Sarnia City Hall. (BlackburnNews file photo)Sarnia City Hall. (BlackburnNews file photo)
Sarnia

Sarnia council briefs - January 20

Sarnia council has awarded a $19 million tender for micro tunneling under the existing CN rail property.

CRS Tunneling Inc. will carry out the construction required as part of the Sarnia sewer upgrade project.

The micro tunneling is needed to make the required connection from the north of the tracks to the new pump station to be located at Indian and Plank Roads.

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A new $500,000 levy on petrochemical companies will help replace Donohue Bridge.

Council decided in a 5-4 recorded vote to use the funds to help reduce the capital replacement costs for the vital link to Sarnia's industry.

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Sarnia council has given the green light to implement community safety zones at four schools in the city.

P.E. McGibbon, Errol Road, Rosedale and St. Michael have been selected for the zones, which often see speed limits reduced and other traffic calming measures implemented.

The schools are currently participating in the Active and Safe Routes to School Program and will be reviewed after one year.

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Sarnia council has authorized a $100,000 payment to a Sarnia law firm displaced by high water levels.

George Murray Shipley Bell LLP (GMSB) is relocating to the former Bank of Montreal on Christina St. N in February after operating at 2 Ferry Dock Hill for 60 years.

That building, dating back to 1910, has to be torn down after city engineers determined it was being undermined to the point where it could partially collapse into the St. Clair River.

The payment is compensation for terminating the lease early.

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Sarnia council has asked staff to investigate updating bylaws that were amended recently for a proposed 19-storey high-rise.

Councillor Nathan Colquhoun wonders if updates would clear the path for similar type developments in the future.

Council approved a rezoning application for a 100 unit condo development at 145 Water Street in December.

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Sarnia council has asked staff to investigate the full costs and necessity of supplying kitchen tap filters to homes and businesses in the "lead zone."

Councillor Margaret Bird said the filters may help keep harsher elements to a minimum while waiting for city tests to be carried out.

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City staff have been asked to report back with more information on installing free WiFi at city arenas February 10.

Council wants more information on the cost and level of service before making a decision.

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Council has approved an agreement with the Seaway Kiwanis Club to replicate the cabin in Canatara Park.

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