A delegation of Elliot Lake City Council members and senior staff have been pleading the city's case with provincial government ministers at this week's Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) annual conference being held in Ottawa.
At the end of a day filled with face to face meetings with top provincial officials on Tuesday, Mayor Dan Marchisella told ElliotLakeToday the province has been supportive for plans for the downtown indoor sports and recreation.complex.
He said, "The province sounds very supportive of our Hub proposal, and with a few minor revisions in wording we should be ready to submit the application early September."
Mayor Marchisella continued, "The Ministry of Northern Development and Mines (MNDM) and Indigenous Affairs are very excited and supportive of the concept of forming Lands and Economic Development partnerships with Serpent River First Nations (SRFN) and the Mississagi Park Commission with SRFN and Mississauga First Nation. Everyone is watching this relationship closely as it could set a new precedent for municipal and First Nation relationships.".
At the end of the day Tuesday, the Mayor added, "We also had a last minute meeting with a federal bureaucrat to get insight on funding opportunities that could allow Elliot Lake to completely update or replace our Civic Center/ Museum/ Theatre/ Arts and Cultural Hub."
He concluded, "This is a very exciting time, and I look forward to our last meeting Wednesday morning with Hon. Steve Clark, Municipal Affairs and Housing to look at opportunities for growth in Elliot Lake housing development."