Bluewater Power reported its highest normal shareholder return in history in 2020.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the utility had a total consolidated net income before taxes of $7.3 million and a total gross revenue of almost $150 million.
President and CEO Janice McMichael-Dennis told Sarnia council their success resulted in $3.3 million in shareholder returns.
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Council has moved a growth management program onto the next stage, which includes public consultation.
The program has identified land surrounding the Western Sarnia-Lambton Research park for new housing.
The area, from south of London Line to Confederation Line and Modeland Road east to Blackwell Side Road, has been proposed to accommodate an expected population boost of 14,000 people over the next 30 years.
Staff are expected to provide a draft this fall.
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A detailed public engagement program for the official plan review has also been approved.
Residents and business owners are asked to register for online sessions Wednesday July 28, and Thursday July 29.
Re: public Urbanism is working to complete a draft master plan by the end of October.
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An implementation strategy has been approved for this year's community improvement plan.
Sarnia council adopted the plan for the downtown and Mitton Village commercial areas last December.
Four incentive programs will be offered, including a landscape and property improvement program, a building façade improvement program, a renovation program and additional residential unit program.
Details are posted here.
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Diversity, equity and inclusion training has been approved for city council and city staff.
The virtual training, delivered by the Hicks Morley/KOJO Institute, will take four hours, and cost $6,500 per cohort.
Members of the Sarnia Police Services Board will be invited to participate.
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A strategy to replace entrance signs in the city has been approved.
The illuminated Sarnia sign on Highway 402 near the airport would not be included.
City staff said there are eight population signs entering the city and two organizational sign boards, some of which are much more dated than others.
The approximate $200,000 cost will be considered during 2022 budget deliberations.
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The city wants to know what you think about relocating the Murphy Road Transit Terminal to Clearwater Arena.
Council directed staff to engage the public on the idea Monday.
Staff said the current Murphy Road terminal is very congested and there are very few passenger and staff amenities.
Relocating it was identified as a priority in the 2014 transit master plan.
Staff said there were no opportunities to improve the existing location due to space constraints and a new location can be considered thanks to the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program – Public Transit Stream grant.
The grant would cover 73 per cent of the nearly $1.8 million cost, with the city paying $477,000.
The terminal would be located right in front of Clearwater Arena.
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The purchase of two diesel buses has also been approved.
The 12 metre vehicles, costing $648,000 each, will be purchased through the Metrolinx program.
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