Profile - Sarnia Lambton Workforce Development Board

Transcription

z
Profile
2013-2014
in Sarnia-Lambton
Compiled by the Sarnia Lambton Workforce
Development Board
5th Edition
Community
Profile
LIFE in Sarnia-Lambton
Sarnia Lambton Workforce Development Board
265 Front Street North, Suite 504
Sarnia Ontario N7T 7X1
519-332-0000
I
COMMUNITY PROFILE 2013-2014—LIFE in Sarnia-Lambton
Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................................................. II
COMMUNITY DEMOGRAPHICS ..................................................................................................................... IV
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................... VI
SECTION ONE -- HEALTH
INDICATOR #1 CHILDHOOD IMMUNIZATIONS ............................................................................................... 1
INDICATOR #2 ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO USE .............................................................................................. 2
INDICATOR #3 SELF-RATED HEALTH STATUS ............................................................................................. 3
INDICATOR #4 ACTIVE PHYSICIANS ............................................................................................................ 4
INDICATOR #5 HEALTH CARE SYSTEM CAPACITY ....................................................................................... 5
INDICATOR #6 LOW BIRTH W EIGHT BABIES ................................................................................................ 6
INDICATOR #7 MAJOR NOTIFIABLE DISEASES ............................................................................................. 7
INDICATOR #8 SUICIDE ............................................................................................................................. 8
INDICATOR #9 BODY MASS INDEX ............................................................................................................. 9
INDICATOR #10 LIFE SATISFACTION ......................................................................................................... 10
SECTION TWO -- EDUCATION
INDICATOR #11 GRADE 3 AND GRADE 6 ASSESSMENTS............................................................................ 11
INDICATOR #12 HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION RATES ................................................................................. 14
INDICATOR #13 COLLEGE GRADUATION RATES ........................................................................................ 15
INDICATOR #14 APPRENTICESHIPS AND CO-OP PLACEMENTS................................................................... 16
INDICATOR #15 SCHOOL BOARD EXPENDITURES ..................................................................................... 17
SECTION THREE – WORKFORCE /ECONOMY /INFRASTRUCTURE
INDICATOR #16 INCOME ......................................................................................................................... 18
INDICATOR #17 TOURISM ....................................................................................................................... 19
INDICATOR #18 BUSINESS GROWTH ........................................................................................................ 20
INDICATOR #19 EMPLOYMENT GROWTH .................................................................................................. 21
INDICATOR # 20 UNEMPLOYMENT ............................................................................................................ 22
INDICATOR # 21 PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION............................................................................................... 23
INDICATOR #22 AGRICULTURE ................................................................................................................ 24
INDICATOR #23 FOOD PRODUCTION SUSTAINABILITY ............................................................................... 25
SECTION FOUR -- LEISURE
INDICATOR #24 SUPPORT OF THE VISUAL ARTS ....................................................................................... 26
INDICATOR #25 PERFORMING ARTS ATTENDANCE ................................................................................... 27
INDICATOR #26 MUSEUM ATTENDANCE ................................................................................................... 28
INDICATOR #27 LIBRARY EXPENDITURES AND CIRCULATION ..................................................................... 29
INDICATOR #28 PARKS EXPENDITURES ................................................................................................... 30
INDICATOR #29 RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES ............................................................................................. 31
INDICATOR #30 VOLUNTEERISM .............................................................................................................. 32
II
SECTION FIVE -- ENVIRONMENT
INDICATOR #31 AIR QUALITY ................................................................................................................... 33
INDICATOR #32 W ATER QUALITY ............................................................................................................. 34
INDICATOR #33 REPORTABLE INCIDENTS.................................................................................................. 35
INDICATOR #34 BEACHES ........................................................................................................................ 36
INDICATOR #35 W ELL WATER USAGE ...................................................................................................... 37
INDICATOR #36 HOUSEHOLD W ASTE........................................................................................................ 38
INDICATOR #37 ENERGY USAGE .............................................................................................................. 39
SECTION SIX -- CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
INDICATOR #38 POVERTY ........................................................................................................................ 40
INDICATOR #39 FAMILY STRUCTURE ........................................................................................................ 41
INDICATOR #40 DOMESTIC ABUSE ............................................................................................................ 42
INDICATOR #41 SUBSIDIZED CHILDCARE .................................................................................................. 43
INDICATOR #42 CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT ............................................................................................ 44
INDICATOR #43 ELDER ABUSE ................................................................................................................. 45
SECTION SEVEN -- HOUSING
INDICATOR #44 HOMELESSNESS ............................................................................................................. 46
INDICATOR #45 RENTAL ASSISTANCE ...................................................................................................... 47
INDICATOR #46 FAIR MARKET RENT ........................................................................................................ 48
INDICATOR #47 THE COST OF A HOME .................................................................................................... 49
INDICATOR #48 BUILDING PERMITS ......................................................................................................... 50
SECTION EIGHT -- PUBLIC SAFETY
METHODOLOGY NOTE .............................................................................................................................. 51
INDICATOR #49 PERCEPTION OF PUBLIC SAFETY ...................................................................................... 52
INDICATOR #50 ALCOHOL AND DRUG ARRESTS ........................................................................................ 53
INDICATOR #51 MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISIONS........................................................................................... 54
INDICATOR #52 PROPERTY CRIME ........................................................................................................... 55
INDICATOR #53 VIOLENT CRIME ............................................................................................................... 56
INDICATOR #54 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS .......................................................................................... 57
III
Community Demographics

Data from the 2011 National Household Survey, 2011 and 2006 Statistics Canada Censuses and
CANSIM tables have been used for the preparation of this report.

Lambton County is comprised of 11 municipalities, including the city of Sarnia. Each of the
municipalities has an official website that outlines community characteristics, amenities and the
details of local government (http://www.lambtononline.com/local_municipalities). Voter turnout at
municipal elections range between 33% and 42%. Voter turnout for the most recent provincial
election was 51% and federal election was 63%.

There are three international border crossings within Lambton County: Blue Water Bridge, Point
Edward; Walpole Island First Nations Territory; and Sombra, Ontario. The twin Blue Water Bridge
crossing is the fourth busiest international passenger and commercial vehicle crossing and the
second busiest international truck crossing in the province.

Lambton County has a land area of 3002 square kilometers and a population density of 42 persons
per square km. Population density decreased slightly (from 42.7) since the last report in 2011.

The total number of private dwellings in the county is 58,243. This number decreased slightly from
the 56,919 noted in the earlier publication.

