by Nash Alonto
March 11, 2024
Borden-Kinkora MLA Matthew MacFarlane is concerned regarding the planned redevelopment of an abandoned yard.
MacFarlane raised this matter on March 8, 2024, during Question Period at the Legislative Assembly.
The abandoned fabrication yard in Borden-Carleton, used by Strait Crossing Inc., during the construction of the Confederation Bridge, has been left unused and undeveloped for almost three decades. It would cost about $1.3 million in taxpayer money to clean up the mess, according to a report.
“In 2021, government issued an expression of interest for development ideas for the parcel and the closing date on that now is almost three years ago,” MacFarlane said.
In response, Economic Development Minister Gilles Arsenault assured MacFarlane that the province is committed to redeveloping the area.
“We have embarked, since my arrival, in a very transparent process with the Town of Borden-Carleton to move forward with that. That work has been completed. We’ve met and supported the town on numerous occasions. We continue to do so,” Arsenault said.
Arsenault said Borden-Carleton “needs a little bit more time to look at different bylaws that they need to amend to make this a reality and they’ve asked us to extend that timeline.”
MacFarlane noted that there has been a proposal to develop a golf course on the site, and that a community meeting was held on Sept. 28 of last year.
“During the byelection campaign, I talked with many people in the district who were supportive of the idea generally, but they did not feel as if their wishes or preferences for the development of the property were at all being considered by the government,” he said.
Arsenault, however, said they’re continuously working with the town and are committing to receive input from residents.
“We are aware of all the considerations that are in place right now and we want to give the Town of Borden-Carleton the opportunity to come forward and bring us options to consider,” he said.
Comments