Small projects and items included in the Canatara Park Master Plan continue to be carried out while residents and visitors utilize the well-trafficked public space.
City of Sarnia Recreation and Parkland Planning Services Manager Krissy Glavin said Memorandum of Understanding agreements are being reviewed to set out the roles and responsibilities of the city, the Kiwanis Club, and other stakeholder groups.
Earlier this year, infrastructure repairs were made to the washrooms and pathways were repaved last year.
Glavin said new beach volleyball courts were added this summer, and a new storage shed (for event equipment) is in the design phase.
"Seaway Kiwanis had a proposal to bring that in with their partnership with the city," Glavin said.
She also said proposed larger scale projects will follow in the next five to 20 years as part of capital planning.
"If you look directly at the master plan, it does outline some of those minor [and] more major things and kind of gives a guided timeline in terms of how to set out expectations," she said. "Obviously, with not only the expectations, comes the capital planning piece as well."
The estimated total capital costs range from approximately $10.7 million to $11.4 million.
Proposed plans include a new boardwalk with pedestrian look-out spots, new canoe and kayak rentals and launch, a new covered stage, a new park entrance with parking, and a new cycling loop.
Glavin said the park does not generate a significant amount of revenue through pavilion or stage rentals. There was a suggestion to consider a pricing review in the future for these amenities.
"The other thing that was suggested was paid parking for non-Sarnia residents, food truck and seasonal rentals -- so to look at some additional revenue opportunities there, and increasing fees for events could be considered as well," Glavin said.
City council unanimously endorsed the Canatara Park Master Plan during a meeting held in November 2024.
Prior to council's decision, public feedback was gathered. Outreach included online engagement, one-to-one conversations, design workshops, stakeholder meetings, and public information sessions.
Glavin and City of Sarnia Facility Services Manager Tom Burnard were the guest speakers during Tuesday's Kiwanis Club of Sarnia-Lambton Golden K meeting.
The complete Canatara Park Master Plan can be viewed on the city's website.