Projects
The Midtown Trail
The Midtown Trail
nuSarnia Foundation’s dream of a community designed for walkability and cycling is one step closer to reality with the creation the Midtown Trail.
This new trail will traverse our city from east to west all the way for Lambton College to our beautiful waterfront at Sarnia Bay, and is slated to be completed in 2023. It is a hybrid trail that combines dedicated paths, bike-friendly streets in various subdivisions, and new raised crosswalks with beg buttons.
This is a multi-faceted project with the City of Sarnia Engineering and Operation department, Lambton College, Bluewater Health and nuSarnia, all working together in cohesive collaboration.
This extensive commitment of time, knowledgeable input and resources is a fine example of community building at its best.
We will continue to passionately support and advocate for the develop robust trails, paths, walkways and crossings in the name of connectiveness, safety and accessibility for all residents in Sarnia. Be sure to watch the video below for the official route!
nuSarnia Foundation’s dream of a community designed for walkability and cycling is one step closer to reality with the creation the Midtown Trail.
This new trail will traverse our city from east to west all the way for Lambton College to our beautiful waterfront at Sarnia Bay, and is slated to be completed in 2023. It is a hybrid trail that combines dedicated paths, bike-friendly streets in various subdivisions, and new raised crosswalks with beg buttons.
This is a multi-faceted project with the City of Sarnia Engineering and Operation department, Lambton College, Bluewater Health and nuSarnia, all working together in cohesive collaboration.
This extensive commitment of time, knowledgeable input and resources is a fine example of community building at its best.
We will continue to passionately support and advocate for the develop robust trails, paths, walkways and crossings in the name of connectiveness, safety and accessibility for all residents in Sarnia. Be sure to watch the video below for the official route!
The Benefits
Results
This project continues through into 2023 with new sections being completed on a continual basis by the City of Sarnia Engineering and Operations Department. Stay tuned to our social media channels for updates.
Results
This project continues through into 2023 with new sections being completed on a continual basis by the City of Sarnia Engineering and Operations Department. Stay tuned to our social media channels for updates.
Connecting our city from all directions
The 2022 Municipal Election Candidate Survey
The 2022 Municipal Election Candidate Survey
A large part of encouraging active transportation in our City is the development of safe infrastructure – bike lanes, multi-use paths and crosswalks, in addition to how neighbourhoods are built around current zoning by-laws and development plans. The City Council plays a very important role in developing active transportation infrastructure as they are responsible for the approval of future infrastructure projects, or City led initiatives.
Knowing this important role they play, we set out to create a resource where residents could learn more about each candidate’s thoughts on things such as the future of walkability, their perspectives on current safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists, and how they plan to allocate funding and resources to improve both infrastructure and community behaviour as it pertains to “sharing the road”, We shared the document widely on social media channels to help support candidates, inform the community, and encourage voter turnout.
As a non-partisan organization, nuSarnia Foundation does not endorse candidates. These questions provide an educational resource to inform voters of the candidate’s views and opinions on walking, cycling and public transit in our city.
A large part of encouraging active transportation in our City is the development of safe infrastructure – bike lanes, multi-use paths and crosswalks, in addition to how neighbourhoods are built around current zoning by-laws and development plans. The City Council plays a very important role in developing active transportation infrastructure as they are responsible for the approval of future infrastructure projects, or City led initiatives.
Knowing this important role they play, we set out to create a resource where residents could learn more about each candidate’s thoughts on things such as the future of walkability, their perspectives on current safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists, and how they plan to allocate funding and resources to improve both infrastructure and community behaviour as it pertains to “sharing the road”, We shared the document widely on social media channels to help support candidates, inform the community, and encourage voter turnout.
As a non-partisan organization, nuSarnia Foundation does not endorse candidates. These questions provide an educational resource to inform voters of the candidate’s views and opinions on walking, cycling and public transit in our city.
The Benefits
To read the full report, click on the graphic.
The Results
Through our active transportation themed questionnaire, we gave candidates a platform to publish in-depth, thoughtful responses on the topic. Active transportation had not been a large subject in the public debates, and not all candidates had active transportation highlighted in their platform, so it was difficult to know who was an advocate for it, or not. Sharing their responses on social media led to a more informed community, more public dialogue on the topic in general, and an increase in voter confidence that they knew exactly how their preferred candidates envisioned the future of active transportation in Sarnia.
