Sarnia Harbor strategy in the works

Sarnia is looking to develop a strategy for its harbour.

“There are some headwinds that are driving the need to advance a comprehensive plan,” said community services general manager Stacey Forfar.

Sarnia acquired harbor ownership in 2014, when it was divested by the federal government, along with about $8 million.

That reserve fund is expected to run out this year or next, amid costly investments such as dredging and electrical upgrades, Forfar said, despite fees for berthed ships, electricity use and warehouse rentals netting the city about $330,000 a year.

“The reality, at this time, is we’re spending more every year on this facility overall than what we’re pulling in,” Forfar said, noting the city also has a separate $3-million Sarnia Harbor reserve.

Ongoing work to build the Cestar Dock for the city’s oversized load corridor, a provincial marine strategy in the works that could potentially offer grants, and tourism opportunities are some advantages for the facility mostly nestled near the city’s Point Lands and Sarnia Bay Marina, she said .

“It is a neat little facility on our little point of the world that offers residents and visitors really and up close and personal visits with these giant ships,” Forfar said.

“It’s not everywhere that has a facility like this.”

Hopes are to call for proposals this fall and bring a report to council early in 2024 to award the contract for a planning process Forfar estimated could take 12-24 months.

The end result would include a business plan for the harbour, including capital and maintenance plans, and also a governance structure for the city asset’s management, she said.

“We need to know how to invest in this facility in the future, beyond just repairs and maintenance,” Forfar said, noting there’s also a separate portion of the harbor in the city’s south.

A map appears to show the southern harbor outlined along the waterfront between Lochiel Street and around Talfourd Street.

The city’s 2023 budget has a $350,000 expense for the strategic plan.

Another $3 million is budgeted in 2025 for dredging, last completed in 2017.

There’s limited expertise at the city level to manage the harbour, Forfar said.

“This is not a regular municipal asset,” she said. “It’s kind of a funky one to have at a local government level.”

Planning would involve tapping industry expertise and “extensive” consultation, she said.

The 1970s-built Sydney Smith dock that’s “slowly falling into the river” also will have to be considered as part of the plan, Forfar said, noting there are some security challenges there.

Coun. Anne Marie Gillis said she’s excited for the plan.

“I remember when this was handed over to the city and, at that time, we were hoping that we would be masters of our own destiny and this would be a real economic boost to our community, like it has been in other communities,” she said.

“You can dream all you want, but you need a business plan.”

Some suggestions for improvements around the harbor are identified in the city’s waterfront master planincluding streetscape improvements, a stage, and a breakwater viewing platform.

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