City of Sarnia/Lambton County, ON, CDA – A dramatic increase in building activities in the Ontario-Michigan border city of Sarnia from a year ago is an early sign of the community’s resilience in shaking off the restraints of the economic recession.
The value of new construction in the city for the month of August 2009 reached $14.2 million – a 125 percent improvement over the same period last year. The August 2008 comparison statistics preceded the initial downturn in the global economy during the last quarter of the year.
Monthly totals to-date point to a continuation of strong new construction starts in Sarnia through September 2009, as well.
“This is solid evidence that our community’s persistent refusal to be stalled in the economic doldrums is paying early dividends,” says Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley, board chair of the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership. “While we’re not completely free of the sluggish economy, these new construction numbers clearly demonstrate that we have set a strong pace towards an early recovery.”
At the current rate, new construction starts are likely to exceed the city’s monthly average for the past 10 years, notes Bradley.
The construction projects currently ongoing across the city reflect very positively on Sarnia’s future potential, since they encompass work of varying sizes and involve a diversity of proponents.
“The variety of construction projects currently ongoing is a good reflection of the growing strength and diversity of our local economy,” says George Mallay, the Economic Partnership’s general manager. “For example, they include a major green industry development, upgrades to a local refinery, small business expansions and the construction of a high-rise condominium tower.”
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.slep.wpengine.com to see why the community is well positioned for “powering a sustainable world(TM).”
Posted in: SLEP News