Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey said his to-do list for 2024 includes continuing to work with Bluewater Health on the opening of a new addictions services hub in Sarnia.
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The long-awaited 24-bed, $12-million project is planned for an unused area of the hospital site in Sarnia and is expected to open in the next few years.
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“I know they’re making progress on engineering,” Bailey said. “I’m glad to see that moving forward.”
Bailey said he’s also looking forward to seeing “more shovels in the ground on residential construction, and I’m working with the local groups that are trying to work on affordable housing. They’re putting a lot of effort into that.”
Bailey said he’s feeling positive about the development of the electronic vehicle industry in Canada and its potential to bring new industrial investment and jobs to his riding.
“I know with what’s taking place in Windsor, there’s opportunities that are going to make themselves available to Sarnia-Lambton, I’m told,” he said.
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Noting large battery manufacturing investments are underway in both Windsor and St. Thomas, Bailey said the industry likes “feeder plants to be very close” and officials in Sarnia-Lambton “are working here to secure something along those lines.”
Bailey said he also met recently with the Ministry of Transportation about improving safety on Highway 402 where it approaches the Blue Water Bridge, as well as expansion plans for a section of Highway 40 in Sarnia.
Looking back on 2023, Bailey said the province has been investing in additional support for municipalities, including increasing funding to Lambton County to address homelessness.
“That’s the kind of investment we need to see continue,” he said.
Bailey also congratulated River City Vineyard in Sarnia for recently opening more beds at its shelter, including spaces for women.
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“I was also very happy to see the Youth Wellness Hub have its grand opening this past summer in downtown Sarnia,” Bailey said. “It’s something that’s very needed for mental health for youth.”
And he said work continues on the final stages of the community’s oversized load corridor at Sarnia Harbour.
“That’s going to be great for local industry and employment.”
The corridor is designed to ease the movement of oversized industrial components and equipment through the community.
“The government has continued to invest in young people wanting to enter the skilled trades,” Bailey added. “It’s great to see those.”
Those efforts include initiatives to attract more women, members of First Nations and individuals with developmental needs “to receive that training in the skilled trades,” he said.
As the year was ending, Bailey was also part of a year announcement Ontario will allow companies to apply in 2024 to develop pilot plants to test ways to store carbon permanently underground.
“That’s going to be important to the province and, of course, to this area and Southwestern Ontario to continue to meet the federal emission standards,” Bailey said.
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