The groups planning to build the Kingsway Entertainment District (KED) say they aren't deterred by news the province has scheduled a first conference in November to hear from those opposed to the project.
On Wednesday, the province's Local Planning Appeals Tribunal (LPAT) announced a Nov. 6 case management conference, the first step in dealing with the appeals filed opposed to the planning changes needed to build a new arena, casino and parking lot on the Kingsway site.
Rob Mitchell, spokesperson for Gateway Casinos, said they are glad the process is finally moving forward. The company plans to build a full casino on the site, adding 150 jobs to the 250 at the current site at Sudbury Downs slots facilty.
“We're glad the LPAT is addressing this,” Mitchell said. "But this still delays our plans to build a new casino and it holds up the new jobs we had planned for Sudbury on the Kingsway.
“And it further delays the development of the new arts and culture centre that is planned for the former arena site."
When asked if the company is still determined to see the process through and build in Sudbury, Mitchell said “absolutely.”
Dario Zulich, who owns the Kingsway land and whose company, TESC Contracting, hopes to win the contract to build the arena, said in an email he expected the decision.
“We’ve always understood that this was part of the process,” Zulich said in the email. “While there are specific people that are afraid of change, the development team is experienced and well prepared to move this exciting project forward.
“We are on the brink of something great for the North!!!”
Zulich, who also owns the Sudbury Wolves and the new National Basketball League team, the Sudbury Five, would be the biggest tenant for the new arena. He and his partners have agreed to transfer ownership of the land for the new arena to the city for a token fee.
David Shelsted, Greater Sudbury's project manager for the KED, said they are glad the process is moving forward and they still hope to begin construction next spring.
“We've kind of known all along that this was the likely course of action,” Shelsted said. “The process is being followed and we look forward to presenting our side to LPAT, and hopefully we can get a quick decision."
While no building permits can be issued until the rezoning changes are approved, Shelsted said elements of the project can continue.
"Right now, we have a contract out to tender for helping prepare the site,” he said. “That can proceed without the LPAT decision."
The design/build RFP is ready and will be issued shortly, Shelsted said.
Provincial legislation mandates a decision be made on the case within 10-12 months, depending on the type of appeal. Assuming the clock began ticking when the LPAT received the appeals at the end of May, a decision would be required sometime in May 2019.
"Right now, we'd be looking at a spring construction start in 2019," he said. "We would have hoped the LPAT was a quicker process, but we're just happy the process is moving forward."