It is important for community members to use their voices and let Council know what we desire to see in our City. We hope that resources like this help people become more informed on where candidates stand on certain issues, and to feel confident to continue the conversation by writing letters to Council, participating in city-led surveys, etc.
- To read the full report, click on the graphic.
The Results
Through our active transportation themed questionnaire, we gave candidates a platform to publish in-depth, thoughtful responses on the topic. Active transportation had not been a large subject in the public debates, and not all candidates had active transportation highlighted in their platform, so it was difficult to know who was an advocate for it, or not. Sharing their responses on social media led to a more informed community, more public dialogue on the topic in general, and an increase in voter confidence that they knew exactly how their preferred candidates envisioned the future of active transportation in Sarnia.
It is important for community members to use their voices and let Council know what we desire to see in our City. We hope that resources like this help people become more informed on where candidates stand on certain issues, and to feel confident to continue the conversation by writing letters to Council, participating in city-led surveys, etc.
Thank you to all the candidates who are actively bettering
this community.
PARK(ing) Day in Sarnia
PARK(ing) Day in Sarnia
These pop-up parkettes are a community-led project intended to provide temporary public open spaces – one parking spot at a time.
Parkettes, or ‘mini-parks’ are designed to provide a new public place and bring awareness to the amount of public space that is devoted to the automobile rather than to creating vibrant community spaces. Parkettes are intended for people, and offer a place to connect, play or simply rest while taking in the activities of the street.
Click here to read how it all started.
These pop-up parkettes are a community-led project intended to provide temporary public open spaces – one parking spot at a time.
Parkettes, or ‘mini-parks’ are designed to provide a new public place and bring awareness to the amount of public space that is devoted to the automobile rather than to creating vibrant community spaces. Parkettes are intended for people, and offer a place to connect, play or simply rest while taking in the activities of the street.
Click here to read how it all started.
The Benefits
Next event date: September 16/17th, 2023.
Got a great idea for PARK(ing) spaces around Sarnia?
Have thoughts on how to expand this project next year?
Want to join the participant/volunteer list for the 2023 event?
Reach out to us here.
Next event date: September 16/17th, 2023.
Got a great idea for PARK(ing) spaces around Sarnia?
Have thoughts on how to expand this project next year?
Want to join the participant/volunteer list for the 2023 event?
Reach out to us here.
The Results
- Excellent feedback from residents in Sarnia through our social channels for this project. "I really love what you all did btw. I'm a big fan of the concept of 5 minute neighbourhoods and this aligns very much with that." "My son really appreciated the (children's) installation in front of The Refined Fool" "Looks great! Makes me want to walk downtown" "We had a fantastic time enjoying all the parkettes!" "This was an absolutely top notch event! Felt so good to just sit and relax in spaces we haven't enjoyed before 🌿 Looking forward to next year for sure!"
The Results
Excellent feedback from residents in Sarnia through our social channels for this project.
“I really love what you all did btw. I’m a big fan of the concept of 5 minute neighbourhoods and this aligns very much with that.”
“My son really appreciated the (children’s) installation in front of The Refined Fool”
“Looks great! Makes me want to walk downtown”
“We had a fantastic time enjoying all the parkettes!”
“This was an absolutely top notch event! Felt so good to just sit and relax in spaces we haven’t enjoyed before 🌿 Looking forward to next year for sure!”
Thank you to the small business owners & volunteers who brought this global initiative to life here in Sarnia.
BIG Slow Roll
BIG Slow Roll
nuSarnia Foundation enthusiastically and proudly sponsored the first annual BIG Slow Roll in the summer of 2022. This free and inclusive community 10km bike ride was organized by the Bluewater International Granfondo, an organization that is doing wonderful work to create a strong cycling community here in Sarnia. When they approached us with the idea of a slow paced, social ride that would be open to all regardless of age, experience, ability or type of bike, and with a goal of bringing people from all walks of life together and connect our community, we knew we had to be involved!
See you next year.
