November 6, 2025 — Work has begun to restore the Victims of Chemical Valley memorial at Centennial Park to ensure it reflects its importance as a piece of the community’s history and culture.
Local trade and labour groups have stepped up to assist with the project, contributing their skills and time to restore the memorial to its former prominence. Their contributions will help ensure that the monument reflects the vision of stakeholders for years to come.
“The spirit of Sarnia is powerfully reflected in this collaboration of remembrance, honouring the generations who built our community and lost their lives due to workplace exposures. Their legacy has shaped Sarnia into a recognized leader in workplace safety and occupational health,” said Mayor Mike Bradley.
The memorial’s statue is being removed this week, so it can be refurbished offsite. LiUNA Local 1089 contributed crews to undertake concrete removal and Lambton Metal Service is assisting with removal of the statue originally created by artist Shawn McKnight. From there the City and union/trade volunteers will work to realize a vision forwarded by the Victims of Chemical Valley Memorial stakeholder group.
“It’s heartwarming to see so many coming together to advance this project. The memorial is a crucial piece of our history that honours our community members, and their families. We are so grateful to all the various labour, trade and industry groups who have stepped up to contribute, ensuring this memorial is restored to the vision of stakeholders and continues to serve as a place for reflection and remembrance,” said City of Sarnia Chief Administrative Officer Chris Carter.
Several local companies and unions have expressed interest in assisting with next steps on the project.
“It is exciting to see a revitalization of the site. For those that have lost a loved one due to a workplace injury or illness, it will be wonderful to see the updated memorial come to completion. We look forward to having the annual ceremony for the National Day of Mourning held back at Centennial Park where it was intended,” said Sarnia & District Labour Council President Nick Dochstader.
The design features new stone ground surface, alongside lighting, benches, new stone carvings, a drum circle area, storyboards and new plantings. The project is estimated to cost approximately $150,000 after designs were fine tuned to mitigate the risks of soil conditions at the site.