Meeting on recycling plant next to Martyrs' Shrine delayed

The Town of Midland's Planning and Development Committee won't be talking over plans for a metal and industrial waste recycling facility next to the Martyrs' Shrine at its Dec. 7 meeting.

The Recycling Specialties Inc. proposal for an open-air waste sorting facility on the doorstep of the shrine is off the agenda while the company continues to work on its plans.

Meanwhile, Midland Mayor Gord McKay tells The Catholic Register relocating the Recycling Specialties yard away from the Wye Marsh, Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons and the Martyrs' Shrine is a distinct possibility.

"It's going to take initiative on all parts," said McKay when asked about revisiting the rezoning decision that gave Recycling Specialties the green light. "The town has to do its part, as do the good Jesuit Fathers and also the proponent. Right now, the good news is that we're talking and I think fairly positive about looking for that solution."

On Nov. 30 40 petitioners marched from Martyrs' Shrine to Midland Town Hall to present 5,500 letters protesting the industrial development. The town responded with a press release announcing the delay at the Planning and Development Committee.

"The town has recently received many comments and suggestions regarding the proposed recycling facility," said the release. "Both the town and Recycling Specialties Inc. intend to use the next few weeks to study this input."

McKay expects Recycling Specialties will be back on the Planning and Development Committee agenda in January. The meeting is currently scheduled for Jan. 4 but may be moved to Jan. 11.

In the meantime McKay urges calm.

"Nobody has put a shovel in the ground. We've not even seen a site plan on this. As I said, we need a good solution."