Sault Ste. Marie news

• 'Extremely slow' driver flees traffic stop

  13-06-2025 17:16 via saultstar.com
  
  A man started to run after driving slowly away from a police traffic stop on Great Northern Road in February. Police learned the vehicle permit on the car Andre Francoeur was driving on Feb. 13 was expired, assistant Crown attorney Andrew Allen told court on Friday. Emergency lights were turned on and the Chapleau resident pulled into the Bulk Barn parking lot before slowly returning to Great Northern Road and entering Cambrian Mall across the street. Police did not pursue Francoeur to ensure pu
  
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• Construction on the rise in Sault Ste. Marie as residential development leads the charge

  15-01-2026 21:18 via saultstar.com
  The City of Sault Ste. Marie issued almost $214 million of building permits in 2025 and the momentum is expected to continue into 2026.
    The year-end total surpasses 2024 total of $165.6 million, the data shows.  Residential development led the way with 996 permits valued at $115.8 million.  The institutional sector saw 30 permits valued at $46.3 million, the commercial sector 85 permits at $33.3 million, and the industrial sector 25 permits at $18.3 million.  Each of the se
  
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• Relics of St. Kateri Tekakwitha and St. Jean de Brébeuf on tour

  15-01-2026 21:12 via saultthisweek.com
  The relics of St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Indigenous North American saint, and St. Jean de Brébeuf, one of the Canadian Martyrs, is travelling across Northern Ontario as of Jan. 15, as part of a special 10-day pilgrimage tour focused on prayer, healing, and reconciliation. The Northern Ontario leg of the relic tour will begin at the Anishinabe Spiritual Centre and continue north through multiple dioceses, including stops in Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins, Kapuskasing, Moosonee, Aroland, L
  
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• Child, adult die of injuries following head-on Sault crash

  15-01-2026 20:26 via saultstar.com
  Two people, including a toddler, have died of their injuries following a multi-vehicle collision in the city’s east end last week.A van travelling at a high rate of speed on Black Road, near Second Line East, crossed the centre line and collided head on with an SUV on Jan. 7. The 43-year-old driver of the van, and a two-year-old passenger in the SUV, have died since the collision, police say. Two other people in the SUV suffered life-threatening injuries.Anyone with information about the c
  
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• Fentanyl use fuels man's missed court dates in Sault

  15-01-2026 19:58 via saultstar.com
  A man repeatedly missed court dates because he had an addiction to fentanyl, his lawyer told court Thursday.Christopher Hill didn’t show up at the courthouse five times between September 2022 and August 2025, Ontario Court Justice Romuald Kwolek heard.The Batchewana First Nation member pleaded guilty to those offences plus stealing merchandise from Shoppers Drug Mart at Cambrian Mall in March 2024, failing to comply with his release order in August and October 2025 and resisting arrest las
  
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• Second HART Hub opens its doors to serve Indigenous community

  15-01-2026 19:53 via saultstar.com
  An Indigenous-led Homelessness and Addiction Recoverty Treatment Hub (HART) Hub has officially opened its doors.  Sault Ste. Marie’s HART Hub officially opened in December.  The newest HART Hub is operated by Maamwesying North Shore Community Health Services in Sault Ste. Marie, Blind River and Sagamok Anishnawbek.
    It’s part of the province’s $550 million investment to open 28 HART Hubs across Ontario to improve access to recovery and treatment servic
  
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• Sault cathedral hosts relics of saints

  15-01-2026 19:18 via saultstar.com
  The relics of the Canadian Martyrs and St. Kateri will be at Precious Blood Cathedral on Friday. They can be viewed from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., a release says. Mass will be celebrated at 4 p.m., a release says.
  
