Gore Street, located in downtown of Sault Ste. Marie hasn't enjoyed a great reputation over the past few decades, but local residents say that is slowly changing, after the city spent millions of dollars fixing up the area.
On Thursday, there was a grand re-opening party for the street.
"The reconstruction of Gore Street, the development of the pump track, the Etienne Brule re-development to a community hub with our urban orchard and also all of the awesome new and long standing businesses that are along this stretch,” said Victoria Prouse, a city planner.
In total, the city spent $4 million dollars on a three year project.
One of the new businesses is Bob Berry's Books and Collectable Store. About two and a half years ago Barry was looking to open up his shop and at that time, he didn't even want to talk about Gore Street.
"We rejected Gore Street just because of the condition of the whole area and its reputation of its really not a place to go to," Berry said.
But that all changed for him last September, when the city was getting close to wrapping up all of its work.
"We pounced on the chance to open on Gore Street and open our store knowing that direction was all positive," said Barry.
"Being a part of the reconstruction has been a great experience for us."
"This is now the most beautiful street in our city," Prouse added.
With construction completed, city staff said its goal is to bring is to bring awareness to the area and try to turn it back into the popular hot spot it once was.
