Listening to Brent Lamming talk at this week's parks and recreation advisory committee, you'd think city officials are mighty proud of our new $11.6-million downtown plaza.
"It's been well used," said Lamming, the Sault's director of community services.
"We're averaging approximately 40 to 50 skaters every single evening, using the facility as a passive activity."
Lamming pointed out that thousands of people crowded into the venue when programming started on Nov. 16.
Soo Greyhound fans show up for well-received game-night events.
"We've had fans on before home games. We have viewing parties for away games," Lamming said.
And Lamming announced a new addition to the plaza's food vendors, housed in container-booths outside the Soo Market.
Starting Saturday morning, the Syrian Table will be selling shawarma, falafel and Syrian favourites promoted as halal.
The new vendor will operate Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
With good turnouts during cold weather, Lamming is looking forward to even better turnouts when the weather turns warm.
"We expect that to continue all the way year round, especially as we move from the skating season through to the spring and then open up the water features.
"It'll be a different experience during the summer and hopefully even more people will gather in the warmer weather."
The following events at the plaza are scheduled for the remainder of this month.
Saturday, December 9
Soo Market 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Student Choir: Superior Heights 10 - 11 a.m.
Skate n’ Screen 2 p.m. (Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas)
Sunday, December 10
Soo Greyhounds Fan Zone 12 – 2 p.m.
Skate N’ Screen 2 p.m. (The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Christmas)
Wednesday, December 13
Market 6 p.m. - 9 p.m
Student Choir - Our Lady of Lourdes 6 p.m.
Soo Greyhounds Viewing Party 7 p.m.
Thursday, December 14
Market 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Student Choir – Ben R. McMullin 5:30 p.m.
Student Choir – Kiweden – 6:00 p.m.
Matthew James – 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Downtown Association Last Minute Magic
Friday, December 15
Hot Chocolate Night and Holiday Lights
Soo Greyhound Viewing Party 7 p.m.
Saturday, December 16
Market hosts Santa Claus at the Village Stage 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Soo Market 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Hounds Viewing Party 2 p.m.
Sunday, December 17
Skate N’ Screen 2 p.m. (Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas and Mickey’s Christmas Carol)
Wednesday, December 20
Student Choir: Queen Elizabeth 6:30 p.m.
Market 6 – 9 p.m.
Friday, December 22
Hot Chocolate Night and Holiday Lights
Saturday, December 23
Market 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Skate n’ Screen: (Curious George Christmas Special) 2 p.m.
Student Choir – Kiweden – 6 p.m.
Matthew James – 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
DTA Last Minute Magic