NuSarnia Foundation

Are electric bikes a passing fad or a revolutionary transportation tool? 🚴‍♂️⚡

Enabling more people to bike safely and conveniently can dramatically improve our cities. Bikes are far more affordable than cars for both households and municipalities, given their minimal infrastructure requirements and negligible road wear. Moreover, bike-friendly streets have been shown to boost property values and local business sales.

The most transformative aspect of e-bikes is their ability to make biking accessible to a wider audience. E-bikes empower those who are less fit or athletic to travel quickly without a car. This is especially beneficial in hilly cities, where pedaling can be strenuous, or in hotter climates, where cyclists can tire easily in the sun. E-bikes simplify and speed up the process.

Additionally, e-bikes can change the perception of biking on streets. The speed difference between bikes and cars often makes biking feel unsafe. However, e-bikes can match car speeds more closely, enhancing safety and comfort.

E-bikes lower the barrier to entry for many who might otherwise be hesitant to bike in their cities. By enabling more people to bike and travel farther, e-bikes offer a powerful solution to reduce car dependence and dominance in our communities.

Get ready for the Downtown Chalkwalk next week!

Join us in downtown Sarnia from July 21 to 29 to watch public art come to life. Enjoy the vibrant artwork by strolling the streets and capturing the magic as it unfolds.

Public art has a profound impact on cities, places, and people. It creates experiences that are seen, felt, heard, touched, and sensed, transforming public spaces and communities. Public art boosts the economy, attracts and engages talent, makes neighborhoods safer, facilitates commerce and human interaction, nurtures a sense of belonging, and even helps people in unrelated fields unlock their potential.

As adults, we often overlook the importance of art, getting sidetracked by the seriousness of life and its responsibilities. We become critical thinkers and complicate the world around us. It's essential to have more FUN and awaken the child within us. There’s no better way to achieve this than through the arts, embracing our child-like creativity.

Come out and experience the joy and inspiration of public art at the Downtown Chalkwalk!

🚴‍♂️One reason e-bikes are so popular: they're a fantastic way to commute to work!

Forget about sitting in traffic or cramming into crowded buses. With an electric bike, enjoy a smooth ride and reap the benefits!

Here’s why more people are choosing e-bikes for their daily commute:

➡️ Arrive Fresh: No more arriving at work sweaty and tired. Let the e-bike’s motor do the work!
➡️ Save Money: Say goodbye to gas and transportation costs. E-bikes run on affordable battery power.
➡️ Get Fit: E-biking is a great cardiovascular workout, helping you stay healthy and strong.
➡️ No Parking Hassles: Skip the stress of finding and paying for parking. Simply park your e-bike in the office.
➡️ Commute Further: Ride longer distances with less effort, thanks to the e-bike’s integrated battery.

Ready to transform your commute?

🚴‍♂️🚴‍♀️ Thank you for your feedback on the Canada Day Pop-Up Bike Lanes! 🚴‍♂️🚴‍♀️

We’re thrilled by the results, which show that Sarnia is eager for more active transportation options. Swipe to see the project highlights!

A huge thank you to the City of Sarnia and Bluewater Trails for partnering with us on this fantastic initiative! 🙌

🎨 Call for Artists! 🎨

We are thrilled to announce the inaugural Festive Nutcracker Project! We're seeking talented artists to transform 5-foot-tall resin nutcrackers into vibrant works of art in Sarnia.

This opportunity is open to all artists, both professional and amateur, and we welcome submissions from creatives of all ages.

For more details and to submit your design, visit: https://nusarnia.org/festive-nutcracker/

There's still work to do on our Canatara Park Master Plan as we lay down a road map to future maintenance and improvements that balance ecological protection, large events and diverse recreational uses.

Council received an update last week, receiving a emerging preferred concept for the park that features five distinct zones — beach, event, forest, meadow and lake. It’s a concept built on the input of thousands of residents who participated in the online survey, sent emails, made phone calls and turned out for public information sessions.

