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Port Sarnia The Community that Built a Village!
Click to Enlarge The Map above is a representation of all the dialogue and ideas that have been discussed within the Port Sarnia Committee to this point. This depiction of their dream is only to be used as a resource so that they may now go forth into the community with a clearer vision and picture of what they are working for and what can realistically be done to enhance our fine city. BUT, they need the publics help now to refine and finish this study so that they can present this project to City Council and receive the blessing to complete it. In addition to the list below other design elements that are being taken into consideration at this time are the future expansion for the Sarnia Bay Marina, a children's play area and other items that will all fit into the theme of the project. There have been many other opportunities that have presented itself to this project over the past 8 months. One of which is the skills development aspect of Port Sarnia. They hope to access monies for the training and development of skills for our area's underemployed. There will be synergies and relationships formed within the community to further accentuate the services and special events offered with Port Sarnia. The main theme of this project has been the biggest dream of all. Since it's inception the plan is on doing most of what you see here, in what is surely to be "the biggest celebration of labour and community spirit in the history of Canada". Every piece of this project has been evaluated individually, and not all will be possible, but the vast majority of what is presented here, can be and will be built within a 72 hour span over the Labour Day Week-end 2006. At this point in time these are still just suggestions but there has been significant investigation of validity, cost and the reality of building these all. The vision is bound to change once we take the communities concerns and suggestions to task. This is still a work in progress and they are seeking input. Port Sarnia Proposed Components Aamjiwnaang First Nations Interpretive Centre
This structure will serve many purposes and is certainly the largest and most prominent building in the project. Its main function will serve as the construction area, where they hope to rebuilt one of the great lakes original Tall Ships, the Griffon. This project has been received very well and has been given tremendous support. Within the Boat Works will also be the Marina Heritage Interpretive Centre/Museum. To build upon the theme of the Boat Works, they are currently planning on having two, full-sized and completed Tall Ships as permanent attractions to our waterfront. Using our own Tall Ships festival as a template, we are fully aware of the power and the attraction value of having this type of draw in our harbour. Impressive, majestic and functional, this pair of ships will certainly add value.
Aamjiwnaang First Nations Interpretive Centre The next component, and paramount to this project, is the construction of the Aamjiwnaang First Nations Interpretive Centre. It could be depicted as a very impressive, modern state-of-the-art glass & steel building that is to simulate a towering teepee type structure. It could be home to many artifacts being discovered right here in Sarnia and Point Edward. The recognition of our native heritage is necessary and way overdue. There is tremendous support from the Aamjiwnaang First Nations Community and they look forward to working together.
As everyone is aware the original concept for the Port Sarnia project was to construct a replica village of our area in the 1890's, that would depict and embrace our nautical heritage. This component was the catalyst in beginning this journey and will be a very important part of Port Sarnia. To date, they have had assurances from between 15 and 20 organizations that are willing to donate the supplies, materials and labour for the construction of the village. The current buildings to date include:
One of the most important elements of this project was added when it brought to the committee that Sarnia still does not have a full sized eatery on its waterfront. This committee has decided that the opportunity for a private/public relationship within this development is a perfect opportunity to address that issue. Shown in the diagram is the concept design for a restaurant that we feel will fully accentuate all that this project and this community have to offer. This will provide an exciting view of our waterfront and drastically change the appearance of this city from the waters edge.
The issue of trying to improve the appearance of our community from the rivers perspective was a very important issue to us. There are approximately 18,000 boaters a year using our beloved river and there is no indication from that vantage that this city has anything to offer them. To address that issue they hope to build a faux lighthouse on the tip of the Point Lands. Nothing represents nautical heritage more then a lighthouse and the intent is to serve as a beacon for anyone who sees it.
The single largest issue for this committee to face was of course preserving public access to our waterfront for all to enjoy without having to charge admission. Although there are still some logistics to work out the committee is intending to surround the entire Port Sarnia project (where possible) with an Atlantic City style promenade, to promote public access to the area. The areas within Part Sarnia that will charge an admission will be separate and to provide even more access the current wetlands area will be rebuilt to offer a family Picnic area for residents and visitors to enjoy. The idea of maintaining public access provided another opportunity for the committee. For many reasons our local charities have been struggling in ways to increase their fundraising efforts. To help that issue and to include the charities in our master plan the committee plans on building a simple kitchen within the base of the fauz lighthouse. The lighthouse will be situated on the far southern tip of the Point Lands, adjoining the area which is planned to become the public picnic area. To provide extra value to the visitors it is being proposed that a lottery system be created for each charity to occupy the kitchen to prepare hotdogs, french fries, pop and the like, while keeping all the proceeds to help raise the funds.
The single biggest addition to this project was born from the number of inquiries that they have had to deal with tying in the rest of the area with the project. Parking, transportation, access are issues that needed to be addresses and again the committee came through. They are proposing a "Victorian Style Train" people mover system to become a permanent addition to the attraction. The People mover will move on our roadway system and does not require tracks. To date there are 14 proposed stops along the trains journey that include: 1. Port Sarnia 2. Best Western - Holiday Inn - Travel Bureau 3. Bridgeview marina - Venetian Village 4. Point Edward Charity Casino - Purdy's - Macassa Bay 5. Under the Bridges 6. Michigan Avenue Retail Business District 7. Sandy Lane Apartments - Sarnia Yacht Club 8. Canatara Beach 9. Children's Animal Farm 10. Centennial Park - Front Street Apartments 11. Front Street Retail District 12. Rainbow Park - Specialty Market 13. Christina Street Retail - Lawrence House - Gallery Lambton - Stones and Bones - Imperial Theatre - Library - Drawbridge Inn - Super 8 14. Discovery House
Please e-mail them your thoughts and suggestions
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