An $8.2 million dock expansion at Sarnia Harbour is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.
The project will see the north slip expanded to accommodate larger vessels and roll-on-roll-off loading of large items.
The dock will be renamed "Cestar Dock" after the Toronto-based college, Cestar Group, provided $4 million for the project.
A ground-breaking ceremony was held on Friday, June 9.
“Cestar Dock serves as a symbol of the meaningful relationship between Lambton College and Cestar College and we are proud to contribute to this vital infrastructure development initiative," said Cestar Chief Operating Officer Adrian Sharma in a statement. "Our ability to give back to the Sarnia-Lambton community is something we are grateful for and we celebrate this joint achievement today.”
The City of Sarnia said the project marks a significant step toward the completion of the Oversized Load Corridor (OLC).
"With [the] ongoing support for various community charities, Cestar has made a difference in the community and in the lives of many people," said Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley. "The Cestar Dock will assist in economic development and growth for generations to come."
As specified by the city, the OLC is a designated road corridor that allows local businesses to move large items to and from the shipping access at a reduced cost.
Sarnia Harbour on Exmouth Street. 9 June 2023. (Photo by Sarnia News Today).
The $17 million OLC project will also mitigate traffic impacts from oversized loads moving through the city, read a media release. The corridor utilizes various streets such as Exmouth Street, Murphy Road, Confederation Street, Highway 40, Blackwell Sideroad, Churchill Road, and Plank Road.
To date, detailed engineering has been completed, along with the burying of 230 utility crossings, the resurfacing of 2.8 kilometres of Blackwell Side Road, and installation of 22 rotating traffic signal bases.
"The resilience, efficiency, and dependability of our supply chain is a top priority for our government," said Federal Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra. "This infrastructure development project represents a vital step towards completing the City's Oversized Load Corridor and ensuring accessible essential goods for Canadians."
The OLC is financially supported by the National Trade Corridors Fund, the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, the City of Sarnia, Lambton County, and the Sarnia Lambton Industrial Alliance.