Ontario Construction News staff writer
The federal government is providing $500,000 to help build a civic plaza in Sault Ste. Marie.
On January 21, the government announced funding through its FedNor regional development agency to support the design and construction of a 6,300-square metre civic plaza in the town’s downtown, creating an estimated 46 construction jobs.
“The City Plaza in Sault Ste. Marie will give residents and tourists alike another reason to visit and spend time and money in the city’s downtown core,” said Terry Sheehan, parliamentary secretary to the minister of economic development. “This type of development is an amenity-led economic development strategy which will attract higher incomes, boost property values and increase investment.”
The new plaza will be the centerpiece among several key tourism sites and waterfront/marina amenities in the city’s downtown core and will serve as a catalyst for private investment in the area.
It will encompass summer and winter amenities including:
- Skating Rink & water feature/splash pad
- Flexible event / gathering area
- Stage with outdoor screen
- Outdoor Farmer’s Market area
- Play Zone
- Lighting Displays
- Shade Structures
- Public washrooms and change area
- Seating
- Trees and planting beds
The plaza will be designed to minimize embodied carbon inputs and maximize the carbon sequestration capacity post-completion.
“This will be a four-season community space that connects the waterfront and the downtown area, and will serve as a gathering space that increases activity in the downtown area; which we hope will drive more investment and assessment growth. This financial support represents a significant step forward towards fulfilling our vision for the downtown,” said Mayor Christian Provenzano.