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
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
'Tactical evacuations' underway near Fort Nelson, B.C., as wildfires encroach
The BC Wildfire Service says 'tactical evacuations' began Friday near Fort Nelson, B.C., due to an out-of-control wildfire that has grown rapidly since it was discovered earlier in the afternoon.
Snowbirds in Vancouver for puck-drop flyby as Canucks face Oilers
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be performing a flyover across downtown Vancouver at the start of tonight's Stanley Cup playoff game between the Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.