Sault Ste. Marie has weathered hard times before. To use an apt pun, we’ve developed spines of steel. Our community has repeatedly demonstrated its resilience in the face of economic challenges, and that strength remains one of our greatest assets. Resilience isn’t just about getting through difficult times, however, it’s also about preparing for the future, building on our strengths and creating new opportunities. The uncertainty created by U.S. tariffs has reinforced the importance of diversifying our economy. Mayor Shoemaker is focused on attracting investment, supporting existing employers and pursuing projects that can create good jobs beyond any single industry. The Port of Sault Ste. Marie is central to that effort. Since work began in 2023, we have made significant progress toward turning this opportunity into reality. Detailed technical and commercial studies have been completed, a strong business case has been established, and partnerships have been developed to support the Port’s construction and long-term success.
Central to that progress is our partnership with HOPA Ports, Ontario’s largest port operator, announced in September 2025. HOPA brings the expertise, industry relationships and established Great Lakes transportation network needed to develop a commercially successful port in Sault Ste. Marie, and has secured commitments from businesses who will use the Port.
The Port will establish a new north-south trade corridor, connecting Northern Ontario’s mining, forestry, steel, agricultural and manufacturing sectors with markets in Southern Ontario, Quebec and beyond. By integrating marine, rail and road transportation, it will provide businesses with more competitive shipping options, strengthen Canadian supply chains and reduce long-distance truck traffic on Northern highways. The economic opportunity extends well beyond transportation. The Port will support thousands of direct and indirect jobs, generate substantial economic activity, help existing businesses expand and attract new industrial investment to Sault Ste. Marie. It represents an opportunity to diversify our economy and establish infrastructure that will support growth for generations. Council has committed up to $15 million, conditional on support from senior levels of governments, and securing the remaining investment is the final step before construction can begin.
I have also consistently advocated for more Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation jobs to be based at its Sault Ste. Marie headquarters, including directly with OLG leadership. In August 2026, OLG announced plans to add approximately 150 local positions over three years. Those jobs strengthen an important employer outside our traditional industrial base, and I will continue pushing for more.
Diversification also means developing the next generation of employers. The City’s investment attraction strategy, supported by $500,000 in provincial funding, targets opportunities in advanced manufacturing, critical minerals, technology and emerging industries. Work to make industrial land available, support entrepreneurs through the Millworks Centre and attract visitors through events such as the 2028 Ontario Winter Games complements those efforts.
The goal is straightforward: build on the industries that shaped Sault Ste. Marie while creating more choices, more investment and more opportunity for the people who call it home.