Sarnia-Lambton Receives CA$1.5 Million Infrastructure and Tourism Investment From The Government of Canada

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for London North Centre Peter Fragiskatos announced last Wednesday that the Government of Canada had made a CA$1.5 million investment to support six community infrastructure and tourism projects across Sarnia-Lambton.

“Community spaces and the tourism industry in Sarnia-Lambton is vital to our local economy and the vibrancy of our communities. Today’s investment in six community infrastructure and tourism projects will help to enhance existing public infrastructure and local events that will safely welcome visitors and prepare for a more resilient future with positive ripple economic benefits to the region,” said Fragiskatos.

The announcement was made on behalf of Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). The funds will come from the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) and Tourism Relief Fund (TRF), according to a news release.

“The Government of Canada is investing in community infrastructure and tourist attractions that will help revitalize communities and attract tourists from around the world. Today’s investment will help improve the quality of life for residents across Sarnia-Lambton by providing communities with the necessary tools to drive regional economic growth, advance cross-border tourism, and fuel community engagement back in our neighborhoods,” said Jaczek.

Sarnia-Lambton, one of North America’s busiest commercial land border crossings, is a dynamic hub for businesses and tourists, drawn to its local markets, waterfront, trails, and parks.

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the growth of local communities, across regions like Sarnia-Lambton, to position them for a solid and resilient economic present and future.

These investments will create and revitalize community spaces and enhance tourism attractions to welcome more visitors and build stronger, more vibrant communities.

The government made the announcement in the Town of Petrolia at the Victoria Hall, home to the Victoria Playhouse Petrolia, a 400-seat state-of-the-art theatre in the center of downtown Petrolia, which is receiving CA$116,825. 

With this TRF investment, Victoria Playhouse will extend its season from three to six weeks and add digital screens to bring visitors back to the theatre and enhance their experience.

“We are extremely grateful for this financial support to assist with tourism and recreation in the Town of Petrolia. The importance of these two areas in our municipality have been underscored during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the recovery and enhancement will provide amazing recreational amenities and increase tourism to our community. We thank you very much for your support and vision,” said R. Brad Loosley, Mayor of the Town of Petrolia

The Town of Petrolia is also receiving a CA$699,000-non-repayable CCRF investment to improve the Petrolia YMCA Community Centre creating a fitness and wellness hub for the residents of Petrolia as well as its surrounding communities.

An investment of over CA$47,400 was also announced for the Kiwanis Club of Forest to improve the interior and exterior of Kiwanis’ flagship, the historic Kineto Theatre.

“The Kiwanis Club of Forest owns and operates the Kineto Theatre, one of the world’s oldest independent movie theatres. The FedDev Ontario funding will allow us to finish the façade and other upgrades making the 106-year-old building a stunning showcase in our downtown streetscape. The theatre, often referred to as the gem of the town, is a cultural hub that attracts patrons from across Lambton County and beyond,” said Sandy Burkhart, president of Kiwanis Club of Forest

Additional details on the six projects that received support can be found in the backgrounder.