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Eight-storey seniors’ building ready to rise downtown

Tara Jeffrey The start of a new retirement complex is up next now that demolition of the former Bayside Mall in downtown Sarnia is complete, officials say.
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This vacant lot near the intersection of Vidal and Devine streets is the future site of a 160-unit, eight-storey residential building. Journal Photo

Tara Jeffrey

The start of a new retirement complex is up next now that demolition of the former Bayside Mall in downtown Sarnia is complete, officials say.

Oakville-based Seasons Retirement Communities bought the downtown Sarnia mall property in 2020 for a multi-phase retirement community, targeted for completion in 2026.

It began with renovation of Lambton County Shared Services in 2020 and demolition of the shopping mall last summer.

The next phase will see an eight-storey, 160-unit residential building rise near Vidal and Cromwell streets, according to a site plan submitted by Urban Solutions Planning & Development Consultants on behalf of Seasons.

“Unlike most development projects, this one includes the added complexity of an underground parking structure that is in use and will be in use throughout the entirety of the construction phase,” said Seasons CEO Michael Lavallee.

“Therefore, for the safety and security of the building, each phase of the project must be carefully evaluated and planned.”

Pandemic and supply chain pressures could impact the 24-month construction timeline, he added.

The next phase includes reopening pedestrian access at Lochiel Street to re-establish a connection between the downtown and homes to the east, according to recent city staff report.

The eight-storey building will frame the street and help diversify Sarnia’s housing stock, city staff said.

It includes 2,075 square-metres of indoor and outdoor amenity space for residents, with 176 on-site parking stalls and 35 above-grade spaces.

“Once the site is completed, it will include 160 fully independent apartments, 144 retirement home suites, which will be complemented by 17 townhomes as part of the retirement home,” Lavallee said.


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