SLEP Annual General Meeting and 2024 Activity Highlights

The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership’s 2025 Annual General Meeting highlighted key initiatives that strengthened our regional economy, including enhanced investor outreach, workforce development, and support for local businesses across all 11 municipalities. We were also pleased to welcome Ontario Power Generation for a keynote on future energy opportunities in our region.

Strengthening Rural Mobility Through Provincial Investment

The Municipality of Lambton Shores, alongside partner communities, has secured nearly $1 million in provincial funding for Huron Shores Area Transit.

This investment will enhance regional connectivity and improve access to employment, education, healthcare, and essential services, supporting long-term growth and quality of life in rural Sarnia-Lambton.

Hydrogen Infrastructure Key to Scaling Ontario’s Low-Carbon Economy

Ontario’s Hydrogen Hub in Sarnia-Lambton continues to gain momentum, with a renewed focus on the infrastructure required to scale low-carbon hydrogen production and distribution across the province.

"The development of the at-scale low-carbon hydrogen economy will greatly rely on the effective build out of strategic hydrogen pipeline infrastructure. Ontario's Hydrogen Hub in Sarnia-Lambton benefits significantly from existing local hydrogen pipeline infrastructure, and competitive growth will rely on the ability to expand delivery of product to off-takers across regional and provincial markets. Hydrogen pipelines represent the most efficient, environmentally safe, and volume capable method of transporting product, while representing a critical pathway to enhancing energy security." - Matthew Slotwinski, CEO of the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership

Greenfield Opportunities for Industrial Growth

Sarnia-Lambton offers a range of greenfield sites ideal for large-scale, utility-intensive industrial development. These properties, spanning from 90 to 300 acres, are zoned for heavy industrial use and are supported by established utility infrastructure and proximity to major transportation routes. In addition to competitive land costs, investors benefit from access to a skilled workforce, regional utilities, and supportive municipal planning.

Whether you're looking to expand operations or establish a new facility, Sarnia-Lambton provides the land and resources to accelerate your investment.

Highlighting Regional Strengths at the Global Energy Show

Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership CEO, Matthew Slotwinski, recently attended the Global Energy Show in Calgary, one of North America’s premier events for the energy, hydrogen, and chemical sectors. This participation helped reinforce Sarnia-Lambton’s leadership in sustainable energy and advanced manufacturing while engaging with global investors, innovators, and policymakers. With a strong foundation in chemistry and energy, and as Ontario's Hydrogen Hub, Sarnia-Lambton continues to attract interest for its skilled workforce, established infrastructure, and industrial expertise. Ongoing collaboration with industry, government, and innovation partners remains essential to advancing Ontario’s energy transition and supporting long-term economic growth in the region.

Pictured: Matthew Slotwinski with Theodor Aust of Invest Ontario.

SLEP Shares Regional Expertise at PetroChem Canada and Hydrogen East

The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership recently contributed to two key industry events in Toronto: PetroChem Canada and Hydrogen East, underscoring Sarnia-Lambton's leadership in sustainable chemistry and clean energy. Economic Development Officer Shauna Carr delivered opening remarks at PetroChem Canada and participated in a cross-border discussion at Hydrogen East focused on hydrogen infrastructure and innovation. Her participation reinforced Sarnia-Lambton’s efforts in decarbonization, advanced manufacturing, and its role as Ontario’s Hydrogen Hub. These engagements help strengthen industry ties, support investor outreach, and promote long-term economic opportunities for Sarnia-Lambton.

Showcasing Strength and Innovation in Agri-Business

The recent Lambton Federation of Agriculture Bus Tour offered a close look at the strength and diversity of Sarnia-Lambton’s agriculture and agri-food sector. Participants visited local farms and facilities to see firsthand the full value chain, from primary production and research to processing and integration with regional industry.

As Sarnia-Lambton's second-largest economic sector, agriculture continues to be a key driver of growth and a focus for future investment.

Sarnia-Lambton Highlighted at BDO Zone Summit 2025

Sarnia-Lambton’s role in advancing the bioeconomy was featured at the recent BDO Zone Summit 2025, where Economic Development Officer Shauna Carr participated in an expert panel on community readiness and developer engagement. The region continues to benefit from its ‘A’-rated BDO Zone for corn stover, the first in Ontario, recognized for reliable biomass supply, minimal feedstock competition, and strong infrastructure. This designation continues to generate interest from companies exploring sustainable chemistry and low-carbon investment opportunities.

Career Accelerator Now Open to the Sarnia-Lambton Community

Career Accelerator is now available to individuals across the region who are looking to take the next step in their careers. This free program offers one-on-one access to an experienced career coach who provides tailored guidance on job search strategies, career development, and goal setting. Participants build practical skills and gain confidence to navigate today’s job market more effectively.  The program is designed to support participants in strengthening their career readiness and achieving their professional goals. Limited spaces available. Reserve your career coaching session today.

SLEP Recognized for Workforce Development Leadership

The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership was recently recognized by The WorkPlace Group for its ongoing efforts to strengthen Sarnia-Lambton's workforce. At their Community Appreciation Breakfast, Economic Development Officer Cari Meloche accepted a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of the organization. This recognition highlights our commitment to supporting job seekers, aligning with employers, and contributing to a resilient and inclusive labour market in Sarnia-Lambton.

Meet the 2025 Summer Company Grant Recipients

This summer, six young entrepreneurs from across Sarnia-Lambton are launching their own businesses through the Summer Company Program, an initiative funded by the Province of Ontario that provides training, mentorship, and a start-up grant to support student-led enterprises. Participants represent sectors such as personal services, lawn care, AI, and the arts, gaining real-world experience while developing entrepreneurial skills.

2025 Participants:

• Nails_by_murph – Autumn Murphy – St. Clair Township

• Waterwise Swimming Lessons – Johnathan Lamontagne – Sarnia

• L & L Powerwashing – Luca Andali – Sarnia

• L & L Lawncare – Luke Laevens – Sarnia

• AlphaWave AI – Mustafa Arif – Plympton-Wyoming

• R Lillie Art – Rae Lillie – Warwick Township

Photo from the Summer Company kick-off event. From left to right: participants Autumn Murphy, Luke Laevens, Luca Andali, Mustafa Arif, Johnathan Lamontagne, and SLEP Economic Development Coordinator Jaxon Hudie.

Starter Company Plus Alumni Reconnect to Share Experiences

In June, Starter Company Plus alumni gathered for an in-person event at the Profit & Lattes office in downtown Sarnia. The session provided an opportunity to reconnect, exchange experiences, and reflect on their business journeys since completing the program. Attendees discussed lessons learned, shared practical advice, and built connections with fellow entrepreneurs navigating similar challenges.

The event was hosted by Economic Development Officer Chantelle Core, with participants Lo-Anne Chan (JIAK), Nicholas Katz (Saint Nick Productions), Kim Hitchman (Bitter Lemon), and Ellan Dickieson (Senior Transitions Made Simple).

Learn more about how we support entrepreneurs and small businesses in Sarnia-Lambton.