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
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
Baby boom amongst nurses leads to maternity ward closure in Listowel, Ont.
The emergency room at Listowel’s hospital is open today, but come summer, their obstetrics unit will be temporarily closing its delivery rooms.
Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor qualifies Canada for Paralympics in rowing event
Former Humboldt Broncos goaltender and bus crash survivor Jacob Wassermann has qualified Canada for a rowing event for the 2024 Paralympic games in Paris.
Krispy Kreme doughnuts coming to McDonald's in U.S., but not Canada
Canadians will be missing out on a sweet new partnership between McDonald's and Krispy Kreme, which will see doughnuts available at McDonald's locations across the U.S. by the end of 2026.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.