The results of the hearing into the Ontario Municipal Board have been released and it’s fantastic news for Canadian racers and motorsports fans. The Canadian Motor Speedway project in Ft. Erie, Ontario has received approval to proceed.
In a joint press release issued by the Town of Fort Erie and the Canadian Motor Speedway, came the news that many have been waiting years to hear. “The much anticipated Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) decision on the Canadian Motor Speedway (CMS) hearing was received today and is welcome news for the Town of Fort Erie. The decision by OMB Vice Chair, Susan de Avellar Schiller, ordered that the appeals be dismissed and included some requirements and restrictions that were agreed to by CMS and the Citizens Coalition of Greater Fort Erie prior to the OMB hearing.”
The release continued, with quotes from CMS Executive Director Azhar Mohammad, “CMS is very excited about the decision by the OMB Chair and that the conclusion reaffirms that our project addresses and implements matters of provincial and regional interest. This will be a world class facility that will attract visitors from all over North America. We are very anxious to begin the next steps in seeing the speedway become a reality.”
The hearing, which began on June 18, concluded one day earlier than the anticipated two weeks originally planned.
“This is huge for Fort Erie, the Niagara Region and the Province. We’ve always anticipated a positive decision and we are now ready for the hard work ahead to make those wheels start turning”, remarked Acting CAO, Ron Tripp.
Mayor Doug Martin noted, “The decision emphasizes the importance of the Speedway in supporting economic diversity and promoting increased opportunities for economic development. The Town prides itself on its ‘open for business’ attitude and is more than ready to roll up its sleeves and get those shovels in the ground.”
In an interview with Inside Track, CMS’s Azhar Mohammad said that the OMB decision clears the way for his team to continue with their planning and design processes, with an eye to having a groundbreaking ceremony and protective work on the site, before serious construction commences next summer.
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