City of Sault Ste Marie News Bulletins

Physician Recruitment

We’ve got a prescription for the lifestyle you desire. The Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee would like to welcome you to a community where life is at a relaxed pace, you have immediate access to outdoor activities and attractions and where you can enjoy life to the fullest at a cost of living that is well within your means.

It's all right here.....in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario!

Visit www.saultmed.com for more information.

Outdoor Ice Rinks OPEN for the Season

Outdoor Ice Rinks operated by the City of Sault Ste. Marie are OPEN for the season due to weather conditions. These rinks include:

        Esposito (Queen Street West)
        Merrifield (Henrietta Street)
        Anna McCrea (Mark Street)
        Art Jennings Speed Skating Oval (Elizabeth Street)

Committee of Adjustment Hearing

A Committee of Adjustment hearing will be held in the Council Chambers of City Hall on Wednesday, February 15, 2012 commencing at 2 p.m. A complete list of applications to be considered are identified below.

Complete Application Package

Outdoor Ice Rinks and Art Jennings Speed Skating Oval are CLOSED to the Public

The City of Sault Ste. Marie operated outdoor boarded skating rinks, and the Art Jennings Speed Skating Oval are "CLOSED" to the general public. Please refer to on-site signage at all outdoor rinks.

Hours of Operation for Outdoor Skating Rinks:

Esposito Rink (Queen St. West)
Merrifield Rink (Henrietta St.)
Anna McCrea Rink (Mark St.)

Saturday and Sunday - 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Monday to Friday - 3 to 10 p.m.

Hours of Operation for the Art Jennings Speed Skating Oval:
(Elizabeth Street)

Saturday and Sunday - 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Monday to Friday - 12 noon to 4 p.m. and 6 to 10 p.m.

For more information contact:

Public Works and Transportation Department – (705) 759-5201

Public Meeting - Planning Applications

The Council of The Corporation of the City of Sault Ste. Marie will be considering the following planning applications on February 6th, 2012 at 5:30 p.m., or thereafter in the Council Chambers, Civic Centre. City Council will receive written and verbal submissions concerning the application; however, only written submissions will form part of the official record of the application. Any such written submissions must be addressed to M. White, City Clerk, P.O. Box 580, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 5N1, or e-mailed to cityclerk@cityssm.on.ca with your name, address and application file number.

If a person or public body filing a Notice of Appeal of the decision of the City of Sault Ste. Marie in respect of the proposed Official Plan amendment or the proposed Zoning By-law does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or make written submissions to the City of Sault Ste. Marie before the proposed Official Plan amendment or the Zoning By-law is adopted, the Ontario Municipal Board may dismiss all or part of the appeal.

If you wish to be notified of the adoption of the application you must make a written request to the City Clerk at the address noted above.

The application is on file and may be reviewed in the Planning Division, Level 5, Civic Centre, 99 Foster Drive. The Report of the Planning Division will be available for review after February 2nd, 2012, during regular office hours in the Planning Division. Telephone inquiries should be directed to (705) 759-5368. Please refer to the application file number.

Planning Application Index

Black Road/Third Line Corridor Improvements Class EA

The City of Sault Ste. Marie has retained AECOM Canada Ltd., a consulting engineering firm, to complete the Black Road/Third Line Class Environmental Assessment Study. The study will identify what, if any, improvements may be required within these corridors to address changing traffic patterns and vehicular and pedestrian safety. Recent new and planned developments in the northern portion of the City, including the new Sault Area Hospital (SAH), will result in changes to traffic patterns.

This study is being undertaken to look at alternative solutions to address potential impacts and possible improvements in the Black Road and Third Line corridors from Second Line to the SAH Entrance. Alternatives will include consideration of doing nothing, road widening, addition of pedestrian facilities, and other elements.

The preferred solution will be determined based on technical requirements, environmental considerations, overall cost and public and stakeholder input and information gathered during the study.

The study is being conducted in accordance with the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Process (Class EA process). The Class EA process includes an assessment of the problem and opportunities, evaluation of alternative solutions and designs, public and stakeholder consultation, assessment of potential effects on the environment and identification of reasonable measures to mitigate any adverse affects.

Consultation is a key component of this Study and is encouraged throughout the study. Details of this project will be presented at a future Public Information Forum to provide individuals with an opportunity to meet with the Project Team and discuss the project. The Forum will include opportunities for interactive discussions to engage participants and solicit their input. Notification of the Forum will be advertised in local media and delivered to individuals included on the project mailing list and/or abutting the project.

We are interested in receiving comments that you may have about the study. Should you have any comments or questions, or wish to receive additional project information and/or be included on the project mailing list please contact either of the Project Team members.

Don Elliott, P.Eng.
Director of Engineering Services
City of Sault Ste. Marie
Tel: 705-759-5329
Fax: 705-541-7165
Email: d.elliott@cityssm.on.ca

Rick Talvitie, P.Eng.
Project Manager
AECOM Canada Ltd.
Tel: 705-942-2612
Fax: 705-942-3642
Email: rick.talvitie@aecom.com

Please note that the information related to this study will be collected in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. With the exception of personal information, all comments received will become part of the public record and may be included in Study documentation prepared for public review.

