Sault downtown association to once again hire private security

Sault Ste. Marie's Downtown Association (DTA) is once again looking to hire private security to patrol the neighbourhood while the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service finalizes its plan to open a downtown police station.

Sault Ste. Marie's Downtown Association (DTA) is once again looking to hire private security to patrol the neighbourhood. Photo of the Sault's downtown core on Jan 13/24. (Mike McDonald/CTV News Northern Ontario)"The police do have some plans, as I understand, to have some presence downtown," said the association’s chair Nicholas Rosset.

"However, they're not quite ready yet. So, the Downtown Association is looking to employ some private security again in the meantime."

The association had employed private security during the pandemic to keep an eye on businesses during the night. Rosset said incidents of crime have flattened recently, and the association wants to ensure the security situation remains stable.

"Serious crime is fairly minimal," said Rosset.

"There is a lot of talk about mental health and addictions and homelessness and although that may not be always a security issue, it's still a matter for the DTA to make sure that the businesses and customers feel safe and welcome in the downtown."

Rosset said the downtown has been busier than in previous years and he believes that it has been having a positive impact on the security situation.

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The plan to hire private security is contained in the DTA's draft budget for 2024 which is set to be presented to the membership at the association's next board meeting.