Over the past few weeks, SaultOnline has received multiple concerns regarding the new tenants at the former Sister Mary Clare School on Glen Avenue.
One letter sent to our newsroom came from two local residents who requested not to be named due to fears of retribution.
“This is a mostly calm area and i think this kind of group likes attention and causing problems, which concerns me as my children live and play nearby, and the general idea is upsetting,” stated the individual. “I think its worth looking into because this group has been causing problems since the beginning of COVID.”
We reached out to the Freedom Alliance and received a response from Timothy Coderre, one of the leaders of the group, that yes they had moved into the building. Timothy also stated that the group has around 300 members.
“We got the School with 8 classrooms, Offices, a gym with basketball courts, 2 external basketball courts, a Baseball diamond., 21000 + square feet, 8.27 acres, a hockey rink, open concept, ground level, wheel chair accesses, well lit and heated complex with lots of parking,” stated Coderre. “It’s zoned residential, and we are excited to establish a multi-pronged initiative campaign that address many local concerns with no help from the government.”
Other citizens in the area have grown concerned as well, alleging that members of the group have harassed parents and children in the area of the school.
We reached out to the Sault Police Service for comment on concerns being raised and received the following response from Communications Manager, Lincoln Louttit.
“Sault Police Services is aware of it, with that said, it is now private property,” said Louttit. “If the people who are using the property don’t want others on the property, it is well within their right to ask them to leave. If a member of the public ever fears for their safety or believes something criminal is occurring on the property, they are asked to contact us and we will have units attend based on call priority.”
When we asked Coderre about the accusations, he did not confirm or deny any interactions with local citizens.
If you have any news tips in Sault Ste. Marie and surrounding area, you are encouraged to contact us at [email protected]
