The Sept-Îles Municipal Council now has free rein to authorize the construction of its new arena. The $78.5 million loan settlement will not be subject to a referendum.
A register was opened from Monday to Thursday and citizens who opposed the loan by-law could sign it in order to force the City to hold a referendum on the issue.
2116 signatures were required and only 344 citizens (16%) came forward.
In recent days, organizations have been invited by the City to show their support for the project. Publications on Facebook have multiplied from sports organizations. Citizens who believe that the project is too expensive and will put them in too much debt have also come forward.
City of Sept-Îles
According to Mayor Denis Miousse, the population largely supports the project even if everyone realizes that it will be very expensive.
If elected officials were hesitant to move forward three weeks ago, they seem to have free rein to award the contract.
“The mere fact of having the approval of a majority of the population delighted the members of the Council and the various departments of the City of Sept-Îles who will have to work on this project. Now, we are looking forward,” mentioned the mayor of Sept-Îles, Denis Miousse, who stressed that talks are continuing with large businesses, SMEs and also with the Innu Council of Uashat mak Mani-utenam. He hopes to raise $10 million from different partners. This is the City's last chance to reduce the project bill.
“We are having discussions with them. They seem receptive to our requests. But when we talk about big numbers, it always requires approval from one side or the other. I can tell you that the discussions are going well,” said Denis Miousse.
The City must have its loan by-law approved by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. It has until March 27 to award the contract to the lowest bidder (EBC) for an amount of $62.2 million. Adding taxes and other fees, the project amounts to $78.5M.
