Councillors irked by 30-year-old historical plaques on 2.5-billion-year-old tourist attraction

The following resolution has been placed on the agenda of next week's City Council meeting by Ward 1 Coun. Paul Christian and Ward 3 Coun. Matthew Shoemaker.

The meeting will be livestreamed on SooToday starting at 4:30 p.m. Monday.

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St. Marys River Heritage Walk Committee

Mover: Councillor P. Christian
Seconder: Councillor M. Shoemaker

Whereas the St. Marys River has been a key part of life and work in the place known as Bawating and Sault Ste. Marie for thousands of years; and

Whereas local industry, whether it is whitefish harvesting, commercial shipping, steel manufacturing, paper production, aviation, tourism or others, has always had an intimate connection to the St. Marys River; and

Whereas the St. Marys River has and continues to provide excellent opportunities for leisure and recreational activities both on land and on water year-round; and

Whereas the St. Marys River valley is formed from rock that is at least 2.5 billion years old, and provides significant habitat for many diverse species; and

Whereas the St. Marys River is intimately tied to the culture and heritage of Indigenous people of the region; and

Whereas the St. Marys River was designated in the year 2000 to the Canadian Heritage Rivers System in recognition of its outstanding cultural, recreational and natural heritage values; and

Whereas the existing heritage information plaques located on the City's waterfront boardwalk were first installed almost 30 years ago;

Now therefore be it resolved that council establish a committee to study opportunities along the city's waterfront for a St. Marys River Heritage Walk to celebrate and raise awareness among residents and visitors; and

Be it further resolved that council appoint Councillors P. Christian, M. Shoemaker and Councillor ___________ with appropriate municipal staff as resource to this committee; and

Be it further resolved that this committee, as part of its mandate, engage and work with the Municipal Heritage Committee, the Indigenous community as well as other relevant stakeholders on this initiative.

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