See: North Bay businessman says Costco should have been in North Bay six years ago
Cutsey told the media yesterday that a local entrepreneur is still prepared to pursue bringing a Costco to North Bay after his efforts were allegedly “quashed” by the mayor’s office six years ago.
“A local businessman had a contract signed, which we can provide at a later time, six years ago. In this person’s excitement, he brought the contract to the existing mayor’s office and it was quashed,” said Cutsey.
But McDonald says he doesn't have that power.
“Other than zoning approvals, there is nothing standing in the way of a private business owner entering into an agreement with Costco or any other retailer”, he said, while not mentioning Cutsey's name.
McDonald added, “depending on location, a developer may need approvals from the MTO or other Provincial bodies, but Mayor and council don’t have the authority to prevent a land owner from applying for rezoning property.”
While McDonald's news release says he now supports a Costco, it doesn't address the question raised by Cutsey that he discouraged one six years ago, and a text to the Mayor this morning seeking clarification wasn't returned.