According to the 2011 Census, the population of Lambton County (126,199 persons) has
decreased by 1.6% from the 2006 population of 128,204. The City of Sarnia’s population has
remained fairly stable at 70,876 in 2001, 71,419
% Population by Age Group, Lambton and Ontario
in 2006 and 71,005 in 2010. The population of
Ontario increased by 5.7% over the same
urce 40
period.
30


The median age of Lambton County residents
was 44.9 years in 2011, up from 42.8 in 2006.
The percentage of the population in Lambton
County that is of retirement age (65+ years) is
now 18.7% (up from 16.9% in 2006). This age
group makes up 14.6% of the province’s
population.
%
20
10
0
0-14
15-24
25-44
45-64
65+
Lambton
15.6
12.9
21.6
31.2
18.7
Ontario
17.0
13.4
26.3
28.7
14.6
Age Group
Source: 2011 Census, Statistics Canada (Census Profiles)

The median household income for Lambton
County (for persons 15 years and over with earnings) in 2010 was $61,702; the median household
income for the City of Sarnia was slightly lower at $56,858. Ontario’s median household income
was $66,358.

The low-income incidence (after tax) for individuals in Sarnia-Lambton was 14% in 2010,
comparable to a provincial average of 13.9%.
IV

A total of 49.6% of Sarnia-Lambton residents (15 years of age or older) have postsecondary
certificates, diplomas, or degrees, compared to 54.6% of the province’s 15 years or older
population.

The 2011 Census provides some details about the ethnic origin of Lambton County residents. Of
Lambton County’s population, 3.3% are minorities (up from 2.7%) compared to 26% of the
province’s population. Currently, there is no ethnic diversity on municipal or county councils.

Visible minorities do not include the Aboriginal population. The percentage of Lambton County’s
population with Aboriginal1 identity is 3.6%, compared to 2.4% of the province’s population.

Sarnia-Lambton’s population includes 12,345 immigrants, who combine to make up 10% of the total
population. Ontario’s population includes an immigrant population of 28.6%. In other words, SarniaLambton’s immigrant rate is about 35% of the provincial rate.

Most of Sarnia-Lambton’s immigrant population (10,705 persons) arrived before 2000. Newly
arrived (2001-2011) immigrants account for 1.4% (1630) of Sarnia-Lambton’s population and 8.1%
of Ontario’s population.

The most popular birthplaces of recent immigrants to Sarnia-Lambton are USA, United Kingdom
and India. For the province the top three are India, China and the Philippines.
Place of Birth of Immigrants
Sarnia Lambton
Total Immigrant Population
12,345 (10%)
3,611,365 (28.5%)
3%
17.8%
12.6%
66.3%
0.4%
5.5%
16%
44.7%
33.3%
0.4%
Africa
Americas
Asia
Europe
Oceania
Sarnia-Lambton Immigration Rate
Compared to Provincial Rate
50
Age at Immigration, Sarnia-Lambton
Compared to Province
%
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Ontario
SarniaLambton
0
Ontario
35
57
12
21
1500
12
Recent Immigrants by Arrival Period,
Sarnia-Lambton
1000
1060
1035
500
575
0
Source: NHS, 2011
1991-2000
1
2001-2005
Excludes data for 1 or more incompletely enumerated reserves or Indian settlements
V
2006-2011
Executive Summary
Background:
Community Profile 2013-14: LIFE in Sarnia-Lambton is a collaborative project between
partners and citizens who care about advancing the quality of life in our community. In 2004
community leaders met to discuss ways to identify a common agenda and create an efficient
means of measuring and advancing the quality of life in Sarnia-Lambton. This community
profile is intended to serve that purpose.
The Sarnia Lambton Workforce Development Board served as the lead agency in this
community profile project, coordinating the activities of the collaboration. Involvement and
contributions from other community partners have been ongoing and are gratefully
acknowledged.
Progress:
This report profiles Sarnia-Lambton’s development through analysis of 54 indicators to
identify community priorities. The purpose of identifying priorities is to assist in directing
resources to improve the quality of life in our community. Through continued monitoring of
indicators, we can determine if we are making a difference.
As communities mature, their priorities shift. In this fifth edition of LIFE in Sarnia-Lambton,
shifting priorities are reflected with additional focus on sustainability and new indicators on
the economy, environment, and infrastructure. Currently, Lambton County has no municipal
greenhouse gas emission reduction targets and this may become a priority in the future.
Many of the priorities illustrated in this report are broad, difficult issues that may take years
to address, and some may always be priority areas. There may also be gaps in information
as some issues are not measurable, data may not be available, or reporting formats have
changed over time. The report confirms many community strengths as well as areas for
improvement.
Partners:
The LIFE project is a community partnership effort of the Sarnia Lambton Workforce
Development Board, the Bluewater Sustainability Initiative and the United Way of SarniaLambton.
Funding provided by:

Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration
VI
In-kind support was received from:

United Way of Marathon County (WI) generously permitted the use of the format
followed in their community profile.

Live in Lambton- Immigration Portal kindly permitted the use of photographs by
Hailey McHarg Photography from their photo gallery

Research assistance was generously provided by the following organizations:
o Bluewater Health
o Bluewater Power
o Bluewater Recycling Association
o Bluewater Sustainability Initiative
o Canadian Red Cross (Sarnia-Lambton Branch)
o City of Sarnia
o Community Awareness Emergency Response(CAER)
o County of Lambton
o Erie-St. Clair Community Care Access Centre
o Erie-St. Clair Local Health Integration Network (LHIN)
o Huron County Playhouse-Drayton Entertainment
o Imperial Theatre
o Lambton Area Water Supply System
o Lambton Elderly Outreach
o Lambton Kent District School Board
o Ontario Physician Human Resources Data Centre
o Ontario Provincial Police (Lambton Detachment)
o Pinery Provincial Park
o Physician Recruitment Taskforce of Sarnia-Lambton
o St. Clair Catholic District School Board
o St. Clair Conservation Authority
o St Joseph’s Hospice
o Sarnia Lambton Children's Aid Society
o Sarnia Lambton Economic Partnership
o Sarnia-Lambton Real Estate Board
o Sarnia Police Service
o Sarnia Lambton Environmental Association
o Tourism Sarnia-Lambton
o Victorian Order of Nurses (Sarnia-Lambton District)
o Victoria Playhouse
o Women’s Interval Home
VII
Indicator #1 Childhood Immunizations
Immunization Rates Higher in Lambton County
than the Province
Immunization coverage among 7 year olds in Lambton and Ontario
for vaccines started in infancy and early childhood
(2011/12 school year)
Data Highlights

