Sault downtown association looking for long-term crime fix
The Sault Ste. Marie Downtown Association is exploring other means of protecting businesses from crime.
The association has hired private security to patrol the downtown at night, while the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service has stepped up daytime patrols. However, some association members say it hasn't been enough.
Salvatore Marchese, president of the Downtown Association, is looking to other organizations across the province to get a sense of how to deal with security issues.
"It's not historically been a BIA's mandate to do security measures," said Marchese. "But in an ever evolving world, these things are starting to arise. So, it varies around the province. A lot of it is working with your other organizations in the city to see what you can do to assist those organizations."
Marchese said while incidents of violent crime and vandalism have subsided, security in the downtown core continues to be an issue for businesses. Paul Mason, a director on the Downtown Association board, said he's not sure how the problem can be solved without more police resources to investigate crime.
"Cameras are one thing -- Sudbury's had cameras for a while now," said Mason. "But I've had members who have said they have cameras and it doesn't really do a whole lot because there's not enough resources for police to follow up and go after those cases if they do have video proof."
Mason said continued use of a private security firm to patrol the downtown overnight may not be the best use of the association's money. Marchese, meantime, said the Downtown Association will discuss whether it wants to continue paying for private security. He said the issue of crime downtown is complicated and will require a number of community partners to solve it.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
NEW Iconic Canadian song turns 50
Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.
Whooping cough outbreak declared in Newfoundland
Health officials say there is an outbreak of whooping cough in eastern Newfoundland.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
NEW How Canadians can watch the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest
Europe’s top pop stars are out and about for the 68th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, taking place in Malmo, Sweden.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.