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]‘Culture Days Fall Market’
Sault Ste. Marie Museum, in tandem with the local Downtown Association, will be holding what is being called a Culture Days Fall Market.
The event is slated for this Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and kicks off the month of October.
The fall market, outdoor event will be held behind the museum’s 690 Queen Street East location.
…[read more]Missing high school hoopla
If there is a participation or experience that I miss at this time of year it is being a community volunteer as a basketball coach.
…[read more]Feature: Laura DeLuca
I recently met up with Laura DeLuca at a local downtown restaurant to chat about her work as a real estate sales representative for locally owned and operated brokerage EXIT Realty Lake Superior.
I have known Laura for a long time and even though it had been a while since we saw each other in person, it was as though no time had passed at all.
This type of easy and comfortable conversation is what anyone who contacts Laura for their real estate needs can expect. It doesn’t take long to realize that she has found the perfect fit for her personality and strengths and anyone looking to buy or sell their home is in good hands with Laura.
…[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]Blue box food drive
Sault Business Matters has received the following press release from St. Vincent Place marketing and fundraising coordinator Sara McCleary.
…[read more]NerdCon is a no go
Sault Business Matters has received the following message from the organizers of the Steel City NerdCon event that was planned for next month.
…[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]Steel City NerdCon is coming
Steel City NerdCon is a go!
Sault Business Matters has learned that Vintage Games N’ Junque has decided to go ahead with its popular event at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre.
It will have up to 40 exhibitors from across the province carefully spread out to allow for social distancing.
Details are as follows.
…[read more]Feature: Parlow/Ensurco
It is always a nice change to chat with an old friend for the purposes of a “work” story and such was the case when I chatted with Mike Parlow for this article.
You see, Mike and I go way back. How far back? How about some thirty plus years since we went to elementary school together at a great west end learning institution, St. Mary’s.
Michael is still the funny, personable, social, dependable, easy going guy that I remember from my childhood and those very character traits are what has made him so successful in his role with Ensurco Insurance Group as a broker/partner and risk manager.
…[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]Feature: Norpro Security
For the past forty years, Norpro has been an industry leader in security, health and safety, and IT solutions.
And in speaking with the associate vice president of customer experience Allan Watson, it quickly became clear that the key attributes that Norpro prides itself on being synonymous with are responsiveness, approachability, and knowledgeability in all the sectors that it serves.
Norpro is an industry leader with a heart – and makes it its duty to maintain close ties to the communities in which it services.
…[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]The lake, on line, with Eagle
My wife and I and our dog just returned from a nice, relaxing, three day, three night excursion to Birchland Cottages in Iron Bridge, about 65 miles east of the Sault.
Besides the well maintained, clean and cozy cottage that we rented on splendid Clear Lake, there were other factors that contributed to the reclining, unwinding, days and nights.
There were daily barbecues, walks on roads of the wooded property, nights at the fire pit, cold beer and … classic hits music with crystal clear reception via the on line version of Sault radio station Eagle 95.1.
…[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]Massey Fair alternative
The COVID-19 pandemic has put what would have been the 113th edition of the Massey Fair on hold for this year.
But there is good news ahead.
Sault Business Matters has confirmed that officials have come up with alternative plans for the fair grounds for Saturday, August 29 with an event called ‘Pioneering the Pandemic.’
…[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]We lost two good ones
Two smiling faces recently departed their loved ones as friendly, affable folks who were simply known as good people.
Marilyn Jones (nee McCauley) and Richard Nystedt were both known for their infectious smiles and kind words.
They came from different walks of life and made their own separate ways that included links to the community and to local sports.
…[read more]“… Out in the country …”
Can we frame this as picture perfect? Um, we think so.
We have this breath-taking photo to share with you as we head into the second week of August of what has been a spectacular summer thus far in the Sault and throughout the Algoma District.
For more details on where this fab photo was taken — and for an enlarged version — see below.
“ … find a quiet place, far from the human race, out in the country … before the breathing air is gone … before the sun is gone, just a bright spot in the night time … “ — from the song ‘Out In The Country’ by Three Dog Night.
…[read more]Iron Bridge family fun event
The Iron Bridge Agricultural Society is planning a family fun event for Saturday, September 19.
The event will be held at the Iron Bridge Recreation Centre on Chiblow Lake Road.
Pre registration is taking place until August 14.
A minimum of five families must be registered or the event will be cancelled.
To clarify, only one person in the family entry has to be a member of the Iron Bridge Agricultural Society.
…[read more]Newly renovated I.D.A.
The owners of I.D.A. Drug Mart have confirmed the opening of their newly renovated Wellington Square location in the Sault’s east end.
The Wellington Square outlet is open seven days a week.
Current hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
The best food winners are …
We have the winners from the first-ever, “who has the best food” survey compiled by Sault Business Matters.
We were, simply put, overwhelmed with the response which included more than 750 e-mail responses (we specifically asked for e-mail) and another 17 who opted to post under our original story of August 1.
In fact, we had so many responses that we are recognizing the top four finishers in each category, as opposed to our original thought of top three.
See below for the list of winners … and thank you to all who participated!
