Premier Doug Ford, and Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey at Hiawatha Horse Park. November 2, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)Premier Doug Ford, and Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey at Hiawatha Horse Park. November 2, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)
Sarnia

Premier Ford indicates support for withdrawal management, load corridor (VIDEO & GALLERY)

Ontario Premier Doug Ford indicated Friday his government will support funding for Sarnia-Lambton's long-planned withdrawal management facility.

When asked about the project, at a tour of Hiawatha Horse Park on London Line, the premier said, "we're looking to support that."

MPP Bob Bailey said he's been in contact with Minister of Health and Deputy Premier Christine Elliott.

"It's on their radar," said Bailey. "I'm quite confident that we're going to be able to come back with very positive news in the very near future on that."

Bluewater Health opened seven withdrawal management beds at its Sarnia site in January but continues to wait for funding from the health ministry for an $8.8 million, 24-bed facility.

The preferred site has not yet been announced as local officials wait for word from the province.

The premier made a largely unannounced visit to the Sarnia area Friday that started with the unveiling of a "Welcome to Ontario, Open For Business" sign at the Blue Water Bridge.

Premier Doug Ford unveiling an "Open For Business" sign in Point Edward alongside Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Jim Wilson, and Minister of Transportation John Yakabuski. November 2, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews) Premier Doug Ford unveiling an "Open For Business" sign in Point Edward alongside Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Jim Wilson, and Minister of Transportation John Yakabuski. November 2, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)

There was no notice to the media from the premier's office about the Point Edward event.

Ford was asked by reporters about the cost of the signs being put up at border crossings across the province.

"We're getting 12 signs for $64,000," said Ford. "Don't quote me exactly but it's within the 60s."

A spokesperson for the premier, Simon Jeffries, said 25 signs in all, will be upgraded or replaced at 18 locations with a total estimated cost of $106,700.

Ford also spoke in favour of finding infrastructure funding for a $12 million oversized load corridor to move large modules between Sarnia's metal fabrication shops and Sarnia Harbour.

"We have to find the funds, I think we're going to have to look into Infrastructure Ontario, they may have to put an application in there. But I think it's extremely important to get trade and commerce moving, to have a designated area, a designated road," said the premier.

Significant road and power line modifications would have to be made to create the dedicated route.

Local governments and an industry coalition have committed half of the estimated $12-million cost, subject to senior government support.

The federal government has refused to commit funds to the corridor.

-With files from Dave Dentinger

https://twitter.com/CGowdyCHOK/status/1058396854990393344

 

https://twitter.com/CGowdyCHOK/status/1058353196333256705

Premier Doug Ford speaks with the media after unveiling an Premier Doug Ford speaks with the media after unveiling an "Open For Business" sign in Point Edward. November 2, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)

Premier Doug Ford speaks to a crowd in Point Edward after unveiling his first Premier Doug Ford speaks to a crowd in Point Edward after unveiling his first "Open For Business" sign. Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Jim Wilson, and Minister of Transportation John Yakabuski were on hand. November 2, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)

Premier Doug Ford, Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey, and Hiawatha Horse Park owner Jim Henderson. November 2, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)Premier Doug Ford, Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey, and Hiawatha Horse Park owner Jim Henderson. November 2, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)

Premier Doug Ford and Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey at Hiawatha Horse Park. November 2, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)Premier Doug Ford and Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey at Hiawatha Horse Park. November 2, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)

Read More Local Stories