The new Grant In Lieu (GIL) with Vale was approved by the City at the last regular meeting of council, and is waiting for its final approval from the Vale board of Directors.
Mayor Dennis Fenske, speaking on City Beat on 102.9 CHTM yesterday morning, explained how the new GIL compares with the one that expired at the end of 2017. He said that the new grant in lieu is a reduction of 20% in the first year, and 50% in years two, three and four.
Mayor Fenske went on to say that the debate in Council two weeks ago shouldn’t have surprised anyone, and that some need to get their facts straight. He said that some councillors think the GIL was negotiated between Vale and the City, which is not the case. Multiple councillors were approached for a comment to no response.
Fenske said that Vale has an agreement with the Province that they only have to provide a dollar amount based on how many employees they have in the City. Anything over that base amount is up to Vale. He added that all the City can do is present its case and hope for the best.
