Sault Ste. Marie city councillors Luke Dufour and Marchy Bruni are advocating for a targeted bylaw enforcement initiative to address property standards, yard maintenance, and vacant buildings in a specific area of the city.

Downtown Focus for Enforcement

The proposal, to be formally presented at a special city council meeting on Monday evening, centers on a concentrated effort to enforce existing bylaws. Councillors Dufour and Bruni cite recent snowmelt revealing widespread non-compliance as a key driver for the initiative.

Report and Staffing Assessment

A resolution has been put forward requesting a comprehensive report to be delivered to the council meeting on May 4, 2026. This report will detail a plan for a bylaw enforcement blitz targeting properties between Wellington Street and the riverfront, extending from Pim Street to West Street.

The report will also assess the need for additional staffing to effectively implement the blitz, considering the scope of the area and anticipated workload.

Long-Term Strategy and Penalties

Beyond the immediate enforcement action, the councillors are proposing a long-term strategy for proactive enforcement. This includes exploring reduced compliance timelines and registering bylaw orders against property titles.

A significant increase in financial penalties for violations is also being considered, aiming to deter future non-compliance and improve community standards.

Reviving the Enforcement Task Force

Dufour and Bruni are also advocating for the reinstatement of the city’s building and bylaw enforcement task force. This task force previously modernized bylaw enforcement in Sault Ste. Marie, contributing to increased staffing and the implementation of a vacant buildings bylaw.

The councillors believe a collaborative approach involving the task force, city staff, and council members is crucial for a sustainable and effective system.

The city council meeting, where this resolution will be discussed, will be livestreamed on SooToday starting at 5 p.m. on Monday.