City begins marina renaming process

Jake Romphf City council has endorsed the idea of renaming Sarnia Bay Marina after former mayor and MPP Andy Brandt. But the facility’s name won’t be changed to The Andrew S.

Jake Romphf

City council has endorsed the idea of renaming Sarnia Bay Marina after former mayor and MPP Andy Brandt.

But the facility’s name won’t be changed to The Andrew S. Brandt Marina at Sarnia Bay until a staff report can detail upgrades to the marina and how a community fundraising campaign will pay for them.

“I’m extremely pleased,” Brandt said. “It came as a surprise, frankly.”

Councillors voted unanimously to recognize Brandt for his contributions to Sarnia as a businessman and 20 years as alderman, mayor, MPP and Ontario PC leader.

Brandt, 80, was instrumental in securing funding for the marina as a member of provincial parliament, and remains a long-standing member of its advisory board.

He also played a major role in bringing Highway 402 to Sarnia, revitalizing the city’s downtown, raising millions for Lambton College as its foundation chair, and modernizing the LCBO.

Brandt said the highway was his top priority, but the marina was a close second on the to-do list.

“It has worked out very well as a feature attraction for tourists,” he said.

A community donor campaign will be used to fund façade improvements, new signage, lighting and landscaping.

“I think it’s going to be even better in the years ahead,” Brandt said.

City Hall received more than 30 comments during a 21-day public consultation period, with about half supporting and half opposing the name change.