Where one door closes, it appears another may have opened.
The Seaway Kiwanis club has withdrawn a proposal to help purchase a new showmobile for the city.
City staff was informed by the Seaway Kiwanis Club late last month that the revised proposal to fund $80,000 toward the purchase was defeated when put to a vote.
But, council learned Monday, Bluewater Power is stepping up with funding to support the project instead.
The utility says it will donate $87,000 toward the purchase of a new stage on wheels as part of its 100 year anniversary gift fund.
Council has referred the expenditure of up to $175,000 to the 2017 budget process.
The former Rotary showmobile served the community well, but was retired from use earlier this year because of safety concerns.
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Sarnia council has determined there is a need for a controlled pedestrian crossing on Front Street between London Rd. and Exmouth St.
Staff has recommended the project in advance of the re-opening of Centennial Park.
The crossing, pending approval from Lambton County Council, will include signage and solar powered flashing beacons.
Approximately 5,700 vehicles travel the 750m long stretch of county roadway each day.
Lambton County Engineering and Public Works staff and the Sarnia Police Service support the new crossing location.
The $25,000 project is to be funded from the 2016 “Streetscaping at Various Location” Capital account.
The city is responsible to maintain and install sidewalks and pedestrian controlled devices on all county roads.
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Sarnia Council has approved funding to support an engineering study for the oversized load corridor project.
$200,000 from the Sarnia Harbour Reserve will be referred to the 2017 budget process.
The funding committment is subject to councils consideration and approval of the business plan and securing senior government funding.
Completion of the engineering study, along with a business case study, is believed to give local municipalities the information and support needed to apply for funding required for infrastructure improvements.
Modifications to existing roads including widening, and eliminating power lines, is estimated to cost $3.6-million.
The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership and Sarnia-Lambton Industrial Alliance are spearheading the effort, hoped to have a huge benefit to local industry; including the oil and gas, bio-chemical, mining, bio-fuel, agriculture, shipping and manufacturing sectors.
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Sarnia Council has approved spending $686,880 over two years to build a new fire engine.
The planned replacement of a 1998 fire apparatus was included in the 2016, 10-year fire capital forecast plan.
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A mobility charging station starter kit incentive program may be created next year.
$5,000 is being referred to the 2017 budget to offer the one-time incentive program to up to 30 commercial businesses.
Councillor Brian White says the idea was raised when speaking with the Sarnia Accessibility Advisory Committee.
He says it's hoped offering the program would create a domino effect and other businesses would invest in the charging stations.
The County of Lambton and City of Sarnia recently joined forces to improve accessibility for local residents who rely on power wheelchairs or scooters.
Twelve charge stations have been installed across Sarnia-Lambton following several incidents of residents becoming stuck after their battery had run low.
The charging stations look a lot like a traditional outlet in the wall, except they are blue and have signs above them that say ‘Charge Station’ with a wheelchair symbol.
