From www.chroniclejournal.com
In denying two requests seeking a full environmental assessment on Prince Arthur‘s Landing, provincial Environment Minister John Gerretsen has given the green light for the multi-million dollar waterfront project to proceed.
“The city may now proceed with the project,” Gerretsen said in a letter Wednesday.
But he included conditions that require information to be submitted to the ministry and shared with the individual and community-based organizations who requested the lengthy and complex individual EA.
Waterfront project manager Katherine Dugmore said the city is pleased that after 2 1/2 years of work securing the necessary approvals, “we are now able to move forward with this exciting and transformational project. The social, economic and recreational benefits are of enormous importance,” she said.
“Prince Arthur‘s Landing at Marina Park will be a gathering place for the community.”
Waterfront development committee chairman Coun. Mark Bentz said it‘s good news the minister has allowed the project to proceed.
“There‘s a lot of provincial and federal dollars at stake here, and we really do want to spend them in Thunder Bay,” he said.
“So, I‘m happy the minister has allowed this project to proceed and we‘ll begin right away.”
Coun. Linda Rydholm, who is opposed to this particular one-kilometre project, said that while the project will proceed, “we‘ll never know what will happen.
“There‘s much money wasted and that continues to be my opinion.”
Rydholm said there are others, as far as she knows, who are applying to the Ontario Municipal Board to challenge the project.
“I‘m not an environmental specialist so I don‘t know if the minister made the correct decision or not.
“However, if we get into environmental trouble the city will still have to pay,” Rydholm said.
She said she is not opposed to waterfront development, but is against this particular project as it is planned.
The city has already completed a required Schedule C environmental assessment for servicing to permit mixed use development, and secured the following approvals:
• A Canadian Environmental Assessment Act screening.
• A fill permit through the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority to allow lake infill.
• Planning Act approvals including official plan and zoning bylaw amendments.
For 2009, the construction schedule includes:
• Construction of infrastructure to service the site including sewer, water and storm sewer.
• Marine works including minor dredging and the retrofit of existing docks.
• Fencing including safety fencing and a custom fence to separate railway lands from the park.
