Sault looking into technology and innovation hub
The City of Sault Ste. Marie is looking into whether a new technology, innovation and arts hub would be a good fit for the downtown.
A feasibility study is underway into what is commonly called a 'STEAM' centre - science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.
Travis Anderson, the Sault's director of tourism and community services, said the STEAM centre would not duplicate other agencies and services in the city, such as the Innovation Centre at the Civic Centre or the Millworks Centre for Entrepreneurship.
"The Innovation Centre will be involved with this study," said Anderson. "They do phenomenal work throughout the community promoting innovation and working with industry and local school groups across the community. Essentially what we're hoping to do is just get everybody involved in this process."
He said the Innovation Centre could find a new home under the STEAM centre roof.
"We wouldn't be looking at taking on any of the activities from the Innovation Centre -- they would be their own distinct group," Anderson said. "But potentially they could be looking at this facility as a future space for them."
City Coun. Corey Gardi is in favour of incorporating the existing Innovation Centre into a new STEAM centre.
"I know that there are a couple of really good programs that they run -- Acorn, I know, the Rural Agriculture Innovation Network does a bunch of work out of the Innovation Centre," said Gardi. "But I think something like this, if we could drive it through that facility, I think that would probably be best."
Gardi said the proposed STEAM centre could be good for the Sault.
"I firmly believe that a medium-sized city that has a good research and development focus in technology, the digital economy, engineering and such moving forward, are going to be the places that thrive in the country."
The feasibility study comes with a price tag of $88,500, which comes from money already earmarked for consultant fees in the 2021 budget.
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