A contentious reload centre and sawmill proposal in Sault Ste. Marie has been given the green light to proceed by the Ontario Municipal Board. City council's rezoning of a Sixth Line property had been appealed by neighbouring residents who argued the development contravenes the city's official plan aimed at protecting groundwater recharge system. The property sits atop the city's aquifer. The board ordered some site-plan revisions such as adding more buffering, berming and building setbacks to screen out the development from adjoining properties. The appellants wanted the 12-hectare site to be designated rural property to block any future industry on the property. Controversy erupted three years ago when a consortium of companies tabled a proposal to establish a heavy industrial park in the city's north end. A rail-car repair facility and reload site were key components for the site. Despite city council endorsement, some partners drifted away and the proposal was downscaled.
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