A short length of fence erected in the rear of the GFL Memorial Gardens is intended to address a safety concern in that area, says the city's manager of arenas.
A gate and short length of fence was installed Thursday between the south side of the arena and the sidewalk on Bay Street.
"Its primary function is to redirect individuals away from the back parking lot during various events such as OHL games, minor hockey games, graduations, conferences and other gatherings," said Rob Santa Maria, manager of Community Arenas for the City of Sault Ste. Marie.
Spectators frequently used the area as a shortcut when coming or going from events, causing a safety risk, said Santa Maria. That area is often used as a parking area for large vehicles, as well as a large vehicle entrance to the arena and was recently the site of a collision that resulted in attempted murder charges for one Sault man.
"The installation of the fence serves as an effective deterrent to address this safety concern," said Santa Maria.
SooToday asked city staff for the cost of the fence but did not receive a response.
In February, the City of Sault Ste. Marie put out a request for tender for the southeast and southwest stariways at the GFL Memorial Gardens.