Sault Ste. Marie officials looking forward to border reopening
For the first time in more than a year, Sault Ste. Marie will be able to once again host its American neighbours - provided they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This comes after the federal government announced on Monday an easing of restrictions at the border.
The change will happen one minute after midnight on Aug. 9 and Sault Ste. Marie Mayor Christian Provenzano said he is fully supportive of the federal government's requirements of American travellers.
"It's been very cautious about the health and safety of Canadians," Provenzano said. "I am comforted by the fact that to come across, a U.S. resident would need to be double vaccinated and would also need a negative COVID-19 screening."
He hopes the reopening of the border to American travellers will help the region's struggling tourism industry.
"Hopefully it will help the tourist season and our tourist operators," Provenzano said. "Hopefully it will help our economy a little bit. Hopefully, it will help some of the hotels and motels get some revenue back. There's been a lot of challenges, particularly on the tourism sector, and I think the government is looking to assist and support that as much as possible, but also try and keep Canadians safe at the same time."
Meantime, Rory Ring, president of the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce said after losing half of the summer tourism season, he anticipates a rebound in the fall.
"Northern Ontario is famous for its fall colours and I think what we'll see is a tremendous uptick in travel to our area to have that experience," Ring said. "We think that with that flowing right into our winter season will help a lot of our winter sport tourism."
Provenzano points out that residents of Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., may be disappointed that there is no plan in place as of now to allow Canadians to cross the border. He said it's up to them to raise the issue with their government.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.