CitySSMIn the wake of a negative downturn in the local economy, City Council will ask the EDC to come up with a plan to turn the tide.  The request comes during a time of low employment levels and the lowest employment participation rates in two decades, according to Statistics Canada.  The uncertainty surrounding Essar Steel Algoma’s capacity to exist as an integrated steel manufacturer and several hundred layoffs at Tenaris/Algoma Tubes are also factors that contributed to the request to the Economic Development Corporation.  The EDC report would be received no later than February 22nd by council.

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Council is also requesting a report from the Chief Administrative Officer at Monday’s meeting.  The report would include information related to the Fire/Emergency Medical Services Realignment.   Highlights would include a 90-day update on how the realignment is proceeding, along with an explanation, outline and update on Fire/EMS ongoing risk assessment.  Some of the related topics would range from an explanation, outline and update on Fire/EMS ongoing risk assessment and an explanation of what a ‘comprehensive risk assessment’ is and when one should be undertaken by a municipality.  The report would be in response to a suggestion that the Ontario Fire Marshal can be retained to do a comprehensive risk assessment in Sault Ste. Marie at the request of City Council.

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A report that was discussed at the December 7th Council meeting is expected to be passed as amended on Monday night.  The report directs Public Works staff to remove all above ground traffic signal infrastructure at Wallace Terrace and Goulais Avenue.  It also suggests that a one year pilot project utilizing flashing lights between 11 p-m and 6 a-m at three city intersections be undertaken.  The affected intersections are:

—  Wellington Street West and Lyons Avenue
—   Lyons Avenue and Patrick Street
—   Wallace Terrace and Korah Road