In 2017 the City of Sarnia actively pursued the goals laid out in the 2017-2020 Corporate Strategic Plan. We are well on our way to fulfilling each strategy. See the full report card: http://sarnia.ca/city-government/city-council/strategic-plan.
Here are a few 2017 achievements in each of our strategic priorities:
Priority #1: Economic Innovation
- Named a Smart21 Community globally, for the 3rd year in a row
- Introduced BizPal online service to help businesses start up
- Launched promotional videos: Live, Work and Play
- $107.7 million construction value of permits issued
Priority #2: High Quality of Life & Caring for all Citizens
- Received award for municipal accessibility achievements
- 12 new Sarnia Transit buses on the road
- Presented 6 local businesses with Go Green Awards and 8 local businesses with Accessibility Awards
- Supported many festivals and community events, such as Canada 150, Artwalk, Kids Funfest, Hobbyfest, Greekfest, Celebration of Lights, Lambton College Anniversary Pow Wow, Ribfest
Priority #3: Responsible Financial Management
- Leveraged $15 million in senior government funding
- $290,000 in sponsorships
- Paid off $3.8 million of external debt and ended year with a budget surplus
- Contributed $5.35 million for demolition and remediation of Sarnia General Hospital
Priority #4: Corporate Excellence & Leadership
- Live streamed City Council meetings
- Nominated by the Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce for the 2017 Outstanding Business Achievement Award (OBAA) in the category of Customer Service – Large
- 3,695 likes on Facebook and 3,722 followers on Twitter
- Utilized SmartSarnia website to expand opportunities for citizen engagement