City Invests Heavily in Four Sault Ponds Restoration Efforts

In a significant development aimed at addressing flood risks, the Ontario government will contribute up to $2.5 million for the creation of four new stormwater management ponds in Sault Ste. Marie. These ponds will be strategically located near Elliott Fields, along Peoples Road close to Hillside Drive, and adjacent to the cemetery. The total projected cost for the initiative is estimated at $3.4 million, with the city covering the remaining $920,000.

Investment in Flood Mitigation

Carl Rumiel, the city’s director of engineering, highlighted the importance of these ponds in mitigating urban flooding, particularly during heavy rainfall events. He stated that “By creating storage for stormwater, ponds reduce the amount of urban flooding,” which is crucial in adapting to climate change. The project is expected to be included in the city’s capital transportation program for the years 2027 and 2028.

Broader Community Developments

The city’s efforts to bolster its population are bearing fruit. In 2025, Sault Ste. Marie welcomed 400 newcomers, as documented in an update to the corporate strategic plan. Additionally, the Roberta Bondar tent pavilion proved to be a popular venue, hosting 88 events last year despite competition from the newly inaugurated downtown plaza.

Public Amenities Improvement

• The Sault Ste. Marie Public Library saw an average active cardholder borrow 11.65 items last year.
• The library’s WiFi service attracted 34,817 visitors.
• The Kiwanis Club of Lakeshore Foundation is contributing $135,000 to enhance play spaces at Kiwanis Park.

Three properties with overdue taxes were sold via tax sales in 2025 for a total of $22,498. Additionally, property owners redeemed 11 others before the sales, accumulating $128,162 in payments.

Vehicles and Infrastructure Investments

The city is set to purchase a tandem-axle street plow and a street sander for $726,583 from TMS Truck Centre. Contracts have been awarded to Pioneer Construction Inc. and Possamai Construction for supplying granular materials in 2026 and 2027.

Upcoming Contracts and Services

• S&T Electrical Contractors Ltd. won a contract worth $267,427 for sports field lighting replacement at the Queen Elizabeth Sports Complex B field.
• Fountain Tire Ltd. will provide tire services for the city for one year, with options for two extensions.

Sault Ste. Marie’s UCAB will maintain accessible transportation services, reflecting a six percent budget increase, while demand for the parabus service is anticipated to rise. Econolite Canada Inc. will supply traffic signal controller equipment, with a contract valued at $203,174.

Financial Overview

In 2025, the city’s short-term investments through Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management yielded a 4% average return, although slightly down from the previous year’s 5.12%. Interest from the city’s primary bank account of $2.7 million was recorded at a rate of 3.36%, compared to 5.19% in 2024.

These initiatives reflect Sault Ste. Marie’s commitment to enhancing local infrastructure, improving community services, and addressing the challenges of climate change through prudent investment.