Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley is hoping the council will back staff’s suggestion to approve Indwell’s updated plan at an Ontario Land Tribunal meeting.
Indwell originally suggested a 50-unit supportive housing project on vacant land located at 353 George St., which was donated by the County of Lambton.
An updated proposal submitted in January outlined a five-storey, 35-unit apartment building that includes 27 parking spaces, a loading zone, 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 provided to council.
Indwell has since appealed the COA’s denial to the Ontario Land Tribunal, and a case management conference is set for May 6.
This Monday, city council will consider two choices: 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 bringing in outside legal and planning help to defend the COA’s decision.
“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’s been other changes made,” said Bradley in an interview with Sarnia News Today. “My hope is, if council really does believe that our role is to move affordable housing forward, it would be to support our professional staff and their professional advice that this is a good project.”
Bringing in external legal support could cost around $400 to $600 per hour.
An external planner (necessary if council supports the COA’s refusal) could cost about $60,000 to $80,000.
Bradley acknowledges that seeking external support adds frustration due to additional costs.
“I would hope we could mitigate that cost and just move forward,” he said.
While not advised, council can choose not to act and wait for an OLT decision instead.
The contentious project has drawn mixed reactions from residents and sparked intense discussions among council members. Bradley believes Monday’s vote will likely be close.
“If we don’t support this as a council, the message we’re sending on affordable housing isn’t positive,” he stated.
Bradley confirmed that changing from supportive housing to affordable housing would adjust who can rent these units.
The updated application indicates that proposed apartment units would be rented out at affordable rates for at least ten years.
In October 2025, city council approved a motion directing staff to collaborate with the Sarnia Police Service and county staff on creating a formal safety plan for any new Indwell housing facility.
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