Brandt accuses mayor of hiding transpolar crash

Sault Ste. Marie's transpolar air cargo initiative is "taking a crash-landing," Ward 3 Councillor Derik Brandt charges.

Concerned that the project is going nowhere, Brandt is accusing Mayor John Rowswell of "holding information to yourself."

"I want an update. I don't care who does the update, but I want an update," the councillor says.

Brandt made the remarks as he and other City Councillors debated for more than one hour whether $4,700 should be spent to bring the City's transpolar consultant to the Sault to provide an update.

Crucial juncture

The transpolar project is approaching a crucial juncture.

The consultant, Vancouver and Winnipeg-based InterVISTAS Consulting, is currently preparing a second-stage report that will determine the Sault's reasonable chances of becoming an air cargo gateway to North America.

The work has been organized in stages, with continuation contingent on promise being demonstrated at each stage.

Joseph Sniezek, the City's manager of long-range planning, acknowledged under vigorous questioning from councillors that transpolar is a long-term project that won't pay off for at least five years.

There are short-term economic diversification projects that probably should be worked on before transpolar, Sniezek said.

Council not agreed about consultant's visit

Brandt wanted the consultant to appear before Council at its July 8 meeting so councillors could ascertain the merits of continuing with the project, but others opposed the visit, pointing out that the consultant will be coming in any case to present a final report that should be ready by the end of summer.

That trip is already provided for in the consulting contract.

At the end, City Council decided Monday night that Sniezek will review the consultant's progress and report to Council on July 8, with representatives of the local airport authority invited to attend.

InterVISTAS, meanwhile, is being directed to finish its work by Aug. 31.

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