Mayor Christian Provenzano congratulated the people of Sault Ste. Marie tonight for significant progress in eradicating COVID-19 from the city.
But Provenzano warned citizens against letting down their guard prematurely.
"I don't think Algoma Public Health has announced a confirmed COVID case since the week of June 21," the mayor said.
"The last active COVID case that we knew of came off the books on June 30."
"Since that point, we have not had an active case ongoing. I should note that's what we know of. It very well may be that there are active cases in the community that are beyond our knowledge and attention, but I do want to take a moment to thank the community for that tremendous result."
Provenzano said the achievement came only after many in the city made significant sacrifices.
"I want to encourage you to keep on doing what we've done to get to this point."
"The information before us now shouldn't lead up to let up or stop what we've been doing."
"To the contrary, it's confirming."
"Continue following public health advice. Continue to be safe. Look out for yourself and your family and your friends and our community at large."
The mayor encouraged anyone who has not yet had a first or second vaccine dose to get information from a trusted source and to consider getting needed protection.
Other decisions from tonight's City Council meeting:
- the city is aiming to regulate, license and tax residences and rooms listed on Airbnb and other websites offering short-term rental accommodation. Councillors agreed to proceed with public consultations on the issue
- the following have been appointed to a task force that will oversee construction of the new twin-pad arena to replace McMeeken Arena: Mayor Christian Provenzano, Coun. Corey Gardi, Coun. Matthew Shoemaker, chief administrative officer Malcolm White, deputy CAO for community development and enterprise services, chief financial officer/city treasurer, director of community services, director of planning, director of engineering, manager of community arenas, manager of recreation and culture, manager of facilities and maintenance
- David Ellis Architect Inc. (eDa) was awarded an $88,500 contract to prepare a feasibility study for a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) and Innovation Centre, proposed for downtown Sault Ste. Marie. eDa will also do a business case and plan for operating the centre, including an assessment of its economic impact. Bain Smith Consulting submitted an unsuccessful proposal
- Sault-based North East Regional Security Services Inc. won a three-year contract to patrol the downtown transit terminal. The contract starts Aug. 1 and allows for two further one-year extensions by mutual agreement. Estimated cost is $55,599 for the first year. Unsuccessful proposals were received from Commissionaires Security Services (Ottawa), G4S Secure Solutions (Canada) Ltd. (Sault Ste. Marie), Neptune Security Services (Mississauga) and Norpro Security & Investigations (Sault Ste. Marie)
- Tulloch Engineering Inc. was chosen to oversee design, contract administration and inspection services related to entrance upgrades at the Ronald A. Irwin Civic Centre