2026 SLEP Annual General Meeting Highlights a Year of Growth

Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership welcomed business leaders, municipal representatives, community partners, and stakeholders to its 2026 Annual General Meeting on June 23 at Sawmill Creek Golf Course.

The event highlighted SLEP's accomplishments over the past year, featured inspiring entrepreneurial stories from Starter Company Plus program participants Ati Powell of White Lantern Bed & Breakfast and Svetlana Alekseeva of CakeBook Cafe & Classes, and included a keynote address from the Honourable Sam Oosterhoff, Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries, on Ontario's evolving energy sector and the opportunities ahead for regions like Sarnia-Lambton.

Sarnia-Lambton Showcased During Canada Investment Roadshow Asia 2026

Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership CEO Matthew Slotwinski joined economic development partners from across Canada in Japan and South Korea as part of the Canada Investment Roadshow Asia 2026. The mission connected Canadian communities with international companies exploring expansion opportunities in North America while showcasing Sarnia-Lambton's strengths in energy, hydrogen, chemicals, advanced manufacturing, and industrial innovation. These international missions play an important role in supporting investment attraction and building relationships with companies looking to grow in Canada.

SLEP Connects with Manufacturers at FABTECH Canada 2026

Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership Economic Development Officer Domenic Mazzuca attended FABTECH Canada 2026 in Toronto, Canada's largest event for metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing technologies. The conference brought together manufacturers, suppliers, and industry leaders from across North America, providing valuable opportunities to build relationships, explore emerging technologies, and promote Sarnia-Lambton as a competitive location for advanced manufacturing investment and business growth.

PetroChem Canada Returns to Sarnia in 2027

Sarnia-Lambton will welcome PetroChem Canada back in 2027, bringing together leaders from Canada's refining, petrochemical, chemical manufacturing, hydrogen, biofuels, fertilizer, and industrial manufacturing sectors. The conference will provide a forum to discuss the latest developments in operations, maintenance, reliability, workforce development, digital transformation, and industrial innovation. Hosting this national event reinforces Sarnia-Lambton's position as a leading centre for Canada's industrial and energy sectors.

Mark your calendar and visit www.petrochemcanada.com to learn more.

Explore Available Industrial and Commercial Properties

Looking for the right location to start, expand, or invest? Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership's Property Search Tool provides easy access to available industrial, commercial, office, and development properties across Sarnia-Lambton. Users can view property details, explore sites using interactive mapping tools, and identify locations that align with their business needs, making site selection faster and more informed.

Featured Property: Sarnia 402 Business Park

Owned by the City of Sarnia, this premier 51-acre serviced industrial property located in Sarnia is minutes from Sarnia Chris Hadfield Airport and strategically adjacent to provincial Highway 402. The 402 Business Park is municipally owned, located in a Foreign Trade Zone, and is 10 km from the Blue Water Bridge international border crossing providing access to 65% of the US market within a day's drive.

The site can be divided as needed and is pre-zoned for light manufacturing uses that include assembly, fabrication, storage and distribution. Other permitted uses include accessory uses and buildings, laboratories, offices, research and development establishments, and warehousing (except mini-storage warehousing).

Learn more about this property here.

Newcomer Hub Connects Talent with Sarnia-Lambton Employers

SLEP's Newcomer Hub welcomed 40 permanent residents from the Peel Region to Sarnia-Lambton through the Opportunities in Motion bus tour. The initiative introduced participants to local career opportunities, key industries, and communities while providing employers with the opportunity to connect directly with skilled talent. Programs like this support workforce development by helping local businesses address hiring needs and showcasing Sarnia-Lambton as an excellent place to live, work, and build a career.

Five Years of Partnership Driving Newcomer Success

Community partners are marking five years of collaboration through the Sarnia-Lambton Immigration Taskforce, an initiative that has helped shape a coordinated approach to newcomer attraction, settlement, and long-term integration. Over the past five years, the partnership has supported initiatives including the Sarnia-Lambton Newcomer Hub, employer training, digital newcomer resources, and Ontario's REDI Pilot, while helping approximately 2,000 newcomers build their future in the region. This work will continue through the Community Plan for Positive Immigration Outcomes, creating a shared roadmap to help Sarnia-Lambton remain a destination of choice for talent and opportunity.

Hire Smarter with Explore Talent

With more candidates using AI tools to prepare resumes, many applications are starting to look similar, making it harder to identify the right fit.

Explore Talent gives employers in Sarnia-Lambton a more effective way to evaluate talent through video resumes, allowing you to assess communication skills, confidence, and overall fit beyond what is written on paper. This approach helps reduce time spent screening, improves hiring decisions, and connects you with candidates who are already interested in opportunities in the region.

Interested in Joining Our Business Mastermind Series?

SLEP is launching a six-week Business Mastermind Series this fall for experienced business owners who are ready to focus on long-term growth, leadership, and the future of their business.

The program will bring together a small group of business owners for facilitated discussions, expert insights, and practical strategies in a confidential, peer-based setting.

Participation will be limited to 10 business owners. If you're interested in learning more and being part of this cohort, email the SLEP team to be added to the interest list. Details to be available at a later date.

Starter Company Plus: Applications Open Until July 15

The Starter Company Plus program supports entrepreneurs looking to start, expand, or purchase a small business in Sarnia-Lambton. Participants receive hands-on training, one-on-one mentorship, and the opportunity to apply for a grant of up to $5,000 to support business growth.

The program is designed to provide practical guidance and accountability, helping business owners build a strong foundation and move forward with confidence.

Read the media release.

Join Us for Business Coffee Chat

Grab a coffee and connect with the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership at our next Business Coffee Chat on Wednesday, July 15, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at The Bridge Patisserie & Café.

Stop by to meet the SLEP team, ask questions about our programs and services, share what you're working on, and connect with other local business owners and entrepreneurs.

Photo from The Bridge via Facebook.

Partner: Tourism Sarnia-Lambton Seeks Board Members

Our community partner, Tourism Sarnia-Lambton, is accepting applications for its volunteer Board of Directors. This is an opportunity for Lambton County residents with an interest in tourism, regional development, and community leadership to help guide the future of tourism across the region.

Applications are open until July 3, 2026.

Partner: City of Sarnia Seeks Airport Board Directors

Our community partner, The City of Sarnia, is recruiting members for the Board of Directors of its new Municipal Services Corporation, which will oversee the governance and operation of the Sarnia Chris Hadfield Airport. The City is seeking experienced professionals in areas such as finance, aviation, transportation, law, real estate, and business to help guide the airport's long-term success and economic impact.

Applications close at 4:00 p.m. on July 3, 2026.

Partner: Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park Seeks Board Members

The Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park is inviting applications for its volunteer Board of Directors. The organization is seeking community-minded leaders to help provide strategic direction and support the continued growth of innovation, entrepreneurship, and emerging industries in Sarnia-Lambton.

Applications are open until July 17, 2026.

Supporting Business Growth and Investment in Sarnia-Lambton

The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership works with both local businesses and prospective investors to support growth, expansion, and long-term success in the region. From site selection and investment attraction services to funding guidance, workforce support, and business advisory, our team provides practical, tailored support at every stage. Whether you are exploring new opportunities, expanding operations, or establishing a presence in Sarnia-Lambton, we are here to help you move forward with confidence.