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Sault Ste. Marie Looks to Partner with Neighboring Towns on Economic Development
Councilors propose creating a regional working group to set goals for small-to-mid-size industries, tourism, and agriculture
Mar. 23, 2026 at 1:42am
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Sault Ste. Marie city councilors Sandra Hollingsworth and Matthew Scott are pushing for the creation of an economic development working group that would include neighboring municipalities like Wawa, Echo Bay, Blind River, and St. Joseph Island. The goal would be to set joint economic goals focused on diversifying the regional economy through small-to-mid-size industries, tourism, and agriculture as the community braces for the impact of artificial intelligence and other technological changes.
Why it matters
Sault Ste. Marie is seen as the economic hub for the surrounding Algoma region, with many smaller communities relying on the city for jobs, services, and amenities. By partnering on economic development, the city and its neighbors can build a more resilient and prosperous regional economy that can better withstand disruptions from emerging technologies.
The details
Councilors Hollingsworth and Scott will present a resolution at this week's city council meeting to establish the new regional economic development working group. The group would include representatives from Sault Ste. Marie as well as nearby towns and townships like Wawa, Echo Bay, Blind River, and St. Joseph Island. The goal would be to collaborate on strategies to attract small-to-mid-size industries, boost tourism, and support the agricultural sector - all with the aim of ensuring the broader Algoma region is prepared for the economic changes brought on by artificial intelligence and other technological advancements.
- The city council meeting where the resolution will be presented is scheduled for Monday, March 23, 2026 at 5 p.m.
The players
Sandra Hollingsworth
Sault Ste. Marie city councilor representing Ward 1.
Matthew Scott
Sault Ste. Marie city councilor representing Ward 5.
Wawa
A town in northern Ontario that would be part of the proposed regional economic development working group.
Blind River
A town in northern Ontario that would be part of the proposed regional economic development working group.
Algoma District Municipal Association
The association of municipalities in the Algoma District of northern Ontario, which would be represented in the proposed working group.
What they’re saying
“Working with surrounding communities offers significant economic, social, and operational advantages, transforming local economies by fostering sustainable growth, creating jobs, and enhancing quality of life.”
— Sandra Hollingsworth, Sault Ste. Marie City Councilor
“Developing a strong economic and tourism strategy with communities in Algoma will build a healthier community for all.”
— Matthew Scott, Sault Ste. Marie City Councilor
What’s next
If the resolution is approved, the mayor, city administration, and representatives from the local economic development and tourism organizations will work to establish the regional working group and begin setting economic goals for the broader Algoma area.
The takeaway
By partnering with neighboring communities, Sault Ste. Marie is taking a proactive approach to building a more resilient and diversified regional economy that can better withstand the disruptive impacts of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. This collaborative effort aims to foster sustainable growth, create jobs, and enhance the overall quality of life across the Algoma District.
