The Serpent River First Nation has cleared another hurdle in its bid to host a LED light manufacturing plant.
In late August, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency returned a decision in favour of the project, stating that, “after taking into consideration the screening report and taking into account the implementation of appropriate mitigation measures, the authorities are of the opinion that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.”
Under the project, the First Nation, located roughly halfway between Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie along the north shore of Lake Huron, would establish Migisi Illumination Industries (migisi means 'eagle' in Ojibwe), an LED light assembly plant.
The development would encompass a 25,000-square-foot warehouse, in addition to servicing for power, water, septic and telecommunications, a parking lot and loading area of 4,800 square metres, and an access road corridor.
The project is expected to create 59 jobs and generate $2 million in revenue within the first five years of operation.
The First Nation now must designate the parcel of land slated for the project to commercial zoning to move forward. Band members will vote on the decision on Oct.4. Information sessions for band members are being held over the next two weeks in Serpent River, Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury and Toronto.
If the membership votes in favour of the change, a 25-acre parcel of land would be given commercial designation, and would allow for the establishment of the light plant, as well as additional economic development initiatives.
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