New gas station another positive sign for Mitton Village

Troy Shantz A new gas station getting ready to replace a derelict building at Sarnia’s “five corners” will be a big boost for Mitton Village, a city councillor says. “It’s a very welcome investment,” said Coun.

Troy Shantz

A new gas station getting ready to replace a derelict building at Sarnia’s “five corners” will be a big boost for Mitton Village, a city councillor says.

“It’s a very welcome investment,” said Coun. Brian White, a member of the committee created to reinvigorate the commercial zone east of downtown Sarnia.

“Hopefully this helps anchor continued renewal and positive redevelopment in the area.”

The former 7-11 store at 146 Mitton St. S. has been vacant since it closed in 2017.

A numbered company has purchased the property, a building permit for a gas pump canopy has been issued, and workers have been onsite daily.

The Mitton Village Community Development Advisory committee is comprised of residents, business people and political leaders. For the past two years it’s been developing strategies for the once thriving business district.

New planters have appeared, and a façade improvement program that helped downtown businesses has been extended to Mitton Village.

Planning and building fees have been halved for developers who renovate or build in the area, which is roughly bounded by George, Talfourd, Crawford and Mitton streets.

And, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, a new bus route was bringing people in and out of the area.

Students from Fanshawe College’s architectural technology and urban design program are currently working on design solutions, at no cost.

During one brainstorming session, ideas ranged from a police substation on Mitton Street, wider sidewalks, more trees and bicycle lanes, a youth and social centre, and more social events.

Those urban design plans are expected to be ready this year, White said.