The idea of a major motor speedway in Fort Erie is speeding towards the finish line. At Monday’s regular council meeting, a presentation was made by a representative from Urban and Environmental Management Inc., a consultant acquired by the proponents hoping to build the Canadian Motor Speedway on 823 acres of land adjacent to the QEW between Bowen and Thompson Roads. While at the podium, Richard Brady said his client has a “sense of urgency” with the project moving forward and hopes it can be given approval before the end of the year. Following his presentation about different measures being taken to mitigate concerns about noise and environmental impact, he petitioned council to request a staff report be presented at the next council-in-committee meeting on Dec. 7th.
Jay Mason, one of the proponents hoping to bring the one-mile oval track and 2.5 mile road course to Fort Erie said this project has been in the works for over five years and it’s nice to see it move forward. He said the concerns of residents will not be by-passed and if the speedway is approved, those concerns will be implemented into the plan. With a revised noise study due to be received by the middle of December, Mason said environmental concerns are also very important. Plans for the proposed speedway also involve a research and development centre operated by McMaster University, hospitality facilities, a commercial shopping area, restaurants and more. The project is expected to generate millions of dollars for the Town and will create 100 full time jobs and 2,500 part time jobs. Once approved by the Town, the project will also need approval from the Niagara Region which may occur on Dec. 9th. Jeff Gordon will also be affiliated with the $150 million facility if it is built. The proposal indicates plans to seat 65,000 race fans with the potential to expand to 100,000.(in part from the Fort Erie Times)(11-25-2009)
