A favourite teacher, coach
There were a few teachers from my elementary school days, first at Holy Angel, then at St. Mark, who will always be ultimate favourites of mine.
And one of them, Mr. Larry McNally, happened to be my teacher at both Holy Angel and St. Mark.
He was also my softball coach at both schools.
I loved him as a teacher and a coach. And my fondness for him carried on when I became an adult and got to know him even more.
…[read more]Good news for the railway
Ho, ho, ho.
Sault member of provincial parliament Ross Romano has delivered an early Christmas present to 43 employees of Huron Central Railway.
That is, via Romano and the Ontario government, Huron Central will continue its rail service between the Sault and Sudbury until at least June 30, 2021 as it works towards a long-term solution.
…[read more]Downtown Association boss
There is a new man for the downtown.
Salvatore Marchese is moving from Toronto to the Sault to take over as the new manager of the Downtown Association.
…[read more]Let it snow at the Museum
The Sault Ste. Marie Museum and ‘Bon Soo Winter Carnivale’ are teaming up for an innovative community exhibition.
…[read more]Big addition to downtown
What a boost this is for our fair city — especially a core area that is in growing stages of a much-needed comeback.
A venerable building in the Sault’s downtown has been turned into a multi-purpose store with the new Queenstown Drug Mart as the flagship of what can be termed a major new investment by local entrepreneur Joseph Greco and his partners.
…[read more]Steel City Sports, Giving Hearts
Steel City Sports has partnered with local group ‘Giving Hearts’ to collect non-perishable items as a means of helping to support local food banks and shelters in the Sault.
…[read more]‘Tis the season at Broers
The cozy, comfy, intimate wine bar that is Broers Jansen is all decorated for the Christmas season.
A popular, people-friendly establishment, located in the Sault’s downtown , Broers Jansen is a local, family-owned-and-operated small business that defines inimitable.
…[read more]Hoping for you, Bon Soo
Organizers of the venerable Bon Soo Winter Carnival are hopefully cautious of hosting the annual event in 2021.
To that end, they have decided on Feb. 5-15 as the dates that the Bon Soo Winter Carnival will be staged, with the ‘Machine Shop Co.’ on Huron Street as a primary location for many of the events.
…[read more]Holiday treats via Museum
Attention residents of Sault Ste. Marie: You can ‘wrap up’ your holiday baking and support our local Museum at the same time.
…[read more]Jim McAuley, such a nice man
He defined kindness and generosity with a trademark, friendly smile and the warmest of hearts.
A much respected, benevolent gentleman who was well known and well liked, he shunned the limelight even though he was so active in the community as a businessman, volunteer and philanthropist.
He had a love for dogs and a soft heart for the less fortunate and he gave so much in so many ways and asked for nothing in return.
…[read more]Reggie’s revving up karaoke
The karaoke machine is returning to Reggie’s Place Tavern in the Sault’s downtown.
Randy Lapossie, who along with his wife Kylie took over operation of Reggie’s Downtown on September 1 of this year, confirmed that karaoke will be a Thursday feature from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. beginning this week.
…[read more]Bennardo open on Saturdays
Sault Business Matters has received a notice from Bennardo Jewellers relative to extended business hours and the Christmas shopping season.
…[read more]Nominate a local visionary
Strive Young Professionals Group of the Sault has confirmed the fourth Algoma Visionary Awards and the first virtual event, which is slated to take place on January 15, 2021.
…[read more]It’s still around, downtown
Circa 1952 — as per the above photo — it was known as S.S. Kresge Co., a department store located at 626 Queen Street East in the Sault’s downtown. Later, it was a department store called Jupiter. And now …
…[read more]Friends, neighbours voting
It is presidential election day across the United States of America as our friends and neighbours south of the border are casting their ballots.
…[read more]St. Mary’s helps St. Vincent
Students from a Grade 12 religion class at St. Mary’s College have completed a community service project that resulted in a donation to the St. Vincent Place men’s shelter.
The student group from the Sault’s Catholic high school was called SMC Action — and it organized a clothing drive.
