The City of Sarnia is launching a public consultation for the Mitton Streetscape Design, as the street between Wellington Street and Davis Street is scheduled for complete reconstruction to advance combined sewer separation. The design work focuses on creating a "complete street" approach to beautify the area, improve safety, and accommodate all users, including pedestrians, […]
The City of Sarnia is launching a public consultation for the Mitton Streetscape Design, as the street between Wellington Street and Davis Street is scheduled for complete reconstruction to advance combined sewer separation. The design work focuses on creating a "complete street" approach to beautify the area, improve safety, and accommodate all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.
The project targets the unique Mitton Village neighborhood, which is home to mixed residential and commercial land uses, making it a priority for revitalization efforts. The new design aims to promote community connections, support local businesses, and foster a sense of community while enabling various transportation options.
The initial construction phase is tentatively scheduled for 2026, pending budget approval. Beyond road reconstruction and combined sewer separation (to strengthen infrastructure against extreme weather), the project will include new watermain, storm and sanitary sewer, and significant enhancements to pedestrian and cycling facilities and streetscaping. Future phases are planned, with budget approval, to extend the reimagined street beyond Davis Street through to George Street.
Initial public engagement in July identified key priorities for the streetscape design, including:
Safety & Traffic Calming: Measures such as narrower lanes, curb extensions, and longer pedestrian signals, alongside an all-way pedestrian crossing at the Mitton/Wellington/Ontario five-way intersection.
Public Realm: Expanded parkettes, shaded seating, and street furniture, plus wider sidewalks for patios and events.
Active Transportation: Dedicated bike lanes, parking, repair stations, and bike signals.
Green Infrastructure: Street trees, landscaped bump-outs, and seasonal planters.
Lighting & Wayfinding: Pedestrian-scale lighting and signage with historical storytelling.
Event-Ready Streets: Flexible street design with power access and space for festivals.
Based on initial feedback, the city has drafted three alternative street cross-section concepts, all of which include opportunities for enhanced lighting, streetscape plantings, mid-block pedestrian crossings, and traffic calming at intersections.
Concept Option 1: Emphasis on Curb Extensions, On-Street Parking and Flex Spaces
This option maximizes traffic calming with curb extensions and narrower lanes.
It promotes a shared on-road cycling route and maintains a high percentage of existing on-street parking.
A key feature is the introduction of flexible spaces for patios, pop-ups, or events, promoting business activation.
Concept Option 2: On-Street Bicycle Lanes
This option introduces dedicated bike lanes on the road, adjacent to vehicular traffic.
It balances vehicular flow with active transportation but maintains less on-street parking compared to the other scenarios.
It reduces some of the potential street activation space compared to Option 1.
Concept Option 3: Separated Bicycle Lanes
This option features bicycle lanes separated from both vehicular traffic and pedestrian space.
It prioritizes cyclist safety, especially for families and less experienced riders, by creating a clearly defined multimodal corridor.
It maintains a higher percentage of existing parking spaces than Option 2 but reduces street activation space compared to Option 1.
Residents and businesses are encouraged to provide their input on the three design concepts.
A survey is available on the city's project page and will remain open until 4:30 p.m. on November 10, 2025.
The design team will also host a Public Information Centre in a drop-in format:
Date: Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Time: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Kiwanis Room, Pat Stapleton Arena, 134 Brock Street South.
For additional information and to review the concept visuals, please refer to the project's official web page.
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