Mayor Christian Provenzano said he’s met twice with representatives of NorOnt to push Sault Ste. Marie’s attributes to house a ferrochrome plant. “Both times NorOnt came to the Sault they told me their priority was the road,” Provenzano said. “I asked how to help and they told me to lobby for the road so I did that.”
The Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corp. has also been keeping in close contact with NorOnt Resources and has been gathering the data and information it believes will be required for its request for proposal submission. In addition, NOLAN also lobbied collectively for the importance of the road, considering the vast impact the development could have on the region’s economy.
Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne announced on Aug. 21 that an agreement has been reached with three First Nation communities closest to the mineral deposit site and that environmental work would begin with road construction expected to begin in 2019. The road will allow year-round access to the remote mineral deposit, believed to be the largest of its kind.
Provenzano is to talk again in the coming days with NorOnt officials to determine what the next steps are and how he can assist with moving the project forward. He’s willing to connect NorOnt executive with the term lenders in order for them to engage in their own conversations.
“I’m sure NorOnt is going to find a cooperative and collaborative business partner there to enter into negotiations or discussions,” he said. Alan Coutts, president and CEO of NorOnt Resources, could not be reached Tuesday for comment.
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