100
80
60
%
40
20
0
Diptheria
Tetanus
Pertussis
Polio
Lambton
Measles
Mumps
Rubella
Ontario
Source: County of Lambton, Community Health Services Department November 18, 2013
The Story Behind the Numbers
The above vaccines are
available free of charge;
but are not required for
school attendance.
Immunizations save lives, prevent serious illnesses, and are recognized as one
of the most effective public health interventions.
Immunizations work by helping the immune system recognize and attack
diseases so that the body may make its own protection (antibodies) to prevent
those diseases from causing health problems. Even though deaths caused by
vaccine-preventable diseases are relatively rare, the diseases still remain a
threat since the causes have yet to be eliminated.
The chart above shows that the immunization rate of 7 year olds in Lambton is
higher than the Ontario immunization rate in the 2011/12 school year. The
immunization rate refers to the percentage of students enrolled in kindergarten
to grade 12 who are completely immunized in a given year. Children receive
the first vaccine doses in the 1st year of life, with boosters at 18 months, 4-6
years, and 14-16 years. In Lambton, coverage rates for the required
immunizations ranged from 88% to 98% in the 2011/12 school year. Local
rates were higher than the provincial averages.
For children attending school in Ontario, a written immunization record or proof
of immunization is required by law for diptheria, tetanus, polio, measles,
mumps and rubella, unless there is a valid written exemption.
Ontario offers 21 different vaccines through its publicly funded immunization
program offering protection against 16 preventable diseases.
1
Other recommended
childhood immunizations
include vaccines for:
 Chicken pox,
 Meningococcal
meningitis,
 Rotovirus,
 Human
Papillomavirus
(HPV)(Grade 8
females)
 Haemophilus
influenzae type b
Vaccine (Hib)
 Pneumococcal
disease
 Hepatitis B (Grade
7)
 Seasonal influenza.

Although no vaccine
provides 100%
immunity, most are
about 90% effective.
For More Information:
Erie-St. Clair LHIN (Local Health
Integration Network)
www.eriestclairlhin.on.ca/
Community Health Services
Department Website –
www.lambtonhealth.on.ca
Ontario Ministry of Health and LongTerm Care Website –
www.health.gov.on.ca
www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/progra
ms/immunization/docs/schedule.pdf
Indicator #2 Alcohol & Tobacco Use
Tobacco and Alcohol Use Higher in Lambton
than Province
Smokers in Sarnia-Lambton & Ontario, 12 years or older,
2000-2012
30
%
Data Highlights

The use of tobacco in
Canada has declined from
49.5% in 1965 to 20.3% in
2012. Nevertheless, tobacco
remains the leading cause of
preventable death among
Canadians. More than
16,000 deaths each year —
one in six of all deaths in
Ontario — can be attributed
to smoking. The burden of
smoking on our provincial
healthcare system is
estimated at more than $1
billion every year.

Smoking is most common
among 20-34 year olds in
both Lambton and Ontario
(40% and 26%).

Over time, there has been
little change in the
percentage of residents who
reported heavy drinking in
Lambton or Ontario.
20
10
0
2000/1
40
30
% 20
10
0
2003
2005
2007/8
Lambton
Ontario
2009/10
2011/12
Alcohol Consumption, Frequency of Five or More
Drinks per occasion, at least 12 times per year, 12
years or older, 2000-2012
Lambton
2000/1
2003
2005
2007/8 2009/10 2011/12
Ontario
Source: Statistics Canada. Table 105-0502 - Health indicator profile, two year period
estimates, by age group and sex, Canada, provinces, territories, health regions (2012
boundaries) and peer groups, occasional, CANSIM (database) (accessed: July 15, 2013)
Between 2000 and 2012, the percentage of Ontarians that reported regularly
smoking has declined by about 5%, whereas local rates have not changed and
have been consistently higher than the provincial average. In 2011/12, 1 in 4
Lambton residents, nearly 27,000 individuals, reported that they currently smoke.
This is significantly higher than the provincial average. The chart above reflects
the percentages of persons aged 12 years or older who self-reported as smoking
daily or occasionally.
Whereas smoking rates are only slightly higher among males in Lambton
compared to Ontario males (26% vs. 23%), rates are significantly higher among
Lambton females compared to females in Ontario (23% vs. 16%).
Ontario Ministry of Health and
Long-Term Care –
Report Name: “Tobacco: Ontario
Tobacco Strategy”
In 2011/12, 1 in 5 Lambton residents, roughly 22,000 individuals, were classified
as heavy drinkers. This proportion was higher than the provincial proportion of
heavy drinkers, but for the first time since 2005 the difference was not statistically
significant. Rates are similar among Lambton and Ontario males (26% vs. 24%),
but are higher among Lambton females compared to females in Ontario (15% vs.
10%). Heavy drinking is more common among males than females in both
Lambton and Ontario.
Statistics Canada
www.statcan.ca
www.lambtonhealth.on.ca/HealthInformation/Smoking-andTobacco/Quit-Smoking
2
Canadian Community Health
Survey –
www.statcan.ca/english/concepts/he
alth/
Indicator #3 Self-Rated Health Status
Fewer Lambton County Residents Rated
Health as Excellent or Very Good in 2011
Data Highlights
Percentage Aged 12 or Older Who SelfReport Health as Very Good or Excellent
100
60
Sarnia-Lambton
40
Ontario
20
0
2000/1
2005
In 2011/12, 54% of
Lambton residents
reported that their health
was very good or
excellent. This is a
decrease from previous
years and is below the
provincial frequency
(60%).

In 2011/12, 19% of
Lambton residents
reported that their health
was fair or poor. This
was significantly higher
than the provincial
frequency (11%).

About 62% of Canadians
rated their health as
either "excellent" or
"very good" in 2009.

