Sarnia council will consider renaming Sarnia Bay Marina the "Andrew S. Brandt Marina at Sarnia Bay" Monday.
Andy Brandt served as City Alderman from 1971 to 1974, Sarnia's Mayor from 1975 to 1980, and went on to represent the city as a Member of Provincial Parliament. He also acted as interim leader of the Progressive Conservatives from November of 1987 until May of 1990 when Mike Harris took over.
Councillor Cindy Scholten says he's always been a champion for the city and played a key role in the marina's development back in the 1980's.
"He was responsible for signing the deal with the provincial government for the marina to happen and Andy went and knocked on doors to secure private money, private investors... to make that marina happen," says Scholten.
Brandt, who just turned 80 last month, says he's honoured by the sentiment.
"Building the marina started in a discussion I had with Alan Pope, who was then the Minister of Natural Resources," says Brandt. "I said, 'Alan, I want to get a marina built here in Sarnia,' and he said, 'We haven't got money for that.'"
But, he says with a bit of persuasion, they eventually worked out a deal to get it done.
City councillors Cindy Scholten, Brian White and Matt Mitro came up with the idea as a way to mark the end of their first term in office in a lasting and meaningful way.
Along with the renaming, the group wants to see the marina revitalized.
If approved Monday, staff will be asked to work with the marina operator and coordinate community dollars.
It's hoped a fundraising campaign can raise $1-million dollars to fix up the marina -- which opened in 1985.