City officials in Sault Ste. Marie are considering a major change to downtown traffic patterns that could include closing parts of Pim Street or Church Street to create more space for pedestrians.
The proposal comes as the city prepares for a large-scale reconstruction of Church Street, currently set for 2027. City staff reported that the underground infrastructure beneath the street is in urgent need of replacement, with sanitary sewers dating back to 1910 and storm sewers installed in the 1950s and 60s.
Mayor Matthew Shoemaker is asking council to delay that construction by one year to allow for a broader study of how traffic moves between the downtown core and uptown areas. The city is reviewing how to best manage traffic flow following a recent increase in residents living downtown, notably at the new 108-unit apartment building at 110 Pim Street.
According to city staff, one option being explored is converting the current one-way streets into two-way roads. If that move is approved, the city may close and remove a portion of either Pim Street or Church Street north of Wellington Street to turn that area into a public pedestrian space.
Because these changes would significantly impact commuters and business owners, city staff recommend holding public meetings to gather feedback before any final decisions are made. This effort to reshape the downtown core aligns with broader revitalization plans supported by a $2.5 million investment from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, which is funding improvements like landscaping and new public spaces along Queen Street.