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• Pregnant woman punched at Goulais River home

  15-01-2026 17:55 via saultstar.com
  A pregnant woman was punched in the stomach by her partner at their Goulais River residence, court heard Thursday. The assault, which also included the woman being spat in the face, happened in July 2024 when she was five to six months pregnant with the couple’s second child, said assistant Crown attorney Heidi Mitchell.Philip Jodway pleaded guilty to mischief under $5,000, threatening death and four counts assault. The other incidents happened between December 2024 and March 2025.A friend
  
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• Sault Area Hospital warns of potential scam using hospital name

  15-01-2026 17:45 via saultstar.com
  Sault Area Hospital is alerting the public of a potential scam involving requests for donations using the hospital’s name. A local business was recently contacted by an individual claiming to be raising funds for a children’s magazine feature, stating that the donation would be directed to the hospital, SAH said in a release late Wednesday. “The hospital is not involved in this initiative and warns the public to be cautious,” SAH said. While some
  
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• Sault's Ron Francis notches NHL milestone in 2001

  15-01-2026 06:01 via saultstar.com
  Jan. 15, 2001 Sault Ste. Marie's Ron Francis scored twice to take over fifth place in the National Hockey League's all-time point list from fellow Sault native Phil Esposito. His goals helped the streaking Carolina Hurricanes beat the Anaheim Mighty Ducks 4-0.Toronto-based actor Keith Knight is back in Sault Ste. Marie to reprise his role of Captain Boyle in Family Life Theatre's production of Juno and the Paycock. Knight appeared in Sault Theatre Workshop's presentation of the play 25 years ag
  
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• Jones pleads to slaying woman

  14-01-2026 21:45 via saultstar.com
  Steven Jones has pleaded guilty to the brutal 2023 slaying of Taylor Marshall and the attempted murder of Liam Frenette.Jones entered his pleas on Tuesday afternoon before Superior Court Justice Michael Varpio. It was the seventh day of his trial at the provincial courthouse on Queen Street East.Defence counsel Andrew Furgiuele told Varpio his client wanted to plead guilty. Jones had originally pleaded not guilty to both charges when his trial began on Jan. 5.A Gladue report was requested for Jo
  
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• Report: Homelessness continues to rise in Northern Ontario

  14-01-2026 21:02 via saultstar.com
   
  A new report concludes that homelessness in Northern Ontario is rising at precedented rates.  Municipalities Under Pressure: One Year Later, updates last year’s study by the Northern Ontario Service Deliverers Association in partnership with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and the Ontario Municipal Social Services Association.  The report shows that homelessness continues to rise faster than housing supply, prevention, and support systems can respond, with Nor
  
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• Vehicle taken, driver doesn't stop for Sault police

  14-01-2026 20:29 via saultstar.com
  A man took a vehicle that belonged to somebody he knew without consent and didn’t stop when he was found, police say. The theft was reported early Wednesday. Police found the automobile in a parking lot in the 0 to 100 Breton Road after the driver allegedly refused to be pulled over. The male was nearby.Kiel Martin, 40, was charged with theft of motor vehicle, possession of property obtained by crime, over $5,000, flight from peace officer, fail to comply with probation order, Class G1 lic
  
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• Man drives stolen ATV, swipes parcels from Sault building: Police

  14-01-2026 19:49 via saultstar.com
  A man who was allegedly driving a stolen ATV last spring is also accused of pinching parcels from an east-end apartment building later in the year. The male was handed several provincial offence notices after he was reported driving an ATV in the Shannon Road area on June 13, a release says. Police learned later the ATV was reported stolen on May 6. A warrant was obtained for the male’s arrest.The same man is accused of stealing parcels from a common area of a multi-unit residential buildi
  
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• Sault man faces fraud charge

  14-01-2026 19:16 via saultstar.com
  A man redeposited multiple cheques from his former employer, police say. Police were contacted Nov. 21, 2025. An investigation began. A suspect was found at the courthouse on an unrelated matter on Tuesday.Andrew MacDonald, 48, was charged with fraud under $5,000 His court date is March 16.
  
