More power will soon be available for Sault Ste. Marie’s distribution grid. City Council last night approved the installation of five 10-megawatt battery storage stations across the city. The five locations are 140
McDonald Ave., 79 Industrial Park Cres.,55 Allen’s Side Rd, 2221 Queen St. E and on People’s Rd at Everett St.
The Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are regarded as an efficient, low carbon alternative that provides increased power to the grid at peak times. The stations charge batteries during non-peak hours of energy use. “This project is good for the environment, good for development in the community and a more resilient grid in our area,” said PUC Services President and CEO Rob Brewer.
The project is a joint effort of PUC Services and Lotus Infrastructure Partners, formerly known as Starwood Energy Group Global Inc. Locations, said Brewer, were carefully selected for minimal impact on
residents. All five properties are owned by the City of Sault Ste. Marie and PUC Services Inc.
Veteran’s Monument for the riverfront
Council last night unanimously approved a Veteran’s Commemorative Monument for the riverfront, in John Rowswell Park. The monument will recognize the more than 10,000 citizens from Sault Ste. Marie and area who served Canada in world wars, other conflicts and with peacekeeping forces. Colonel Clyde Healey, in his presentation to council, says the monument is to honour those citizens to recognize their service. “It’s a formal and lasting tribute to local citizens of our local area, who served, continue to serve and those who will serve in the future,” said Healey.
Healey said six local landmarks in the city honour those who have served and fallen in battle for Canada but another that recognizes those that served and returned would be appropriate.
The monument will be funded by donation. Further funding will be sought through applications to the federal and provincial governments also with general and corporate donations. Council was provided artist renderings of the proposed monument. When completed, the project will feature raised 4-inch by 12-inch marble markers bearing the names of citizen soldiers and the unit in which they served. Also included will be the erection of the Canada Coat of Arms and a series of plaques highlighting individual historical events that have occurred in the Sault area.
Zagordo awarded OMAA bursary
Gracee Zagordo, a summer student in the office of the CAO of Sault Ste. Marie, has been awarded the Maureen McCauley bursary. The OMAA Maureen McCauley bursary is awarded annually to a student
who “demonstrates exceptional potential in the field of municipal administration.”
“We are really pleased that Gracee was the successful recipient of this bursary,” said CAO Malcolm White. “It’s a province-wide bursary with only one recipient. It does recognize both Gracee’s accomplishments but especially her potential.” White added, “She has a strong interest in municipal administration. She
comes by that honestly, with her grandfather being a former city councillor, Udo Rauk. We certainly experienced her potential this past summer.” Rauk served as a councillor for Ward 2 from 1987 to 1996.
While a summer employee at city hall, Zagordo, a second-year student at Wilfred Laurier University lead a range of responsibilities, including leading the city’s Green Team, co-ordinating community-focused fundraising efforts, most notably the ‘Every Breakfast Counts’ program. She also engaged in meetings with various community stakeholders and staff members.
Ward 2 Councillor Luke Dufour called the bursary award a wonderful achievement. “I think it’s great to really celebrate folks from Sault Ste, Marie punching above their weight and getting some provincial recognition.” Dufour also praised CAO White’s work training-up young staff for the City of Sault Ste. Marie. “I am grateful to the City of Sault Ste. Marie for the opportunity to lead several important community initiatives,” said Zagordo in a city release. “As a summer student in the office of the CAP I had the privilege of acquiring valuable insights into the intricate workings of local government and the diverse responsibilities associated with city administration. I look forward to continuing to work with staff and contributing to my community in meaningful ways.”
An Evening of Remembrance
Women in Crisis is holding a “An Evening of Remembrance” Monday, Nov. 27 at the Water Tower Inn.
The evening will reflect on those who lost their lives to Intimate Partner and/or gender-based violence, said Ward 2 Coun. Lisa Vezeau-Allen. The public is invited to attend. Doors open at 5:30. The program begins at 6:00 p.m.
No bling for spendthrift Mr. Shoefly. If he wants it he can pay for it out of his fat lawyer salary.