Reflecting that input the emerging concept includes:
🌊Maintained beachfront parking, with a slight reduction in size to allow for expanded dune ecosystem protection
🏖A dune boardwalk, new lifeguard station / washrooms and other beach amenities
🚗Drive-through park access
🎸A covered stage / pavilion in the event area
🫏Space for the current Animal Farm and possible future expansion
👏And so much more

Development of the plan is still ongoing. Want to check out the emerging preferred concept and learn more? Visit www.speakupsarnia.ca/Canatara and check out the project update on the emerging preferred concept in the page’s newsfeed.

To continue the discussion on e-bike allowances on trails and pathways, we’ve reviewed the policies of nearby municipalities around Sarnia.

E-bikes are not prohibited in any of the following three locations. Toronto treats pedal-assist bikes like regular bicycles, while London and Waterloo allow e-bikes on multi-use trails, but only under pedal power without motor assistance.

➡️ London: E-scooters are not permitted on the city's multi-use pathway system. E-bikes are allowed only when operated under pedal power, without motor assistance.

➡️ Waterloo: In Waterloo, e-bike motors must be turned off when riding on multi-use trails and paths to comply with local bylaws. Shared e-bikes can be used on multi-use trails (unless otherwise indicated in the Neuron app), but riders may need to pedal without e-assist.

➡️ Toronto: Toronto distinguishes between "pedal assist" and "power assist" e-bikes. Pedal-assist bikes, or "pedelecs," require pedaling for propulsion, with the motor cutting off when the rider stops pedaling. These bikes, if they weigh less than 40 kg and require pedaling, are treated like bicycles under the Toronto Municipal Code. They are permitted on roads and all types of cycling infrastructure, including painted bicycle lanes, cycle tracks (separated bike lanes), and multi-use trails and paths.

What regulations would you like to see Sarnia implement for e-bikes? Share your thoughts here: https://www.speakupsarnia.ca/e-bikes

✨ What an incredible Bike Night! ✨

This past Friday, we gathered at Maud's Variety to deck out our bikes with glowing accessories and set off on a dazzling ride through downtown and along the beautiful Sarnia waterfront.

Swipe to see all the fun we had! 🚴‍♀️💡

This past March, the City Council approved a one-year pilot program to allow e-bikes on city trails and paths.

Understanding the distinctions among different e-bike classes is essential for ensuring a safe and enjoyable riding experience for everyone.

Class 1 E-Bikes: Pedal-Assist Only Class 1 e-bikes are equipped with pedal-assist functionality. The electric motor only engages when the rider is actively pedaling, providing assistance to the pedaling effort. The motor stops assisting once the bike reaches a speed of 32 km/h. These e-bikes are perfect for those who want an enhanced pedaling experience without relying solely on electric power.

Class 2 E-Bikes: Throttle Control Class 2 e-bikes feature throttle control, allowing riders to propel the bike without pedaling. Unlike Class 1 e-bikes, the motor in Class 2 e-bikes can be activated using a hand throttle, similar to those on scooters or motorcycles. The motor stops assisting at 32 km/h, just like Class 1. Class 2 e-bikes are ideal for riders seeking a more relaxed experience or a quick burst of speed without pedaling.

Class 3 E-Bikes: Speed Pedelecs Class 3 e-bikes are designed for speed, combining pedal-assist with higher velocity. The pedal-assist remains active until the bike reaches a speed of 45 km/h, making this class suitable for longer commutes or efficient transportation. Class 3 e-bikes offer an exhilarating ride while maintaining the importance of rider input.

If you have any feedback on the allowance of e-bikes on trails and pathways in Sarnia, please share your thoughts with the City of Sarnia here: https://www.speakupsarnia.ca/e-bikes

Join us this Friday for Bike Night at Maud’s Variety!🚴‍♂️✨ Gear up for the Neon Glow Ride & Patio Party!

