Sarnia’s Downtown Cultural District

A Generation in the Making

• Sarnia Downtown Study, 1977• Downtown Sarnia Final Report,

1994• Sarnia Downtown Concept Plan,

1996“Our Vision is to enhance tourism for the Downtown Area to become a people magnet focusing on commerce, culture, heritage and the waterfront.”

- Downtown Sarnia Final Report

Recent Cultural Timeline

• Leadership and Partnerships

• Imperial Theatre (1997)• Artwalk (2002-)• Christina Street

Improvements (2007-2009)

• First Friday Cultural Walkabout (2008-)

• Independent Festivals• Private Investment• New Gallery Lambton

(2012)

What’s Next?

• Recognize and support culture as an economic driver and catalyst for renewal

• Support good Downtown development

• Continue to improve cultural spaces such as streets, parks and buildings

• Better coordinate marketing and branding both locally and further afar

• Support leadership and partnerships