Sault Ste. Marie Police Service opening new downtown station

2023: Sault police ramping up downtown patrols Dynamic patrol initiative is back in full swing for the summer.

To address community concerns surrounding safety in downtown Sault Ste. Marie, police are opening a new station in the area.

'Division 2' is located on the corner of Brock Street and Wellington Street East in the downtown core.

"Initially, various areas of patrol services will utilize the new space. Traffic services, bicycle patrol, and officers working dynamic patrol initiatives will work out of the new location," Sault Ste. Marie Police Service said in a news release Tuesday morning.

"This early activation is part of Sault police’s ongoing commitment to ensuring a safer, more secure downtown environment for residents, businesses, and visitors.

The new police station is not yet open to the public.

"We are excited to see Division 2 coming to life," Police Chief Hugh Stevenson is quoted as saying in the news release.

"The increased police presence downtown will help us address community concerns more effectively and enhance our ability to respond quickly to incidents in the area. With the goal of being operational this summer, we hope it will help folks feel more at ease while they’re enjoying the plaza, waterfront, businesses and all the other amenities our downtown has to offer."

Police Services Board Chair John Bruno said residents have requested more officers downtown.

"Addressing crime is a major part of developing a place where community members and visitors to Sault Ste. Marie want to spend their time at attractions in the area and their money at local businesses," Mayor Matthew Shoemaker is quoted as saying in the news release.

Plans to house partner agencies -- such as Crime Stopper of Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District and Victim Service Algoma -- within the building, are being made as renovations are completed.

The 10-year agreement for the building will cost around $80,000 annually.