Twin Saults to hold international bridge walk amid Canada/U.S. trade tensions

The 36th annual International Bridge Walk will take place in Sault Ste. Marie this weekend, highlighting the friendly relationship between the two cities.

The annual international bridge walk in Sault Ste. Marie is set for this weekend.

The event typically offers a unique perspective from high above the St. Marys River, and this year it will also show the relationship between the neighbouring communities.

This year’s walk on Saturday will be the 36th International Bridge Walk, a nearly five-kilometre walk that has become a favourite event for many in the twin Saults.

Officials are keeping their fingers crossed it won’t see the same weather that caused a cancellation last year.

“When it comes to both countries, I think, for people to come out, it’s just a good way of renewing our friendships,” said Anthony Haller of the Sault chamber on the U.S. side of the border.

“Being able to walk in … hopefully a great weather day and see some great things and some great sights.”

The relationship between Saultites on each side of the border may be different than the last walk, thanks to a trade war between Ottawa and Washington.

Cities remain close

Still, the organizing chamber of commerce offices remain close, as are the two local governments.

“We’re working together and we think by having an event like this, it’s showing that, you know, we do have a lot of friends in Michigan and in the United States and the mutual respect between Canada and the United States is still there,” said Jason Naccarato of the Canadian Sault chamber of commerce.

The International Bridge Walk sees hundreds take part each year, and organizers believe the strained federal relationship could actually help attendance.

There’s also a belief that Canadians and Americans walking side-by-side could benefit the cross-border situation.

“We can effectively help them to lobby their politicians on their side to say how much stronger our regions were when the trade is happening,” Naccarato said.

“How much trade really impacts both economies in a positive way.”

The walk begins at 9 a.m. and identification is needed to take part. More information can be found on the International Bridge Walk websites and social media pages.