Land Use for Sault Ste. Marie's next 20 years

The Sault will grow by almost 10,000 people, primarily from people coming and settling down here to fill new jobs and replace retiring Baby Boomers.

Projected increase is from 73,400 residents in 2016 to 83,300 residents in 2036.

Net change from in-migration: increase of 18,000 people.

Net change from births: decrease of 8,000 people.

Population distribution in 2016, based on the Canada census:

• 0 to 14 years: 14%.
• 15 to 64 years: 63%.
• 65 years or older: 22%.

Population distribution in 2036, based on projections:

• 0 to 14 years: 16%.
• 15 to 64 years: 59%.
• 65 years or older: 25%.

There is enough vacant urban land to accommodate our projected population growth, which requires around 4,000 new homes. No expansion of the Urban Settlement Area is needed.

The Sault has more than enough land for new industrial development - that is, development that provides industrial-type jobs such as construction, wholesale trade, manufacturing, transportation and warehousing, and utilities.

There is a deficit of land specifically designated for commercial uses, but these can often be accommodated on other lands. This is true especially since most of the Sault's commercial land demand is for non-retail commercial uses, such as business and professional offices, hospitality uses, and arts & entertainment.

There is also a deficit of land specifically designated for institutional uses such as schools and health care facilities, but again, these can often be accommodated on other lands.

The full report from Dillon Consulting titled Population, Housing and Employment Projections – Commercial and Industrial Land Needs Analysis is available for download below.