12-05-2025
Sault Ste. Marie Police Service celebrates Division 2 opening
Sault Ste. Marie Police Service has officially launched its new Division 2 location at 180 Brock St., with an outdoor barbeque held in partnership with Victim Services.
Monday afternoon's launch also marked the beginning of Police Week and Victims and Survivors of Crime Week.
While officers have been operating out of the site since April 28, the building is not yet open to the public as an intercom system for security purposes still needs to be installed. Public access is expected in the coming weeks, with a transition period as police and community members adjust to the new service model.
The collision reporting centre, along with Crime Stoppers and Victim Services, will also relocate to the new downtown site.
Division 2 is staffed by four constables and a sergeant, with a total of 17 staff working from the new location. This includes members from Traffic Services, the Canine Unit, the Central Support Bureau, a Community Safety Officer, and the High School Liaison Officer.
It has taken a year and a half to bring the project to life. Approximately $850,000 was allocated for renovations and the move, although a final cost has not yet been released.
The 84,000-square-foot facility spans two floors and includes interview rooms, an elevator, offices, change rooms, storage space, and a lunchroom. Officers working in the downtown area now have a convenient location to complete paperwork without needing to return to headquarters on Second Line East.
'It's been a long time coming and we're proud to see it finally taking shape down here,' said interim Chief Brent Duguay.
Duguay reported that within Division 2's first month of operations, officers have made 15 arrests, issued nine provincial offences, and handed out two bylaw tickets. He also noted strong early engagement with local businesses.
'The biggest engagement so far has been with store owners to make sure they know who to call if there's a problem,' he told the crowd of about 20 gathered outside the new building.
Insp. Derek Dewar said the move was in response to feedback from the public and city council, who voiced a desire for a stronger police presence downtown.
'So far the impact has been overwhelmingly positive,' said Dewar.
'It lessens the burden of the existing building,' he added, referring to the main station, which he said is 'bursting at the seams.'
Dewar said downtown officers will conduct beat and bicycle patrols, with a proactive approach aimed at improving response times and community safety in the core.
Jasmine Savoie, executive director of Victim Services, emphasized that individuals seeking their support do not have to report each incident to police.
'That's a huge barrier to some of our friends who may have run-ins,' said Savoie.
She noted that a large part of Victim Services's mission involves raising awareness for victims and survivors of crimes such as trafficking, intimate partner violence (IPV), and homicide.
She hopes the new location, which the agency has been operating from for a week, will make it easier for people to access support.
'We think that having more of a central location is better for the downtown core,' said Savoie. 'We can meet a lot more people in their own environment.'
