Sault Ste. Marie Council Approves Sale of Surplus Properties for Housing

City council in Sault Ste. Marie has approved the sale of surplus properties aimed at increasing the supply of residential units. This decision, made during a council meeting on October 24, 2023, aligns with the municipality’s efforts to meet provincial housing targets.

The initial phase will involve selling three properties within the urban settlement area, specifically located on Hudson Street, the site of the former Studio 10, as well as parcels on Park Street and Corey Avenue. City officials aim to incentivize infill residential development, potentially offering these properties at low or no cost to developers, contingent upon timely completion of new housing projects.

This initiative is part of the Access to Land Program, funded through the provincial Housing Accelerator Fund, which has allocated $8.6 million to Sault Ste. Marie. According to the city’s report, this program is designed to reduce land acquisition costs, increase housing supply, and leverage underutilized municipal lands.

The properties selected for the first round of sales include two parcels from the former Studio 10 site, which the city purchased for $350,000 after a fire destroyed the building in early 2019. At that time, there were no immediate plans for redevelopment. The Corey Avenue lot, while small, could accommodate one or two semi-detached homes, illustrating the city’s commitment to maximizing residential development potential.

Mayor Matthew Shoemaker emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting that while the city has limited surplus properties, each sale represents a step toward generating property tax revenue and addressing housing shortages. He stated, “Any piece of property that can be sold and eventually result in property tax revenue for the city is positive.”

Looking ahead, a second phase of surplus properties is anticipated to be presented to the council in spring 2026. These additional properties are said to have significant residential development potential, although they will require further evaluation before any sales are recommended.

City planning director Peter Tonazzo also informed the council that staff will assess municipal parklands to identify areas that may be surplus to community needs and suitable for residential development. He acknowledged the complexities of this review, stating, “We recognize the importance of parks.” Although the process will take time, Tonazzo expressed that there may not be many parks recommended for sale.

The review will consider various factors, including park size, nearby population density, potential for nearby development, and the utilization of existing parks. Public consultation will also play a role in this process, ensuring community input is factored into any decisions made regarding municipal parklands.

As Sault Ste. Marie moves forward with these developments, the city is taking significant steps toward addressing housing shortages while strategically utilizing its surplus properties to foster growth and community improvement.