For years, residents and businesses raised concerns about crime, public safety and the need for a stronger police presence in downtown Sault Ste. Marie.
Before becoming Mayor, I advocated for locating police services downtown so officers could be positioned closer to the part of the community where greater outreach, visibility and enforcement were needed. My 2022 platform committed to completing the due diligence required to establish a downtown police station.
In June 2024, the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service announced that Division 2 would be established at 180 Brock Street. Following renovations, a dedicated Patrol Services Unit began operating from the location in April 2025, and there are currently 6 constables and 1 sergeant based there – assigned to bicycle and foot patrols, targeted enforcement, crime prevention and community engagement. The station has since created a permanent police presence downtown while also bringing services including walk-in police reporting and the Collision Reporting Centre into the area.
In August 2026, the Division 2 unit made 39 arrests, initiated 38 new Criminal Code charges and six new charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, issued 41 Provincial Offence Notices and conducted nine property checks.
Crime, disorder and public safety remain serious challenges downtown, and there is still significant work to do.
The downtown station is not a solution on its own, but it gives police a permanent base for enforcement, visibility and community engagement and an important additional tool to respond more effectively to the issues residents and businesses continue to face.
“We’re here to be a real part of the downtown community”
“That means checking in with businesses, walking the beat, and dealing with the tough stuff too – like helping people in crisis, or stepping in when public spaces aren’t being used safely,” said Sergeant Derek MacFarlane. We’re here to enhance trust, keep people safe, and look out for everyone downtown.”
