A comprehensive plan to improve Sarnia's downtown and Mitton Village neighbourhoods has been approved, but council has decided to axe recommendations for the Northgate area.
Councillor Terry Burrell questioned why the neighbourhood, along Exmouth Street, from Indian Road to just west of Colborne Road, was even included.
"I can see where we need it downtown, and I kind of see it for Mitton Village, I have no idea why we are including Northgate," said Burrell. "To me, Northgate has always sort of been one of our more prosperous business areas."
Mixed-use buildings with retail at ground level, residential above and parking within the structures, were recommended, but consultants admitted there was little to no interest from property owners when asked.
"I just see that this is giving advantages to people who don't necessarily need advantages, over other businesses that are competing against them," he said.
Burrell thought the incentives should be offered to businesses in commercial areas across the city.
Sarnia's Mitton Village. August 28, 2019.
Converting streets with low traffic into shared spaces for people to gather and evaluating city-owned parking lots and public open spaces for redevelopment potential has been recommended downtown.
A stronger street presence in front of the Mitton Village Farmers Market on Ontario Street and developing an event space in the parking lot to the north of five-corners was also proposed.
