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]Good to go at Grocer 4 Good
Lisa Vezeau-Allen, who is the founder and president of Grocer 4 Good, has confirmed that the store will re-open next Monday, July 20.
The little grocery store is located on Gore Street in the Sault’s downtown area.
Vezeau-Allen made the announcement relative to the re-opening of Grocer 4 Good on behalf of its board of directors and collaborative agencies.
…[read more]Museum fundraiser details
‘Tea party-in-a-box’ is the name of a fundraiser that is being organized by the Sault Ste. Marie Museum.
And the kits for the upcoming fundraiser are available for early order until Wednesday, July 22.
In light of the COVID-19 crisis, the Sault Ste. Marie Museum has been unable to organize its popular ‘Tea and Scones’ event this spring and summer.
So, in its place, the local museum has created a way for folks to participate from their own homes.
…[read more]Feature: Sault Tree Experts
Working as a writer for Sault Business Matters, you can certainly learn all about the different facets involved in various industries.
And in this case it was some lessons in the art of working with trees!
You see, for over thirty-five years, Glen Chiblow, who is the owner of Sault Tree Experts, has expertly guided his business to become one of the best arborist companies in the region which takes great pride in the service they provide.
…[read more]IDA opening in Queenstown
The locally owned and operated IDA Drug Mart string of stores will soon be setting up a new shop in the Sault’s downtown, Sault Business Matters has confirmed.
…[read more]Cash for youth from PCs
Premier Doug Ford and Ontario’s Progressive Conservative government is investing in community driven and youth led projects to try to improve the well being of children and their families who are facing economic and social barriers within Sault Ste. Marie.
…[read more]For the good of the Sault
First I wish to start off by giving a big “thank you” to Sault Business Matters for all of your many positive articles about our local businesses!
By featuring so many of our local businesses and those in our community in such a positive light it can encourage residents of our City to support our local business owners . . . and I am sure that all of this promotion through the articles is helping.
By choosing to live in the Sault we should all be supporting our local business owners by buying their products as opposed to shopping “on line” and not keeping our money in the Sault.
…[read more]Re-opening the Rhodes
The City of Sault Ste. Marie continues to re-open its facilities by employing a phased approach as it tries to ensure appropriate safety measures for the community and limiting public health risks.
…[read more]Sault museum seeks input
Following is an edited version of a press release sent to Sault Business Matters from the Sault Ste. Marie Museum.
The Sault Ste. Marie museum is launching an ongoing project that seeks community input on experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and hopes for the community’s future.
Re-creating the community is the Museum’s newest project that strives to involve collaboration with individuals and organizations in Sault Ste. Marie and the Algoma District to help it reflect on and preserve this historical moment.
…[read more]CKCY: My first media job
It was circa 1975 and between beers at the Purple Lantern, I studied Journalism at Sault College.
Classmates included David Gazer and Joe Petrolo and I mention them because all three of us managed to land part-time jobs at CKCY Radio while still “studying” at Sault College.
Gazer and Petrolo, with their booming, CKLW-Windsor-style voices, worked as late night newscasters at CKCY while I was the weekend sportscaster.
Thus began my media career, which is now at 45 years and counting.
…[read more]Sault is a friendly place but …
Sault Business Matters has received the following letter to the editor from a relative newcomer to the city.
Hello! I moved to Sault Ste. Marie in 2019 to take a job that has helped me to support my wife and our young family.
We like living in Sault Ste. Marie and we are able to afford to live in a small house in downtown of Sault Ste. Marie.
…[read more]Feature: Healthgear Medical
It has been a locally owned and operated business for almost 30 years.
Since September of 1992, Healthgear Medical & Safety Inc. has been proudly serving the Algoma District providing reliable, knowledgeable service in home health care.
From the very beginning, owner Jim (James) Mills has aimed to offer the best prices compared to the competitors in what is arguably a competitive market.
Speaking with Mills recently, I learned that at first because his father was in the restaurant business, having owned five restaurants, he in a way felt he should try and follow in his footsteps.
…[read more]United they stand at local church
Central United Church has decided to wait until September to re-open.
Sault Business Matters has confirmed that the venerable downtown church, which is currently undergoing renovations, will take the summer months off before starting services and activities again in September.
And there is a ‘say it all’ message that Central United wishes to share.
