A Sarnia city councillor is highlighting two parcels of land he thinks could be ideal sites for housing.
Council supported a motion from Adam Kilner Friday, to consider making the Sarnia and District Humane Society site, at 131 Exmouth Street, available for medium to high density residential buildings in the future.
Director of Economic Development Kelly Provost explained that the shelter lands are already a consideration.
"The land that you're referring to is identified in the Waterfront Master Plan as a proposed site for possible development that would generate some funding to help fund the projects included within the Waterfront Master Plan," said Provost. "So, we are aware of the site."
"At this time we would have to concur with the city solicitor on what the current standing is with the humane society, related to that land. But, it is on our radar for potential development, and again, that would come through the city's dispositional land bylaw," she said.
Kilner also asked the city to discuss freeing up the lands, owned by the Lambton Kent District School Board, at Sherwood Village Park for housing.
"I live in Sherwood Village and I'm suggesting [the park] could also be some land the city could be looking at to access for development for affordable housing, just to open up that market," Kilner said.
Mayor Bradley suggested the County of Lambton be included in the discussions.
"I should add that the Ford government has informed the school boards they are to look at all of the surplus land they have for affordable housing. The land you're referring to they've had, for what, 30 years? There's another piece of land, which will be controversial, that they own in Mike Weir Park where you see the cricket activities. That's been there for a school for probably 30 years," Bradley said.
Chief Administrative Officer Chris Carter said all available lands are being investigated as part of Sarnia's Strategic Plan.