The County of Lambton is looking at creating a project management position to coordinate local agencies in attracting newcomers to the area, including Syrian refugees.
General Manager Social Services Margaret Roushorne says if council approves, the position would work closely with Lambton College, the YMCA, Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership and Local Immigration Partnership.
She says they hope to begin the two-year project in June.
"It's really to bring together those three pieces. So, looking at attraction, how do we encourage people to look at Sarnia-Lambton as a place to live and to work and to raise their family," she says. "How do we look at maintaining services and making them feel welcome when they do arrive here, so that they'll stay."
St. Clair Township Mayor Steve Arnold voted against the recommendation Wednesday when it passed 16 to 13 to refer the item to budget.
He says the coordination role shouldn't be a county responsibility.
"There are a number of agencies already delivering services throughout the community, and maybe they need to have a coordinated effort to do that, but I'm not sure if it lays at the county's feet to do that at this time," says Arnold.
The project would cost $125,000 annually with a $62,500 impact on the 2016 budget.
