A massive renewable energy proposal featuring Justus, Paul and John Veldman failed tonight to get support from Sault Ste. Maria city council.
A proposal to support the city’s $300 million battery storage facility on former St. Marys Paper failed after the carrier and dispatcher asked to have their names removed from her and no other councilor was willing to replace them.
Mayor Christian Provenzano commented that it was the first time in eight years that a council motion failed due to lack of a mover and seconder.
BMI Group, led by Justus, Paul and John Veldman, is one of three entities involved in the Canal District proposal.
A previous Veldman family initiative, Riversedge Developments, conceived and began the revitalization of the Canal District but was unable to complete the project, which was taken over by Tony Porco and SIS Group.
Riversedge also tried unsuccessfully to redevelop the former Soo Falls/Northern Breweries site, though Paul Veldman told SooToday on Monday that architects have been retained on that project and further news is expected in the coming weeks.
Among other concerns raised tonight, Ward 3 Councilor and mayoral candidate Matthew Shoemaker expressed his concern about the current state of buildings in the Canal District.
Paul Veldman told tonight’s meeting that these problems are being addressed.
Tonight’s setback by no means means the Canal District proposal is dead.
SooToday will provide additional coverage of this story.
