Will more parks help curb Jamestown opioid abuse?

Councillors want city to consider expanding Anna Marinelli Park

Stock photo of Jamestown. Darren Taylor/SooToday

The following resolution has been placed on the agenda of Monday's City Council meeting by Ward 3 Councillor Matthew Shoemaker and Ward 6's Ozzie Grandinetti:

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James Street and surrounding area revitalization plan

Mover: Councillor M. Shoemaker
Seconder: Councillor O. Grandinetti

Whereas the CTV W5 program Steel Town Down focused on the opioid crisis across Canada, and how it is affecting mid-sized cities like Sault Ste. Marie; and

Whereas the program featured Sault Ste. Marie’s Jamestown neighbourhood as one of the areas in Sault Ste. Marie where the use of opioids and other substances is prominent; and

Whereas the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre’s GIS department has been presenting data to stakeholders in the community for a number of years on the lack of park services and outdoor recreation activities in the Jamestown area;
and

Whereas the lack of activities in Sault Ste. Marie was cited as one of a wide number of factors that results in individuals turning to substance use, and ultimately substance abuse, in Sault Ste. Marie; and

Whereas the provision of park services and outdoor recreational activities is an area of direct municipal responsibility and an area where the City can play a leading role in combatting part of this issue;

Now therefore be it resolved that the planning department, in consultation with the Innovation Centre’s GIS department, be requested to bring forward to City Council forthwith a James Street and surrounding area revitalization plan, including, but not limited to:

possible expansion of Anna Marinelli Park
conversion of unused green space in the area for recreational use; and
an examination and assessment of James Street and a recommendation on how best to use James Street as a public space

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