The purpose of this petition is to express strong disapproval of the Downtown Plaza project currently before Sault Ste. Marie City Council. 

While our Mayor and Council tout this project as a way to “revitalize” the downtown, tax dollars which can be utilized in other, more productive ways, should not be used for its construction. 

Indeed, in the Summertime, Saultites can enjoy our beautiful waterfront attractions: the boardwalk (currently undergoing needed maintenance), the Bondar Tent Pavilion, which holds numerous events annually, and Clergue Park, which features an outdoor workout area.

In the wintertime, the Clergue Park skating trail has become a popular family attraction.

This new Plaza is totally unnecessary considering the plentiful number of options available for individuals and families to enjoy their free time. Also, the recent crime wave in the downtown core raises concerns that this Plaza may be vandalized, which in turn would require more tax dollars to clean or repair any destruction. 

Per a SaultOnline article dated 5/10/21, “This is the last time the Downtown Plaza Project will come before council unless the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation doesn’t approve the $2 million contribution the city is counting on to help fund the project.”

We learned that the NOHFC has not approved the $2 million in funding. Which means there is a possibility the taxpayers of Sault Ste. Marie could very well make up for that. Worth noting: a fundraising campaign is underway to raise $600,000, of which $200,000 has been pledged by Rotary. 

After the private funding, $7 million is still needed to pay for this project. If you don’t support this excessive price tag, add your name, and join the fight for FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY!