Pointe Estates still on the table. Still in the dark

Pointe Estates is still on the table as far as a possible development.

Exactly when more info will be available is still unknown after Tuesday night’s Conservation Authority meeting.

In December, the board decided to allow developers to move ahead with a hydro-geological study in the area, which includes land bordered by Pointe Aux Pins Drive, Dagleish Road, the St. Mary’s River, Alagash Drive and Pointe Louise Drive.

The development was thought to be a no-go initially but the Conservation Authority has entertained the thought of allowing further study in the area before making a final decision.

Jeffrey Avery, manager of Avery Construction, is a primary proponent of the proposed Pointe Estates and filed an appeal, initially scheduled for November, that has been pushed back.

“The appeal hearing has been deferred to provide the opportunity for Mr. Avery, who is a proponent for the proposed Pointe Estates development, to have a complete hydro-geological study undertaken,” said Conservation Authority General Manager Linda Whalen. “We are waiting to hear back from Mr. Avery at this point.”

The Conservation Authority accepted a report on Tuesday, prepared by Hydro-geologist Frank Breen and a copy of the report is also being passed on to Avery for his reference as well in the process.

Whalen said following Tuesday’s meeting that the timeframe regarding a possible decision in the process is not exact.

“It’s more important that Mr. Avery’s consultant have the time they need to do the proper hydro-geological study,” said Whalen. “We’ll work around that timeframe.”

Not discussed on Tuesday was the Gros Cap Bluffs Conservation Park.

The Algoma Highlands Conservancy brought forth the hope of turning the area into a conservation area to city council on Monday night.

It was brought forth to city council looking for a letter of support and would also likely need a letter of support from the Conservation Authority as well.

Whalen said that it would likely be something that the Conservation Authority would get behind as well.

On Tuesday night, the Conservation Authority also re-elected chair Ken Lamming and elected Brian Watkins as vice-chair for the current year in other business.