Martyrs’ Shrine thrilled about agreement to re-locate proposed Midland recycling facility

Exchange Morning Post news release May 29 2012

Midland – An agreement has been reached with Recycling Specialties Inc. to relocate a proposed outdoor recycling facility in Midland, initially slated to be built next to the heritage and religious sites of the Martyrs’ Shrine and Sainte-Marie among the Hurons.

The original plan was met with an enormous outpouring of public concern last fall, which culminated with over 5700 signed Letters of Concern being delivered to the Town of Midland. Letters were sent in from Midland and the surrounding areas, as well as across the country and across the globe – including a letter from The Vatican.

Now, after several months of negotiations, the Jesuits in English Canada (the owners of the property where both Martyrs’ Shrine and Sainte-Marie among the Hurons are located) are thrilled to announce that a conditional agreement has been reached with Recycling Specialties Inc.

“We are very pleased by the level of cooperation we have received from Recycling Specialties Inc. over the past few months,” said Father Peter Bisson, the Provincial of the Jesuits of English Canada. “And we are delighted that an agreement to relocate the facility has been reached.”

The agreement will see the Jesuits in English Canada buy the property at 1001 Franke Kindred Road from one of the related companies of Recycling Specialties Inc., who have agreed to sell it. The agreement is contingent on Recycling Specialties Inc. finding a satisfactory alternate site, as well as securing the necessary approvals, by 2014. The property will remain undisturbed while RSI seeks an alternate site.

If the conditions are satisfied by this time, the Jesuits intend to revitalize the property on Franke Kindred Road, and ensure it will serve as a green buffer to protect the integrity of the Martyrs’ Shrine and Sainte-Marie. The two sites attract over 180,000 visitors annually.

“I want to complement the Jesuits in English Canada and Recycling Specialties Inc. for working together to resolve a challenging situation” said Mayor of Midland, Gord McKay. “It provides a solution that will work for all parties.”

Jan Gray, General Manager of Huronia Historical Parks, commented: “The strong support and leadership of the Jesuits to find a solution to ensure our visitors will continue to have a peaceful experience at Sainte-Marie is greatly appreciated.”

“We are really grateful to the residents of Midland and surrounding areas, as well as supporters of Sainte-Marie and the Martyrs’ Shrine around the province, the country, and the world,” continued Father Peter Bisson. “It was the incredible outpouring of support that led to this agreement being reached, and – we hope – to this land being protected forever. We are also very appreciative of the efforts by Recycling Specialties Inc. and the Town of Midland which allowed us to reach this understanding – a key step in protecting these amazing sites.”