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• Batchewana First Nation man fined for fentanyl possession

  14-01-2026 18:03 via saultstar.com
  Having 10 grams of fentanyl cost a Batchewana First Nation man $500.Gary Sayers, 62, pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance on Wednesday. He was a passenger in a southbound pickup truck that was stopped by police on Highway 17 on March 16, 2025, said assistant Crown attorney David Didiodato. Health Canada confirmed the substance Sayers had was fentanyl.Ontario Court Justice Simon Armstrong called the drug “a terrible substance” that is a “scourge” in many
  
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• Knife held during argument at Sault home

  14-01-2026 17:19 via saultstar.com
  A man held a knife during an argument with a woman last spring, court heard Wednesday. Mohamed-Nizam Mohamed, 42, pleaded guilty to assault with a weapon.Sault Ste. Marie Police Service went to a 911 call at a home at 5 p.m. on June 5, 2025, said assistant Crown attorney David Didiodato. The couple was arguing in the kitchen. Mohamed got a knife and held it while the dispuate continued. He held the knife “in an intimidating fashion,” said Didodato.The restaurant owner was given a con
  
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• Mighty Mac remains open - for now - as high-wind warning issued

  14-01-2026 17:16 via saultstar.com
  Mackinac Bridge Authority issued a wind warning Wednesday morning, advising motorists to slow down, turn on 
  four-way flashers and use the outside lane.
    Winds of up to 55 km/h are being reported in the Mackinac Straights, the authority said on its website.The straights are located in Michigan, some 100 kilometres south of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. Examples of vehicles “especially vulnerable” to high winds include pickup trucks with campers,
  
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• High wind warning issued for Mackinac Straights

  14-01-2026 17:16 via saultstar.com
  Mackinac Bridge Authority issued a wind warning Wednesday morning, advising motorists to slow down, turn on 
  four-way flashers and use the outside lane.
    Winds of up to 55 km/h are being reported in the Mackinac Straights, some 100 kilometres south of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., the authority said on its website.
    Examples of vehicles “especially vulnerable” to high winds include pickup trucks wit
  
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• Open house reviews Sault's proposed Official Plan amendments

  14-01-2026 15:45 via saultstar.com
  The City of Sault Ste. Marie is updating its Official Plan and is seeking public input.  The Official Plan guides long-term land use, infrastructure, housing and development planning across the community.  Several key policy updates are being proposed.  They include
    A structured evaluation framework for Rural Estate Residential Subdivisions.  Identification of Locally Significant Agricultural Areas (LSAAs) and introducing updated consent (lot creation) policies to mini
  
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• City of Sault Ste. Marie expands services for deaf in one-year trial project

  14-01-2026 15:35 via saultstar.com
  The City of Sault Ste. Marie is expanding its accessibility services by offering Quick Access Video Remote Interpretation service to the Bay Street Active Living Centre and the Northern Community Centre community space.  The service is already active at the Civic Centre.  Canadian Hearing Services’ Quick Access VRI connects Deaf customers with a remote ASL/LSQ interpreter through a laptop or tablet, ensuring effective communication during in-person visits. The system includes a v
  
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• Mr. Hatch helps 'bring people together'

  14-01-2026 14:34 via saultstar.com
  There’s more to love about Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch. A new scene has been added to the start of the puppet play that last visited Sault Ste. Marie as part of Over the Rainbow Children’s Entertainment in 2019. An additional song may have been included, too, said Axis Theatre artistic director Chris McGregor.The stage presentation set in the 1940s, based on a book by Eileen Spinelli, was also presented in Beijing and toured the United States in 2022 and 2024. A tour of Quebec was
  
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• Some school buses not running in Sault and area

  14-01-2026 14:20 via saultstar.com
  Press release:All routes in the Sault Ste. Marie Area are running expect the routes below:S089 S091 S095 S096 S098 S0B4 S0F6 S0F7 S0G1 S0G2 S0G2 S0G3 S0H1 S0H3 S0H4 S0S11
  
