Sarnia has an action plan to revitalize Mitton Village and the city’s downtown.
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Crafted using $116,000 in rural economic development program dollars from the Ontario Agriculture Ministry and matching city funds, the recently approved neighborhood revitalization plan identifieds beautifying derelict buildings and properties as a short-term priority, along with encouraging business retention and expansion through ongoing meetings and training opportunities.
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“We’re delighted with the commitment we’ve had on this project,” said city economic development director Kelly Provost.
Since announcing the funding last September—in part to hire an economic development co-ordinator at the city for two years—Sarnia crafted the plan with a committee of local business owners and economic development officials, and received feedback from local residents and businesses.
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“We’ve had so many people respond,” Provost said, noting more than 560 took part in surveys.
“It’s been a really positive experience.”
Other action plan recommendations include offering quarterly training sessions on business topics, improving communication with businesses on relevant programs, promoting existing grant opportunities for facade improvements and other things through the city’s 2020-approved community improvement plandoing more marketing and promotion, and, longer term, improving lighting for safety, beautifying the areas, and developing engaging outdoor spaces.
The revitalization plan builds on a community improvement plan developed for the two commercial districts in 2020 recommending more shared-use, pedestrian friendly streets, bumpouts and gardens, upgraded wayfinding signs, larger sidewalks, and expanding the Sarnia Farmers Market into part of Ontario Street.
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Public realm improvements aren’t currently funded under the revitalization plan, but there will be proposals for council to consider and grant funding sought, Provost said.
“We’re going to try to put some estimates together for what we already heard about capital investments that both of these areas would like to see to help activate some of those public spaces.”
Also recommended in the plan, based on feedback, is looking into a business improvement association for the areas.
“This is almost a preliminary way that we can have some of those discussions,” Provost said, noting the city’s role is raising awareness about what that would entail and taking direction from community members.
Community image, public safety, and parking availability were the top issues facing businesses identified through the process.
More business variety, improving building appearances and improving public gathering spaces were also key themes identified, along with filling vacant storefronts and providing more small business supports.
A Mitton Village community development advisory committee formed in 2018 to help drive area improvements, and a My Main Street Local Business Accelerator program in 2023 provided businesses with grants for things like technology upgrades and facade improvements.
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