Next event date: Sunday, June 4th, 2023
nuSarnia Foundation enthusiastically and proudly sponsored the first annual BIG Slow Roll in the summer of 2022. This free and inclusive community 10km bike ride was organized by the Bluewater International Granfondo, an organization that is doing wonderful work to create a strong cycling community here in Sarnia. When they approached us with the idea of a slow paced, social ride that would be open to all regardless of age, experience, ability or type of bike, and with a goal of bringing people from all walks of life together and connect our community, we knew we had to be involved!
See you next year.
Next event date: Sunday, June 4th, 2023
The Benefits
The Results
See you next year, SlowRollers.
Youth Spokes
Youth Spokes
When the Bluewater International Grandfondo organization approached us with the Youth Spokes Program, we immediately jumped at the opportunity to sponsor this pilot project. This program perfectly aligns with the nuSarnia Foundation’s mission, as it brings cycling, community and health & wellness benefits to the next, younger generation. The more we can encourage children to safely ride their bikes to school, or to a friends house, we slowly raise a generation who will then choose to ride to work, and pass that love of cycling on to their children, and so on. There is no better place to start building a strong active cycling culture here in Sarnia than with our youth.
Over 20 participants, ages 11-14yrs, gathered each Sunday for a 6 week program that included bicycle safety, bike maintenance, rules of the road training, and more. Bikes and helmets were provided for those that needed them, removing any financial barriers to participating in this important and positive program. The leadership team of the Youth Spokes program brought knowledge, compassion, confidence and understanding to the young participants throughout the June/July 2022 timeline.
nuSarnia Foundation is a proud and engaged sponsor for this local community initiative.
When the Bluewater International Grandfondo organization approached us with the Youth Spokes Program, we immediately jumped at the opportunity to sponsor this pilot project. This program perfectly aligns with the nuSarnia Foundation’s mission, as it brings cycling, community and health & wellness benefits to the next, younger generation. The more we can encourage children to safely ride their bikes to school, or to a friends house, we slowly raise a generation who will then choose to ride to work, and pass that love of cycling on to their children, and so on. There is no better place to start building a strong active cycling culture here in Sarnia than with our youth.
Over 20 participants, ages 11-14yrs, gathered each Sunday for a 6 week program that included bicycle safety, bike maintenance, rules of the road training, and more. Bikes and helmets were provided for those that needed them, removing any financial barriers to participating in this important and positive program. The leadership team of the Youth Spokes program brought knowledge, compassion, confidence and understanding to the young participants throughout the June/July 2022 timeline.
nuSarnia Foundation is a proud and engaged sponsor for this local community initiative.
The Benefits
“Youth Spokes will create a safe space for youth to develop a positive relationship with cycling. The goal of the program is to provide more opportunities for youth to get active by creating the foundation for a youth cycling community in Sarnia Lambton. The genesis of “Youth Spokes” was a program that BIG ran in 2020 in conjunction with the Lambton Kent District School Board. It was virtual over three weeks with 4000+ students participating. The enjoyment, participation and feedback prompted BIG to develop the Youth Spokes program.”
“Youth Spokes will create a safe space for youth to develop a positive relationship with cycling. The goal of the program is to provide more opportunities for youth to get active by creating the foundation for a youth cycling community in Sarnia Lambton. The genesis of “Youth Spokes” was a program that BIG ran in 2020 in conjunction with the Lambton Kent District School Board. It was virtual over three weeks with 4000+ students participating. The enjoyment, participation and feedback prompted BIG to develop the Youth Spokes program.”
The Results
Enabled by the nuSarnia Foundation 2022 sponsorship, the Youth Spokes Program offered the use of new bicycles and helmets for all participants involved. We look forward to sponsoring many more sessions of this impactive, youth centred, local community cycling program.
The Results
Enabled by the nuSarnia Foundation 2022 sponsorship, the Youth Spokes Program offered the use of new bicycles and helmets for all participants involved. We look forward to sponsoring many more sessions of this impactive, youth centred, local community cycling program.
Learning cycling safety lessons that will last a lifetime. Forging friendships and gaining an enriched view of the community in which the next generation lives.
Thank you Youth Spokes!