St. Mary’s teacher Robby Calvano noted that he gave his students “the opportunity to do something good for our community and they ran with it.”
…[read more]Supporting small business is key
Sault Business Matters has received the following editorial opinion from Terry Sheehan, member of parliament for Sault Ste. Marie.
…[read more]FBFM wellness bags giveaway
Fit Bodies Fit Minds has put together wellness bags which include a number of health and wellness items valued up to $175.00!
Included in the bags are items and discounts from various local businesses in Sault Ste. Marie.
Each bag is a little a different (and a surprise!) but includes items that will compliment your home workouts, contribute to your overall health and well being, and also might add to your wardrobe!
Fit Bodies Fit Minds wants to help our community during these trying times and give away 3 bags!!! 3 bags = 3 winners! To enter the giveaway:
…[read more]Big bucks spent on the Gardens
In what is being termed a collaborative effort, the City of Sault Ste. Marie and the Soo Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League have teamed up to spend more than $1,000,000 towards upgrading GFL Memorial Gardens.
According to a press release issued today by the Greyhounds, the OHL team and the City of Sault Ste. Marie “have made the most upgrades in the history of the Home of the Hounds this off season … in total, over $1,000,000 worth of enhancements were made inside the facility to improve fan experience and users safety.”
…[read more]Small business week
” … This year more than ever, we all have to focus on the needs and survival our small businesses … ” — Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce.
…[read more]All new Hockey North Show
There will be significant changes to the Hockey North Show when the well established program returns to the airwaves in mid November for its annual 25 week gig.
For one, the Hockey North Show with Randy Russon and Brad Coccimiglio is moving to a new radio home, Eagle 95.1 — on line via www.eagleradio951.com — from its former ESPN 1400 spot.
As well, the Hockey North Show will be broadcast live on Wednesdays from 5-6 p.m. (as opposed to Tuesdays) and as a bonus, all editions will be recorded and archived on www.eagleradio951.com as well as the Eagle 95.1 Facebook page for replay on demand.
…[read more]On line local shopping
The local Chamber of Commerce has teamed with AlgomaMarketplace.com to introduce a newer expanded online local shopping experience.
Fall into winter at Mane St.
Krista Nolan, who owns and operates Mane Street Cafe in the Sault’s downtown, has outlined plans for her neat, tidy and comfortable little eatery as fall heads towards winter.
Besides offering $5 pints of draught beer and $7 glasses of seven ounce wine, Nolan tells Sault Business Matters that she plans “to keep a storefront patio of some sort through most of the winter.”
…[read more]Happy Thanksgiving!
It is a day that is specifically set aside to be thankful.
Across Ontario, families are gathering, in respectful numbers we hope, to observe the Thanksgiving Day holiday.
In the Sault, we have much to be thankful for in terms of COVID-19 numbers being relatively low in comparison to the rest of the province, especially the Greater Toronto and Ottawa areas.
…[read more]Downtown could use these
Our downtown is an area that our City politicians and so called leaders have neglected for far too long.
It is a good thing that there are so many resilient small business owners who have invested in the downtown but the downtown needs more judging by the many vacancies in buildings along Queen from Pim Street to Bruce Street.
Soon we will have a drug store at the corner of Queen and Bruce and that is very encouraging! Additionally I have a list of other businesses that would be welcome additions to our downtown.
…[read more]Jacobs teams with Turco
This has Sault Ste. Marie pride and stardom written all over it.
That is, Kingsville Brewing Company has confirmed a partnership with Canadian and world curling icons, the Team Jacobs rink from the Sault.
The other side of the Sault connection is 45-year old Marty Turco, who is a part owner of Kingsville Brewing and a former National Hockey League and Canadian Olympic standout goalie of many years who also backstopped the University of Michigan Wolverines to a pair of national championships.
…[read more]Good healthy breakfast and …
Hello again! I am writing to say how much I enjoy your website in particular the many positive articles which are about the downtown area where I dwell with my wife and our family.
On this topic I wish to give a compliment to the very nice and clean restaurants that Sault Ste. Marie has that choose to serve a very healthy breakfast of which is an important way to begin each of the days.