Also in 2011/12, 9%† of
Lambton residents, more
than 9,000 individuals,
reported that their
mental health was fair or
poor. †Use with caution
due to small sample size
and high levels of error.
Source: Statistics Canada.
Table 105-0502 - Health
indicator profile, two year
period estimates, by age
group and sex, Canada,
provinces, territories, health
regions (2012 boundaries)
and peer groups, occasional
CANSIM (database)
(accessed: July 15, 2013)
80
%

2009/10
The perception of a person’s own health is referred to as self-rated health status.
Population aged 12 years or older are asked to rate their own health as excellent,
very good, fair or poor in the Canadian Community Health Survey. In previous
years Lambton and provincial results have been similar, but in 2011/12 Lambton
self-reported scores are significantly lower than provincial numbers.
Because the self-rated health status is subjective the results should be treated
with caution. However, according to Health Canada, self-rated health ratings
correspond fairly accurately to objective measures of health, and is a good
predictor of morbidity and mortality and therefore a useful statistic for health
planners. As such, this information can often overtake more objective measures
and can be used to predict future mortality and later development of chronic
conditions and disabilities.
As shown in the chart below, in 2011/12, 68% of Lambton residents 12 years and
older reported that their mental health was very good or excellent. Although a
decline from scores in previous years, it did not differ significantly from the
provincial score. This indicates that the population suffering from mental or
emotional distress may not be reflected in self-reported health.
Percentage Aged 12 or older Who Report
Very Good or Excellent Mental Health
77.5
%
74.6
72.5
74.6
77.1
74.6
75.2 74.3
72.4
67.7
2003
2005
Lambton
2007/8
2009/10
2011/12
Ontario
Source: Statistics
Canada. Table 1050502 - Health indicator
profile, two year period
estimates, by age
group and sex,
Canada, provinces,
territories, health
regions (2012
boundaries) and peer
groups, occasional
CANSIM (database)
(accessed: July 15,
2013)
3
Canadian Community Health
Survey –
www.statcan.ca/english/concepts/he
alth/
Health Council Canada
www.healthcouncilcanada.ca
Report: Progress Report 2013 Health
Care Renewal in Canada
Indicator #4 Active Physicians
Active Physicians Ratio Improving in SarniaLambton but Remains Lower than Province
Active Physicians (General Practitioners and Emergency
Medicine Practitioners) per 100,000 Population
Data Highlights

The total physician ratios
for the Southwestern
Ontario region are lower
than the province.

As of October 2013,
Sarnia-Lambton is
underserviced by 16
family physicians.

The Physician
Recruitment Taskforce
of Sarnia Lambton was
formed to combat the
shortage of Family
Physicians in the SarniaLambton Area. Since its
inception in 2001, the
Taskforce has recruited
more than 18 Family
Physicians and assisted
with the recruitment of
many specialists.

Seniors (65+ years)
account for 18.7% of
Sarnia-Lambton
population compared to
14.6% for the province.
100
80
60
Sarnia-Lambton
40
Ontario
20
0
2000
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Source: Ontario Physician Human Resources Data Centre, Active Physician Registry, 2006
Census-based Ministry of Finance Population Estimates (2001-2011) updated July 2012
The active physician ratio is an indicator of health care human resources available
to serve the area population. The ratio refers to the number of active physicians
per 100,000 residents. The above chart includes Family Medicine and Emergency
Medicine Practitioners only. The chart below reflects Medical Specialists only.
Sarnia-Lambton trails the provincial rate by more than 20 Family Physicians and
almost 40 Medical Specialists per 100,000 residents despite recent gains. Given
that Sarnia-Lambton has an older population than the province, these findings may
be concerning as health care needs increase with aging populations.
Medical Specialists per 100,000 Population
100
Sarnia-Lambton
50
Ontario
0
2001
2002
2003
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Family Health Teams (FHT) implemented in Ontario in 2005, assist patients in
meeting their health care needs and address concerns about access to primary
health care. They provide access to physicians and an array of allied
professionals. Of the 200 FHT’s in Ontario, two are located in Sarnia-Lambton:
Central Lambton and Rapids.
Community Health Centres (CHC) are non-profit community-governed
organizations that provide primary health care, health promotion and community
development services. Multi-disciplinary teams of health providers serve people
who face barriers accessing primary health care and the broader care system. One
CHC serves the county through four sites and has strategic partnerships to ensure
that marginalized populations have access to services.
4
Ontario Physician Human
Resources Data Centre –
www.ophrdc.org
Canada Health Act Annual Report
2011-2012 – www.hc-sc.gc.ca/
Long Term Care
Physician Recruitment Task Force
of Sarnia Lambton
www.doctors4sarnialambton.com
Indicator #5 Health Care System Capacity
Number of Hospital Beds in Sarnia-Lambton
Declining while Community Services Expand
Lambton
Erie St.
Clair LHIN
Ontario
Medical/ Surgical/
ICU/ Obstetric/
Paediatric Beds per
1,000 total population
1.48
1.33
Adult Mental Health
Beds per 1,000
population over 20
years age
0.26
0.23
General Rehabilitation
beds per 1,000
population aged 65
years or older
1.08
0.94
1.37
0.19
1.01
The table above shows the number of hospital beds by specialty grouping, staffed
and in operation in Lambton County compared to Erie St. Clair Local Health
Integration Network (LHIN) and Ontario. Overall, the numbers of available beds
locally and in the province have declined dramatically over the past decade. The
number of hospital beds at Bluewater Health decreased from 596 in 1993 to 323 in
2013. Of the beds across the two sites (Petrolia and Sarnia), 191 are designated
for acute care, 78 for Complex Continuing Care, 27 for Mental Health and 27 for
Rehabilitation.
The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC) utilize wait times to
measure health system performance. The table below shows performance in three
areas.
Wait Times
Province
Bluewater Health
Hip Replacement
188 days
111 days
Knee surgery
176 days
96 days
MRI diagnostic scan
64 days
25 days
The challenges for the Sarnia-Lambton health care system include:
 High proportion of seniors,
 Significantly high incidence of overweight and obese individuals,
 High proportion of individuals with poor lifestyle habits such as smoking and
drinking, and
 Significantly high rates of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease,
stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD) and arthritis.
The MOHLTC recognizes that health care across the province needs to become
more patient-focused, results-driven, integrated and sustainable. The Ministry’s goal
is to enhance community health services in order to manage and support chronic
conditions outside of the hospital and thus decrease dependence on hospital beds.
Doing so involves strategies for the full continuum of care including: primary care,
emergency response, acute hospital services, chronic support services, long-term
care, and palliative care.
The Erie St. Clair LHIN 2013-2016 Integrated Health Service plan has focused on
improving:
 Diabetes/chronic disease management,
 Emergency department care,
 Alternate level of care,
 Mental health and addictions care, and
 Rehabilitation care and interventions.
5
Data Highlights

Transitional stroke
program and Alternate
Level of Care programs
were initiated to improve
timely access to care.

There are 1051 long
term care beds, 12
convalescent and 2
respite beds in Sarnia Lambton.

$786,000 in funding was
announced in October
2013 for immediate start
of a Withdrawal
Management Program.

Sarnia has a ten
bedroom Hospice with a
variety of support
services for end-of-life
care.
Department –
Long-Term Care –
Health Quality Ontario
www.hqontario.ca/public-reporting
Bluewater Health
www.bluewaterhealth.ca
Canadian Institute of Health
Information
www.cihi.ca
Indicator #6 Low Birth Weight Babies
Lambton Rate of Low Birth Weight Slightly Lower
than Province
10
Data Highlights
Percent Low Birth Weight Babies of all hospital births, Lambton
and Ontario 2000-2012

Singleton babies
weighing between 500
and 2499 grams are
considered to be low
birth weight.

