Kinell Canada Launches New Facility in Petrolia

Kinell Canada has officially launched its new manufacturing facility in Petrolia, marking the company’s first location in North America. This investment brings 15 new skilled jobs to the region and reflects growing interest in Sarnia-Lambton as a destination for advanced manufacturing and international business expansion. The facility will produce electrical systems and cable harnesses for clean energy, rail, and industrial sectors—supporting innovation and supply chain growth across Ontario.

Learn more about Kinell Canada by visiting their website gokinell.com 

Career Accelerator Program Expanded to All Sarnia-Lambton Residents

The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership has expanded its Career Accelerator program to serve all residents of Sarnia-Lambton. Previously limited to Lambton College graduating international students, the program offers free, one-on-one coaching to help individuals build career readiness, improve job search strategies, and set achievable professional goals. This expansion supports broader workforce development efforts in the region, ensuring that more residents have access to tools and guidance that promote long-term success. Spaces are limited.

Read the media release here.

U.S. Consul General Visits Sarnia-Lambton to Discuss Trade and Investment

The U.S. Consul General in Toronto, Baxter Hunt, and Chief of Political and Economic Affairs, Kristen Stolt, visited Sarnia-Lambton to discuss cross-border trade, tariff policy, and regional investment priorities.

As a designated Canadian Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Point, Sarnia-Lambton offers businesses streamlined access to programs that support export growth and international trade. Through a one-window approach, companies can apply for tax, duty, and tariff exemptions, helping reduce costs and improve profitability. The visit reflects continued efforts to strengthen economic ties between Canada and the United States.

New Funding Available to Help Businesses Adopt Digital Tools

The Ontario government is investing $7.5 million to help small and medium-sized businesses across the province modernize through digital adoption. Through the Digitalization Competence Centre (DCC), eligible businesses can access expert support and apply for targeted grants of up to $115,000. The program supports long-term growth by improving productivity, reducing costs, and strengthening digital capabilities.

The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership team can assist businesses in navigating the application process and identifying opportunities that align with their digital goals. Contact us at 519-332-1820 or email contact@sarnialambton.on.ca

2025 Summer Company Students Launch Their Businesses Across Sarnia-Lambton

This year’s Summer Company participants are turning ideas into action with support from SLEP's Business Enterprise Centre, funded by the Province of Ontario. In addition to a start-up grant, six students will receive hands-on training through workshops on digital marketing, financial planning, business operations, and customer service. The program equips young entrepreneurs with the practical skills and confidence needed to manage and grow their own businesses throughout the summer and beyond.

Learn more about the Summer Company program here.

SLEP Attending Key Industry Events This August & September

The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership team will be attending several major events in September to promote regional strengths and build new connections:
• Advanced Manufacturing Expo, Aug 6-7
• FabTech Expo, Sep 8-11
• Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show, Sep 9-11
• IEDC Annual Conference, Sep 14-17
• Pack Expo, Sep 29-Oct 1

These events provide valuable opportunities to engage with industry leaders, explore emerging trends, and promote Sarnia-Lambton as a destination for investment and growth. This work helps strengthen our economy by attracting new business, supporting innovation, and expanding market opportunities for the region.

Photo from the 2024 IEDC Annual Conference, attended by SLEP CEO Matthew Slotwinski.

Sarnia-Lambton Real Estate Remains Affordable in 2025

As of June 2025, the median sale price for a single-detached home in Sarnia-Lambton is $505,000, less than half the cost of a comparable home in the Greater Toronto Area, where the median is $1.225 million. This affordability gap continues to make Sarnia-Lambton an attractive option for individuals and families seeking long-term stability without compromising on lifestyle. The region offers a strong mix of urban and rural living, shorter commutes, access to nature, and a supportive business environment. Combined, these factors contribute to a high quality of life that appeals to both residents and newcomers.

Property Feature: 614 Bond Street

This 10.6-acre M2-1 zoned industrial site in Warwick Township offers flexible permitted uses, including light and heavy industrial. The property is vacant, level, and ready for development, with approximately 600 feet of CN rail frontage, on-site parking, and services at the road. Located just 8 minutes from Highway 402 (Exit 44) and 30 minutes from the U.S. border, the site is well-positioned for transportation, warehousing, or logistics. An additional 8 acres of adjacent land is also available, bringing the total to 18 acres if combined.

To learn more about this property and other available greenfield and brownfield sites, connect with our team for location insights, zoning details, and guidance to support your next investment in Sarnia-Lambton.

Exploring Business Transition? Connect with Qualified Local Buyers

If you're a business owner in Sarnia-Lambton considering retirement or planning your next chapter, our team can help you explore transition opportunities. We’ve identified a network of local entrepreneurs actively seeking to invest in established businesses across sectors like skilled trades, manufacturing, logistics, services, and retail. Through a confidential Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) meeting, we’ll help you assess your options and connect with qualified buyers who value local ownership and long-term continuity.

SAVE THE DATE: Legacy & Leverage Summit – October 22, 2025

The Legacy & Leverage Summit will bring together business owners, advisors, and support partners for a morning of practical insight and strategic discussion. With sessions focused on business transition, growth planning, and long-term strategy, the event is designed to help local businesses strengthen their operations today while preparing for the future. This summit offers valuable tools and connections to help preserve business legacies and support continued success in Sarnia-Lambton.

Our Economic Development Officers are here to support your business with tailored advice, resources, and connections that align with your goals.

Explore Local Food and Farmers’ Markets in Sarnia-Lambton

From fresh produce to handmade goods, farmers’ markets across Sarnia-Lambton play a vital role in supporting local producers and connecting residents with high-quality, locally sourced food. Our latest article takes you through a week of market visits while spotlighting the Hands to Table initiative, an ongoing effort to build awareness, education, and community support around local food.

Future-Proof Your Team With the Free Seeding Digital Skills Program

Give your business a competitive advantage and upskill your workforce with the Seeding Digital Skills program. Embrace the future of smart farming and food innovation while boosting productivity and profitability with cutting-edge digital twin technology training, available at no cost.

This 12-week program equips your team with the skills to build and apply digital twins—real-time, 3D simulations that boost productivity, reduce waste, and optimize operations.

Watch SLEP Videos on Business, Investment, and Community Growth

Stay up to date with the work of the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership by subscribing to our official YouTube channel. Explore videos highlighting local business success stories, investment opportunities, workforce initiatives, and regional events that are shaping the future of Sarnia-Lambton.

Office Closed for Labour Day,  September 1, 2025

Please note that the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership office will be closed on Monday, September 1, in observance of Labour Day. We will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, September 2.