Sarnia Waterfront Master Plan

Urban Design

City of Sarnia

Sarnia, Ontario

2021-2022

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Stretching 3.5 kilometres along the St. Clair River, Sarnia's waterfront is one of the city's defining assets and a rare expanse of publicly owned shoreline. As both a civic gathering place and economic driver, it presents a unique opportunity to strengthen connections between downtown and the water while supporting tourism, investment, recreation, and community life.

Re:Public Urbanism led the development of a comprehensive waterfront master plan and implementation strategy to guide the long-term evolution of this asset. Through extensive community engagement, the project established a shared vision for a waterfront that welcomes residents, visitors, innovators, and entrepreneurs alike.

The master plan integrated placemaking, economic development, mobility, public realm design, and investment attraction into a single framework for action. Beyond establishing a vision, it identified implementable projects, policy recommendations, activation strategies, and funding pathways to support phased delivery over the next 15 years, supported by a $55 million capital program and a self-sustaining funding model.

The result is a practical roadmap for a vibrant waterfront that supports economic growth, celebrates local identity, and reinforces Sarnia's connection to the water.

Creating a Dynamic Waterfront

The master plan was guided by three core objectives: unlocking economic development opportunities, strengthening connections between Downtown and the waterfront, and positioning Sarnia as a community of choice. Together, these directives shaped a vision for a waterfront that supports investment, creates memorable public experiences, and serves as a catalyst for the city's long-term growth and identity.

Three Districts

To create a more vibrant and active waterfront, the master plan established three destination districts centred on Sarnia's existing strengths. The Market District connects Downtown to the waterfront through food, culture, and local business. The Marina District builds on the city's relationship with the Great Lakes, creating opportunities for recreation, tourism, and year-round activity. The Innovation District looks to the future, supporting entrepreneurship, research, and economic diversification. Together, the districts provide a clear framework for investment, programming, and implementation across the waterfront.

Community Led

Public engagement formed the foundation of the planning process. More than 1,700 participants contributed ideas through surveys, workshops, pop-up consultations, social media engagement, and direct feedback. This input helped establish a shared vision and informed priorities for future investment and programming.

A Clear Roadmap to Implementation

The success of the master plan lies not only in its vision, but in its deliverability. The plan translated ambitious ideas into a phased implementation strategy comprising approximately 60 projects, supported by investment priorities, funding mechanisms, policy initiatives, and activation programs. Backed by a $55 million capital program and a path for a self-sustaining funding model, the framework provided the City with a realistic and actionable path forward turning a shared vision for the waterfront into a plan for long-term transformation.