An official plan amendment for a new stand alone building in the parking lot north of The Brick on London Road has been approved.
The 6,000 square foot building would house three commercial spaces, including a restaurant with a drive-through facility.
Further details, including the name of the planned restaurant, have not been announced.
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Sarnia council has approved some concept plans for Canatara Park.
Staff have been directed to move beach volleyball court plans forward, work with the Seaway Kiwanis Club on requirements for a new storage unit, and work with a third-party to plan the removal of Thrasher Building (the barn picnic shelter at the animal farm) due to significant infrastructure concerns.
Consultants continue to work on what they call an "emerging preferred plan," because it's constantly being developed.
The preliminary concept for the park includes lookouts, a boardwalk reaching out into Lake Huron, new washrooms, a new stage, the option for a small boat launch, children's play area, commercial uses and the potential for an area to deliver programs about the natural heritage and local ecosystems.
Beach parking would be pushed back in some areas, to allow more room for the beach dunes, and the through route for vehicles from Christina Street to Sandy Lane would be maintained.
Consultants encourage residents to continue sending in comments as they continue preparing the final master plan.
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Council also received an update on design plans for Ferry Dock Hill.
A two phased approach focusing on cove and shoreline restoration, and park redevelopment is proposed.
The plan includes a new washroom and mechanical building, fishing and viewing platforms, a plaza for buskers and pedestrian gatherings with a water feature, an event plaza, new seating and a tree lined boulevard.
The former law office at Ferry Dock Hill was demolished in May 2020.
The building, dating back to 1910, had structural concerns as a result of high water levels.
City staff asked for public feedback on preliminary designs last fall.
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Sarnia council has approved a new strategic plan in principle.
Council endorsed the document, but asked for some modifications.
Consultants have been asked to return the document at the September meeting for approval.
The strategic plan focuses on four categories: asset management, government relations, community wellbeing, and economic resilience.
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A proposed amendment to the city's taxi bylaw has been approved.
The city's licence manager will now be authorized to waive provisions of the bylaw, on an as needed basis, and impose reasonable conditions.
City Clerk Amy Burkhart said the change allows taxi operators to raise concerns they find unreasonable within the bylaw, which may be creating a barrier for business, for review.
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A $7.6 million tender, submitted by Birnam Excavating, has been accepted for phase two of the biosolids processing upgrades at the Sarnia Water Pollution Control Centre.
Sarnia council approved spending an additional $3.65 million on the project Monday.
Staff reported the facility is beyond its typical lifespan and requires significant repairs, due to its highly corrosive environment.
Phase two includes the installation of a third centrifuge -- to separate liquids and solids -- and two new air pollution control systems.
A new control room and truck loading ramp will be built and a bridge crane and pumping systems will be replaced.
Staff said the complex multi-year project has experienced budget pressures from significant inflation on the specialized equipment involved.
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The five year agreement has renewable clauses.
The city will receive just over $8250 each month, amounting to nearly $100,000 in revenue each year.
The club was previously paying the city about $25,000 a year for rent and maintenance [utilities not included].
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Film guidelines and a permit application have been developed and approved for the city.
The 12-page document -- which outlines steps to help filmmakers bring their visions to life -- is hoped to streamline paperwork required for movie-makers.