It's still unclear when or if an affordable housing project will move forward on Victoria Street in Sarnia.
In May, Sarnia City Council formalized its decision to declare the parking lot on Victoria Street as surplus, and staff were directed to initiate the transfer to Lambton County for the development of affordable housing.
Mayor Mike Bradley said the county has sent the issue back to the city to further discuss retaining public parking as part of a proposed development.
"Well my personal hope is that we pass this on Monday with restrictions that we keep some parking for surrounding businesses," said Bradley. "It goes to the county council meeting in September, they sign off and that they move with urgency to try to see what can be created on that part that would bring affordable housing that would complement the downtown."
He said he is frustrated with how long the process has been taking.
"I hope we can get some movement on this," said Bradley. "We have multiple groups out there doing good work in the community trying to build affordable housing, but we're not getting the traction we need. Here's a good example, here's city land offered to a public body who is responsible for affordable housing, and let's just get on with it and create some housing that will help people in this community. It's not the end all, but at least it's a start."
In a recent report, Lambton County staff recommended against including public parking in their development due to insurance issues.
County council was advised that insurance premiums for housing have increased by 236% in 2024 and allowing public parking on the site would increase their exposure to risk.
It said that if the city desires to retain public parking at the site, only a portion of the parking lot should be transferred to the county.
Sarnia city council meets in regular session at 1 p.m. Monday.