Long awaited improvements to Sarnia's Errol Russell Park are included in the August building permits at Sarnia City Hall.
Over $1 million will be spent on a new aluminum grandstand behind the plate, and to install accessible washrooms.
Sarnia Braves Minor Baseball Vice President Jim Bigras said he is pleased to see the project moving ahead.
He said it should be wrapped up in June.
"We're extremely excited," said Bigras. "It's been a long two years of proposals, and ideas and visions. Getting to a final drawing was a relief, to be honest with you. The facility hasn't had any upgrades since the early 1950's, other than the grandstand being gone and no washrooms. The last two years weren't overly great for the spectators that have been in to watch bantam, midget, or senior baseball games."
Meanwhile, a $2.4 million permit was approved for demolition of the east wing of the former Sarnia General Hospital on Mitton St.
There are also a couple of large permits under review, including $3 million for foundation work for a new highrise at the former Sarnia Gazette property at 275 Front St. N, and $5.6 million for a four storey apartment building at 241 Wellington St.
Seven permits were issued for single-family dwellings last month. There have been 65 issued this year, compared to 78 at this time last year.
Overall, 56 permits worth $8.1 million were issued in August for a year to date total of 365. At this time last year, there were 416 totalling $63.6 million.
