SAULT STE. MARIE â€“ The first citizen lead information session on the ferrochrome smelter plant took place on Saturday in Sault Ste. Marie.


More than 300 people were in attendance to ask questions and voice their concerns about a possible smelter being built in the city.

 

A majority of people in attendance say they are not in favour of the plant being built.

 

"I myself have health concerns and have health issues, and I don't think we need to be contributing to those to make it worse. Because of cource, I'm thinking, I'm hoping it's not going to affect my son in the future as well. I want him to be involved and understand why he makes the choices that I do as well for him," said Jaime Brideau, concerned citizen.

 

"I came out because I'm definitely against another toxic plant in Sault Ste. Marie. It will just reinforce the pollution that we get now from Algoma steel," Said Gary D'Oraza, citizen against the smelter.

 

Another concerned citizen, Lebertine Wilson, said "I don't sleep at night... I'm distraught. I'm concerned for the well-being of my grandchildren, their children and the children that will come after that."

 

Organizers say the event hosted five times the amount they were expecting.

 

Even a person from Michigan was in attendance.

 

"I'm concerned... It's an artifical border when we're talking about air quality and water quality. So whatever happens over here is going to impact our community as well," said Ashley Moerke, concerned American.

 

Many questions were asked the the organizer of the event simply could not answer. This has lead to excitment for the upcoming open house hosted by Noront.

"Absolutely we would love to hear from the opposition. There's nothing more we want, actually. We know what we know. We don't know what they know, and we're hoping with this meeting on October 23 with Noront, that they can help to inform us," said organizer Roy Kreutzberger.

 

The mayor and city councillors did not attend this meeting, upsetting most in the audience with many saying they feel like the local politicians do not care about their concerns.