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2015 Communities of Opportunity: Sault Ste. Marie

In the past few years, Sault Ste. Marie has experienced a number of major growth projects that are generating considerable opportunity for the community and surrounding region. Perhaps the most significant initiative is the Port of Algoma.

In the past few years, Sault Ste. Marie has experienced a number of major growth projects that are generating considerable opportunity for the community and surrounding region.

Perhaps the most significant initiative is the Port of Algoma. Launched last year with support from all levels of government, the first phase of the project, which was completed ahead of schedule, included planning, design, environmental assessments and consultations.

Phase Two is set to begin shortly. When fully operational, this game-changing initiative will provide significant economic and employment benefits for the community and Northern Ontario by making it considerably cheaper to transport products through Sault Ste. Marie to the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway System.

Another noteworthy opportunity for the community lies in lottery and gaming. Sault Ste. Marie is home to the head office of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), a casino, and major industry suppliers. With the Province of Ontario in the process of modernizing the sector, the city has the human resource expertise, infrastructure and other competitive advantages required to lead this transformation process.

In the downtown core and waterfront area, a number of major initiatives are also in the works. For starters, a new Federal Bridge Plaza is now under construction. When complete, the $50-million complex will feature an upgraded port of entry and a modern customs building. Along with improved transportation efficiencies, the plaza will be a warm welcoming to travellers from across the region and around the world.

Near the downtown, a former hospital site is being converted into high-end condominiums. The property, which sits on a prime waterfront lot near parks and other recreational areas, was purchased in 2013 by an investor, who plans on creating residential and other uses for the land. This project was made possible with the opening of the new $408-million Sault Area Hospital in the north end of the city in 2011.

Meanwhile, a number of community groups, including the City of Sault Ste. Marie and Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation, are implementing a Canal District revitalization plan, which is expected to significantly transform the downtown and waterfront corridor in the years to come.

Current projects underway include a major redevelopment of the former St. Marys Paper site to feature cultural, educational and tourism components, along with a Downtown Development Initiative from the municipality aimed at stirring commercial and other private sector investments.

“With so much going on with respect to downtown and waterfront redevelopment, this is a time of considerable opportunity for our community,” said Tom Dodds, CEO of the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation. “Fifty years ago, the city’s shoreline was dominated by oil tanks and scrap yards. Today, we have one of the most pristine waterfronts around. Considering the amount of redevelopment activity currently underway, we’re embarking on another period of transformation, and it’s set to bring additional promise for the community.”

In the meantime, with the snow season fast approaching, visitors from across Northern Ontario and the world will have an opportunity to vacation at the recently-renovated Searchmont Resort. As the largest ski mountain in the Midwest, the site underwent a number of major improvements in the off-season, including upgrades to the ski lifts and hill terrain, overhauls of the snow-making equipment, the restoration of the main groomer and the purchase of two newer groomers designed for heavier use. With this work, it should be a great upcoming season at the resort.

For more information about Sault Ste. Marie, including its competitive business advantages and quality-of-life benefits, visit www.sault-canada.com.