The Bluenose II crew says the port of Sarnia "stood out" among all of the ports visited this summer and they're looking forward to returning some day.
In a letter to Sarnia Parks and Recreation Director Rob Harwood, Interim Director of Operations Anne Bailly said they truly felt welcomed by the people of Sarnia and visitors from neighbouring cities.
"We were blown away by the numbers we had in Sarnia," said Bailly. "We had more than 8200 people across our decks and almost 4000 through our mobile exhibit."
She said they set a season record in Sarnia for total merchandise sold, after selling out of hats and t-shirts.
Harwood said while staff are still finalizing the accounts, the event made about $80,000 in revenue.
He said the money will be deposited into reserves for future event sponsorship and waterfront improvements.
Over 20,000 people attended the Tall Ships Celebration in August.
Six majestic ships including The Bluenose II, Picton Castle and the Christopher Columbus replica Santa Maria were moored at the Sarnia Harbour.
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Sarnia council has signed off on a short term lease with Seasons Retirement Communities so Sarnia Fire and Rescue Services can use an area of Bayside Mall for training.
Sarnia Fire recently purchased a "large area search kit" which allows firefighters to fully search large buildings like malls, arenas, warehouses and big box stores.
To fully train with it, a large area was needed with movable obstructions.
Firefighters will use the former Star Tech facility, which is currently vacant, to train during the month of October.
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Staff have been asked to explore implementing stricter policies surrounding payday loan shops.
Council has asked that a report be drawn up by the end of the year.
Mayor Mike Bradley told Blackburn News last week that municipalities have been given the power to regulate the number of new loan businesses and where they can be built.
He says it wouldn't impact any of the existing stores, but could eventually diminish the number of them.
