New Security Rules Imposed at Sault Ste. Marie City Council Meetings

Visitors now required to undergo bag and backpack inspections before entering chambers

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The city of Sault Ste. Marie has implemented new security measures for its city council meetings, requiring all visitors to undergo bag and backpack inspections before being granted access to the council chambers. The policy was introduced in the fall of 2025 but had only been enforced on one or two individuals prior to the latest meeting.

Why it matters

The new security rules aim to ensure a 'safe, respectful, and orderly' council meeting, but have raised concerns about potential infringement on civil liberties and transparency in local government proceedings.

The details

According to the city's updated security policy, visitors to council meetings must go through screening upon entering the building, with security staff able to ask them to open bags, backpacks, and other belongings for inspection. Visitors in possession of any prohibited items are required to remove or discard them before being re-screened. The policy also prohibits various behaviors in the council chambers, such as approaching council members or staff without permission, using signs, and creating disturbances.

  • The new security policy was introduced in the fall of 2025.
  • The policy was only enforced on one or two individuals prior to the latest city council meeting on February 24, 2026.

The players

Matthew Shoemaker

The mayor of Sault Ste. Marie, who stated that the new security policy was introduced recently, going back to the fall of 2025.

Tom Vair

The city's chief administrative officer, who introduced the new security policy and its enforcement.

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What they’re saying

“That's relatively new, but has been in place since the fall, I believe, going from memory.”

— Matthew Shoemaker, Mayor (SooToday)

“The policy was introduced by Tom Vair, the city's chief administrative officer, and his senior management team.”

— Matthew Shoemaker, Mayor (SooToday)

“The right to search belongings of citizens had only been exercised on one or two individuals before tonight's meeting.”

— Tom Vair, Chief Administrative Officer (SooToday)

What’s next

The city council will likely continue to monitor the implementation and impact of the new security measures, with potential for further adjustments or public feedback in the coming months.

The takeaway

The new security rules at Sault Ste. Marie city council meetings highlight the ongoing tension between ensuring public safety and preserving open access and transparency in local government proceedings. As the policy is further implemented, there will be close scrutiny on whether it strikes the right balance between these competing priorities.