The construction of Sault Ste. Marie's first Wal-Mart power shopping centre remains on track with the building expected to be enclosed by early November and completed in December.
Approved by city council three years ago, the 9,900 square-metre superstore will open in late January 2003. The store will employ 200 full- and part-time people.
First Pro Shopping, one of Canada's largest commercial developers, had to downsize their original proposal from 15 hectares to 4.5 hectares, eliminating retail components such as banks and restaurants, after downtown merchants threatened to take the case to the Ontario Municipal Board.
However, legal expenses and consultancy fees to prepare an OMB appeal cost the city $200,000, of which First Pro has agreed to cover $150,000.
