After months of discussion, including a heated exchange, Sarnia council has endorsed a motion urging the Federal government to axe the carbon tax.
The request was first made by city/county councillor Bill Dennis in September, but the topic was referred to Sarnia's Environmental Advisory Committee in response.
When Greg McKonkey presented the group's report in October, he was berated by Dennis for not including more information in his presentation. The meeting was stopped as a result of the outburst.
Dennis apologized for his behaviour on October 27, and council directed staff to post the topic for discussion on the Speak Up Sarnia website on October 30th.
The results, shared January 15, showed over 400 people responded to the city's carbon tax survey.
When asked, 'Should Sarnia City Council request that the Federal government cancel the carbon tax?,' 257 people responded yes, and 152 said no.
Three hundred thirty-seven of the individuals said they were a Sarnia resident, while 36 stated they were not.
Mayor Mike Bradley supported the motion.
"I don't like the way the tax has unfolded with Canadians, or the general direction, and I respect the viewpoint of others," Bradley said. "What should have been a positive exercise to reduce climate change has been made into a negative. I think that's the issue, how it's been handled."
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Sarnia council has approved $25,000 in funding to advance concept and design plans for a new access to the ice surface at Progressive Auto Sales Arena.
The passage would allow the Sarnia Sting Hockey Club direct access to the ice from their dressing room.
Council tabled a request for more funds for a gender neutral dressing room at the rink.
Staff have been asked to report back with more information on the project.
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The City of Sarnia wants to make electric vehicle charging stations more accessible.
Sarnia council has directed staff to apply for a grant under the Electric Vehicle ChargeON Program to support the installation of more public EV chargers.
A matching contribution up to $75,000 has also been authorized by council.
The Vendome Parking Lot, Clearwater Arena, Downtown Library, Bayshore Parking Lot, Strangway Centre, Tecumseh Park, and Canatara Park are being explored as potential locations.