Project Schedule
This project is closely related to several other ongoing studies that may impact the results of this study. The other studies will be addressing the Second Line corridor and Strathclair Park. These studies are expected to be completed by the fall of 2011. The target completion date for this study is the spring of 2012.

Current Class EA Activities
Over the summer and fall of 2011 the project team will be collecting relevant data and information and developing and evaluating alternative solutions and designs. The development and preliminary evaluation of alternatives is expected to be completed by the end of 2011. Once a preliminary evaluation of alternatives has been completed a public input session will be undertaken to solicit input from stakeholders and the public.

Project Information
This webpage will be updated periodically with project information as it becomes available. You are encouraged to visit the project webpage periodically to review information as it becomes available. The following documents are available for viewing:

Notice of Completion - Second Line Roadway Improvements

The City of Sault Ste. Marie has completed a Schedule C Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) for improvements to Second Line East in conjunction with the planned construction of the Pine Street intersection

The MCEA was initiated to investigate the opportunity to improve Second Line East, as recommended in the City’s 2002 Transportation Planning Study that the road be widened between Old Garden River Road and Black Road to better accommodate forecasted future traffic volumes. In order to enhance and improve the traffic capacity in the Second Line East corridor, the City has completed a MCEA, examining alternatives and the need and justification for possible improvements to the existing corridor. The preferred solution has been identified as a two phased approach to widen Second Line East between Old Garden River Road and Black Road. It is intended to construct Phase I, the widening of Second Line East between Old Garden River Road and Pine Street, during the 2012 construction season in order to coordinate work with the Pine Street Extension.

The study was conducted in accordance with the approved requirements for a Schedule C project under the MCEA. The study included public consultation, contact with government review agencies and evaluation of alternatives. During the course of the study, Public Information Centres were held on June 22, 2011 and September 21, 2011 to present findings and receive comments from interested parties.

The Environmental Study Report (ESR) documents the MCEA process followed throughout the study. By this notice, the ESR is being placed on the public record for a 30 day review period as required by the MCEA. The ESR will be available starting on January 7, 2012 for public review for 30 calendar days (expiring February 6, 2012) at www.kresinengineering.ca or at the following locations:

City of Sault Ste. Marie
Engineering Department
Level 5, Civic Centre
99 Foster Drive
Sault Ste. Marie, ON
P6A 5N1

City of Sault Ste. Marie
Clerk’s Department
Level 4, Civic Centre
99 Foster Drive
Sault Ste. Marie, ON
P6A 5N1

Kresin Engineering Corporation
536 Fourth Line East
Sault Ste. Marie, ON
P6A 5K8

Interested persons should provide written comments to the City within the review period noted above. Comments should be directed to Don Elliott, P. Eng., Director of Engineering Services at the address shown below.

If concerns regarding the project cannot be resolved through discussions with the City of Sault Ste. Marie, a person or party may request that the Minister of the Environment make an order for the project to comply with Part II of the Environmental Assessment Act, which addresses individual environmental assessments. A Part II Order request must be received by the Minister at the address below within 30 calendar days of this notice. A copy of the Part II Order request must also be sent to Don Elliott, P. Eng. If a Part II Order request is not received by February 6, 2012, this project may proceed as presented.

Don Elliott, P. Eng.
City of Sault Ste. Marie Engineering Department
P.O Box 580, 99 Foster Drive
Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 5N1

The Honorable Jim Bradley
Minister of the Environment
77 Wellesley Street West
11th Floor, Ferguson Block
Toronto ON M7A 2T5

Notice of Filing of Addendum for the Reconstruction of Queen Street

Reconstruction of Queen Street from Simpson Street to Pim Street
Class Environmental Assessment - Notice of Filing

The purpose of this Notice is to inform you that an Addendum has now been completed for the previously completed Class Environmental Assessment (EA) that concluded in May 1998.

Background

The City of Sault Ste. Marie initiated a project to complete upgrades on Queen Street from Leo Avenue to Church Street in the late 1990’s. The proposed road upgrades were being planned in concert with the planned amalgamation of the Plummer and General Hospitals and the closure of Lucy Terrace. At that time, a preliminary design was developed within the framework of the Class EA process. The preliminary design included road widening to incorporate a five lane road cross-section (i.e. two lanes in each direction together with a center left turn lane). That design was developed to address traffic operations and safety in the vicinity of the hospitals.

Since that time the Sault Area Hospital has taken an alternate direction and has constructed a new facility near Third Line and Great Northern Road and the existing hospital site is expected to be redeveloped over time. Although there are no known plans for redevelopment of the hospital site at this time, it is anticipated that the future land use will not generate the same levels of traffic as the hospital.

The project design that was developed in the late 1990’s has been modified to reflect anticipated future traffic volumes and traffic operations within this corridor.

