Upright and downtown
My wife and I have now lived in the Sault’s downtown for more than six years. And while those who don’t live downtown and those who like to sensationalize or over play its issues may disagree, we have never — touch wood — had an altercation or felt unsafe where we reside.
Of note, not only do we live downtown but we walk our dog down here at least three times a day — morning, afternoon and at night. And we are out and about and frequenting a number of downtown establishments four or five days a week on average.
Are there “troubled” areas of the downtown area? For sure there are. But drive around town and there are “troubled” areas galore in our fair city. Such as, the area of McNabb Street between Pim and Pine. Such as areas of the “P-Patch.” Such as several pockets in the west and east ends of the city.
Point is, the downtown gets a bad rap from far too many people, including those who should be smart enough to know better. Is it because of drug addicts and the homeless people? Maybe. But again, no one has made us feel unsafe during all of the time that we have lived downtown.
Is there crime in the downtown? Yep, just as there is crime all over the city. Criminals, it seems, are criminals, regardless of which part of the city that they live in or frequent.
What is unfair is that the “unsafe” perception of downtown can and has affected many local businesses. Having said that, new businesses continue to open in the downtown along Queen and on adjacent side streets.
Want to make the downtown safer? Then come on down and visit and shop. As they say, there is safety in numbers. The more traffic, the more safer it might become, especially if the Sault Police Services steps up its presence a tad more.
HERE N’ THERE
Is it just me or is there an extraordinary amount of drama coming from Mayor Matthew Shoemaker and some members of City Council? And is most of the drama much ado about nothing? … Is it just me or are there certain members of City Council who will say or put forth anything just to get their name mentioned in Soo Today? … As for where we live, we have always felt well represented by Ward 2 councillors Luke Dufour and Lisa Vezeau-Allen aka LVA … I don’t know about you but to me Ward 4 councillor Stephan Kinach seems like a straight shooter and was only asking what many of us are wondering: why is the City of Sault Ste. Marie spending (wasting?) millions of dollars in hiring consultants? …
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Great article.
I’m obviously a great supporter of downtown, and am constantly extolling its benefits. It’s too bad so many people complain about it, but haven’t been downtown in years.
As for city hall.
“Oh no! Accountability!” Like, council told city hall to account for consultant fees, and they didn’t do it.