Downtown Sarnia (BlackburnNews.com file photo)Downtown Sarnia (BlackburnNews.com file photo)
Sarnia

My Main Street program aims to enhance parts of Sarnia

A few areas in Sarnia will be spruced up and revitalized over the next year.

The City of Sarnia has announced its involvement in the My Main Street program which will benefit the downtown area, Mitton Village, and Avondale Park.

The program is part of a two-pronged approach to support business and communities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. An investment of $23.25 million through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) was made to the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) and the Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) in order to establish the My Main Street program.

The program's Local Business Accelerator stream delivered by EDCO, will support the revitalization of 65 main streets and contribute to over 650 businesses in southern Ontario.

CIU will deliver the Community Activator stream, which will focus on supporting projects and reshaping public spaces.

Through the Community Activator stream, the city has received funding to enhance the space at Avondale Park. The plan for the park includes landscaping, sitting areas, and a water source for the community garden.

“The City of Sarnia appreciates the funding provided by the Government of Canada,” said Mayor Mike Bradley. “We look forward to the residents of Sarnia spending more time exploring and supporting these areas of the city.”

Through the My Main Street Local Business Accelerator stream, work to revitalize Sarnia's downtown and Mitton Village will be spearheaded by a Main Street Ambassador.

The city recently posted a job profile to fill the position with applications due by January 10.

"[The Ambassador will] be spending the bulk of their time working directly with businesses located in those areas, providing hands-on support," said Director of Economic Development Kelly Provost. "They're also going to be seeking out potential businesses that may want to locate there in the future."

Provost said the ambassador will conduct market research and data analysts to help identify any gaps in service.

"They'll also be helping businesses access the non-repayable contribution that'll be made available through the program by the federal government," she said.

The full-time position is only for a one-year contract. Provost said the city has faith that goals will be able to be reached within that time frame.

"We think it's realistic that this will be completed within the 12-month term," she said. "They will have the support from the team within the city's economic development department so we're looking forward to supporting them in this role."

The position offers a salary of $47,684-$73,364 based on a 35-hour work week. Candidates are expected to have experience in marketing, sales, business development, or program management.

"We would love for this position to be filled by someone who is really passionate about the City of Sarnia," said Provost. "Somebody who loves the city and is excited to help build it up. Someone with an entrepreneurial background or spirit would be a really good fit in this role as well."

Provost said they're looking to have the position filled by February.

Additional details about the job posting and how to apply can be found on the city's website.

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The city is also looking to fill the position of general manager of corporate services.

Applications are due by January 16.

The position was previously filled by David Logan. The city's CAO confirmed to Sarnia News Today on December 21, 2021, that Logan was no longer with the city, however, further details were not provided.

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