SAULT STE. MARIE — There will be limited public access and some additional restrictions for Engineers Day at the Soo Locks this year.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in conjunction with federal, state and local public safety partners, recently announced the changes, citing “an abundance of caution, in light of uncontrollable circumstances and in order to prioritize public safety.”
Engineers Day, set for Friday, June 27, normally allows people to walk across one or two of the locks. This year, public access will be limited to Canal Park and access in and around active Soo Locks operations will not be allowed.
“We acknowledge this is disappointing and acknowledge the importance of this event to the community, which is why we coordinated closely with our public safety partners to permit the event to still take place,” said Soo Locks Operations Manager LeighAnn Ryckeghem in a statement. “All public activities and displays will be concentrated within Canal Park, which includes the observation platform to view vessels and the visitor center.”
The U.S. Coast Guard will be supporting and participating in the event, but will no longer be holding an open house for Engineers Day due to the updated security protocols.
Soo Locks Canal Park will be open for Engineers Day events from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday, June 27. Following the Engineers Day events, the viewing platform will remain open until 10 p.m., and the Soo Locks Visitor Center will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Other security requirements will also be in place for those entering Soo Locks facilities.
“We are continuing the requirement for all bags coming into the Soo Locks to be clear,” said Jason Wojnaroski, Soo Project Office Assistant Operations Manager, in a press release. “Clear bags will allow park security to quickly inspect bags and assist with making this a fun and safe event for everyone.”
Bags brought by visitors have to be clear, see-through bags that cannot be larger than 12 inches long, 6 inches deep and 12 inches wide. Diaper bags are not allowed. Medical bags are exempt, and wallets must not have a strap and can’t exceed 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches.
A portion of Portage Avenue from Ferris Street to Osborn Boulevard will remain closed for other events taking place that day, including merchant and vendor booths.
Along with activities at Soo Locks Canal Park, other Engineers Day events happening around the city include Hospice of the Eastern Upper Peninsula and Superior Health Systems’ Arts, Crafts and Family Fun Fair at city hall. The Lake Superior State University Center for Freshwater Research and Education will also be open to visitors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
— Contact Brendan Wiesner: BWiesner@Sooeveningnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Sault News: Access restrictions, security measures announced for Engineers Day at the Soo Locks
Reporting by Brendan Wiesner, Sault Ste. Marie News / The Sault News
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