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Zoning order allows relocation of Elliot Lake grocery store

A Minister's Zoning Order has been signed to permit the temporary relocation of an Elliot Lake grocery store to a local community centre for up to three years, according to a new release.
A Minister's Zoning Order has been signed to permit the temporary relocation of an Elliot Lake grocery store to a local community centre for up to three years, according to a new release.

Relocating the grocery store will allow displaced employees to keep their jobs and will provide daily essentials for the community.

The June 23 collapse of the mall roof in Elliot Lake destroyed one of the two local grocery stores, which has limited families' access to groceries and other basics. The incident killed Lucie Aylwin and Doloris Perizzolo.

The Planning Act gives the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing the authority to zone any property in the province, if deemed necessary. The Minister's Zoning Order is an interim measure that will allow the speedy set up of the temporary grocery store.

Meanwhile, the government has waived replacement fees for government-issued documents left behind at the Algo Centre Mall, according to a press release.

Some employees and shoppers had to leave their personal belongings behind when the mall was evacuated after the roof collapsed. They can't enter the mall to retrieve them due to safety concerns and an ongoing investigation.

Documents covered by the exemption include driver's licences, vehicle registrations, Ontario Photo Cards, Outdoors Cards and affixed hunting and fishing licences. Those who already paid for replacement documents will be reimbursed.

Affected individuals can replace their missing documentation at the Elliot Lake ServiceOntario centre at 50 Hillside Dr. North.

"It's our duty to assist Ontarians in times of great need,” Harinder S. Takhar, Minister of Government Services, said. “We want to help in the rebuilding efforts and hope that providing no-cost document replacement makes it a bit easier for families who were affected by this tragedy."

The province also recently announced a two-year, $2- million business continuity fund and a $264,050 Community Adjustment Agreement. Ontario has set up a temporary provincial economic revitalization office in the community to help the municipality, local businesses and other stakeholders with economic recovery efforts.

Posted by Arron Pickard

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