…[read more]Best ever for Big Blue Box
Sault Business Matters has received the following press release from the good folks at St. Vincent Place, which is located on Albert St. E. in the Sault’s downtown.
…[read more]The boards are back in town
Broers Jansen, the quaint, popular wine bar that is located beside the Museum in the Sault’s downtown, is well known for its $5 glasses of a variety of red and white wines.
As well, Broers Jansen has become locally famous for its own version of a charcuterie board.
With its own blend of meats, cheeses, home made bread, roasted almonds and other treats, the Broers Jansen version of a charcuterie board is called a “bro-cuterie” board.
…[read more]Kudos to Claudio and PUC
The local Public Utilities Commission received an award in the category of worker safety during a recent “virtual” annual meeting and Ontario Electrical Safety awards event.
…[read more]NORP via Ross Romano
Sault Business Matters has received the following press release from Sault member of provincial parliament Ross Romano relative to a Northern Ontario recovery program. An edited version of it appears below.
…[read more]New partner for NTAAA
Northern Transit and Arena Advertising Agency — which serves the markets of Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie and North Bay — has partnered with BrokerLink Insurance.
…[read more]Stay home … shop local!
I will be the first to admit that I miss traveling into the U.S. as we liked the odd weekend getaways to Michigan to places such as Gaylord and West Branch.
We also got into the habit of filling up the gas tank in Sault, Michigan and while over there having supper at Antlers or the Palace and once in a while going to the Kewadin Casino.
The closure of the border however has reminded my partner and me how important it is to support our own local businesses right here in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.
…[read more]Reggie’s off to a good start
It is an old bar with a new beginning.
Reggie’s Place Tavern recently re-opened in the Sault’s downtown under new management.
The husband and wife tandem of Randy Lapossie and Kylie Lapossie opened the doors to Reggie’s on September 1 as the new operators after the iconic downtown bar had been closed for most of the past three years.
…[read more]Spectacular sunset
As September moves towards the end of summer and prepares to welcome the fall season, the beauty of the Sault area is on full display.
For example, as one heads west of the Sault past Goulais and into the Havilland Bay area, sunset can be particularly spectacular.
See below for a larger image of a recent Havilland Bay sunset as provided by Lily Heika.
…[read more]Please freeze the alcohol tax
(EDITOR’S NOTE: Sault Business Matters has received the following letter to the editor from Rory Ring, who is the chief executive officer of the Chamber of Commerce of Sault Ste. Marie.)
A rant of Mr. Ring is that a federal government alcohol escalator tax — one that is scheduled to increase again in April of next year — is a tax grab.
We now turn the floor over to Mr. Ring for the following editorial opinion.
…[read more]Here’s to you, Ron Irwin
Sault Ste. Marie has recognized a long-time local politician by renaming City Hall as the Ronald A. Irwin Civic Centre.
…[read more]Boosting the downtown
There is collective effort being made to sustain and maintain business.
Any good city needs a thriving downtown and the Sault is no exception.
Issues remain — issues that might be resolved with more police presence at night and more support from local government — but the Sault’s downtown has businesses new and old that are more than doing their part to keep the area going.
…[read more]Muio’s extending service
Beginning next Tuesday — which is September 15 — Muio’s Restaurant will be open for takeout and delivery six days a week.
…[read more]Terry’s Labour Day message
Sault Business Matters has received the following message from Sault member of parliament Terry Sheehan relative to Labour Day.
…[read more]Lunches for learning
In order to try to ensure that no child has to go to hungry at school, St. Vincent Place in the Sault is offering a new ‘lunches for learning’ program.
…[read more]Affordable housing for seniors
To be sure, every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place that they can call home.
Ergo, the governments of Canada and Ontario are combining to invest more than $1 million towards a new affordable housing development in Sault Ste. Marie to provide seniors at risk of homelessness with housing and support services.
The erstwhile Rosedale public elementary school, located at 90 Chapple Avenue, is being transformed into a nine-unit housing development.
…[read more]High school football in U.P.