…[read more]“… We are all Team Canada …”
Sault Business Matters has received the following Canada Day message from Sault member of provincial parliament Ross Romano.
Happy Canada Day! Today marks 153 years since Canada’s confederation.
Canada Day gives us the opportunity to remember our past, be thankful for our rights and freedoms, and take pride in our shared values and ideals.
Over the years, members of our community have made major contributions to Canada, and the world.
…[read more]PUC sustainability report
PUC Services Inc. has released its 2019 sustainability report which highlights what is termed its “commitment to investing in sustainable growth, people and the communities (we) serve.”
…[read more]Sault smiles … with an encore
Okay, so we featured these two as our Sault smiles back in April.
But some smiles are contagious.
In the case of Tim and Lindsay Ellis, the husband and wife duo who co-own Eagle Radio 95.1 in the Sault, this could not be more true.
And while it may be true that Tim has “a face for radio”, the same cannot be said for his absolute, better half, Lindsay.
You think?
…[read more]Message from Creative Nest
Sault Business Matters has received the following message from Diana Petainen, who is the owner of Creative Nest Studio.
…[read more]Downtown patio bars aplenty
It is patio bar season.
And as we head towards the end of June and are poised to welcome July, the weather outlook is for plenty of warmth and sunshine.
As for the patio bars, there are many to choose from, particularly in the Sault’s downtown.
Making our rounds on Thursday of this week, Mane St. Cafe was a popular spot at its Queen Street E. location, between East and Brock streets.
A feature of Mane St. Cafe is the roll-up canopy that overhangs the neat and tidy patio bar.
…[read more]Feature: Rivercity Motorsports
It was a recent Saturday that I stopped in to speak with general manager Jason Goodine of Rivercity Motorsports & Trailers about what can only be described as a real playground for the outdoor enthusiast.
While I waited for Jason to open the door at Rivercity Motorsports & Trailers I had a chance to look at some of the “toys” on display outside and wow, what a wide variety of fun looking machines!
Goodine tells Sault Business Matters that he has served as GM for the last three years and absolutely loves being able to make people’s dreams come true in helping them get their dream powersport machine, be it an ATV, UTV, XTV, snowmobile, motorcycle, dirt bike, personal watercraft, pontoon boat, boat, tractor, trailer, and other power equipment.
…[read more]Bennardo extends hours
Sault Business Matters has confirmed that Bennardo Jewellers, which is located on Great Northern Road in the Sault, has expanded their hours.
…[read more]Mane St. patio bar is open!
With a new food and drink menu, Mane St. Cafe has opened its patio bar effective today.
Located at 626 Queen Street E. in the Sault’s downtown, Mane St. Cafe is locally owned and operated by Krista Nolan and her family.
A well trained staff spent last week preparing for today’s opening.
Krista tells Sault Business Matters that the fully covered patio bar will be open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m., “rain or shine.”
…[read more]Old Stone House to re-open
The Ermatinger∙Clergue National Historic Site — aka the Old Stone House — will re-open to visitors beginning next Tuesday (June 23.)
Attendance will be limited and visitors will be asked to wear their own masks and gloves in order to protect themselves, the exhibits and the historic integrity of the artifacts.
As part of the Ontario government’s Stage 2 mandate relative to the COVID-19 pandemic, barriers have been placed in museum rooms to prevent the use of interactive and high-touch areas.
…[read more]First service at First Baptist
Service resumed at First Baptist Church of Sault Ste. Marie on Sunday.
Along with other places of worship, the venerable downtown church had been closed under order from the Ontario government due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jack DeVries, who is the pastor of First Baptist Church, told Sault Business Matters that “our opening went very smooth.
…[read more]Feature: Vintage Games
I recently met with Mike Turcotte, one half of the dynamic duo, who along with his wife Beth Davison, owns and operates a real treasure in downtown Sault Ste. Marie affectionately titled Vintage Games N Junque.
One of the first things you will notice about Mike is his quick wit and a real gift for friendly conversation which is sure to make your shopping experience a fun one.
The store itself is a virtual treasure trove of interesting finds and collectibles, which lends itself completely to a lengthy visit and you can be sure that you won’t feel pressured to buy something — but in all likelihood you will find something that tickles your fancy.
…[read more]Open for Sunday service
First Baptist Church has resumed its Sunday service, Sault Business Matters has confirmed.
