A partnership between the City of Sault Ste. Marie and the Sault Ste. Marie Convention & Visitors Bureau is underway to repair the William R. Gregory boat launch at the Aune Osborn Campground ahead of a busy summer fishing season.
This boat launch has been a popular destination for years, and because of wear and tear it is in need of structural repairs. The cement work needed to keep the launch operational was not in the budget for the City of Sault Ste. Marie this year. However, a partnership with the Sault Ste. Marie Convention & Visitors Bureau has expedited the process.
“Great community partners are what helps move the city forward,” said Sault Ste. Marie City Manager Brian Chapman. “The repairs to the boat launch are something we’re ecstatic to have assistance with. Private-public partnerships are a great tool to get projects done.”
The Sault Ste. Marie CVB has been raising funds thanks to generous donors to make the repairs possible. In total, $19,000 needs to be raised to complete the project.
“Tourists are crucial to the Soo’s economy and fishing helps lure so many visitors to the area,” said Sault Ste. Marie CVB Executive Director Linda Hoath. “We’re excited to be able to get this project done this summer so no one’s truck, trailer or boat is damaged.”
Each year Sault Ste. Marie residents and visitors to the area use the boat launch thousands of times. Its location at Aune Osborn Campground makes it a draw for campers to take advantage of when planning vacations.
The Sault CVB will be hosting two fishing tournaments later this summer and both will be based out of Aune Osborn Campground. The boat launch is essential for pro and amateur anglers to securely get their boats into the water. The first tournament is a tour stop for the Masters Walleye Circuit on Aug. 13-14. The second tournament is the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s North American Bass Challenge taking place on Aug. 20 and 21.
With a long history of partnership, the CVB and City of Sault Ste. Marie are proud to work together on this project and are still looking for donations. If you’re interested in contributing to this project, please fill out a check to the City of Sault Ste. Marie and bring it to the finance department at City Hall on Portage Avenue. For more information contact the CVB via email at visit@saultstemarie.com or by calling (906) 632-3366.