High school football will not be played in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario this fall relative to COVID-19.
But it will be played throughout Michigan, including the Upper Peninsula.
Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed an executive order that allows for the resumption of all fall high school sports across the Great Lakes state.
…[read more]Return of Reggie’s downtown
Spruced up on the inside and outside but with the same iconic look, Reggie’s Place Tavern is set to re-open for business on Tuesday at 11 a.m.
With new operators Randy and Kylie Lapossie at the helm, Reggie’s Place Tavern — located just past March Street on Queen Street E. in the Sault’s downtown– has has been getting ready for its September 1 re-opening for the past month or so.
It will mark a new chapter for the local watering hole which had become a popular gathering place for folks of all ages and many walks of life for well over 25 years under previous operator Reggie Daigle.
…[read more]RIP, Mark Desmoulin
He had the warm, friendly smile. He gave the warm, friendly hello.
It did not matter where or when I saw him. It did not matter if it was morning, afternoon, or evening, on a given day of the week, month, or year.
What mattered is that Mark Desmoulin was a kind kid with a good heart and an infectious smile.
And what is heartbreaking and sad is that after years of struggling with drug addiction, Mark passed away recently at the young age of 37.
…[read more]I.D.A. walk-in clinic is open
A new walk-in clinic is open at the I.D.A. Drug Mart location in Wellington Square Mall in the Sault’s east end.
“We have opened this clinic to assist with wait times at the Sault Area Hospital, especially for non-urgent ailments,” part owner Joe Greco relayed to Sault Business Matters.
…[read more]Reggie’s is re-opening
An iconic downtown bar is poised to push the re-start button on Sept. 1.
With new operator Randy Lapossie at the helm, Reggie’s Place Tavern — located just past March Street on Queen Street E. in the Sault’s downtown– has a sign on one of its front windows that is signalling the Sept. 1 re-opening.
It will mark a new chapter for the local watering hole which had become a popular gathering place for folks of all ages and many walks of life for well over 25 years under previous operator Reggie Daigle.
…[read more]Fish dish back at Gliss
Kristi Turner, who manages Gliss Restaurant in the Sault’s downtown, has confirmed that the eatery is again offering its all you can eat fish special.
Gliss has also confirmed its current dine-in hours to Sault Business Matters.
…[read more]Library turns the page
The James L. McIntyre Centennial Library, located on East Street just off Bay Street in the Sault’s downtown, will be reopening its doors to the public starting today.
The downtown library closed on March 17 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now, as part of a staged reopening, the Centennial Library will be open Monday to Friday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Curbside service will continue to be offered, Sault Business Matters has confirmed.
…[read more]Patience, safety and health
As junior hockey leagues across Ontario have later start dates for the 2020-2021 season on their respective, proposed agendas, the province is intent on putting students and teachers back in the classroom on time, in September.
…[read more]Sault joins Canada United
The weekend of August 28 to 30 has been proclaimed Canada United Weekend in Sault Ste. Marie.
And Rory Ring, who is the chief executive officer for the Chamber of Commerce, confirmed that mayor Christian Provenzano and Sault city council are supporting the Canada United movement that encourages buying and dining local.
“We’re grateful to the mayor and to council for supporting this endeavor,” Ring relayed.
…[read more]Odd Job Jacks official app
Sault Ste. Marie is now home to a property maintenance business with an app, one that features grass cutting and mowing on demand and — looking ahead to the winter — snow removal on demand.
…[read more]Equity, diversity leader at AU
By way of a special mission to support cross-cultural learning, Algoma University has assumed a long-standing leadership role in addressing issues of equity, diversity and inclusion within the communities it serves.
…[read more]Boost for northern Ontario
The government of Canada has confirmed a commitment of more than $13 million to support economic development within Indigenous communities, businesses and organizations in northern Ontario.
Sault Ste. Marie member of parliament Terry Sheehan, representing the governing Liberal Party of Canada, noted that the funding flowing through FedNor will support a total of 22 projects across the northern Ontario region.
(The projects that are slated to receive funding are listed below.)
…[read more]