Anjou mayor fears Plante administration may scuttle $2.3 billion project
The mayor of Anjou says the Valérie Plante administration’s focus on expanding green space is standing in the way of a US$2.3-billion project that could create 1,000 jobs in his east-end borough.
“It’s 1,000 direct jobs,” Luis Miranda said Wednesday.
“Are we willing to say ‘No, we don’t want that?’ ”
Miranda made the comments after a U.K.-based high-tech company called Solargise announced it is interested in building a manufacturing plant and R&D centre to produce plastic-free solar panels on the site of the Métropolitain Anjou Golf Club.
In May, the city ’s executive committee approved a bylaw amendment allowing it to add the golf course to the 40-hectare Bois d’Anjou nature park. And on June 27, the executive committee placed a reserve on half of the golf course.
Mayor Plante has said her administration is determined to act on its campaign promise of setting aside 10 per cent of Montreal’s territory as green space, and the need is greatest in the east end.
However, Miranda said the golf course is unsuitable for a park because it’s surrounded by industry and is still contaminated from a former oil refinery.
Solargise chairman Raj Basu, who is visiting Montreal, said the site is perfect for his company’s needs because of its size and proximity to a railway and hydro substation, as well as to universities.
He said the company has also looked at sites in Valleyfield and Gatineau, in addition to three possible locations in Ontario.
Founded 10 years ago, Solargise, with 40 employees worldwide, has focused on developing new technology, but is now ready to start producing glass panels from sand, he said.
Basu said the 1,000 jobs would be technical positions with average salaries of $80,000.
“We’re not here to pick a fight with the city,” he said.
But he noted the land is already in an industrial area and his zeroemissions plant would benefit the economy.
“One thing we could consider is to help the city to develop other green spaces,” Basu said.
Plante said in a written statement that she is open to considering Solargise’s proposal and that the city’s economic development office has been studying it since last week.
“All investment opportunities are important and seriously analyzed by the city of Montreal,” she said.
“Our goal is to make an informed decision, based on tangible data and considering the potential impacts and repercussions on the environment.”