The City of Sarnia has launched its 2026 Road Rehabilitation Program, committing $4.1 million to local road improvements. This initiative represents the largest annual investment in road resurfacing in the city’s history, as crews begin work on Colborne Road from Cathcart Boulevard to Lakeshore Road.
The program, which officially started on May 11, 2026, aims to improve the condition of more than 50 streets across the community. Projects are planned for neighbourhoods including the south end, Bright’s Grove, lakefront areas, and the city core. Residents should anticipate detours and other road disruptions as construction progresses throughout the year.
This work is part of a broader push by Sarnia City Council to address infrastructure needs. On April 27, 2026, council awarded a $3.25 million contract to Sev Con Paving (1197245 Ontario Limited) to carry out the asphalt resurfacing. Earlier in the spring, council also approved an additional $8.7 million for various infrastructure contracts, such as pump station upgrades and major road reconstruction projects, to help manage poor road conditions and flood mitigation.
David Jackson, the city’s General Manager of Engineering & Operations, has noted that many local roads remain in poor condition. While this year’s investment is a record-setting move, it reflects a long-term effort to catch up on maintenance. The city’s total municipal infrastructure is valued at approximately $4.6 billion, and current projections suggest the city needs to spend about $83.8 million annually to keep pace with necessary renewals. With current capital spending at roughly $63 million per year, the city continues to navigate an annual funding gap of approximately $20 million.
This 2026 budget includes $65.5 million dedicated to infrastructure renewal. Aside from road resurfacing, major projects include $10.9 million for combined sewer separation and $11 million to extend Wellington Street to support growth in the east end.
