(from 1957 Progress Edition of The Observer)
(1957) The crunch of the bulldozer, the whine of the crane, the roar of the truck, the staccato of the air compressor and hammer are all sounds which tell of Sarnia’s continuing expansion. Steel-helmeted construction workers are pushing up more of the weird shaped structures for which Sarnia’s industrial skyline is famous. And plans are going forward for even more. Entering Spring, with a bright outlook for much steady employment is not a new experience for Sarnia. All of the postwar years have had their own expansion program in this city and district. Most of them have been noteworthy through the establishment of new plants or the growth of others. Multi-million dollar projects have become commonplace, yet still they continue.
One of the most noteworthy has been the start upon a $25 million petrochemical plant at Imperial Oil Limited. This plant will process hydrocarbons obtained in petroleum refining. The finished products will then go to other firms, some of which are yet to be established.
The annual report of Dupont Company of Canada (1956) Limited announced purchase of a plant site in Sarnia. Details have not as yet been given. Negotiations have advanced for the purchase of a large tract of the Sarnia Indian Reserve for industrial purposes. It has been forecast that the Imperial Oil undertaking will attract many new firms.
But elsewhere on the progress front are the new buildings and services a growing city requires. A new airfield and air service is due to go into operation this year. A New federal office building is under construction. New schools are being planned. There is need for 100 more hospital beds. A sewage disposal system has been ordered. A number of new churches will be built during the year and there are plans for park development.
A firmer credit position has revived housing within the city and a number of new starts have been made with many to follow. The second phase of the Coronation Park development is currently under review by city and governmental officials.
Sarnia’s population of 43,618 shows a growth of 8,921 in five years and 24,884 in 15 years. Greater Sarnia embracing the beach, Point Edward and Corunna communities, as well as the city, has been set at 55,000.