September 2, 2025

Funding will create mixed-use, accessible city centre to attract visitors and new businesses

SAULT STE. MARIE — The Ontario government is investing $2,525,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to support the revitalization of Sault Ste. Marie’s downtown district. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, this funding is building a stronger, healthier and self-reliant community by helping to develop a resilient and diversified economy in the city’s urban core.

“Investing in economic resilience and diversity is key to downtown Sault Ste. Marie’s long-term prosperity,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “With our government’s NOHFC funding, we are helping build a mixed-use city centre that will promote local business, attract visitors and thrive for years to come.”

The City of Sault Ste. Marie is receiving $2 million in NOHFC funding to improve sections of Queen Street in the downtown core. Key upgrades include streetscaping and landscaping to allow for patios and public spaces adorned with planters and art. Once complete, the project will create an area that is inviting and accessible for residents and visitors, bringing more commerce and events to the city centre, as well as fostering future business and housing.

“We’re grateful to the NOHFC for supporting our Downtown Business District Revitalization project,” said Tom Vair, CAO, City of Sault Ste. Marie. “This investment has helped us transform Queen Street into a more vibrant space with new sidewalks, lighting, trees and seating. These improvements have enhanced the quality of life for our residents, supported local businesses and created an attractive space for community events and activities.”

The NOHFC also provided $525,000 in funding to Mill Market Sault Ste. Marie, a local non-profit, and the City of Sault Ste. Marie to renovate the Soo Mrkt building, build vendor booths and promote awareness of the market’s relocation to the downtown core. The Soo Mrkt, formally the Mill Market, provides an opportunity for farmers, artisans and other vendors to display and sell their products to the public. The project is part of the city’s plan to advance economic development and diversification in the city centre.

“On behalf of the Soo Market Board of Directors, I want to thank the Ontario government for their support, which made the relocation of the Mill Market – our farmers’ market – to our new downtown home and the rebranding to Soo Mrkt, possible,” said Nicole Maione, Board Chair, Soo Market Board of Directors. “We also acknowledge the City of Sault Ste. Marie for its vision and commitment in championing this important improvement next to our Downtown Plaza. Together, these efforts have contributed to further developing the market into a vibrant, welcoming hub that showcases our agricultural community, our food vendors and our artisans, all while fostering community connection.”

“Downtown Sault Ste. Marie is the heart of our community and our government’s investment through the NOHFC is about ensuring it remains strong, welcoming and full of opportunity,” said Chris Scott, MPP for Sault Ste. Marie. “By supporting the revitalization of Queen Street and the relocation of the Soo Market, we’re helping local businesses thrive, creating more reasons for people to visit our downtown and building a city centre that reflects the pride and resilience of the Sault. These projects are not just about infrastructure; they’re about strengthening our community, supporting good jobs and laying the foundation for long-term growth in Northern Ontario.”

Announced in June 2025, the Ontario government is refocusing the NOHFC to prioritize investments that protect northern industries and jobs, mitigate the impacts of U.S. tariffs and trade disruptions and secure new opportunities for the long-term prosperity of Northern Ontario. The renewed focus is boosting competitiveness and ensuring the North remains a leader in Ontario’s economy. This new direction is in addition to the province’s recently announced investment of an additional $30 million over the next three years, bringing the NOHFC’s annual budget to a total of $110 million. Together, these initiatives will benefit communities of all sizes, both rural and urban, including Indigenous communities.

Quick Facts

• Through its funding programs, the NOHFC offers support to public and private sector economic development projects across Northern Ontario.
• Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $939 million in 7,563 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.8 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 11,900 jobs.

Additional Resources

• The NOHFC, Northern Development Offices and Small Business Enterprise Centres support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and government funding programs.