslinch (HPP) during the meeting.
If approved, the Minister’s Zoning Order (MZO) would allow Danby Canada and Upper Canada Forest Group to rezone 4631 Sideroad 20 North, west of the Hanlon Expressway, and 4599 Sideroad 20 North, east of the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada, by bypassing the usual local planning processes and appeal periods.
A municipality cannot refuse, amend or appeal established zoning permissions once the province issues an MZO. An official plan amendment would still be required.
Currently, a large-scale prestige employment development with manufacturing, warehousing, an accessory office and retail and associated uses is proposed for 4631 Sideroad 20 North.
The property at 4599 Sideroad 20 North is proposed for future employment uses and a “strategic road connection” between Concession Road 4 and the Wellington Road 34 and Highway 6 mid-block interchange.
While Danby has applied for an official plan amendment and to rezone the properties from secondary agricultural, rural employment area and core greenlands through the typical process, a decision hasn’t been made yet.
In the letter, Danby CEO Jim Estill said he’s requesting the MZO to permit employment uses and the timely development of the property, which he said is justified considering the proposal is a matter of interest under the planning act, conforms to the county’s official plan and is consistent with the provincial planning statement.
The request was “shocking” to Christie, who delegated during the meeting to share the local citizens’ group’s frustration and advocate for the province not to issue an MZO.
“Everyone’s opposed to this. It’s wrong. It’s just so wrong,” said Christie, in a follow-up interview. “The township spent all that time and money that went into planning to locate suitable areas for industry going forward … but this developer doesn’t want to follow the rules, he just wants to do what he wants to do.”
Calling the request a “threat to democracy,” Christie later shared HPP has retained legal council to advise the group on the MZO, as well as partnered with the Small Change Fund to raise money to fund legal and planning analysis, review policy and development impacts and prepare for potential Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) proceedings.
The group has raised $2,470 of its $10,000 goal to date.
“We have no respect now for Estill and his development because he hasn’t shown any respect … he’s overriding everybody. Would you want somebody like that as your neighbour? Because he’ll be our neighbour if that goes through,” said Christie. “There’s no trust anymore.”
Representing the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada, one of the organization’s original founders, Dave Pady, said they’re opposing the MZO because the proposed development will introduce risks that are “difficult to mitigate” and impact their ability to “invest in the future.”
Elaborating, Pady said donkeys are highly sensitive to change and their operations depend on a calm, low-impact environment to continue.
“The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada is a place the community comes to experience quiet, nature and compassion. It’s not an industrial destination, nor should it be surrounded by one,” said Pady.
Council later directed staff to send a letter to the province requesting it refuse the MZO instead of “superseding local planning processes,” which may “preempt the outcomes” of ongoing municipal planning work.
Summing up council’s concerns, Coun. Russel Hurst said the township has been “pretty consistent” over the last three years regarding the property and he doesn’t see that changing.
“Unfortunately, we’re on this ride together, and we’ll see where we go,” said Mayor James Seeley, who called the MZO a first for the township.
When asked whether council can send a summary of public feedback to the province, CAO Courtenay Hoytfox said yes, before encouraging residents to reach out directly to the provincial Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Rob Flack, or MPP Joseph Racinsky to directly share their concerns.
Coun. John Sepulis declared a pecuniary interest because his property is located on Sideroad 20 and the proposal could impact his property value.
Isabel Buckmaster is the Local Journalism Initiative reporter for GuelphToday. LJI is a federally-funded program.
By Isabel Buckmaster, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Original Published on May 06, 2026 at 15:13
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