Sarnia council has approved changes to the official plan to allow for new industrial development in Sarnia's south end.
Arlanxeo wants to create a multiple lot industrial subdivision on its vacant land that was formerly occupied by Dow Chemical.
The company says it would allow for the development of different industrial companies on individual parcels of land.
Two previous industrial parcels were severed and redeveloped with industrial bio-chemical manufacturing facilities, the former Bio-Amber site -- which is now LCY Biosciences and Origin Materials.
---------------------
Sarnia council has directed staff to consult with the public and prepare a new bylaw regulating payday loan establishments.
Mayor Mike Bradley called for staff to explore stricter regulations in September.
Bradley said municipalities have been given the power to regulate the number of new loan businesses and where they can be built.
He said it wouldn't impact the number of existing stores, but would eventually diminish the number of them.
A report will be presented for council's consideration on February 10.
---------------------------
Sarnia council has rejected a proposal to install and operate a public Wi-Fi system in city arenas.
Bluewater Regional Networks submitted the lowest tender of just over $68,000, for installation and five years of service at Sarnia, Clearwater and Progressive Auto Sales Arenas.
The money, which had been included in the 2020 budget, has now been pulled out.
-------------------------------
Sarnia council has given staff the green light to run a pedestrian street pilot project.
On February 7th, taking advantage of the well established First Friday event, Lochiel Street between Christina Street North and Front Street North will be transformed into a pedestrian-only area.
Staff will then gather feedback, consult with downtown businesses and report back to council with a summary and next steps.
------------------------------
Sarnia council has approved a traditional territory acknowledgement that will be read at future council meetings.
The acknowledgement, recommended by the city's UNDRIP [United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples] committee, was created after consulting with local Indigenous leaders.
The acknowledgement reads:
In the spirit of peace and friendship, we honour the Anishinaabek of the Three Fires Confederacy on whose traditional territory we are gathered. The City of Sarnia has resolved to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
----------------------------
A bylaw has been passed endorsing a new lease agreement between the Sarnia Sting and the City of Sarnia.
The new deal is renewable in five year periods up to 20 years and will see ticket surcharge revenue from Progressive Auto Sales Arena funnelled back into the rink for capital needs.
-----------------------------
Sarnia council has appointed a new acting mayor for the next year.
Councillor Mike Stark will preside at meetings where the mayor is absent, refuses to act or the office is vacant.
Stark takes over from Dave Boushy, who was appointed to the role after leading the polls for city/county councillor in the 2018 municipal election.