Officials consider moving Sault police station downtown
The discussion at the city council table about safety in downtown Sault Ste. Marie has some city officials talking about relocating the Sault Police Service to the downtown core.
Officials said the current police station building on Second Line East is nearing the end of its lifespan and will need some renovations in the near future. While it’s possible the current building can simply be renovated, city councillor Matthew Shoemaker said he would like to see a permanent police presence downtown.
“I have some preference to see it on Gore Street where there’s a number of vacant lots in close proximity to where the Neighbour Resource Centre used to be,” said Shoemaker. “It could serve a dual purpose of both a neighbourhood resource centre and a police service building very close to the downtown area.”
Sault Ste. Mayor Christian Provenzano said with the police service employing roughly 200 people, it would be a positive addition to the downtown core. Provenzano pointed out the discussion is in the very early stages.
“I think it would be a nice compliment to the downtown if it made sense strategically, if the police service thought that it was strategically sensible to locate in the downtown core, I think that would be a great place for it,” said Provenzano.
“A new building in the downtown core would be great, having all those employees in the downtown core would be great and having a significant police presence right in the heart of our city would be positive.”
The chair of the Downtown Association said he’s pleased the possibility is even being discussed.
“I think it would be beneficial for them to be in the downtown,” said Salvatore Marchese. “Members have reached out (to say) how it would be nicer to have the police within arm's reach. And like a lot of other municipalities, the police are located downtown.”
In a statement to CTV News, Sault Ste. Marie Police Chief Hugh Stevenson had this to say:
“At the direction of the police services board, we are working with the city to evaluate our current facilities and determine how they meet operational standards. We will continue to evaluate community interest regarding any potential location of the police services building in the future.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.
Regina police officer injured after being accidentally shot by fellow officer's gun
An investigation is underway after a Regina police officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer’s gun during the search of a house early Friday morning.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.