From 1996-2012, the
average number of low
birth weight babies in
Sarnia-Lambton was 5.3
per 100 live births. The
provincial average was
6.2 during the same
period.

“Being born to a teen
mother (versus a
nonteen mother) is
associated with poorer
educational
achievement, life
satisfaction, and
personal income”
% 5
0
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Sarnia-Lambton
Ontario
Source: Inpatient Discharges [1996-2012], Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term
Care, IntelliHEALTH ONTARIO, Date Extracted: [November 18 2013].
The chart shows the percent of low birth weight babies of all hospital live births,
including multiple births in Lambton and Ontario. With the exception of the
slightly higher rates between 2007 and 2009, the local rate is less than the
provincial rate.
Low birth weight infants are at increased risk for many health problems
including chronic lung disease, respiratory illness, vision and hearing problems,
and neuro-development impairments that can lead to disabilities. Such health
complications are 40 times more likely for low birth weight babies than babies
over 5.5 pounds.
Most of the known risk factors for low birth weight begin long before a
pregnancy occurs. Smoking, drug and alcohol abuse, poor maternal health, low
socioeconomic status, and exposure to environmental toxins and hazards are
among the most common. Maternal smoking is one of the most modifiable risk
factors to prevent low birth weight babies. The incidence of low birth weight can
be reduced by early prenatal care that includes medical, nutritional, and
supportive services.
The age of the mother can also influence the incidence of low birth weight
babies. Low birth weight rates are higher among mothers under 20 and over 35
years of age. More health risks are associated with teenage births than with
births to older women. In fact, a baby born to a first-time teenage mother is
50% more likely to be born premature than a child born to a first-time mother
aged 20-21 years.
Some increase in low birth weight rates is attributed to medical technology that
has enabled the survival of many babies that may not have done so in the past.
6
(Lipman EL, 2011
Mar;50(3):232-241.e4. doi:
10.1016/j.jaac.2010.12.007
. Epub 2011 Jan 26.)
www.eriestclairlhin.on.ca
Department –
Long-Term Care –
Report: Low Birth Weight
Statistics Canada Health Report,
Vol. 12, No. 1 –
www.statcan.ca/english/kits/preg/pre
g3.htm
Report Name: “Teenage Pregnancy”
Indicator # 7 Major Notifiable Diseases
Incidence of Hepatitis C higher in Lambton
than Province
INCIDENCE OF MAJOR NOTIFIABLE DISEASES PER 100,000 POPULATION
# Cases
Lambton Ontario
Lambton
Rate
Rate
290
220.7
269.41
Chlamydia
75
57.1
30.5
Hepatitis C
38
28.9
62.3
Influenza
21
16.0
22.4
Salmonella
20
15.2
28.5
Campylobacter
9
6.8
9.3
Invasive Pneumococcal Disease
9
6.8
4.5
Group A Streptococcus
8
6.1
30.2
Gonorrhea
Source: Integrated Public Health Information System 2012
Data Highlights

Certain diseases
included in previous
reports have been
excluded because the
prevalence in Lambton
County alone is too low
to be meaningfully
represented.

West Nile Virus, a
disease transmitted from
mosquitoes to humans,
is established in Ontario.
The severity of the virus
in a given year cannot
be predicted.
The chart above records incidences of the top 10 reportable diseases for
Lambton County in 2012. Ontario’s rate is shown for comparison. There were
less than five cases of all other reportable diseases in Sarnia-Lambton in 2012.
Although provincial rates for most of these diseases are greater, SarniaLambton has a significantly higher rate of Hepatitis C. Hepatitis C, a common
cause of liver inflammation, is transmitted from one person to another through
blood.
Advances have been made in sanitation, immunization, and the development
of antibiotic drugs, yet communicable diseases continue to threaten the health
of many people. The spread of contagious diseases throughout the population
greatly reduces quality of life. Communicable diseases are illnesses that are
contagious and typically spread through insects, animals, food, water, and
bodily fluids. The control of communicable diseases depends heavily upon
public awareness and education concerning infectious disease and
preventative measures. Tuberculosis, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Diseases
(STDs), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and Acquired Immune
Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and Influenza are among the communicable
diseases of particular significance as they cause lost days from school and
work, hospital stays, and even death. Thirty percent of Lambton County
residents report receiving the influenza vaccine which is comparable to
provincial rate of 32%. STDs are spread through sexual contact and can lead
to infertility, complications during pregnancy, cancer, and death.
Between 2002 and 2012, the incidence rate of West Nile Virus in SarniaLambton has been between 0.0 and 1.5 per 100,000 population. The rate for the
province has ranged from 0.0 to 3.3 during the same interval. In 2013 there
were 104 clinical cases of West Nile Disease in Canada of which 49 were in
Ontario and none were in Sarnia-Lambton.
7
Department –
Long-Term Care –
Public Health Agency of Canada
West Nile Virus: National
Surveillance Report
www.phac-aspc.gc.ca
Indicator # 8 Suicide
Number of Suicide Attempts Decreasing Over
Time
Data Highlights
Suicide is now recognized as a public health issue that results in long term
personal impact and significant social costs. It is a health and safety priority.
Collaborative action by communities, governments, organizations and
individuals focuses on raising awareness about suicide prevention, providing
support for those who have been affected by suicidal behavior and helping to
prevent deaths.
The suicide rate is an indication of a community’s mental health status. A
community with a low suicide rate may reflect the awareness and importance
placed on mental health issues, which contribute to a better quality of life.
However, higher suicide rates do not necessarily reflect lack of access or
availability of mental health services.
Number
Number of ER visits due to intentional self-harm and
number of deaths due to intentional self-harm, all
age groups, Lambton County, 2003-2009
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
2003
2004
2005
Lambton ER Visits
2006
2007
2008
2009
Lambton Deaths
Source: Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, IntelliHEALTH ONTARIO. Extracted May 2, 2013
Between 2000 and 2009, the greatest number of ER visits due to intentional
self-harm occurred by those 15-19 years old. These data suggest that this age
group accounts for the greatest number of attempted suicides. Though the
number of suicide attempts appears to be decreasing over time, the number
of deaths due to suicide has remained relatively stable.
“Suicide and mental health problems are deeply connected; it is estimated
that 90 per cent of people who die by suicide were experiencing a mental
health problem or illness.” (Mental Health Commission report: Suicide
Prevention). Other risk factors include previous self-injury, stress, loss,
hopelessness, substance abuse, history of trauma/abuse, difficulty with
interpersonal relationships, persons in less affluent neighbourhoods, young
females and males in their forties. Protective factors that enhance resilience
help reduce the likelihood of suicide. These include problem-solving and life
skills, strong family connections and community support.
8

Between 2000 and
2009, the greatest
number of deaths due to
intentional self-harm
occurred in the 40-44
year age group in
Lambton.

