FORT ERIE, June 13, 2012 – Good news for the Town of Fort Erie was received by Council Monday evening as members were advised that a settlement has been reached between one of the major appellants to the Ontario Municipal Board Hearing and the proponent of the Speedway.

Council unanimously passed a recommendation following a Closed Session meeting of Council to authorize the signing of the Minutes of Settlement between the proponent, Citizens Coalition of Greater Fort Erie (CCGFE), the Town and the Regional Municipality of Niagara.

The Region of Niagara will be considering the same recommendation at their meeting on Thursday, June 14, 2012 but have already passed support of the Minutes of Settlement at the Committee level. “This is a welcome, positive turn of events for the Town”, said Mayor Doug Martin. “This agreement will definitely reduce the length of the OMB hearing in June. CMS should be commended for addressing the concerns of the
CCGFE and working with them towards this settlement”.

The Ontario Municipal Board hearing will begin on Monday, June 18, 2012. Two weeks have been scheduled for the hearing, which will take place in the Council Chambers at Town Hall.

CMS Quick Facts:
The proposed “Canadian Motor Speedway complex” includes:

- a 1.0 mile paved motor speedway oval and spectator grandstand (65,000 seating capacity) with support facilities in the infield such as truck and RV parking, garages, first aid stations, fuel handling area, media centre,fan walk, maintenance and emergency command centre; and

- a 2.5 mile paved motor speedway road course with support facilities such as garages, concessions, merchandising, registration/meeting room, offices and public washrooms; and

- a motocross/BMX /snow mobile/rental kart centre speedway course located within the road course area; and

- a 30 hectare (74 acre) accessory commercial complex which would include restaurants, shopping (such as automotive related merchandising, prestige retail, outlet mall), entertainment such as museums and galleries, movies/lMAX, rock climbing, fitness centre, themed park, mini putt, and a waterpark and merchandising. The commercial areas also include a hotel with 100-250 suites and an administration, merchandising and ticketing building required for product and ticket sales, operation and maintenance of the Canadian Motor Speedway; and

- a parking and camping area on 71 hectares (175 acres) of land along the southwest corner of Gilmore and Laur Road; and

- a parking and camping area on 62 hectares (152 acres) of land south of Bowen Road and west of Laur Road; and

- a 27 hectare (66 acre) “Innovation and Business Park” which would include a variety of motor sports-oriented businesses such as offices for track management, control tower, race support repair shops, driving schools and driving experience, training and educational facilities related to research and technology including testing facilities for racing teams and manufacturers; and

- approximately 69 hectares (170 acres) to be maintained for the enhancement of natural features identified within the constraint areas.

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For more information:
Ron Tripp, Acting CAO
Town of Fort Erie
(905) 871-1600 ext. 2400
MEDIA RELEASE
The Corporation of the Town of Fort Erie