SAULT STE. MARIE — The Sault Ste. Marie City Commission has entered an agreement with local docks to host cruise ships coming through the Soo while the Carbide Dock project is still underway.

Every year, dozens of cruise ships pass through the Soo Locks, bringing tourists directly into downtown.

In the past year, the city has hosted more than 40 cruise ships. City officials wish to welcome even more of these ships as they have a positive impact on the downtown business community, but there is no viable city-owned dock to host the ships since the Carbide Dock was deemed unsafe for public use in 2016.

According to the city commission, Sault Ste. Marie will see 39 cruise ship landings before the end of the calendar year, and another 10 before the end of the fiscal year in spring 2023. A Great Lakes Cruising Coalition report that the commission has cited in the past states that the average cruise ship carries between 140 to 210 passengers, who are likely to spend $75 to $150 in an average visit. Their spending helps support downtown businesses and restaurants.

More:Sault Ste. Marie city commission continues work on Carbide Dock project

Since the Carbide Dock reconstruction project began in 2017, the city has had to find other docks to host cruise ships. With the city expected to see an increase in cruise ship activity in the next year, the city commission decided that a more permanent solution was needed while the dock project is still underway.

"In a couple of years when the Carbide Dock is done, we won't have these expenses anymore because we'll be using our own property," said city manager Brian Chapman at the commission meeting on Oct. 17.

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Le Sault de Sainte Marie Historical Sites, Inc. and Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours have entered into an agreement with the city to host these cruise ships at their docks going forward.

Until the Carbide Dock project is finished, the two businesses will rent out their docks for cruise ship use and to promote tourism in downtown Soo.

"There have been 45 boats already this year compared to minimal amounts in previous years. It really is making a significant impact on tourism in Sault Ste. Marie, it certainly is a great thing," said Mayor Don Gerrie. "It's great that we have this venue and that we will eventually have the Carbide Dock facility to help."

— Contact Brendan Wiesner: BWiesner@Sooeveningnews.com

This article originally appeared on The Sault News: Sault Ste. Marie enters agreement to find dock space for cruise ships