Ferry Dock Hill Redevelopment

Through public consultation, stakeholder engagement and Staff comments, the City is preparing to develop a preferred plan, based on the two initial concepts and preliminary designs for the redevelopment of Ferry Dock Hill and a related linear waterfront park.

The redevelopment of Ferry Dock Hill, if approved via the annual budget process, will create a gateway linking the downtown with the waterfront, and represent the first major capital project under the Waterfront Master Plan.

This important destination will launch the revitalization of Sarnia’s waterfront by creating a linear park and gateway at the most southern point along the waterfront, creating a vital link along the shores of the St. Clair River.

Initial concepts

Two initial concepts have been completed by Brook McIlroy landscape architects based on staff input and stakeholder engagement and can now be reviewed by the public for their feedback. The preferred design will be subject to final approval by City Council during future budget processes and could be implemented across multiple phases to achieve the full design intent. The final design may be represented by one of these two concepts or a combination of both, based on public feedback and cost constraints. Check out the presentation document via the document widget on this page for more information, including larger versions of the concept drawings.

Concept A

Concept A includes a naturalized playground, parking lot on the west side of the train tracks and a large, flexible gathering area.

Concept A features:

• Reduced vehicular access along Front St
• Refinished gravel parking lot
• Naturalized playground
• Flexible gathering area
• Look-outs and viewing deck
• Tree-lined boulevard with separated bike lane

Concept B

Concept B includes an interactive water feature, ‘urban beach’ and picnicking areas.

Concept B features:

• Pedestrian gateway
• Limited parking on east side of the train tracks
• ‘Urban beach’ with sand and seating
• Naturalized interactive water feature
• Picnicking areas
• Naturalized southern edge
• Tree-lined boulevard with separated bike lane
• Look-outs

Potential features

There is the potential for several features to be included in the final design of the revitalized Ferry Dock Hill. Please take some time to review all the possible amenities to help you better understand the project. Please note all photos are for example purposes and may not necessarily specifically reflect the final design.

Urban beach: a sand area with moveable seating
Interactive water feature: a natural looking water feature that users of all ages and abilities can use to cool off
Parking lot: a full lot for vehicle parking, with road access
Playground: a natural play area for children of all abilities
Look-outs: constructed features protruding from the shoreline to provide expanded views of the waterfront
Gathering area: a large space open for community events and socialization

Learn more

Check out the presentation document via the document widget on this page for more information, including larger versions of the concept drawings.

Provide your insight

Public engagement on the design of Ferry Dock Hill is now closed. Thank you to all who participated. Input will be reviewed and incorporated into the final design before it is presented to Council as part of the 2024 budget process.