The City of Sarnia marked a significant milestone on October 31 with the opening of the Cestar Dock, the final link in the Oversized Load Corridor (OLC) designed to connect local industry with global markets. City officials, representatives from Cestar Group, Lambton County, and the Sarnia Lambton Industrial Alliance gathered for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, celebrating a project years in the making that promises to support the region’s economic landscape.
Located at Sarnia Harbour’s north slip, the $8.8-million dock expansion enables larger vessels to dock and allows roll-on, roll-off loading of heavy equipment, creating an efficient transport link for businesses. The project was initially launched in 2022 with a groundbreaking ceremony, and Mayor Mike Bradley described its completion as a testament to local collaboration. “The contributions and support from industry, multiple levels of government, community organizations, and business really highlight how Sarnia can pull together… and that when we do, great things happen,” he said.
The dock, funded in part by a $4 million donation from Cestar Group, is the final phase of a $17-million upgrade that established a seamless route through Sarnia for oversized shipments, connecting local industry directly to the harbor. The OLC—designed to improve traffic flow and safety for oversized loads—required major city upgrades, including the burial of 230 utility crossings, resurfacing Blackwell Side Road, and installing rotating traffic signal bases along critical routes such as Exmouth Street and Highway 40. These upgrades aim to reduce logistical costs for local businesses and minimize traffic disruptions.
The project’s financial backing was bolstered by contributions from the National Trade Corridors Fund, the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, the City of Sarnia, Lambton County, and the Sarnia Lambton Industrial Alliance. It’s a culmination of efforts that began with Cestar College’s initial $1 million investment, underscoring a longstanding partnership with Lambton College.
“Even though Cestar College physically exists in Toronto, we feel very attached to the community and the people of Sarnia,” said Adrian Sharma, Cestar’s Chief Operating Officer, noting the college’s deep ties to the area. Cestar President Hufeng Chen described the dock as “a true symbol of the meaningful relationship between Lambton College and Cestar College,” expressing pride in supporting this critical infrastructure as part of the group’s commitment to the community.
Rob Kardas, President and CEO of Lambton College, added that the dock symbolizes Cestar’s ongoing dedication to Sarnia, which has included support for multiple local initiatives. “Not only will the new Cestar Dock help solidify the economic development and future prosperity of our community, but it also serves as a symbol of Cestar’s continued support of the City of Sarnia,” he said.
With its completion, the OLC is set to streamline logistics and bolster the region’s economic prospects, providing a safer and more efficient pathway for oversized shipments and solidifying Sarnia’s position as a hub for industry. The new dock is both a practical asset and a reminder of the powerful community partnerships that drive progress in Sarnia.
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