Sault community groups host outreach initiative in Jamestown
A large community outreach initiative is taking place in Sault Ste. Marie's Jamestown area this week.
The event, organized by The ArtsSpeaks Project and City of Sault Ste. Marie, invites residents to take part in painting, planting and other tasks to help spruce up the neighbourhood.
It also gives some an up close and personal view of some special insects, with a visit from Entomica Insectarium.
"We wanted to remove the barriers for those who are unable to visit us at the Bushplane Centre," said Jessica Fischer, Entomica board member. "We want them to know that we care about them, we see them, we're going to come to you if you can't come to us."
Fischer said Entomica will be participating in the Jamestown revitalization plan next year, with its Entomica Connects program. It will see the non-profit education group construct a pollinator bed and other initiatives that will help the area.
"For us, it's all about creating growth in this neighbourhood and giving back," Fischer said.
Tuesday's event also saw members of the city and Sault police attend, in an effort to meet and speak with residents.
"The more people to a community, the happier, the more collective we become and that just increases public safety all around," said Sault Police chief Hugh Stevenson.
Jamestown has been devastated by two recent murders in the city, which both took place in the area.
It's also been at the forefront of addictions and mental health-related issues for years.
For resident Janet Gough, she said recent tragedies inspired her to create memorials for all of those who've died in the city.
"It's not even something I wanted to do, but in my heart, it says, these people need to be remembered," Gough said.
She has carved out crosses with the names of those who've died on them, and intends to put them up in the area.
Gough also made two memorials for the recent homicide victims.
"Thing's like this, it helps take away from the negativity," Gough said. "It's about community, togetherness, it's about getting along with people."
Residents have also been invited to write messages on some of the canvases put up in flowerbeds along James Street.
The event wraps up Wednesday afternoon.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Pro-Palestinian protests roiling U.S. colleges escalate with arrests, new encampments and closures
The student protests of Israel's war with Hamas that have been creating friction at U.S. universities escalated Tuesday as new encampments sprouted and some colleges encouraged students to stay home and learn online, after dozens of arrests across the country.
Tabloid publisher says he pledged to be Trump campaign's 'eyes and ears' during 2016 race
A veteran tabloid publisher testified Tuesday that he pledged to be Donald Trump 's 'eyes and ears' during his 2016 presidential campaign, recounting how he promised the then-candidate that he would help suppress stories that had the potential to harm the Republican's election bid.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.