After undergoing extensive renovations for the last three years, the Sarnia-Lambton Native Friendship Centre is hosting an open house on Friday, September 22.
Work at the Lochiel Street centre included some cosmetic upgrades such as painting, new washrooms and office space, as well as significant foundation work. Executive Director Donna Smith Sutherland said the pandemic did create some delays during construction.
She said they're very happy to finally show off their space and share with the public what they're all about.
"We just really want to open up the building," said Sutherland. "The building has been closed because of the renovation and so have a lot of our services. We've done activities and programming outside of the centre in other locations, but now we're bringing everything back home to the centre, and we'll actually be officially opening our doors and launching a variety of different programming and activities."
Sutherland said she's looking forward to having their own space and working with the first nations communities.
"We're really excited about the fact that we have refurbished the building, but we're also looking forward to how it is we are going to work together, and provide different programming and activities and various events in the city," she said.
Friday's open house at 233 Lochiel Street runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.