Sarnia council read a traditional territory acknowledgement at the beginning of its regular meeting for the first time Monday.
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."
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Sarnia council has passed a new bylaw regulating payday loan establishments (PLE).
There are currently nine establishments in the city, and while the bylaw won't impact the number of existing stores, it will eventually diminish the number of them to seven with closures.
Payday loan establishments will be required to stay in designated commercial areas, including Sarnia's downtown and the Mitton Village, Northgate Plaza and Lambton Mall areas.
The new bylaw requires 500 metres of separation between any two establishments, a two-kilometre separation from local gambling venues and a 150-metre separation from schools.
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Sarnia council has approved the first phase of oversize load corridor construction.
Council accepted a nearly $3 million proposal from Bluewater Power to relocate its infrastructure along the route and provide a 30-foot clearance.
Currently, when tall loads are transported, the utility has to escort the shipment and manually raise low hanging wires.
Council also accepted a $500,000 proposal from GHD Limited for engineering services to develop the dock.
Sarnia council agreed to contribute its original pledge of $4.7 million to the oversized load corridor project on January 20.
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Council has decided not to place a historical designation on Sarnia Collegiate Institute and Technical School (SCITS) right away.
The move was recommended by Sarnia's Heritage Committee.
SCITS held its last classes last June.
The property at 275 Wellington St. was declared surplus by the Lambton Kent District School Board in September and a private security company was hired to monitor and patrol the site at night.
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Cameron Street reconstruction has been given the green light.
Council accepted a $1.8 million tender from All Seasons Excavating to replace the existing water main, road and sidewalks from Russell Street to East Street.
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City staff will now be required to provide quotes before engaging outside lawyers for council.
Councillors Bill Dennis and Margaret Bird both appeared stunned in January when Chief Administrative Officer Chris Carter announced the bill for having an external lawyer review council's code of conduct.
Having a fresh set of eyes look over the document cost taxpayers $17,000.