The city has received another significant donation toward the Sarnia Arena Revitalization Project.
Skate Sarnia presented a $10,000 donation to council Monday night.
The federal government has approved 33% of the funding, or $491,000, through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program.
The same amount has been approved in the 2017 Parks and Recreation Capital budget and the final third must be raised from a public fundraising drive.
In addition to the improved lighting, Parks and Recreation Director Rob Harwood has said roofing and facade repairs, a family accessible washroom, accessible concessions, renovations to the lobby area and sound system upgrades are also planned.
The work must be completed by March 31, 2018.
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Eligibility criteria have been approved for a new mobility charging station starter kit incentive program.
$5,000 was approved in the 2017 budget to offer the one-time incentive program to up to 30 commercial businesses.
A maximum $500 grant is now available for businesses to install a charging station in their stores, markets or hotels.
Grant applications can be found on the city website or by contacting Dale Mosley, the city accessibility coordinator.
The County of Lambton and City of Sarnia joined forces in 2016 to improve accessibility for local residents who rely on power wheelchairs or scooters.
Twelve charge stations were 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.
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City council has endorsed the Age-Friendly Sarnia Action Plan.
The plan focuses on developing strategies for citizens as they age by creating both physical and social environments that support independence of active aging.
Staff and the steering committee will now work on implementing the plan and seek out funding opportunities.
The city also hopes to be designated as an Age-Friendly City by the World Health Organization.
Successful applicants are invited to create a profile page on the “Age-Friendly World” website.
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Sarnia council has approved a 25% reduction in fees for the installation of two backflow preventers and water consumption for this summer’s 3rd annual Assante Dirty Dash.
The event for Sarnia-Lambton Rebound is to be held June 10 at Canatara Park.
In 2016, Rebound paid just under $300 total for the use of the park and the city provided free water and installation of backflow preventers on two hydrants in the park.
The rental fee has since climbed to nearly $800, not including nearly $500 for the installation of backflow preventers.
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Parking will now be restricted on the south side of Seaway Rd. from Harbour Rd. to its west limit.
Council amended the by-laws Monday night.
The restrictions are in anticipation of how the new boat launch is expected to impact drivers.
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Planning is underway to upgrade the UV System at the Water Pollution Control Centre.
Engineering Consulting Services have been awarded to Stantec Consulting for nearly $165,000.
Although staff is recommending the replacement of the existing equipment in 2018, spare parts will be required in the meantime to reduce the risk of compromised disinfection of the water being pumped into the plant from the St. Clair River.
Council has approved spending just over $136,000 to purchase spare parts.
The current UV disinfection system was installed during the plant expansion in 2000 and consists of two banks of 56 lamps with a maximum power usage of 314 kW.
The system is responsible for approximately 20% of the treatment plants electricity consumption.
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Sarnia council has approved an agreement for funding under the Ontario 150 Community Celebration Program for a community event and reopening ceremony at the remediated Centennial Park June 17.
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Sarnia council has endorsed the 2017-2020 Corporate Strategic Plan as presented February 27.
The document outlines a direction and priorities of council and for the city moving forward.
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Bryan Trothen has been appointed to the Sarnia Police Services Board.
Trothen was recognized by the board in January with a Community Service Award for helping the service with its business plan.