The final design includes a road width similar to the existing width which is capable of accommodating three or four lanes of traffic. The reconstruction project also includes new sidewalks and replacement of aged and deteriorated underground infrastructure including watermains, sanitary sewers and storm sewers.

View Project Design

Class EA Addendum

The addendum has now been completed. Further information regarding the final design is available at the Consultant’s office (AECOM Canada Ltd.). Questions may be forwarded by mail, email or telephone to either of the following locations:

Don Elliott, P. Eng.
Engineering Department
City of Sault Ste. Marie
99 Foster Drive, Level 5
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario P6A 5N1
Ph.: 705-759-5329; Fax 705-541-7165
d.elliott@cityssm.on.ca

Rick Talvitie, P. Eng.
AECOM Canada Ltd.
523 Wellington Street East
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario P6A 2M4
Ph.: 705-942-2612; Fax 705-942-3642
rick.talvitie@aecom.com

By this Notice, the Addendum is available for public review for a period of 30 calendar days in accordance with the requirements of the Municipal Class EA Process. Subject to comments received as a result of this Notice, the City intends to proceed with the reconstruction project in accordance with the modified design.

If concerns regarding the proposed revisions cannot be resolved through discussion with the City or its Consultant, a person may request that the Minister of the Environment make an order for the project to comply with Part II of the Environmental Assessment Act (referred to as a Part II Order), which addresses individual environmental assessments.

Requests must be received by the Minister at the address below by February 17, 2012. A copy of the request must also be sent to the City at the address noted above. If no requests are received by February 17, 2012, the City intends to proceed with the construction in 2012.

Minister of the Environment
77 Wellesley Street West
11th Floor, Ferguson Block
Toronto ON
M7A 2T5

Three Lanes Versus Four Lanes

Under a separate project, the City is also considering the possible conversion of Queen Street from four lanes to three lanes (one lane in each direction with provisions for cyclists plus a continuous centre left turn lane) from east of Shannon Road to Pim Street.

To-date, the City has received a significant level of input from residents, cycling enthusiasts and stakeholders regarding this proposal. The City is planning to study the possible conversion in greater detail in 2012. The results of the 2012 study will not impact the proposed road widths within the proposed reconstruction limits. Area residents will be notified of future opportunities for input regarding this initiative.

This Notice issued January 25, 28, February 1, 2012

Don J. Elliott, P. Eng.
Director of Engineering Services
City of Sault Ste. Marie

Landfill Gate Fee $10 Per Vehicle Effective February 13

Effective, Monday, February 13, 2012 the City Landfill gate fee will increase from $8 to $10 per vehicle for 300 kgs or less of refuse. The minimum charge for all vehicles, including commerical carriers, will also increase to $10 per vehicle.

View Landfill Hours of Operation

For more information, contact the Public Works and Transportation Department at 705-759-5201.

Increase in Transit Fare and Bus Passes

As of February 1, 2012, Sault Transit's cash fare will increase from $2.25 to $2.50 per ride.

The cost of some bus passes will also increase as follows:

31-day Adult pass $60.00
31-day Senior pass $50.00
31-day Youth pass $20.00
Multi 20 ride $40.00
Para Bus 40 ride pass $70.00

The CLA bus pass, Semester pass, Senior 6 ride and Senior 12 ride will remain the same price.

For further information view Transit Services or call 705-759-5438.

Private Snow Plowing & Clearing of Driveways

The Public Works and Transportation Department reminds residents and businesses to avoid placing snow and/or ice from residential and private properties on public roadways or other public land.

Placing snow and/or ice on city roads interferes with snow plowing operations and obstructs the flow of drainage ditches when melting occurs.

Persons responsible for the unlawful distribution of snow and/or ice may be charged under Section 12 1(L) of the City of Sault Ste. Marie Street By-law #69-150.

The plowing of streets commences after an accumulation of 5 cm of snow. Arterial and collector roads will be plowed first, followed by residential streets.

View Public Works for further information or contact the Public Works and Transportation Department at 705-759-5201.

Follow Mayor Amaroso on Twitter and Facebook

The City of Sault Ste. Marie Mayor’s office is excited to announce the launch of Twitter and Facebook pages for Mayor Debbie Amaroso.

Communicating with citizens through social media is part of Mayor Amaroso’s community engagement initiative – another way in which she hopes to instil her “Your City, Your Say” slogan.

“Social media provides the opportunity for members of the community to participate in municipal issues. It is an alternative that needs to be utilized to ensure citizens can express themselves,” says Mayor Amaroso. “It is my hope that through social media people can present their concerns, have their questions answered and learn more about their City.”

The Twitter and Facebook pages will be monitored and updated by Mayor Amaroso and Stephanie Pagnucco, Community Engagement Coordinator.

Mayor Amaroso encourages the community of Sault Ste. Marie to “follow” or “like” these pages as a way of creating positive conversation and increase public awareness for community engagement and municipal affairs.

To follow Mayor Amaroso on Twitter, visit www.twitter.com/saultmayor

To follow Mayor Amaroso on Facebook, visit www.facebook.com/saultmayor