Sault’s Queen Street to undergo reconstruction
Phase 1 of the reconstruction of Queen Street in downtown Sault Ste. Marie is getting underway, although it will be scaled down from the original plan.
With construction bids coming in above the $6 million budget, City staff opted to focus efforts on a section of Queen Street in most need of work.
Queen Street from Elgin to Brock Street will make up the first part of the project, and depending on the success of a Northern Ontario Heritage Fund application, the boundary could extend to East Street.
“We’re looking at doing primarily a resurfacing job, however, we will doing underground from Elgin to March, which means we’ll be replacing the sewers,” said design engineer Maggie McAuley.
“Everything will be replaced -- asphalt, curbs, paving stones, concrete sidewalk.”
McAuley said there is a landscaping component as well.
“Reintroducing the trees that have been reduced over time along Queen Street, we’re going to be planting some new ones, including some planters,” she said.
“We’re going to be adding benches and bike racks to compliment the bike lane that we’re going to be introducing.”
Rory Ring, president and CEO of the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce, said projects such as the Queen Street reconstruction make cities more attractive to investors.
- Download the CTV News app now
- Get local breaking news alerts
- Daily newsletter with the top local stories emailed to your inbox
“Let’s face it, we are competing with every other community across the globe to attract those kind of investments,” said Ring.
“The better we can position ourselves to do that through infrastructure enhancements, but also through visual appeal, can only be beneficial. And then that attracts people and people attract business.”
During construction, Ring said the city will need to stay in contact with businesses on Queen Street to ensure minimal disruption.
To that end, the city will be hosting an open house for business owners and residents in the area.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Feels like mid-30s in parts of Canada, while other areas expecting snow
Anything is possible this week, as far as Canada's weather is concerned, with forecasts ranging from scorching heat in some parts of the country to rain and snow in others.
BREAKING Canada's inflation cools to 3-year low of 2.7%, in boost for rate cut bets
Canada's annual inflation rate slowed to a three-year low of 2.7 per cent in April, matching expectations, and core measures continued to ease, data showed on Tuesday, likely boosting chances of a June interest rate cut.
1 dead, others injured after London-Singapore flight hit severe turbulence, Singapore Airlines says
One person has died aboard a London-Singapore flight that encountered severe turbulence, Singapore Airlines said Tuesday. The plane was diverted to Bangkok, where emergency crews rushed to help injured passengers amid stormy weather.
Independent stores and grocery alternatives see sales boost amid Loblaw boycott
As the month-long boycott of Loblaw-owned stores wears on, small independent food retailers and alternative grocery options say they're seeing a boost in traffic and sales.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
How to check the Air Quality Health Index and assess your health risks
As we enter another wildfire season, Environment and Climate Change Canada is advising people to pay attention to air pollution levels and check the Air Quality Health Index – especially on smoky days.
Cardinal Lacroix cleared after investigation ordered by the Pope
The Vatican has announced that the investigation it commissioned into allegations of sexual touching against Cardinal Gerald Cyprien Lacroix did not confirm any act constituting misconduct or abuse on the part of the Vatican.
Trudeau making 'Team Canada' pitch in visit to Philadelphia
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in Philadelphia today, on his first trip south of the border since his government launched a new 'Team Canada' charm offensive in the United States.
Oilers win Game 7 over Canucks, advance to Western Conference Final
The Edmonton Oilers weathered a late Vancouver Canucks charge on Monday night, beating the hosts 3-2 to win their seven-game second-round playoff series in the decisive showdown.