A new commercial retail project at the former Pearson Centre location in Elliot Lake is planned to include a Stacked Pancake House and other businesses.
And on June 23, council heard that the project planned for the 255 Highway 108 location has increased in size. Again.
“I’m very excited to mention that the design that’s been put forward has exceeded the initial design parameters and they’re up to 30,000 square feet now for the development,” economic development manager Steve Antunes informed council.
The Community Improvement Plan (CIP) grant was approved and forwarded to council by the Economic Development committee at a June 10 meeting.
Providing additional comments to the written report in the agenda package, Antunes noted, “When we bring forth a CIP application, that’s always good news because that means there’s investment happening in the community and there’s growth.”
“So, that’s exciting news for us as a municipality and an opportunity not only for taxation revenue but for the opportunity for increased employment in the community.”
The CIP process was revitalized by Antunes and the present council in 2024.
Deputy Mayor Charles Flintoff, the economic development committee chair, explained to council, “Mr. Antunes has come to us a couple of times with this development, and it started out about 11,000 square feet. Then it got to 22,000 square feet. Now he’s up to about — he’s at, 30,000.”
Chuckling, Flintoff added, “So, if you want to have another meeting, we can.”
And Flintoff’s way of recognizing the news of growing success was received well by all.
Antunes explained that the CIP opportunity for new development is “part of what the city does to attract business to the community.”
He said the CIP was part of the conversation with the project's proponent "from the get-go."
A condition of the program is that funds are awarded after the prospective recipient obtains the occupancy permit for the completed development.
