Biodiesel tested in Sarnia2010-02-05
By Tyler Kula www.theobserver.ca The Observer
A recent study undertaken at Imperial Oil in Sarnia has yielded new insight into the use and storage of heating and transportation fuel containing biodiesel. The study was jointly funded by Imperial, the Canadian Petroleum Products Institute (CPPI) and the Canadian government's National Renewable Diesel Demonstration Initiative. It found that up to 10% biodiesel in heating oil shouldn't cause furnace performance issues, limiting saturated monoglycerides can help avoid filter plugging, especially in cold weather, and antioxidants can help product stability in long term storage.
"All of that information is intended eventually to advance the understanding and to make sure that, as this product is introduced into the Canadian marketplace, the consumer will be well protected," said Gilles Morel, director of fuel for CPPI.
The results -- detailed reports of which can be found at www.cppi.ca -- have drawn attention from the Canada General Standards Board and its U.S. counterpart, he said. "The main intent of that work was to try to better understand the mechanism or to understand some of the known potential issues with biofuel," he said. Heating oil with biodiesel is already used in Europe and some parts of the U.S., Morel said, but testing was needed to ensure it was suitable for Canadian climates.
There were 57 different diesel blends tested at the Imperial research facility, with $202,000 coming from the federal government.
The Canadian Oil Heating Association, Canadian Trucking Alliance, Canadian Renewable Fuels Association and several industry players also provided assistance in the study.
2009 construction levels among Sarnia's highest yielding years2010-01-27
For further information:
Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley, Board Chair
Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership
519-332-0330
mayor@sarnia.ca
George Mallay, General Manager
Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership
519-332-1820
mallay@sarnialambton.on.ca
For Immediate Release
Sarnia-Lambton, ON, CDA; January 27, 2010 – With the value of new construction in Sarnia totalling close to $100 million, 2009 concluded within the top five highest yielding years for planned development in the city’s history.
Year-end building permit figures recently released by the Ontario-Michigan border city showed that the value of new construction in Sarnia during 2009 surpassed 2008 levels by more than $4.6 million. The number of building permits issued by the city was also up by almost seven percent.
“This rate of increase is significant, as it confirms that people from both within and outside the city have confidence in our ability to continue to grow and prosper,” said Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley, board chair of the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership. “Given our momentum from last year’s performance, along with current and pending projects, we’re optimistic that a trend of solid growth will continue into 2010.”
In December, building permits were issued for new and expanding developments for residential, institutional, commercial, and industrial uses, noted Mayor Bradley. In residential development, the largest increase was in multi-family dwellings, which included the new apartment tower being constructed by the Tricar Group near Centennial Park on Sarnia’s waterfront.
“Building developments being planned for our area not only reflect a variety of economic sectors, but continue to represent both private and public interests,” noted George Mallay, the Economic Partnership’s general manager. “Those targeting Sarnia-Lambton for future projects should be encouraged by these very positive signs that our economic growth is broadly based.”
Sarnia-Lambton is growing a promising and sustainable, green future from its historic industrial roots and abundant natural features. Situated along the famous blue waters of Lake Huron and the St. Clair River, Sarnia-Lambton’s distinctive combination of modern city amenities, small town charm, quaint country corners, sandy beaches and recreational attractions are home to an increasing number of people and businesses. Visit www.sarnialambton.on.ca to see why the community is well positioned for “powering a sustainable world(TM).”
Snapshot: Sarnia’s New Development Progress
Top Five Years Value of New Construction
1. 2007 $195.3 million
2. 2006 $172.7 million
3. 1988 $107.1 million
4. 2009 $ 99.3 million
5. 2008 $ 94.3 million
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Bradley and Hein continue at helm of Economic Partnership2010-01-26
Today, Mayor Mike Bradley and Bruce Hein, owner of Express Employment Professionals, were acclaimed to their positions as Chair and Vice Chair of the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership Board of Directors. Lambton County CAO Ron Van Horne was also reappointed to his role as Secretary-Treasurer to the economic development agency. The three will continue their duties for an additional one year term.
The Economic Partnership is the flagship agency for economic development services for the City of Sarnia and County of Lambton. The Partnership is committed to implementing the Community Strategic Plan focussed on maintaining a competitive business environment, providing assistance to existing business and entrepreneurs, and attracting new investment and firms.
Other members of the board are:
Jim Burns, Warden, County of Lambton
Sue Drellick, HR Manager, Worley Parsons
Lloyd Fennell, City Manager, City of Sarnia
June Maruschak, President, Sarnia & District Labour Council
Tony Hanlon, President, Lambton College
Ron MacDougall, Farmer, Lambton County
George Mallay, GM, Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership
Garry McDonald, President, Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce
Mike McDonough, GM, Sarnia-Lambton Business Development Corporation
Ross McEachran, President, Vidal Street Industrial Park, Inc.
Michael O’Donnell, GM, Ershigs, Inc.
Alex Palimaka, VP, Corporate Services & General Counsel, Bluewater Power
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George Mallay, General Manager
mallay@sarnialambton.on.ca
Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership
519-332-1820
www.sarnialambton.on.ca
Powering a sustainable world TM
MOE chooses Lambton to test wind turbine2010-01-25
From www.chok.com CHOK Radio
The Ministry of Transportation is going green, testing out a residential wind turbine at its Highway 402 truck inspection station east of Sarnia. The company that makes the device is pleased the ministry is considering installing the devices at other stations, province-wide. Ancaster based Cleanfield Alternative Energy installed the vertical axis wind turbine last July. Visible from the 402, CEO Tony Verrelli says the "egg beater" style turbine on a 42 foot tower, has generated a lot of interest. Verelli says everything but the generator on the $20,000 device is Ontario made. The turbine is expected to feed about 5,000 kilowatts of energy onto the grid each year.
Vote Sarnia onto the MONOPOLY Canada board game2010-01-13
Click here to see Hasbro Canada's media release.
Hasbro is launching a nation-wide vote to find Canada's 22 favourite cities - to be included on the new MONOPOLY Canada game board. Beginning January 11, 2010 at midnight ET, MONOPOLY fans can visit www.monopolyvote.ca to cast votes for their favourite Canadian cities to help create a new MONOPOLY Canada game board.
Hasbro Canada chose Sarnia as one of 65 "great Canadian cities" pre-selected for the top 20 city vote.
Cast your vote for Sarnia every day until February 7, 2010! The city that receives the most votes will be placed on the highest rent property traditionally held by Boardwalk.
Year end building stats fourth highest ever2010-01-07
From www.chok.com CHOK Radio
Despite the recession, 2009 building stats in Sarnia go into the history books as the fourth best of all-time. Construction values last year were almost five million dollars better than the year before, coming in at 99.3 million dollars. There were 802 building permits issued in 2009, 51 more than in 2008. Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley credits diverse investments locally. Meantime, 125 permits were issued for single family homes, 72 fewer than 2008. 128 permits were issued for multi-family units last year compared to 14 the year before. That's inflated by the 111 apartment units at the Tricar building on Front Street.
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