The recently announced province-wide lockdown which begins at 12:01 a.m. on Dec. 26 will impact city operations.
A news release issued by the City of Sault Ste. Marie highlights service changes, including City Transit. Buses will continue to provide "service to those that require essential travel only." The schedule will not change at this time.
Full text of the city news release which also includes holiday operations and closures follows:
Due to the holiday season and as a result of the Regulations under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020, the following City services will be impacted:
Administrative offices
The Cemetery office, GFL Memorial Gardens, Ronald A. Irwin Civic Centre, Sault Transit, Fire Services Administration and Public Works and Engineering Services offices will be closed beginning December 24 at noon until Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. and on Friday, Jan. 1, 2021.
The offices will be open during the two-week Provincial lockdown only for essential services. Citizens with urgent matters requiring the attention of staff are advised to contact the appropriate department.
Community centres
Community centres will close Dec. 24, 2020 at noon and will remain closed until Jan. 11, 2021. This includes the John Rhodes Community Centre, the Northern Community Centre, Seniors’ Centres and the Ermatinger∙Clergue National Historic Site. All bookings during this time are cancelled. For further information contact the Community Services Department at 705-759-5310 or email csd@cityssm.on.ca.
City operated arenas
City operated arenas will be closed beginning Dec. 24 and will remain closed until Monday, Jan. 11, 2021. This includes the GFL Memorial Gardens, the John Rhodes Community Centre and the McMeeken Centre. All bookings during this time are cancelled and ice time rentals will be reimbursed. For further information and to re-book ice time contact 705-759-5383.
Garbage, recycling and City Landfill
There is no garbage or recycling collection Friday, Dec. 25 or Friday, Jan. 1. Collection for both garbage and recycling will be one day late following Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
During the two-week Provincial lockdown, the Public Works office at 128 Sackville Rd. is open for essential services only. Waste and recycling collection and winter operations are not impacted. Service requests can be submitted by phone at 705-759-5201 or online.
The City Landfill site located at 402 Fifth Line East will be closed Dec. 25, 26, 28, and Jan. 1 and 2. During the two-week Provincial lockdown, the City’s landfill site is open for essential service only. For the safety of staff and visitors, only two persons per vehicle and no children or pets. Only one vehicle at the drop off bins at a time. Expect delays.
City Transit
Regular transit – last buses depart the terminal Dec. 24 at 5:30 p.m. Regular transit will not operate Dec. 25 and 26. Last buses depart the terminal Dec. 31 at 11:15 p.m. No regular transit on Jan. 1. The transit office will close at noon on December 24 and remain closed Dec. 25, 28 and Jan. 1.
Parabus service – last pick up or return on Dec. 24 will be at 5:30 p.m. Parabus will run Dec. 25 and 26. The last pick up or return on Dec. 31 will be at 11:15 p.m. No parabus service on Jan. 1.
During the two-week Provincial lockdown, City transit will continue to provide regular service to those that require essential travel only. There will be no change to the schedule during this time. For more information, call 705-759-5438.
Cemetery office
During the two-week Provincial lockdown, the Cemetery office is open for essential needs only. Funeral directors, families in need, and delivery services will be accepted. Call 705-759-5336 for service.
Clerk’s office
During the two-week Provincial lockdown, the City Clerk’s department is open for essential needs only. Cemetery and funeral services and urgent marriage licence applications will be processed. Further inquiries can be directed to 705-759-5388 or cityclerk@cityssm.on.ca
Legal department
During the two-week Provincial lockdown, the Legal department and Provincial Offences office are open for essential needs only. Fine payments can be made by mail, in the drop box located at the Civic Centre or online. Payments cannot be made over the phone. Damage claims can be completed online. All Freedom of Information requests with the accompanying $5 can be mailed to the Legal Department for processing. For further inquiries regarding the services of the City’s Legal department contact 705-759-5400.
Fire Services
Fire Halls remain closed to the public. During the two-week Provincial lockdown, administration will be available by phone at 705-949-3333 Press #0.
Building and by-law
During the two-week lockdown, Building and by-law inquires and service requests can be submitted by phone to 705-759-5410 or online at building@cityssm.on.ca.
“The city is committed to taking the appropriate measures to protect the health and safety of our staff and the community at large, and we will continue to follow the advice of public health experts, while making sure to provide essential services,” said Malcolm White, CAO, City of Sault Ste. Marie. “I want to recognize our staff for their commitment, effort and service to our community during this challenging period.”
Residents requiring access to City-related business are asked to do so remotely when possible: online, by telephone, through regular mail, or to delay any business that requires in-person interaction with city employees until, Jan. 11, 2021.
The City of Sault Ste. Marie continues to work closely with Algoma Public Health and community stakeholders to monitor the COVID-19 situation and respond accordingly. Citizens are reminded to stay home except for essential reasons, practice physical distancing of at least two metres apart from others at all times and avoid close contact with those outside of your immediate family.
For the most current information, updates will be posted to the city’s website and on social media.
The City of Sault Ste. Marie offers its best wishes to the residents of Sault Ste. Marie and thanks you for your continued support.
Social Services holiday office closures:
Social Services offices; including Ontario Works, Housing Services and Early Years Services; will be closed on:
- Dec. 24, 2020: Closed at 12:00 p.m.
- Dec. 25, 2020: Closed
- Dec. 28, 2020: Closed
- Jan. 1, 2021: Closed
