Lambton County Council is looking to prepare for possible new projects in the area.
Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley's motion to endorse the continued review and advancement of the proposed Northern Shield Pipeline received unanimous support from county council on Wednesday.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith unveiled a proposed crude oil pipeline and energy corridor from Hardisty, Alberta to Sarnia in July.
Area politicians applauded the idea and hoped to see consultations move forward. Aamjiwnaang First Nation Chief Janelle Nahmabin had also called for meaningful discussions to take place before approvals are granted.
During Wednesday's meeting, Bradley said the urgency for the pipeline is much greater now than it was a year or two ago.
"Line 5 continues to be in jeopardy, and this is a Canadian solution. It will take time and there's a lot of hills to climb to make this happen," he said.
"We need the federal government to show support and I think by sending this motion by county council, if it's approved, we send a very clear message that we believe this is the best solution -- as Canada's eastern energy hub, this is the best solution for the next generation."
The endorsement will be forwarded to members of provincial and federal governments, including the Premier of Ontario, Ontario Minister of Energy and Mines, and local Members of Provincial Parliament.
City of Sarnia council previously endorsed the continued review of the proposed project during its meeting on July 20.
Meanwhile, county council also directed staff to prepare a report on the potential impacts of AI-related data centre developments within Lambton.
Bradley's motion passed unanimously.
"This simply sets up the stage for next year and it's really being proactive to say, let's not react to this proposal or that proposal, let's understand what we can do. So far, what I'm finding is most of it is not within the control of the lower tier," Bradley said.
The report is expected to be presented to the new council in early 2027.
