Return of the Millennium Fountain?

The citizens have spoken and at least two city councillors are listening.

Ward 2 Councillors Susan Myers and Sandra Hollingsworth are asking that decision to remove the popular Millennium Fountain in 2017 budget deliberations be reconsidered.

A SooToday article late last year about the fountain's demise prompted vigorous reaction from voters, prompting the two ward-buddies into action.

And Myers and Hollingsworth are going further, asking that consideration be given to a permanent land-based fountain in Clergue Park.

Their resolution is on the agenda for next week's City Council meeting.

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

The following is the full text of their resolution:

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Mover: Councillor S. Myers

Seconder: Councillor S. Hollingsworth

Whereas the water-based Millennium Fountain in Clergue Park was installed in 2001 in celebration of the new millennium 2000; and

Whereas the fountain was strategically located on the St. Marys River for the enjoyment of all the citizens of Sault Ste. Marie and visitors to the waterfront; and

Whereas the establishment of the fountain was funded by Canadian Tire, the Province of Ontario, PUC Inc., and the City of Sault Ste. Marie; and

Whereas the cost of $24,700 to keep operating the water-based fountain was cut from the 2017 budget; and

Whereas public response has indicated a strong desire to see a fountain on the City's waterfront;

Now therefore be it resolved that appropriate staff be requested to report back within two months providing:

• A detailed breakdown of the annual cost to keep the current water-based fountain with a view to seeking possible sponsorship of various aspects of the cost;
• Suggestions for a longer term approach to have a fountain in the area of Clergue and John Rowswell Parks either water-based or on land including one-time costs and ongoing annual costs including time lines associated with any change from the current water-based fountain to creating a new land-based fountain. 

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