Lambton County has officially acquired the former St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church property in Sarnia, advancing its multi-year strategy to expand access to affordable and supportive housing.
The $1.95 million purchase, finalized April 25, 2025, includes three parcels: 710, 718, and 722 Cathcart Blvd., and was funded entirely through the County’s Affordable Housing Reserve, which Council has been building since 2022.
The acquisition is part of the County’s housing and homelessness plan, which aims to increase the supply of affordable units and prepare sites for timely development. In total, $3 million has been allocated for this site, covering the $1.95 million property purchase, $151,000 in demolition costs, and $899,000 for pre-development work.
Demolition at 718 Cathcart Blvd., where the church building was located, is expected to begin in early May 2025, pending permit approval from the City of Sarnia. The work has been contracted to Lanmar Environmental Solutions Inc. and is scheduled to be completed by July. Once cleared, the space will be maintained as open green space until construction begins.
Pre-development efforts are already underway, including environmental assessments and substance reports. The County plans to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for architectural services and initiate a rezoning consultation with the city.
The rectory at 722 Cathcart Blvd. will not be demolished. Instead, it will serve as a project office for County staff and the construction team throughout the build. The County expects to save about $250,000 by avoiding the cost of renting trailers and washroom facilities. Post-construction, the house may be repurposed into multi-residential housing or sold, with any proceeds used to offset project costs. Council will make a final decision on its use later.
According to County staff, making the property shovel-ready will support the timely delivery of new housing and help attract additional funding from other levels of government. Community consultations and public information sessions are expected as planning progresses.
The project aligns with Lambton County’s Housing and Homelessness Plan and Strategic Plan priorities, which include supporting a range of housing options and consulting with the community on long-term solutions.
No finalized design, construction timeline, or unit count has been announced at this stage. The County is currently focused on preparing the site for future development, with further details to be released as the project advances.
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