The Mitton Village Block Party
The Mitton Village Block Party
The revitalization of the Mitton Village area of Sarnia is a top priority for small business owners and residents in this tight knit community. The 4th annual MV Block Party organized by the Mitton Village Citizens Collective and sponsored by nuSarnia Foundation, was a key support avenue to help bring the neighbourhood residents together and bring new people of Sarnia to the vibrant, pedestrian-friendly, welcoming environment. At nuSarnia, we know social connection is a huge aspect in the quality of life for our residents and a sense of community and belonging can be hard to achieve when there’s no place for residents to gather. We are proud to sponsor events like this that encourage the creation of public spaces, social experiences and revitalization of our urban core. Due in large part to the success of the Block Party and the hard work and dedication of the organizing committee, new public spaces in Mitton Village are emerging, giving neighbours and visitors alike, green space and gathering places to come together for social interaction.
Next event date: TBD for August, 2023
The revitalization of the Mitton Village area of Sarnia is a top priority for small business owners and residents in this tight knit community. The 4th annual MV Block Party organized by the Mitton Village Citizens Collective and sponsored by nuSarnia Foundation, was a key support avenue to help bring the neighbourhood residents together and bring new people of Sarnia to the vibrant, pedestrian-friendly, welcoming environment. At nuSarnia, we know social connection is a huge aspect in the quality of life for our residents and a sense of community and belonging can be hard to achieve when there’s no place for residents to gather. We are proud to sponsor events like this that encourage the creation of public spaces, social experiences and revitalization of our urban core. Due in large part to the success of the Block Party and the hard work and dedication of the organizing committee, new public spaces in Mitton Village are emerging, giving neighbours and visitors alike, green space and gathering places to come together for social interaction.
Next event date: TBD for August, 2023
The Benefits
The Mitton Village area is literally “our neighbourhood”. nuSarnia Foundation offices are located on Mitton Street, a short walk from shops, restaurants, cafes, artisan collectives and health & wellness services. We encourage Sarnia residents to support local and experience MV while cycling or walking in the area. Wave as you go by!
The Mitton Village area is literally “our neighbourhood”. nuSarnia Foundation offices are located on Mitton Street, a short walk from shops, restaurants, cafes, artisan collectives and health & wellness services. We encourage Sarnia residents to support local and experience MV while cycling or walking in the area. Wave as you go by!
The Results
The Mitton Village Block Party created an opportunity for social interaction that wasn’t there before. They turned vacant spaces into a brightly coloured, vibrant, people-friendly destination that encouraged social interaction, attracting and inviting people of all ages to come socialize and support local vendors, businesses and musicians.
Thank you to the Mitton Village Citizens Collective volunteer group for organizing this fantastic community event.
Pop Up Protected Bike Lane
Pop Up Protected Bike Lane
The Benefits
- "That’s fabulous! They have the pylons in Hamilton and my son and wife who bike to work, and absolutely everywhere possible, have found they do protect the bike lanes a lot more! now, onto obtaining more bike lanes i.e. all of East Street to name one". "Drivers don't care about bike lanes. These polls are the 1st thing that has provided safety". "Nice to see thanks to all involved, great work" "I think it’s wonderful that the City, and individual groups, are encouraging safe relationships between bikers and vehicles"
“That’s fabulous! They have the pylons in Hamilton and my son and wife who bike to work, and absolutely everywhere possible, have found they do protect the bike lanes a lot more! now, onto obtaining more bike lanes i.e. all of East Street to name one.”
“Drivers don’t care about bike lanes. These polls are the 1st thing that has provided safety.”
“Nice to see thanks to all involved, great work.”
“I think it’s wonderful that the City, and individual groups, are encouraging safe relationships between bikers and vehicles.”
The Results
- Reduced traffic speed by average 7km per hour
- Two print media interviews generating hundreds of comments on social media - increasing the dialogue, awareness and education on this topic in our city
- 94% of people surveyed said they felt safer riding in our protected bike lane
- 86% of people said they'd ride their bike more if we had more protected bike lanes
The Results
- Reduced traffic speed by average 7km per hour
- Two print media interviews generating hundreds of comments on social media - increasing the dialogue, awareness and education on this topic in our city
- 94% of people surveyed said they felt safer riding in our protected bike lane
- 86% of people said they'd ride their bike more if we had more protected bike lanes