The City of Sault Ste. Marie is that much closer to construction of a new civic plaza.

On January 21, the federal government announced that it had invested $500,000 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. Construction of the facility is expected to create as many as 46 jobs.

“I want to recognize the Government of Canada and FedNor for investing in an exciting project for our community,” said Mayor Christian Provenzano. “The plaza 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.”

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 new private investment in the area.

The project, which is valued at nearly $7 million, borrows heavily from the Dutch concept of Woonerf, which is a downtown social space without sidewalks, traffic signals or of lane dividers. In this way, it is intended to promote a slower pace of activity.

Design concepts for Sault Ste. Marie’s include summer and winter amenities such as a major dual-purpose splash pad/skating rink, performance stage, space for gathering and viewing of performances, public washrooms, and mechanical facilities.

“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, Minister responsible for FedNor. “This type of development is an amenity-led economic development strategy which will attract higher incomes, boost property values and increase investment. Our government is proud to support initiatives that will drive private sector growth and result in job creation.”

Since December 2015, FedNor has approved 154 community economic development projects by municipalities and First Nations with a value of $46.9 million.