Light up your bike and experience the enchanting nightscape of Sarnia with fellow cyclists! The festivities kick off at Maud’s Variety at 7:00 PM, and the group ride will depart at dusk.

Neon outfits are not only welcomed but highly encouraged! Show off your bike and neon glam, meet local bike organizations and shops, and enjoy prizes and giveaways.

Come on out for a FUN Bike Night! 🎉

Today, we are honored to be featured in a Strong Towns article: "How to Use Pilot Projects to Increase Collaboration and Get Things Done."

“The “doers” of nuSarnia, an advocacy group in Sarnia, Ontario, have adopted a unique approach to city improvements. Instead of reacting negatively to issues, they bridge the gap with city officials by supporting projects that align with nuSarnia’s vision for safer streets.

“So while there are things that we wish we could change, or we wish could be different, there's enough negative voices out there,” said Tristan Bassett of nuSarnia. “We always try to keep things positive and supportive where we can.”

Bassett also emphasized the importance of bringing both positivity and constructive suggestions to the table.”

If you’re interested in learning more about nuSarnia and how we’re working to spark bottom-up change in our community, check out the full article: https://www.strongtowns.org/journal/2024/7/8/how-to-use-pilot-projects-to-increase-collaboration-and-get-things-done

Revitalizing Sarnia’s Waterfront: Ferry Dock Hill Redevelopment

For the past few years, the City has been developing a plan to transform Ferry Dock Hill and the surrounding waterfront areas. This project aims to launch the revitalization of Sarnia’s waterfront by creating a linear park and gateway at the southernmost point along the waterfront, establishing a vital link along the shores of the St. Clair River.

Key Features of the New Ferry Dock Hill Design:
➡ A pedestrian promenade with shade trees
➡ Multi-use path
➡ Enhanced public plaza and square
➡ Naturalized planting
➡ Interactive water plan
➡ Ample seating and diverse seating options
➡ Fishing platform
➡ Stunning water views
➡ Improved pedestrian crossings
➡ Ample parking

Place-making is crucial for the vitality of our downtown core. This redevelopment project will create inviting and vibrant spaces where community members can gather, engage, and enjoy the beauty of our waterfront. Enhancing these public spaces not only boosts the aesthetic appeal but also fosters social connections, economic growth, and a sense of pride in our community.

Tune into this month’s council meeting happening next week to learn more about the project and its implementation timeline. Let’s make place happen in our downtown core!

Gear up for the Neon Glow Ride!✨🚴‍♀️

📅 When: Friday, July 12
🕖 Time: 7:00 PM (Ride starts at dusk)
📍 Where: Maud’s Variety in Mitton Village

Light up your bike and experience the magic of Sarnia at night with fellow cyclists! Festivities kick off at Maud's Variety at 7:00 PM, and the ride will depart at dusk.

Neon outfits are not only welcomed but highly encouraged! Show off your bike and neon glam, meet local bike organizations and shops, and enjoy prizes and giveaways.

Let's glow! 🌟🚲💫

We hope you had a fantastic time celebrating Canada Day!

How did you find the pop-up protected bike lanes? We’d love to hear your feedback!

Click here to complete our brief survey and share your thoughts: https://nusarnia.org/canada-day-feedback/

Thank you to the City of Sarnia and Bluewater Trails for collaborating on this amazing project!

Looking for a safe and convenient way to enjoy the Canada Day celebration in Canatara Park tomorrow?🚲🚲

In partnership with the City of Sarnia and Bluewater Trails, we’ve mapped out two bike routes that will get you to the park with minimal vehicle traffic.

Last year, many cyclists appreciated the pop-up protected bike lanes. Families felt safer and avoided traffic by choosing to cycle instead of drive to Canatara Park.

Interested in cycling this Canada Day? Click here to explore the interactive trail map and choose the bike route that works best for you: https://www.sarnia.ca/play/city-signature-events/cycle-canada-day/

Planning your cycling route to Canatara Park for Canada Day?🚲 We’ve got you covered!