Along with other places of worship, the venerable downtown church had been closed under order from the Ontario government due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jack DeVries is the pastor of First Baptist Church.
…[read more]More money for SAH
Sault Ste. Marie member of provincial parliament Ross Romano has confirmed that premier Doug Ford and the Ontario government is delivering on a promise to reduce the strain on the local health care system.
…[read more]Cheers to local beers
I like beer.
In fact, it has been a preferred liquid refreshment of mine since, um, I was in Grade 12 at venerable Sir James Dunn Collegiate in the Sault.
The brands of beer on my select list are not as numerous as they once were.
And now, as I support local more than ever before, the products of Northern Superior Brewing and OutSpoken Brewing are my top choices, where available.
…[read more]How Algoma U will operate
School is — and will be — in at Algoma University, albeit with a different approach.
Algoma U has confirmed and finalized its plans relative to academic programming for the 2020 fall term.
And Algoma president and vice chancellor Asima Vezina said the method of operation is “a decision not taken lightly by the university.”
…[read more]True North Stronger Fund
Following is an excerpt of a press release sent to Sault Business Matters from Northern Credit Union relative to its ‘True North Stronger Fund.’
…[read more]Feds helping businesses
Following is an excerpt from a press release sent to Sault Business Matters via the constituency office of Sault Ste. Marie member of parliament Terry Sheehan.
…[read more]Catholic churches re-opening
Sault Business Matters has received the following message from the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie relative to the recent announcement via the Ontario government that churches will be allowed to re-open.
…[read more]Feature: Bennardo Jewellers
If there is one story that I am proud to write, this one would definitely rank near the top. You see, I have known the Bennardo family pretty much most of my life — for many years they lived across the street from me.
…[read more]Re-opening … this week!
A lengthy list of businesses, including restaurants, hair salons and malls, will be allowed to re-open as of Friday in parts of Ontario — including Sault Ste. Marie — as the province enters Stage 2 of its restart phase through a regional approach.
…[read more]Love for the Sault via RR
EDITOR’S NOTE: Sault Business Matters has received the following message from Sault Ste. Marie member of provincial parliament Ross Romano.
On this day two years ago, our government was elected to lead Ontario.
As I look back on my time as your Member of Provincial Parliament, I am overwhelmed with a sense of pride.
Sault Ste. Marie is my home. It is the place I learned to ride a bike, went to school, established a career, and the place my wife and I raise our family.
…[read more]Re-opening as of today …
Short-term stay facilities in Ontario such as bed-and-breakfast, cabins, cottages and condominiums are allowed to resume operations as of today, the provincial government has confirmed.
…[read more]Sault smiles with Vintage kid
Eight-year old Owen Whitehead wears the smile of a happy customer of Vintage Games N Junque.
A great aunt and great uncle of young Owen recently purchased a WWE Wrestling Ring toy for him at Vintage Games N Junque.
Locally owned and operated, Vintage Games N Junque is located in the Sault’s downtown.
…[read more]Little Caesars thin crust
Locally owned and operated by Mike and Sue Flammia, Little Caesars of Sault, Ontario has a ‘build your own’ thin crust pizza special that is now available.
…[read more]Anglican sacred summer rest
Anglican churches across the ecclesiastical province of Ontario — including St. Luke’s Cathedral in Sault Ste. Marie — will remain closed for in-person worship services until at least September as they observe a sacred summer rest relative to the COVID-19 pandemic.
…[read more]FedNor funds for tourism
Sault Ste. Marie member of parliament Terry Sheehan of the governing Liberals has confirmed FedNor funding designed to support tourism in northern Ontario.
According to Sheehan, the Sault will benefit from a grant of $65,667 for Canoes for Conservation.
The grant will be used to establish an ecotourism adventure that includes a tour on a large birch bark canoe highlighting Indigenous culture and the history on the Great Lakes.
…[read more]Money, jobs for Soo Foundry
Ross Romano, member of provincial parliament for Sault Ste. Marie, has confirmed an Ontario government boost for Soo Foundry and Machine Ltd. Via minister of energy, northern development and mines Greg Rickford, Romano today announced an investment of more than $114,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation for a Soo Foundry expansion that will create two full time jobs.
…[read more]Soccer fields, ball diamonds
The City of Sault Ste. Marie has confirmed that its soccer fields and ball diamonds will be open as of today — with conditions.
…[read more]