Plans for a controversial giant glass manufacturing facility in Guelph/Eramosa Township could be shattered after the company did not appeal a council decision to reject it.
Last month Guelph/Eramosa Township voted down a rezoning application needed in order to move forward with the proposal. That decision was based on the fact council felt the proposed facility did not meet the "dry use" zoning of the property.
Xinyi Canada had until 4:30 p.m. Wednesday to file an appeal of that council decision and did not do so.
"It just means they didn't file an appeal by the deadline so the file is closed," Guelph/Eramosa CAO Ian Roger said.
Asked if there were any other legal options for Xinyi to challenge council's decision, Roger said "not that I'm aware of, no."
He said there was no communication with the company in regards to the deadline.
"Council made its decision, we provided them with information regarding council's decision and their right to appeal and the deadline and they chose not to appeal," Roger said.
Efforts to reach Xinyi representatives for comment were not immediately successful.
On their websitelast month they expressed disappointed with council's decision.
"Our commitment to build our first North American float glass facility to serve the increasing demand of the North American market remains unchanged. We will review our position and consider possible options to go forward," the statement said.
Xinyi planned to build a $450 million, two million square foot float glass plant on County Road 32 just north of Highway 124.
Susan McSherry of GETconcerned, the resident's group that fought a cohesive and organized battle against the proposal, said they were thrilled with the news.
"GETconcerned is very pleased by this outcome - for GET residents, for the township, and for the work that's been and will continue to be done to ensure the ongoing supply of potable water in an area of the township where source groundwater remains at significant risk," she said.
Many township residents were opposed to the plant on several grounds, most notably the amount of water it planned on using, air quality concerns, traffic congestion, emergency contingencies and plans to have a dormitory on site.
It's official! Xinyi missed the appeal deadline: no appeal means absolutely no xnyi glass plant @GuelphEramosa! 1.6 m litres water saved, harmful pollution + emissions prevented.Thank you to all those who cared enough to stand strong! #GETconcerned #WaterIsLife #WaterNotProfit pic.twitter.com/oLEA7bet5i
— @GETconcerned.org (@GetconcernedO) August 16, 2018
Xinyi had argued that tests showed the water in the area would not be adversely affected and that it was following strict government guidelines regarding any air quality concerns.
The plant would have employed over 400 people and meant significant tax revenue for the township.
Guelph/Eramosa Mayor Chris White was not immediately available for comment.