The number of
emergency room visits
for intentional self-harm
in Sarnia-Lambton
decreased by 50%
between 2002 and 2011
which suggests that
suicide attempts are
declining over time for
the total population.

Local suicide prevention
initiatives include ASIST
(Applied Suicide
Intervention Skills
Training) and other
workshops on teen
suicides and mental
health.
Canadian Mental Health
Association, Lambton County
Branch –
www.cmhalambtonkent.ca/
Mental Health Commission of
Canada
www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/En
glish
Centre for Suicide Prevention –
www.suicideinfo.ca
Canadian Association for Suicide
Prevention
www.suicideprevention.ca
Mind Your Mind
www.mindyourmind.ca
www.mindyourmindpro.ca
Indicator # 9 Body Mass Index
Reported Obesity Rate Higher in Lambton
County than in Province
Data Highlights
Percentage who are overweight and obese, aged 18 years
or older, Lambton and Ontario 2003-2012

60
50
40
% 30
20
10
0
Sarnia Overweight
Ontario Overweight
Sarnia Obese
Ontario Obese

Source: Statistics Canada. Table 105-0502 - Health indicator profile, two year period estimates, by age
group and sex, Canada, provinces, territories, health regions (2012 boundaries) and peer groups,
occasional, CANSIM (database) (accessed: July 15, 2013)
In 2011/12, 31% of Lambton residents, nearly 30,000 adults, were classified as
overweight. This rate has been relatively stable over time and is similar to the
Ontario average since 2000.

Relatively small proportions
of the population were
considered to be of
insufficient weight.

Overweight and obesity are
common health conditions
and their prevalence is
increasing nationally and in
Ontario.
In 2011/12, 25% of Lambton residents, roughly 24,000 adults, were classified
as obese. This rate has been climbing since 2003 and has been significantly
higher than the provincial rate since 2007.
Studies have demonstrated that changes in lifestyle, such as increasing and
sustaining physical activity and dietary improvements, can reduce body weight
and risk for serious health problems. Approximately 40% of the SarniaLambton population report eating fruit and vegetables 5 or more times per day.
The chart below shows moderate gain in the physical activity habits during
leisure activities among the Sarnia-Lambton population over the past 10 years.
60
Percentage physically active or moderately
active during leisure time, aged 12 years or
older Lambton and Ontario 2000-2012
55
Lambton
50
Ontario
%
45
2000/1
2003
2005
2007/8 2009/10 2011/12
Source: Statistics
Canada. Table 1050502 - Health indicator
profile, two year period
estimates, by age group
and sex, Canada,
provinces, territories,
health regions (2012
boundaries) and peer
groups,
occasional, CANSIM
(database) (accessed:
July 15, 2013)
Body Mass Index (BMI) is
defined as the ratio of body
weight (kg) to height (m)
squared among individuals
between 20-64 years,
excluding pregnant women
and those under 3 feet tall
or over 7 feet tall.
BMI is the international
recommended measure of
weight status

<18.5 – Insufficient
Weight
 18.5-24.9 – Acceptable
Weight
 25.0-29.9 – Overweight
 >30.0 – Obese
Department –
Report Name: “Rate Your Weight”
Health Canada, Office of Nutrition
Policy and Promotion – www.hcsc.gc.ca/hpfb-dgpsa/onppwww.hc-sc.gc.ca/fnan/nutrition/weights-poids/guide-ldadult/bmi_chart_javagraph_imc_java-eng.php
Statistics Canada
www.statcan.ca
9
Indicator #10 Life Satisfaction
Over 90% of Sarnia-Lambton Residents
Report Being Satisfied or Very Satisfied with
Life
Percentage Who Report being Satisifed or Very Satisifed
with Life, age 12 years or older Lambton and Ontario
2007-2012
Data Highlights

Canadians are happy and
getting happier. In 2011,
92.3 per cent of Canadians
12 and over reported that
they were satisfied or very
satisfied with their lives.

According to a Gallup World
Poll taken in February 2012,
Canada is the second
happiest country in the world
preceded only by Denmark.
94
93.5
93
Lambton Males
92.5
Lambton
Females
Ontario Males
92
%
91.5
91
Ontario
Females
90.5
90
89.5
89
2007/8
2009/10
2011
2012
Source: Statistics Canada, CANSIM table 105-0501 and Catalogue no. 82-221-X
Statistics Canada has included subjective measures of well-being particularly life satisfaction - in its surveys for twenty-five years. Notably the
wording of these questions and the response categories have evolved over
time. Survey respondents are asked to rate, on a scale from 0 to 10, from
‘very dissatisfied’ to ‘very satisfied,’ how they felt about their life as a whole.
The chart above shows the percentage of the population, by gender, aged 12
years and older who are satisfied or very satisfied with their life in general.
Information for 2012 is only available for Ontario.
Measures of subjective well-being are increasingly prominent in international
policy discussions about how best to measure "societal progress" and the wellbeing of national populations. As shown in the chart, Ontarians in general and
residents of Lambton County are generally satisfied with life.
10
Health Canada
www.hc-sc.gc.ca
Report: Healthy Canadians-A
Federal Report on Comparable
Health Indicators 2010
Statistics Canada
www.statcan.ca
Centre for Study of Living
Standards
www.csls.ca
Report: Canadians Are Happy and
Getting Happier: An Overview of
Life Satisfaction in Canada, 20032011
Indicator #11
Grade 3 and Grade 6 Assessments
Primary and Junior Testing Show Decline in
Math
Data Highlights

An EQAO score of level
3 or 4 indicates that the
student meets or
exceeds provincial
expectations.

Only 3.8% of Canadians
are illiterate, but another
42% have low literacy
skills.

