City cancels grand opening of downtown plaza due to shootings

Saturday’s official grand opening of the new downtown plaza has been postponed in light of the shooting rampage that has devastated the community.

In a news release issued this evening, the City of Sault Ste. Marie says the Oct. 28 event will be rescheduled to “an appropriate time.” In the meantime, the plaza is now open to the public.

“At this poignant moment, the City is committed to facilitating healing the community,” the statement reads. “The City offers its heartfelt condolences to all those affected by recent events and encourages citizens to extend their support to one another during this challenging time."

The Downtown Association’s Hallowe’en on Queen event will take place as planned on Saturday.

Below is the full news release from the city:

Sault Ste. Marie, ON (2023 10 25) – The City of Sault Ste. Marie, in a display of profound empathy following the recent tragedies that have deeply impacted our community, has made the decision to postpone its downtown plaza programming launch initially planned for Saturday, October 28.

At this poignant moment, the City is committed to facilitating healing the community. The official downtown plaza programming launch will be rescheduled at an appropriate time however, the downtown plaza is currently open to the public.

The City offers its heartfelt condolences to all those affected by recent events and encourages citizens to extend their support to one another during this challenging time.

The Downtown Association’s Hallowe’en on Queen event is proceeding as previously scheduled. For updates on the rescheduled plaza programming launch visit saultstemarie.ca.