City to review perceived shortage of available building lots

City Hall staff will work with local homebuilders to address a perceived shortage of available building lots in the city.

City Hall staff will work with local homebuilders to address a perceived shortage of available building lots in the city.

Doug Bain, president of the Sarnia Lambton Home Builders Association, said last week a shortage of lots is hindering growth and will drive investment to other communities if it’s not addressed.

The city estimates it has a 10-year supply of 1,593 building lots, but Bain said the true number is far smaller for a variety of reasons.

“If you listen to the 10-year number, everybody says we have lots of supply. But if you look at what’s actually available to be purchased right now, there’s none. Zippo.”

Bain said City Hall could help by getting infrastructure and services in place on vacant land and by lower the financial guarantees required of builders.

City council directed staff to work with the association and come back with a report in three month that addresses its concerns.