In the end, Sarnia did donate $25,000 to help fire-ravaged northern Alberta.
But it took awhile.
City councillors unanimously approved the gift May 30, following a barrage of criticism from residents who chided council for failing to act immediately on the goodwill gesture.
The proposed donation was tabled May 9 in a 5-3 vote after a majority wanted to wait and see how much Lambton County would provide.
“We took a beating,” acknowledged Coun. Matt Mitro.
Half of Lambton’s budget comes from the city.
Meanwhile, several other local municipalities gave generously to help residents of Fort McMurray.
Ultimately, Lambton approved a $100,000 for the Red Cross relief effort, meaning Sarnia taxpayers overall provided about $125,000 to the cause.
More than 80,000 residents of the Fort McMurray area were evacuated May 3 in advance of a massive wildfire that destroyed 2,400 buildings.