Grant funding to boost neighbourhood revitalization efforts

Journal staff The City of Sarnia has hired a new economic development coordinator to spearhead a Neighbourhood Revitalization Project for downtown Sarnia and Mitton Village, officials announced this week.

Journal staff

The City of Sarnia has hired a new economic development coordinator to spearhead a Neighbourhood Revitalization Project for downtown Sarnia and Mitton Village, officials announced this week.

Leena Bourne will lead the project over the next two years — aimed at supporting both areas by identifying opportunities for physical improvements, supporting new marketing efforts, and providing expanded business development services.

“We want to create vibrant and livable places for people to work, shop, dine and enjoy, while supporting the local economy and fostering a sense of community pride for residents,” said Bourne in a news release.

Funding is provided in part by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) through the Rural Economic Development (RED) program, and the City will provide matching funding for delivery of the project.

“I’m extremely pleased that the City of Sarnia Neighbourhood Revitalization Project was selected as one of 80 projects from across the province that was approved for funding under the Rural Economic Development Program,” said Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey.

The project will include direct consultation with stakeholders, including surveys, pop-up engagements, and formal interviews, the city added.

Initial work will also include an update of the areas’ business inventories; compilation of historical data; and community engagement events to inform short-term actions and long-term strategic revitalization priorities.

More information is available at www.investsarnia.ca/neighbourhoodrevitalization.