Northern Ontario developments!

[russman]

Prince Arthur's Landing construction can begin



By Jamie Smith tbnewswatch

The first phase of construction at Prince Arthur’s Landing can now begin unobstructed after a green light from the Ministry of the Environment Wednesday afternoon. In a letter to the city, environment minister John Gerretsen said he is denying two requests for an individual environmental assessment made by city residents including Friends of the Marina Park Aug.13.

The requests had delayed construction on the waterfront. Project manager Katherine Dugmore said she’s happy that construction can begin. MOE officials had said the process could slow down the project by up to three years if an assessment was done.

"I think the mayor said it best," said Dugmore. "I just got a message on the telephone that said ‘woo-hoo!’."

Dugmore said that fencing contractors, civil work contractors and marine works contractors had already been onsite waiting to start construction. After a construction meeting Thursday morning, she said the first phase will begin. Dugmore said delays in the project would have jeopardized millions of dollars in stimulus funding that has a deadline.

"We have $30 million of construction infrastructure funding available to us until March 2011 so every moment we can spend in the ground now gives us access to that funding," Dugmore said. "After 2011 we won’t have access to that funding."

Friends of the Marina Park could not be reached for comment.

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