Destiny SSM is Sault Ste. Marie's Economic Diversification Strategy, a partnership involving all levels of government and key community stakeholders, including the private sector.

Destiny SSM investigates and develops opportunities that will diversify Sault Ste. Marie's workforce and economy by working collectively to create a vibrant community to live and work.

MANDATE

The key objective of Destiny SSM is job creation, population recovery and a varied economy capable of growth.

Destiny SSM facilitates, guides, works, monitors and promotes the generation of economic wealth in the community through a specific set of targeted growth and diversification initiatives, in order to support an increasing population base.

Destiny SSM is dynamic. It expands and evolves as participation increases and community accomplishments grow, often meaning new opportunities. As a living strategy, Destiny SSM evaluates and responds to changing circumstances, as well as identifies new initiatives.

The municipality, various community agencies and businesses use Destiny as a map for direction on potential economic opportunities.

HISTORY

In 2002, the community outlook was bleak. The single-industry that the community based its economy on was in bankruptcy protection. Business owners were nervous about their future. New ventures were infrequent. Youth were leaving Sault Ste. Marie seeking prospects that didn't exist in their hometown.

For a future to exist, the city had to take stock of itself and chart a new course... A DESTINY

Destiny SSM, Sault Ste. Marie's Economic Diversification Strategy, was developed by:

• analyzing past economic efforts
• listening to businesses and citizens
• learning from other communities' experiences
• consulting with federal and provincial government staff.