As the countdown to the municipal election on October 26 continues, economic growth and employment are key concerns for voters in northeastern Ontario. The extent of influence that mayors and councils wield over major projects that promise economic advancement is under scrutiny.
Sault Ste. Marie residents have expressed apprehension about the city’s financial outlook following the loss of 1,000 jobs at Algoma Steel in March. The federal government had committed financial aid to Algoma Steel by the end of 2025 to potentially restore half of those jobs through a new beam mill, although details about the plan have been scarce since its announcement.
Additionally, the city has been pushing for the development of a port along the St. Marys River in collaboration with the Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority. Officials believe this initiative could generate over 2,000 direct jobs and bring substantial economic gains.
The question arises: what authority does a municipality hold in realizing such large-scale projects? Mary Rowe, the President and CEO of the Canadian Urban Institute, emphasized that the matter is complex. She highlighted the importance of local governments forming robust partnerships with provincial and federal authorities to facilitate major project implementation.
Former Toronto Mayor David Miller, with over 16 years of experience in economic matters, pointed out that the bulk of resources needed for local development projects are controlled by Queen’s Park and Ottawa. He suggested that municipalities like Sault Ste. Marie could enhance their chances of securing provincial and federal funding by collaborating with other cities on shared interests.
Miller noted that amidst trade tensions between Canada and the U.S., the involvement of Sault Ste. Marie in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative has been influential. This collaboration has been crucial in addressing challenges faced by cities in the Great Lakes region due to tariffs.
While cities may not always have direct authority to intervene in critical decisions like preserving jobs at Algoma Steel, Miller emphasized that mayors and councillors have the opportunity to devise innovative solutions that can have a significant impact.
In conclusion, fostering alliances with other municipalities and advocating for shared interests are highlighted as crucial strategies for municipal leaders to navigate the complexities of driving economic development projects forward.