…[read more]Feature: NTAAA advertising
Effective and affordable advertising during these challenging times can be very hard to achieve.
Having said that, Northern Transit & Arena Advertising Agency (NTAAA) feels it offers one of the best options to assist area businesses — including Sault Ste. Marie — with branding and increased sales.
One of the company’s key objectives is to match their client’s interests with outdoor and indoor advertising products and services that will offer a direct link to the client’s consumer interests as well as their locations.
…[read more]Museum trivia night
This looms as a fun opportunity to support the Sault Ste. Marie Museum while showing off your trivia skills.
And maybe even learn something new about Canadian and local art, media, music and sports history.
To that end, the local Museum, along with OutSpoken Brewing, will be hosting a pair of Tuesday evening trivia nights — on August 11 and 25 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
…[read more]Central United flea market
Looking for some great bargains?
Well, Central United Church, located on the corner of Spring and Albert streets in the Sault’s downtown, will be featuring a flea market through the month of August.
Twenty people will be allowed inside at one time and public health measures will be followed including the need for masks and hand sanitizing.
…[read more]Who has the best food?
We think that the Sault has a good reputation in the food industry.
So, Sault Business Matters has come up with a “who has the best food” feature as it pertains to local establishments.
See below for a total of 10 “who has the best food” categories and e-mail your choices to us. (Your name will not be used.)
The top three finishers in each category will then be published here on Sault Business Matters on Wednesday, August 5.
…[read more]All good at Grocer 4 Good
The tidy little grocery store at 133 Gore Street in the Sault’s downtown area recently resumed regular Monday to Friday hours.
Grocer 4 Good has re-opened following a shutdown relative to the COVID-19 pandemic.
And president and founder Lisa Vezeau-Allen, who is also a Ward 2 city councilor, relayed to Sault Business Matters that Grocer 4 Good is now in operation from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
An ability development program that was spearheaded by Vezeau-Allen and operates as a non profit model, the modest, 900 square foot Grocer 4 Good store originally opened late last fall.
…[read more]Sault Transit improvements
Sault member of parliament Terry Sheehan, who is also the parliamentary secretary to the minister of economic development and official languages, has confirmed funding for six public transit projects in the city.
…[read more]August at the senior centre
The Senior Citizens Drop In Centre, located on Bay Street in the Sault’s downtown area, has lined up its August activities. They are as follows.
…[read more]Please clean up the graffiti!
Such a beautiful city we would have only if all of the ugly graffiti that is ruining the appearance of our Heritage buildings in our downtown would be removed or covered up!
Whose responsibility is it to clean up the graffiti? Is it the responsibility of the building owners or the business owners?
Or maybe I ask should the City show some leadership and take action and help pay for the clean up of the graffiti?
…[read more]Marty & Kelly on Mane St.
Multiple patio bars have become a nice — and welcome — addition to downtown Queen Street in the Sault. And one of the more popular patio bars is located outside Mane St. Cafe and Social House.
…[read more]New hours at SVP food bank
St. Vincent Place, located on Albert Street E. in the Sault’s downtown, will be adjusting the hours of operation for its food bank effective August 1.
…[read more]Sault smiles with Tony B
Tony Bennardo, the ageless owner of Bennardo Jewellers in the Sault, has extra reason to smile today.
That is because, the patriarch of the long-time local business store is celebrating a milestone birthday.
Um, how old is this young fellow?
…[read more]Look what we found downtown!
Another patio bar has popped up in the Sault’s downtown.
And this one features wine, local beer on tap and street treats a la Broers Jansen.
Located in front of Broers Jansen wine bar, right next to the Sault Ste. Marie Museum, the patio bar includes both a hot dog stand and a cheese curd cove.
…[read more]Feature: Jasmine Ladies Fashions
For thirty-seven years, Jasmine Ladies Fashions has been a fixture in women’s clothing at first from its location for many years in the Cambrian Mall and now in its current location in downtown Sault Ste. Marie.
Owner Linda Caputo tells Sault Business Matters that she began her journey in the retail world as a buyer for the Shoe Corporation of America but always had an interest and love for women’s fashion.
Right from the start, she developed a loyal clientele and she, along with her long-time and friendly staff of Nancy, the store manager, and other long-time staff members Chris, Mary, and Ida, all enjoy helping women find the perfect outfit for occasions of all kinds.
…[read more]Good and bad in all factions
I am writing this to offer my support for the good police officers who do their best to protect the citizens of our city.
As we know there are those people who think that our police department should be “de-funded” because of the actions of some police officers in other cities.
What I ask does that have to do with the chief of the Sault police force and the police officers of the Sault?
The way that I see it and please correct me if I am off base, but there are good and bad in any profession! So why pick on the police force???
…[read more]Cheers to Northern Superior
Having continued to service the local beer industry through delivery and its retail store through the earlier phases of the COVID-19 crisis, Northern Superior Brewing is moving into the next stage of operation.
Trevor Zachary, who is the general manager of Northern Superior Brewing, has outlined the next phase of reopening to Sault Business Matters.
Zachary confirmed that as of noon on Friday of this week, the indoor tap room at Northern Superior Brewing will again be open to the public.
…[read more]