Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley hopes council will support staff's recommendation to approve Indwell's revised plan at an Ontario Land Tribunal meeting.
Indwell initially proposed a 50-unit supportive housing project on vacant land at 353 George St., donated by the County of Lambton.
A revised plan submitted in January proposed a five-storey, 35-unit apartment building with 27 parking spaces, a loading zone, amenity space, office space, and bicycle parking.
However, the Committee of Adjustment (COA) refused the application on February 10 because of "alleged overdevelopment of the site," read a report to council.
Indwell has since appealed the COA’s refusal to the Ontario Land Tribunal, and a case management conference has been scheduled for May 6.
On Monday, city council will be presented with two options: to direct staff to retain external legal counsel and attend the OLT hearing to support planning staff's recommendation to approve Indwell's revised application, or to bring in external legal and planning support to defend the COA's refusal.
"There's been a lot of compromise by Indwell on the property. It's gone from supportive housing to affordable housing, there's been a drop in units from 50 down to 35, there's been other changes made," said Bradley in an interview with Sarnia News Today. "My hope is, if council really does believe that our role is to move affordable housing forward, would be to support our professional staff and their professional advice that this is a good project."
Obtaining external legal support could cost an estimated $400 to $600 per hour.
An external planner (required if council supports the COA's refusal) could cost approximately $60,000 to $80,000.
Bradley admits the added cost to seek external support is frustrating.
"I would hope we could mitigate that cost and just move forward," he said.
Although it's not recommended, council can opt to do nothing and wait for a decision from the OLT.
The controversial project has received mixed response from the public and spurred deep discussions from council members. Bradley said he expects Monday's decision to be a close vote.
"If we don't support this as a council, the message we're sending on affordable housing is not a good one," he said.
Bradley confirmed the switch from supportive to affordable housing would change the target population for unit rentals.
The updated application said proposed apartment units would be rented out at affordable rates for a minimum of 10 years.
In October 2025, city council approved a motion to direct staff to work with the Sarnia Police Service and county staff to develop a formal safety plan surrounding any new Indwell housing facility.
