Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley is hoping that the council will back staff’s suggestion to approve Indwell’s updated plan during an Ontario Land Tribunal meeting.
Indwell first put forward a proposal for a 50-unit supportive housing project on an empty lot at 353 George St., which was given by the County of Lambton.
An updated plan submitted in January included a five-storey, 35-unit apartment building with 27 parking spots, a loading area, amenity space, office space, and bicycle parking.
However, the Committee of Adjustment (COA) denied the application on February 10 due to “alleged overdevelopment of the site,” according to a report presented to the council.
Since then, Indwell has appealed COA’s rejection to the Ontario Land Tribunal, and a case management conference has been set for May 6.
This coming Monday, city council will consider two options: directing staff to hire external legal counsel and attend the OLT hearing in support of planning staff’s recommendation to approve Indwell’s revised application or seeking external legal and planning help to uphold COA’s refusal.
“There’s been a lot of compromise by Indwell on the property. It’s gone from supportive housing to affordable housing; there’s been a drop in units from 50 down to 35; there have been other changes made,” Bradley shared in an interview with Sarnia News Today. “My hope is that if council really believes our role is to advance affordable housing, we should support our professional staff and their advice that this is a good project.”
Bringing in outside legal support could cost about $400 to $600 per hour.
If council backs COA’s refusal, hiring an external planner might run approximately $60,000 to $80,000.
Bradley acknowledges that this added expense for external support is frustrating.
“I would hope we could reduce that cost and just move forward,” he said.
While it’s not advised, council can choose not to take action and wait for an OLT decision instead.
The contentious project has drawn mixed reactions from the public and sparked significant discussions among council members. Bradley anticipates Monday’s vote will be close.
“If we don’t support this as a council, the message we’re sending about affordable housing isn’t positive,” he stated.
Bradley confirmed that shifting from supportive housing to affordable housing will change who can rent the units.
The latest application indicates that proposed apartment units would be rented at affordable rates for at least ten years.
In October 2025, city council passed a motion directing staff to collaborate with Sarnia Police Service and county personnel on creating a formal safety plan regarding any new Indwell housing facility.
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