Sault Ste. Marie Police Service says Division 2 will soon be operational as it works towards its goal of strengthening both police presence and community safety in the city's downtown core.
The new downtown police station, located at 180 Brock Street, was unveiled Tuesday as members of the police service and the public looked on. Patrol services will work out of Division 2 initially, with traffic services, bicycle patrol, and officers working Dynamic Patrol expected to work out of the new location in the future.
Sault Police Chief Hugh Stevenson anticipates the new downtown police station — a $3.6-million commitment spread out over four years — could be fully functional by the end of the summer or sometime this fall.
“I think it’s very important,” Stevenson said of the need for increased police presence downtown. “I’ve been in this industry 37 years, and as we become modernized, that was supposed to make us more efficient — and it has. But the good old fashioned knowing who you’re dealing with, knowing that person that runs that store, becomes absolutely crucial to our community policing efforts and our partnerships in ensuring safety in the downtown core.”
Approximately 8,000 square feet of space will be available for use by the police service, which is leasing the former social services building from The Rector and Wardens of St. Luke’s Cathedral Sault Ste. Marie and The Incorporated Synod of The Diocese of Algoma for $80,000 per year on a 10-year lease agreement.
In a corresponding move, the police service will officially exit its office in the Station Mall at the end of the month after being there for nearly five years.
“I want to thank the diocese for their understanding and for their participation in the process,” Stevenson said. “They’ve been very understanding, and it’s going to be a wonderful working relationship.”
As SooToday reported in January, police had initially eyed the former Algoma Central Railway station in Station Mall's parking lot as their preferred location for a downtown precinct-like presence. At the time, however, Sault Police insisted a location had not yet been chosen.
But Stevenson believes 180 Brock Street is a better facility for the long term, as it has the square footage and parking that would allow for growth at the police service. Division 2 will enable police to develop stronger relationships with external organizations and agencies locally, Stevenson says, with input from the Downtown Association being taken into consideration.
As renovations to the space are completed, Sault Police will also look to bring in partner agencies, like Crime Stoppers of Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District and Victim Services Algoma, to provide additional services in the city’s downtown.
“You’re going to see an increased police presence in a variety of ways and situations,” he said. “It’s very important as chief that we develop that personal relationship with Downtown Association vendors and businesses — that their concerns become our concerns much more immediately.”
Sault Ste. Marie Mayor Matthew Shoemaker says safety in the downtown is a concern not only in the Sault, but globally as well.
“We want more people down here, but there’s this sense of insecurity, so we struggle bringing them down,” he said. “It’s a bit of [a] chicken-and-egg question: Do you put more into quality of life improvements, like has been done at the market and at the plaza, or do you invest in security, or do you invest in getting residents here?
“I think we are doing a bit of all that.”
The mayor says security patrols will continue to operate downtown for the balance of the year. “Then we’ll see how this permanent police presence is working, and determine whether or not we have to continue the security patrols as well,” he said.
Shoemaker says the new 108-unit apartment complex at 110 Pim Street, in addition to projects such as the waterfront improvement plan and the new downtown police station, will enable the city to bring more people to the downtown.
“All those things, I think, will contribute to the improvement of the community and the sense of willingness to come down here overall,” the mayor said.
Construction on the interior of Division 2 is expected to start in a few weeks.
Below is the full press release from the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service:
The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service is pleased to announce that ‘Division 2,’ our new downtown police station, will soon be operational. This strategic move marks a significant step towards strengthening police presence and community safety 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. This early activation is part of Sault Police’s ongoing commitment to ensuring a safer, more secure downtown environment for residents, businesses, and visitors.
“We are excited to see Division 2 coming to life,” says Hugh Stevenson, Chief of Police. “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.”
“On behalf of the Police Services Board we are proud to bring this project to fruition,” says John Bruno – Chair of the Police Services Board. “People in our community want more officers in our downtown, and we will continue to push toward that goal.”
“The opening of a downtown police station represents a significant step towards creating the downtown we strive for,” says City of Sault Ste. Marie Mayor Matthew Shoemaker. “Working with local organization such as the Sault Police to improve the downtown and 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.”
Although the building is not yet open to the public, Sault Police anticipate further improvements in its operational efficiency and community engagement as we continue to transition more services to Division 2.
As renovations to the space are completed, Sault Police will look to bring in partner agencies, like Crime Stoppers of Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District and Victim Services Algoma, to provide additional services in the downtown core. Our partners, in addition to an increased police presence, will strive to improve the safety and well-being of the area.
Sault Police thank The Rector and Wardens of St. Luke’s Cathedral Sault Ste. Marie and The Incorporated Synod of The Diocese of Algoma for its partnership in this important venture for our community. The agreement is for 10 years and will be at a rate of approximately $80,000 annually.
Sault Police appreciate the community’s support and patience during this transition period. Our commitment to being a modern police service for a safer tomorrow remains steadfast as we continue to serve and protect the people of Sault Ste. Marie and Prince Township with the highest standards of professionalism and dedication.