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Council eyes former Algo Centre site for hub, as arena complications arise

Council is concerned about the possibility of contaminated soil
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Elliot Lake city hall is pictured in this file photo. Melanie Farenzena/ElliotLakeToday

While the talk of the town for the new multi-use facility facility has been centred around Centennial Arena as its primary site, Elliot Lake city council has vetoed that decision and moved this location to the bottom of this list.

The issue was discussed during Tuesday's council meeting.

With new evidence suggesting the arena had previous ground contamination from an adjacent former gas station, city council is on the hunt for a new location, now looking towards the site of the former Algo Center Mall.

Councillor Tammy Van Roon explained that even with a new location in mind, the city cannot pursue funding for the project without a destination as well as a final decision.

“A decision needs to be made where we are going to have this building built,” she said, during the meeting. “The people of Elliot Lake want it in one spot, others want it in another, but we have to make sure it’s a safe place for everyone to enjoy.”

In previous meetings, council members had chosen the arena as their primary site for the new multi-plex, but there are now some concerns about environmental issues depending on the size of the building.

In agreement with Van Roon, Mayor Dan Marchisella said there are now other possible locations for the building but the empty lot of the former Algo Centre Mall has gotten to the top of the list as a new possibility although the arena will now remain on the short-list.

“If we don’t find a solution, the building will be at Centennial Arena,” said Van Roon.

Council passed a motion that the arena is now not the primary site.

Council heard that while performing a record search, it was shown that the contaminated area by the arena had been dug up and contaminated soil was removed but no certificate was available dating back to 2004.

Councillors agreed an environmental assessment needs to be performed to make sure the adjacent site is rehabilitated and not affecting the arena property.

This review will fall under the 2018 budget since costs will be associated with this assessment.



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