Councillors tie one on Memorial Gardens beer

If you feel like a beer during a Soo Greyhounds hockey game, you'll have to continue slipping out between periods to Stan Emms' establishment across the street.

A motion to apply for licensing of suds during Greyhounds home games in the lobby, upper concourse, corporate boxes and Hall of Fame Lounge fell flat last night by the narrowest of margins.

It was a tied vote, meaning the motion failed.

Voting for beer sales were Councillors Derik Brandt (Ward 3), Peter Vaudry (Ward 6), James Caicco (Ward 1), David Orazietti (Ward 1), Neil DelBianco (Ward 4) and Brady Irwin (Ward 2).

Voting against were Tony Ryma (Ward 2), Lou Turco (Ward 4), Frank Manzo (Ward 6), Pat Mick (Ward 3) and Debbie Amaroso (Ward 5) and Mayor John Rowswell.

Ward 5 Councillor Duane Jones was absent on Monday night.

Councillor Orazietti said he was satisfied that adequate steps would be taken to ensure the safety of beer-tippling Gardens patrons.

Biasucci's stationery sports 'I am Canadian' logo

Councillor Vaudry noticed that a letter supporting beer sales from Greyhounds owner Sam Biasucci sported an "I am Canadian" logo at the bottom of the page, and asked for reassurance that a fair process would be used to determine who got to sell beer in the Gardens.

"I just wanted to be sure Sam isn't the one making up the contract," Vandry said.

Rowswell concerned about stairs

Mayor Rowswell said he would support the sale of beer in a new Memorial Gardens building, but he felt it was too risky in the old building.

"It has problems, and one of those problems is the stairs," Rowswell said.

"Hockey is a family activity," said Councillor Mick. "I'm not against drinking, but I am against drinking at hockey games."

Vaudry disses Manzo

At one point during Council's deliberations on the beer question, Councillor Peter Vaudry referred to veteran Councillor Frank Manzo as "the day-before-yesterday's man."

Council supports methadone treatment for Sault

In other business, councillors agreed to ask the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care for funding to establish a methadone treatment program for opioid addicts in the Sault.

If local physicians are unwilling to prescribe the narcotic replacement drug, Council will also work to attract new physicians who are licensed or willing to become licensed to prescribe methadone.

A member of City Council will be appointed to the Sault's Methadone Maintenance Steering Committee.

For background information about the methadone story, click here.

Clergue Park Tent City approved

Council approved a request from the Sault Ste. Marie Downtown Association to allow visiting motorcycle enthusiasts to sleep in a Tent City in Clergue Park on Aug. 16 and 17, during the Let It Ride Rally.

For background information about that story, click here.

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