Sarnia Council has directed staff to work with Huron Baptist Church on the sale of land to the congregation.
Pastor Bill Janzen asked council Monday to consider donating the land at the front of the church property, that they've taken care of for 40 years, so they can build a new sign.
Janzen said the land was held back from the church for future city use, because at the time there were railway tracks where there is now the Howard Watson Nature Trail.
He said the city was planning to potentially build a bridge over the railway tracks.
Janzen said since there was no longer a city purpose for the land, they would like it to move their sign closer to the road for better visibility.
Council was hesitant to donate the land, but hopes staff can work with the church to come to an appropriate dollar figure.
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Staff has been asked to explore the possible designation of a scattering location for cremated remains in our community.
Since 2009, spreading ashes of human remains has been legal on provincial crown land; however on municipal owned areas you must gain permission.
Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley says having a designated area along the waterfront with some benches for a small ceremony would be ideal.
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A new event for dog lovers is planned this summer.
Doggie Paddle Beach Festival will be held at Canatara Beach, Sunday August 28, 2016 from 9:30 – 4:30pm.
The festival will provide dog owners an opportunity for off leash beach swim and play with their pets, in a safe and controlled environment.
The event will also feature an agility fun zone, dog games, pet contest, demonstrations, vendors and food.
All dogs will be required to be leashed while on festival grounds other than participating in enclosed areas.
Funds raised from the event will be donated to the Sarnia and District Humane Society.
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Sarnia City Council has endorsed the grant application for the Sarnia Arena Revitalization Project as a first priority under the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program Intake Two.
While the city submitted unsuccessful applications for both Centennial Park and Clearwater Arena as part of Intake One last year, it was successful in securing $110,000 toward the Howard Watson Nature Trail Project.
The deadline for the application is June 24, 2016.
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The city is seeking Federal government funding to make improvements to the transit system.
Sarnia council endorsed the “Comprehensive Transit Modernization Project” as a top priority project for submission for funding from the Infrastructure Funding Plan announced in the 2016 budget.
The high level project scope involves five components, including downtown terminal upgrades, new dispatch and vehicle location equipment and additional busses.
The estimated cost is $1.8-million, excluding land costs and is a consideration for the 2017 or 2018 capital budget.
Completion of the project is required before the recommended route network changes can be implemented that were identified in the Transportation Master Plan.
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Council has accepted the low tender submitted by H.E. Construction Inc., of Cedar Springs Ontario, for work to the Donald Lamont Drain.
$528,000 will be spent to relocate 1350 meters of drain to allow for the proper rehabilitation of Waterworks Rd. between Michigan and Blackwell.
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The city will partner with the “Make It Our Business Program”, developed by the University of Western Ontario.
The program trains and educates employees on domestic violence and its impacts on the workplace.
The county of Lambton recently did the same.
The training, which is available in a classroom setting or online, will assist employees on how to recognize warning signs of violence, how to respond supportingly and to refer those in need to corporate and community resources. ------------------------------------------------------------
Staff is being asked to report back within 8 months on a process of developing a public engagement strategy and Terms of Reference for a “City of Sarnia Advisory Committee.”
Sarnia councillor Brian White wants a committee created to work with community stakeholders to repurpose and develop vacant properties in the city.
White says for the future of our economic development, Sarnia must take a proactive approach.
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The Kinsmen Club of Sarnia is considering a major community project to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Kinsmen in Canada and 90 years of the local club in 4 years.
The club is taking suggestions and has set a 6 month time line for consideration.
In a letter to council, the club says its one consideration would be to revamp the Kinsmen Center.
The club says it realizes it would be a major undertaking and would need significant outside sponsorship and large scale fundraising.
