A newly formed coalition of downtown business and property owners is asking Sarnia City Council to invest in a series of projects aimed at making the core more vibrant, safe, and visually unified. The Downtown Collective (DTC) has submitted a proposal requesting $100,000 to $150,000 from the city's Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) Reserve Fund. The […]
A newly formed coalition of downtown business and property owners is asking Sarnia City Council to invest in a series of projects aimed at making the core more vibrant, safe, and visually unified.
The Downtown Collective (DTC) has submitted a proposal requesting $100,000 to $150,000 from the city's Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) Reserve Fund.
The request, detailed in a report to council dated November 3, 2025, seeks an initial $100,000, which represents 37.5% of the MAT fund's current $266,000 balance. The group is asking council to consider funding up to $150,000 (56.3% of the reserve) if other significant applications are not utilizing the fund.
The proposal stems from community consultations that identified stakeholders' top desires as "improved safety, consistent imagery & vibrant branding, and an increase in curb appeal".
The DTC, a coalition of downtown business and property owners, lists Brian Austin (The Imperial Theatre), Mia Clarke (The Tin Fiddler), Lillian Tang-Smith (Tang's China House), Amy Spadafora (UE Inc), and Chris Norton (Norton Hair Styling) as its chairs. The group argues these projects will deter crime, increase foot traffic, and align with the City's Downtown Master Plan.
The funding would be used to implement four priority initiatives:
"Light Up the Streets": Installing string lighting on existing lamp posts to create ambiance and improve nighttime safety and walkability.
Branded "Waterfront District" Banners: Locally designed banners to create a unified downtown identity.
Traffic and Utility Wraps: Applying custom vinyl wraps featuring local art to utility boxes, garbage bins, and bike racks to add vibrancy and deter graffiti.
Landscaping and Floral Enhancements: Expanding planters, hanging baskets, and refreshing tree-surrounds.
The report emphasizes that the city's investment would serve as a "catalyst". The Downtown Collective plans to contribute in-kind resources, volunteer hours, and private sponsorships to supplement the city funds. All designs will be created by local artists, including Collective member Kennady Osborne of Seventh Rayn Design, and vetted by the Collective's subcommittee.
Pending Council approval, the DTC will move to finalize designs, obtain necessary approvals, and coordinate installation.
