
October 31, 2024 — With ships cruising in to the newly-completed Cestar Dock, the City is celebrating the completion of its Oversized Load Corridor (OLC), connecting Sarnia and Lambton industry with the world.
On October 31 the City joined with representatives from Cestar Group, the County of Lambton and the Sarnia Lambton Industrial Alliance to cut the ribbon on the new Cestar Dock. The project saw the existing north slip at the Harbour expanded to accommodate larger vessels, and roll-on-roll-off loading of large items.
Made possible through a generous $4 million in support from Cestar Group, the $8.8-million expansion of the dock marks the final step in completing the OLC.
The OLC is a designated road corridor providing an unimpeded connection between Sarnia Harbour and local industry, allowing local businesses to move large products to and from the shipping access point at a reduced cost. At the same time the $17-million OLC mitigates traffic impacts of oversized loads moving through the City, enhancing safety.

The OLC project involved burying of 230 utility crossings; resurfacing 2.8 km of Blackwell Side Road; and installation of 22 rotating traffic signal bases, removing barriers for oversized loads along the corridor that utilizes Exmouth Street, Murphy Road, Confederation Street, Highway 40, Blackwell Sideroad, Churchill Road, Plank Road and Petrolia Line.
The OLC is funded with support from the National Trade Corridors Fund; the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund; the City of Sarnia; Lambton County; and the Sarnia Lambton Industrial Alliance.
Quotes:
“I want to extend my deepest thanks to all those who supported the project, from Cestar College, the Province and the Government of Canada for generous financial contributions, to those such as the Sarnia Lambton Industrial Alliance and the OLC project team whose hard work and advocacy efforts saw the project move from concept to reality. The contributions and support from industry, multiple levels of government, community organizations and business really highlight how Sarnia can pull together, work collaboratively, and that when we do, great things happen,” said Mayor Mike Bradley.
“Even though Cestar College physically exists in Toronto, we feel very attached to the community and the people of Sarnia through our partnership with Lambton College, so we are thrilled to see that this facility will live on in the community as a meaningful reminder of our partnership,” said Adrian Sharma, Cestar’s Chief Operating Officer.
“We are delighted to celebrate the opening of Cestar Dock, which represents a true symbol of the meaningful relationship between Lambton College and Cestar College. We were proud to contribute to this vital infrastructure as a reflection of our desire to give back to the Sarnia-Lambton community,” said Hufeng Chen, Cestar’s President.
“Lambton College is proud of our long-standing partnership with Cestar College and thankful for their continued generosity towards this project, and so many other local initiatives. Not only will the new Cestar Dock help solidify the economic development and future prosperity of our community, but it also serves as a symbol of Cestar’s continued support of the City of Sarnia, and all those who choose to study, work, and live here,” said Rob Kardas, President & CEO, Lambton College