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Big development conceived for Pointe Des Chenes area

Aurora, Ontario-based Chant Construction Limited is looking at developing a 250-acre package of land in the area of Pointe des Chenes.
PointeEstates

Aurora, Ontario-based Chant Construction Limited is looking at developing a 250-acre package of land in the area of Pointe des Chenes.

The development, to be called Pointe Estates, will be built in two phases involving 91 rural estate lots fronting on a man-made canal complete with a boat slip for each property.

Pointe Estates would be located on the parcel of land bordered by Pointe Aux Pins Drive, Dagleish Road, the St. Mary's River, Alagash Drive and Pointe Louise Drive.

Chant Construction, which has opened an office at 129 Second Line West in the Sault, has been quietly consulting with City planning staff and area residents, many of whom attended a recent community information session at Prince Township Hall.

There, they say they were advised that the developer wants to demolish a bridge over the existing Alagash Canal to allow passage of marine traffic to rural estate lots to be created within the development.

This photo shows the Alagash Canal as it exists today, as seen from the bridge that will be removed.

Resident also say that approximately 100 acres of wetland bordering on St. Mary's River would be filled in under the plan for Pointe Estates.

According to information circulated at the Prince Township session, Pointe Estates will feature a 60-ton boat launching facility, a covered bridge and a manufactured island at the end of the canal.

Since the December information session, several neighbours have been raising concerns about the development.

Their concerns include: - Possible loss of what appears to be one of only 11 wetlands that border on the Great Lakes.

- How construction of a dead-end canal almost a quarter-mile long will effect the water table and water quality in the area.

- Impacts of the development on area flora and fauna through removal of habitat.

- Social impact and emergency vehicle access due to the road closure and bridge removal. (Residents will have to drive around the canal.)

- Social and environmental impacts of increased marine traffic including jet skis and other loud, fast recreational water craft.

- Pollution from both construction of Pointe Estate and residents living in it after it is complete.

Residents say they have asked Chant for an environmental impact study, but any such document, if it is complete, has not been made public.

Representatives of Chant have opted not to comment at this time.

City officials confirm that Chant has been involved with them in informal consultation, but the company has so far not applied for any permits, rezoning or licences connected to the Pointe Estates development.

Chant representatives did provide a briefing to the Sault Ste. Marie Regional Conservation Authority in December.


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