Despite increases in
higher education
attainment among young
adults, Canada’s overall
literacy levels are not
expected to improve
over the next two
decades.
Grade 3 and Grade 6 Assessments of Reading, Writing and Mathematics are
conducted through Ontario’s Education Quality Assessment Office (EQAO).
The assessments are based on expectations outlined in The Ontario
Curriculum, Grades 1–8 for reading, writing, and math.
The chart above reflects the trend over time for the province and compares
results of local school boards. C Sud-Ouest results are for the entire southwest
French Education area rather than just the two schools within Lambton
borders.
Note: EQAO French-language tests are not translations of the corresponding
English tests; however, the tests in the two languages are equivalent in
terms of difficulty, quality, format and the process used to validate them.
While the expectations in the English - and French-language versions of The
Ontario Curriculum are aligned, given concepts and skills may be presented
in different grades. Separate tests are developed based on the curriculum
covered by the assessed student population by the end of the relevant
division or grade. Therefore, the results for the Engli sh- and Frenchlanguage populations should not be compared .
St. Clair Catholic District School
Board – www.st-clair.net
Lambton Kent District School
Board – www.lkdsb.net
Conseil scolaire Viamonde –
www.csviamonde.ca
Education Quality Assessment
Office – www.eqao.com
Canadian Council on Learning,
Reading the Future -- www.cclcca.ca
Canadian Literacy and Learning
Network - www.literacy.ca
Report Card on Ontario’s
Elementary Schools 2013 http://ontario.compareschoolrankings
.org
11
% Scored 3 or 4
Grade 3 Writing
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
03/04
04/05
05/06
06/07
07/08
08/09
09/10
10/11
11/12
12/13
Province -Eng
58
61
64
64
66
68
70
73
76
77
Lambton-Kent
50
56
56
56
70
74
72
73
75
73
St Clair Catholic
55
63
62
67
75
73
77
75
80
75
Province-Fr
63
68
72
73
74
76
81
83
83
83
C Sud-Quest
60
65
76
73
75
73
84
86
83
88
% Scored 3 or 4
Grade 3 Math
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
03/04
04/05
05/06
06/07
07/08
08/09
09/10
10/11
11/12
12/13
Province -Eng
64
66
68
69
67
70
71
69
68
67
Lambton-Kent
67
68
70
65
68
73
71
66
66
61
St Clair Catholic
69
73
77
79
77
81
78
65
73
62
Province-Fr
55
57
59
61
62
66
72
73
75
78
C Sud-Quest
63
52
67
66
63
63
75
76
77
82
Over the past five years, the portion of local students performing at or above the provincial standard in
mathematics has declined by three percentage points. In 2012–2013, the percentage of students at or above
the standard in this subject decreased by one percentage point (to 67%) from the previous year’s score.
Although local Grade 3 testing results have met or exceeded the provincial results in past years, a decline is
evident since 2010.
Changes in performance over time among specific cohorts are not captured in the above charts. Do students
who do well in the grade three assessments maintain that level of success in grade six and nine
assessments? And if not, what has changed and where can educators focus their strategies to ensure
performance of cohorts improve over time. For example, does the decline in math performance correlate to
the requirement for increased written explanations to math problems which involves a literacy component?
These questions are addressed in the data highlights.
The Ministry of Education’s goal for Ontario is that 75% of English language students and 86% French
language students will score at a level of 3 or 4 on Grade 6 reading, writing and math assessments.
Local school boards are very committed to implementing leading practices to strengthen numeracy and
literacy instruction in order to ensure continued student achievement.
12
Data Highlights
% Scored Level 3 or 4
Grade 6 Reading
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
03/04
04/05
05/06
06/07
07/08
08/09
09/10
10/11
11/12
12/13
Province -Eng
58
63
64
64
66
69
72
74
75
77
Lambton-Kent
59
60
62
58
67
70
71
77
76
80
St Clair Catholic
62
65
71
67
65
70
73
76
71
77
Province-Fr
63
67
68
68
75
77
80
82
88
89
C Sud-Quest
64
68
63
60
68
76
73
81
82
87
Grade 6 Writing
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0

Provincially, 5% did
not meet the Math
standard in Grade 3
but met it in Grade 6
whereas 19% met the
Math standard in
Grade 3 but did not
meet it in Grade 6

not meet the Writing
standard in Grade 3
but met it in Grade 6;
whereas only 9% met
the standard in Grade
3 but did not meet it in
Grade 6

not meet the Reading
standard in Grade 3
but met it in Grade 6;
whereas only 4% met
the standard in Grade
3 but did not meet it in
Grade 6

Between 2002/3 and
2011/12 Grade 6
reading scores have
improved by 17 points
in the Lambton Kent
Board and 14 points in
the St. Clair Catholic
Board
03/04
04/05
05/06
06/07
07/08
08/09
09/10
10/11
11/12
12/13
Province -Eng
54
59
61
61
67
67
70
73
74
76
Lambton-Kent
48
56
55
51
63
62
65
70
74
74
St Clair Catholic
51
60
63
63
68
67
72
74
72
77
Province-Fr
68
70
73
74
80
79
80
82
85
86
C Sud-Quest
64
69
72
65
79
77
77
85
81
81

Low literacy has social
and economic impacts
for both the individual
and the community.
Low literacy has been
linked to poorer health
outcomes for the
individual. For the
community, adult
literacy levels have a
significant impact on
economic growth or
decline.

88% of Canadian
seniors (65+ years)
have less than
adequate health
literacy skills.
Grade 6 Math
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
03/04
04/05
05/06
06/07
07/08
08/09
09/10
10/11
11/12
12/13
Province -Eng
57
60
61
59
61
63
61
58
58
57
Lambton-Kent
60
62
61
52
54
60
55
54
52
54
St Clair Catholic
64
64
68
65
63
66
65
59
61
53
Province-Fr
70
74
76
76
78
80
81
80
82
81
C Sud-Quest
80
74
80
77
76
79
78
80
76
78
13
Indicator #12
High School Graduation Rates
Higher Percentage in Lambton County Report
High School as Highest Level of Education
Highest Level of Education (% of population aged 15 or
older) Lambton and Ontario
35%
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
Data Highlights

In 2011-12, 83% of
Ontario students
graduated with a high
school diploma which is
2% higher than in 201011 and 15% higher than
in 2003-04. The
provincial graduation
rate is the percentage of
5 year cohorts who
receive diploma within 5
years of starting high
school.

Ontario has introduced a
number of new
programs since 2001
that allow students to
customize their high
school experiences to
match their strengths,
interests and career
goals. These programs
aim to engage high
school students and help
them to make the
important connection
between their passions
and a future career.

