Downtown Development Reports


The Sault Ste. Marie Downtown Development initiative is a strategy based on a physical development plan which recommends selected improvements to public infrastructure and amenities, recognizes the development potential of key sites, and promotes improved public access to, and linkages between, civic, commercial and tourist amenities.

The second element of the Downtown Development Initiative is a Community Improvement Plan (CIP), prepared under Section 28 of the Ontario Planning Act, which provides the legislative framework for a range of programs and tools to facilitate greater investment in Downtown. The CIP is intended to create an infusion of private investment through targeted public assistance primarily geared to investment in the building stock itself. 

The CIP was approved by City Council on April 16, 2007.

The following Downtown Development Initiative reports are available for review.

Queen Street Urban Design Guidelines
Phase One - Downtown Situational Report
Phase Two - Downtown Community Improvement Plan

Downtown Financial Incentive Programs

City Council has approved a number of private sector assistance programs which seek to improve the overall built form within Downtown Sault Ste. Marie.  The grants can be applied to a variety of improvement works, such as interior renovations, facade improvements and electricity conservation measures. 

The purpose of the financial incentive programs are to leverage private sector investment and to enhance and maintain the building stock and economy of the Downtown over the long term.  To review the programs of the Downtown Development Initiative, please click on the links below.

Private Sector Assistance Programs - Program Summaries
Building Restoration and Improvement Grant
Facade Improvement Grant
Project Feasibility Study Grant
Electricity Conservation Measures Grant

Application Deadline:  Applications will be accepted until  January 29, 2010, with recommendations made to City Council in February 2010.

To obtain a copy of the Financial Incentive Program Grant application, please click on the link below.  With the application, you have the option of printing it and filling it out by hand, or you can simply type in the information and print the completed application form.

Financial Incentive Program Application Form

For more information, application forms and program brochures, please contact:

Deni Consoli
Project Coordinator, Downtown Development Initiative
Downtown Association
496 Queen Street
Sault Ste. Marie ON P6A 1Z8
Tel: (705) 942.2947
Fax: (705) 942.6368
Email: dconsoli@saultdowntown.com