The City of Sault Ste. Marie quietly ushered in a new way to see the city when Ontario entered Stage 3 of its reopening plan.
Half a dozen bicycles are now available to rent at Roberta Bondar Transient Marina from now until Sept. 6. Marina attendant Graeme Dick says that staff will be on hand at the marina daily throughout the summer to provide the rental service to tourists and locals alike.
“As of right now I don’t think a whole lot of people know about it so haven’t had many people come rent them - but once the word gets out, I’m assuming they’ll come by,” he said.
Bicycles can be rented for $6.50 an hour. There’s also a five-hour, half-day rental available for $14. A full day, from 10 a.m. to 6:45 p.m., comes at a price tag of $24. All rental fees include the harmonized sales tax. A waiver must be signed and agreed to prior to pedalling off.
Marina staff remain hopeful that bicycle rentals will pick up once the Canada - United States border opens up for fully vaccinated American travellers come Aug. 9.
“I mean, it’s just a better way to experience the city - a different way,” said Dick. “I don’t think there are any other downtown bike rentals.”
“It’s a good way to explore the city.”
More information on bicycle rentals can be accessed by emailing the community services department at csd@cityssm.on.ca, or by calling the marina directly at (705) 759-5430.