Route 1: Howard Watson Trail to Canatara Park
The Michigan Road cycling lanes begin at Howard Watson Trail and Michigan Avenue, connecting families from all along the trail—from Camlachie to Wellington Street. This route also serves families traveling from nearby neighborhoods such as Blackwell, The Rapids Parkway, Wiltshire, Twin Lakes, Oak Acres, and more.

A designated, protected bike lane will connect to the existing bike lane at Michigan and Colborne. At Christina and Michigan, the route crosses Michigan Avenue, continues onto the multi-use path, enters the park at Front Street, and ends at the big grassy field where the Bluewater Trails bike parking station awaits you.

Route 2: Bus Terminal to Canatara Park
This route connects virtually every resident in Sarnia to Canatara Park via the main bus terminal at Lochiel. You can bring your bike on the bus, depart at the Lochiel station, and follow the marked route.

From the bus terminal, head to the waterfront path (Bluewater Bike Path) and follow it along the waterfront until the Front Street crosswalk between Nelson and Maxwell. Front Street will be closed to car traffic from London Road to Exmouth Street, allowing cyclists to safely transition from the waterfront path to the Front Street multi-use path. Continue on this path, crossing Michigan Avenue, and enter Canatara Park, ending at the big grassy field where the Bluewater Trails bike parking station is waiting for you.

These routes are almost entirely separated from vehicle traffic, ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride for everyone!

Let us know which route you’ll be using! Click here for an interactive route map: https://www.sarnia.ca/play/city-signature-events/cycle-canada-day/

Urban planners, designers, and civic leaders often focus on certain types of hard infrastructure to make streets and neighborhoods more walkable and vibrant: wide sidewalks, narrow roads, interesting building facades, curb bulb-outs, crosswalks, stoplights, and so on.

Similarly, with the ongoing discussions about what to do with North American downtowns post-pandemic, where high office vacancy rates and low pedestrian traffic are common, most of the attention has been on how to repurpose buildings. But when we think about the places we truly enjoy walking, they often have a certain softness. They’re rich in visual detail and usually full of greenery and flowers.

It's worth asking ourselves, "If I could walk anywhere right now, where would it be?" Would it be a place filled with hardscapes, or would it be somewhere with beautiful flowers?

Our brains naturally seek a balance between new and familiar experiences. Block after block of lawns and shrubs can feel monotonous, much like too much sameness. But if those blocks are transformed into vibrant areas with flowering plants and grasses swaying in the wind, they provide the sensory stimulation and novelty that spark curiosity and joy. These plants and flowers act like ever-changing storefront displays, making the city feel alive without needing new buildings. Flowers can be the urban design.

What do you think? Can flower power help grow walkable cities?

How do you envision the future of Canatara Park?💭 Picture a park that keeps you coming back time and time again.

The City of Sarnia is developing a master plan for Canatara Park, and they want your input! The city has launched a survey open until June 28, giving all residents the opportunity to review potential designs, rank their favorites, and share their thoughts.

Review the design options and take the survey at www.speakupsarnia.ca/canatara

If you missed our Kids Bike Rally this month and are searching for a fun event for your children, don’t miss the St. Giles Bike Rally on August 1st! 🚲🚲

Mark these on your calendar and come out to Active Afternoons at St. Giles! A time for getting active, having fun, and spending time with our summer camp staff :)

We often think of public art as a means to add character, personality, beauty, or visual interest to a place. It can also communicate ideas about a place's values, history, aspirations, and community.

Here are a few ways public art can strengthen your community:
➡ Accessibility: Public art is for everyone, making art accessible to all.
➡ Enrichment: It enhances our physical environments, bringing streetscapes, plazas, town buildings, and schools to life.
➡ Opportunities: It provides professional opportunities for artists and fosters an environment where the creative class thrives.
➡ Economic Boost: It stimulates local economies. Businesses supply materials and labour; restaurants, hotels, and transportation companies benefit from sites that attract visitors.
➡ Investment in Placemaking: It contributes to livability and quality of life, creating community pride.
➡ Workplace Enhancement: It enlivens workplaces, improving employee morale, productivity, and respect.
➡ Connection: It connects citizens to their neighbours and shared history through documentation and celebration, making cultural heritage a tangible community asset.

