Clergue Park and adjoining John Rowswell Park have been selected as the location of a proposed 750-metre-long ice-skating trail.
The city's parks and recreation advisory committee (PRAC) agreed this week to locate the pilot project on the waterfront during the 2019-2020 winter season.
City Council agreed last December to look into the possibility of an ice-skating trail, but final approval on the $36,300 cost won't be made until councillors set their budget in January.
Site selection criteria included availability of sufficient land for the ice path, as well as easy access to water, electricity and existing lighting.
Parks department trucks, used in summer to water plants, would be deployed in winter to prepare the ice paths.
A construction trailer similar to that at the William Merrifield outdoor rink on Patrick Street would be provided as a change and warming place.
The city would provide security comparable to that offered at existing outdoor rinks.
City officials are exploring the possibility of community partnerships, including a food/hot beverage truck on the site.
Susan Milne, a PRAC member, expressed remorse that the pilot project couldn't proceed this coming winter, but said it might be possible to expedite it if a robust sponsor can be found.
New trees for Carmen's Way
In other news, committee members were advised that Rotary Club of Sault Ste. Marie will mark its 100th anniversary by planting 100 trees along Carmen's Way between Wellington Street and Second Line, and on Albert Street near the International Bridge plaza.
The $20,000 planting is expected to happen next month.
Milne said the new trees will fulfil a longtime vision of former Ward 1 councillor Charlie Swift, who died 16 years ago.
