Consultations are expected to continue over the coming months as planning continues for the City of Sarnia's largest greenfield area.
The secondary plan update for Development Area 2 (DA2) is still in the early stages as the city aims to modernize the land for future growth. This comes shortly after the city adopted a new Official Plan.
The DA2 spans 570 hectares between Modeland Road to the west, London Line to the north, Blackwell Sideroad to the east, and the CN Rail to the south. The study area comprises residential, employment, commercial and several planned open spaces.
Manager of planning and development services Eric Hyatt said at this point, the city is collecting public input. A public survey is still available for residents to fill out online and about 30 people attended an information meeting which was held on July 26.
"Some of the preliminary concerns that came in from the public were just with respect to infrastructure, water management, and things like that," said Hyatt.
He also said there were discussions surrounding natural features, the inclusion of community facilities, and commercial uses.
As of August 2, the survey recorded 84 responses. Hyatt said there's no closing date for the survey at this time. The survey focuses on shopping trends and types of services sought in and out of Sarnia.
"We'll use some of the information that we have from the background work that's been done to date, as well as the public consultation and we'll begin to draft up some preliminary concepts for the area," Hyatt said. "Then we would go back to public consultations."
Consultations will also be held with landowners, stakeholders, and other agencies.
Hyatt said it'll probably be the new year before draft plans are finalized and presented to council.
Residents can find the survey as well as other documents, including the presentation talked about during the July meeting, through the Speak Up Sarnia website.