Public art adds enormous value to the cultural, aesthetic, and economic vitality of a community. It is now a well-accepted principle of urban design that public art contributes to a community's identity, fosters community pride and a sense of belonging, and enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors. Towns gain real value through public art.

Where in Sarnia do you think could benefit from more public art?

Next month, from July 20 to 29, Downtown Sarnia will host Chalkwalk!

This is a fantastic opportunity to witness incredible art and even create some of your own.

Public art offers numerous benefits to cities: it can cultivate a sense of place and shared identity, reflect the diversity of the community, strengthen local bonds, and spark conversations about important issues or historical events relevant to the area.

Public art makes cities more inviting, vibrant, and safer places to live, work, and play. It humanizes urban spaces, fosters happiness, and enhances well-being by promoting social connections and community spirit.

The impact of public art on cities, places, and people is profound. It creates experiences that engage the senses—sight, touch, sound, and more—transforming public spaces and enriching communities. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the transformative power of art in our public spaces!

Wow! We had an amazing time this past Saturday, at Kids Bike Rally!🚲

We were thrilled by the incredible turnout and the number of families who joined us! A heartfelt thank you to our Major Sponsor, Blackwater Coffee, as well as our partners, volunteers, and every participant who made this event such a success!

This event provided a wonderful opportunity to explore Sarnia’s trail system, particularly the Midtown Trail. Many families mentioned they had no idea this trail was tucked behind the commercial buildings on London Road and are excited to use it for future family outings.

Swipe through the photos to see all the fun we had!

Looking for a fantastic community event this weekend? Join us for our First Annual Kids Bike Rally on Saturday, June 15th, from 10 AM to 2 PM!🚲 We have a few last-minute spots available!

Bring your family and enjoy a day filled with fun activities, including an obstacle course, bike decorating station, 3KM bike course loop, fun prizes, and much more!

Register now—spots are limited: https://nusarnia.org/kids-bike-rally/

For those of you joining us this Saturday, thank you for signing up for our First Annual Kids Bike Rally!🚲 We’re so excited to see you!

To ensure you have everything you need to have a fantastic time at the event, we’ve put together an information package that includes the rally area layout, parking suggestions, event day schedule, route map including the vendor locations along the trails, and more! Click here to download the info package: https://nusarnia.org/kids-bike-rally/

Don’t miss out on the Obstacle Course, Decorating Station, Blackwater Coffee Station, the Sarnia Transit Bus on-site, a visit with the Bike Mayor of Waterloo, and various on-course organizations you’ll encounter along the trails.

Registration opens at 9:15 AM and the Rally Course opens at 10:00 AM.

And don’t forget to visit the Spin It To Win It Tent for a chance to win exciting prizes for your registered kiddos! Remember to bring your helmets, water bottles, and a smile! If you’d like to use the bike corral, please bring a lock.

See you on Saturday, June 15th!

Yesterday, we had the pleasure of hosting another fantastic bike tour, expertly led by our guide Ben! It was a wonderful experience exploring the beauty of our city together.

A big thank you to everyone who joined us, and a special shout-out to Maud's Variety for their warm welcome at the end of the tour! What a great way to start BIG Bike Week!

Bluewater International Granfondo

Leave your mark on Canatara Park!

As we work to develop a master plan to guide investments into this beloved community space, we've launched a survey that will remain open to June 28, providing all residents the chance to review potential designs for the park, rank options and provide their input.

Design options focus on three concepts:
🌳Environmental Protection
🤸Recreation
📷Tourism

Review the design options and take the survey at www.speakupsarnia.ca/canatara