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• Rhinovirus over in Blind River long-term care unit

  13-01-2026 23:01 via saultstar.com
  A rhinovirus outbreak in a Blind River long-term care unit is over.
    Algoma Public Health, in collaboration with North Shore Health Network, made the announcement Tuesday afternoon.
    While the outbreak, 
  declared Jan. 2
  , has concluded, NSHN says it continues to promote preventative measures to help reduce the transmission of respiratory illnesses in the community, including COVID-19, influenza and RSV. Staff and visitors are encouraged to follow all cur
  
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• Jones pleads guilty to Sault murder, attempted murder: UPDATED

  13-01-2026 21:43 via saultstar.com
  Steven Jones has pleaded guilty to the brutal 2023 slaying of Taylor Marshall and the attempted murder of Liam Frenette.Jones entered his pleas on Tuesday afternoon before Superior Court Justice Michael Varpio. It was the seventh day of his trial at the provincial courthouse on Queen Street East.Defence counsel Andrew Furgiuele told Varpio his client wanted to plead guilty. Jones had originally pleaded not guilty to both charges when his trial began on Jan. 5.A Gladue report was requested for Jo
  
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• Jones pleads guilty to Sault murder, attempted murder: BREAKING

  13-01-2026 21:43 via saultstar.com
  Steven Jones has pleaded guilty to the brutal 2023 slaying of Taylor Marshall and the attempted murder of Liam Frenette.Jones entered his pleas on Tuesday afternoon before Ontario Superior Court Justice Michael Varpio. It was the seventh day of his trial at the provincial courthouse on Queen Street East.Defence counsel Andrew Furgiuele told Varpio his client wanted to plead guilty. Jones had originally pleaded not guilty to both charges when his trial began on Jan. 5.A Gladue report was requeste
  
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• Jones pleads guilty to Sault murder, attempted murder

  13-01-2026 21:43 via saultstar.com
  Steven Jones has pleaded guilty to the brutal 2023 slaying of Taylor Marshall and the attempted murder of Liam Frenette.Jones entered his pleas on Tuesday afternoon before Superior Court Justice Michael Varpio. It was the seventh day of his trial at the provincial courthouse on Queen Street East.Defence counsel Andrew Furgiuele told Varpio his client wanted to plead guilty. Jones had originally pleaded not guilty to both charges when his trial began on Jan. 5.A Gladue report was requested for Jo
  
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• Algoma Steel prepares for another loss

  13-01-2026 20:49 via saultstar.com
   Algoma Steel expects to report another loss in its upcoming fourth quarter results.  The loss is expected to range between $95 million to $105 million, the company posted in a release.  Rajat Marwah, Algoma CEO said “our fourth-quarter results were in line with expectations, reflecting the continued impact of steel tariffs and the previously announced wind-down of our blast furnace operations, which are expected to conclude in the coming days,” the release said. 
  
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• Handgun and more than $76k drugs seized, five charged

  13-01-2026 18:47 via saultthisweek.com
  On Jan. 9, detectives with the Crime Suppression Unit and Drug Enforcement Unit, with assistance from the Emergency Services Unit, Patrol Services, and the Ontario Provincial Police, charged five individuals with drug and firearm offences. In 2025, detectives began an investigation into individuals believed to be trafficking drugs in Sault Ste. Marie. Around 5:50 p.m. on Jan. 9, 2026, detectives executed a search warrant at a residence in the 100 block of Anna Street. A search of the residence l
  
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• Suspect sought after bank card stolen from vehicle in Sault

  13-01-2026 18:05 via saultstar.com
  A stolen bank card was used to make purchases at several businesses. A vehicle was entered in the MacDonald Avenue area in late September, a release says. A wallet containing cash and a bank card was taken. Video surveillance of a suspect can be seen on YouTube. Search for Crime Stoppers of Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District.
  
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