Enrolment in Ontario
secondary schools
declined by 90,000
students between 200203 and 2008-09.
University
cert./diploma/
degree
University less
than bachelor
College, CEGEP
cert./diploma
Apprentice/
trade cert
High school
Sarnia-Lambton
Ontario
Source: National Household Survey 2011, Education
The chart above reflects educational status of persons aged 15 years or older in
Sarnia-Lambton and Ontario. Almost 19% of Sarnia-Lambton population has not
completed a high school diploma. Compared to the province, Lambton has higher
percentages of its population who are educated in apprentice/trades or college.
Lambton has a higher proportion of those with high school only education (5
percentage points) and lower proportion of those with a university education (12
percentage points) compared to the province. Females account for more of the
college (58%) and university (53%) attainment in Lambton than males do, a pattern
that parallels the province.
Credit Accumulation: % Students with 16 or more Credits
at end of Grade 10, Lambton-Kent District School Board
and St. Clair Catholic District School Board
90%
Source:
www.edu.gov.on.ca
“School Board
Progress Report”
80%
70%
60%
2006-7
. For More Information:
2010-11
Lambton Kent
Ministry of Education–
www.edu.gov.on.ca
St. Clair Catholic
To complete high school, students need 30 credits, 40 hours of community
involvement and must pass the provincial literacy test. Actual graduation rates are
calculated provincially but will become a reportable measure for school boards in
2015. Measuring the percentage of students who have completed 16 or more
credits by the end of Grade 10 and 23 or more credits by the end of Grade 11 are
good indicators that they are on track to graduate with peers.
14
Board– www.lkdsb.net
Statistics Canadawww.statcan.ca
National Household Survey 2011
Indicator #13
College Graduate Employment Rates
Lambton College Graduate Employment Rate
Continues to Exceed Provincial Average
Data Highlights
Graduate Employment Rates
(by graduating year)
100

The 2011 National
Household Survey
revealed that 24,905
Sarnia-Lambton
residents (24%) have a
college, CEGEP, or
other non-university
certificate or diploma;
compared to 18% of the
province.

11% (11,665) residents
have apprenticeship or
trades certificate or
diploma, compared to
8% of the province.

12,760 (12%) have
attained University
certificate, diploma or
degree at bachelor level
or above compared to
23% of the province
80
%
60
40
20
0
00/
01
01/
02
02/
03
03/
04
04/
05
05/
06
06/
07
07/
08
08/
09
09/
10
10/
11
11/
12
Lambton College 90.9 89.8 89.7 87.8 90.8 91.5 90.8 92.8 83.5 86.4 84.3 86.3
Province
88.7 87.4 87.7
88
89.3 90.1 90.5 88.9 84.8
83
83
83.6
A third party group, Forum Research conducts graduate key performance
indicator surveys for the Colleges in Ontario. The participation rate in the
graduate surveys has been on the decline. Currently less than 50% of Lambton
College graduates participate in the graduate KPI survey, as is the case for
most Colleges across the province.
Employer satisfaction rates for students hired from Lambton College programs
have exceeded 95% for each of the past three graduating years. This number
is comparable to survey results for all Ontario colleges.
For the 2011/2012 academic year, 77.2% of Lambton College students
reported to be very satisfied or satisfied with the overall quality of services and
facility.
The number of full-time students at Lambton College was approximately 3,800
in 2012, compared to 2,200 in 2002. Part-time enrolment at 6,500 in 2012 is
higher than the 3,000 in 2002. Apprenticeship program enrolment has grown
from 80 in 2007 to 300 in 2012. Lambton also has attracted international
students; however, delays in having visas processed could reduce the number
of new international students.
% INCREASE
LAMBTON COLLEGE 2013/2014 TUITION RATES ( TOTAL ANNUAL)
Hospitality and Tourism
Fire Science Technology (yr 3)
Pre-Service Firefighter
Bachelor of Science Nursing
Alternative Energy Engineering Technology
Chemical Production and Power Engineering Technology/Technician
Instrumentation and Control Engineering Technology (yr 1&2)
Mechanical Technician-Millwright Industrial Maintenance
$3974.52
$4508.19
$9282.42
$6667.92
$3771.06
$6378.48
$5032.26
$3974.52
OVER
2010/2011
11%
8%
18%
12%
9%
15%
10%
11%
15
Association of Colleges of
Applied Arts and Technology of
Ontario (ACAATO)–
www.acaato.on.ca
Report Name: Key Performance
Indicators
Lambton College–
www.lambton.on.ca
Ministry of Education–
www.min.gov.on.ca
National Household Survey
2011 www12.statcan.gc.ca/nhsenm/index-eng.cfm
Colleges Ontario
Key Performance Indicators –
www.collegesontario.org
Indicator #14
Apprenticeships and Co-op Placements
Number of Students Registered as Apprentices
Continues to Increase
Data Highlights
# of Students Registered in Apprenticeable Trades
200

Many recent reports
suggest that a shortage
of skilled trades people
will emerge over the
next several years.

OYAP students may be
formally registered as
apprentices through the
Ministry of Training,
Colleges and
Universities.

All school boards are
required to offer cooperative education,
work experience, and
school-to-work transition
programs.

The most popular trades
are hairstyling, cooking,
auto technician and
carpentry.
150
100
50
0
01/ 02/ 03/ 04/ 05/ 06/ 07/ 08/ 09/ 10/
02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11
Lambton-Kent
22 53 59 92 104 96 92 99 154 104
St. Clair Catholic 6 21 22 16 23 33
19
11/ 12/
12 13
129 131
51 5
Note- some figures not available for St. Clair Catholic District School Board
The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is a school-to-work transition
program offered through Ontario secondary schools. Full-time students in Grades
11 and 12 can earn cooperative education credits through work placements in
skilled trades and complete secondary school diploma requirements while
acquiring trade experience.
The chart above shows the number of OYAP students who are registered in a
trade, but does not reflect the students who participate without registering in a
trade. In the Lambton-Kent school board in 2012/13, another 182 students were
participants in OYAP but not registered in a trade. St. Clair Catholic DSB numbers
reduced in the 2012/13 school year as a result of policy change; only students who
will be going straight into the workforce after graduating are signed to training
agreements. In that year there were 99 students participating but not registered in
a trade.
School / College / Work Initiative (SCWI) is a program which allows high school
students to attend classes at Lambton College or St. Clair College, to achieve a
credit in both the secondary program and the college program. Examples of these
courses include Welding, Hairdressing, Baking and Pastry, Electrical Installation,
Carpentry and Early Childhood Education.
Take Our Kids to Work™ is The Learning Partnership’s signature program. Now in
its 19th year, it provides Grade nine students with the opportunity to experience
and learn about the world of work as they begin to explore possible career paths.
More than 250,000 grade nine students and at least 75,000 businesses and
organizations nationwide participate in Take Our Kids to Work™ day annually.
16
Ontario Learning Partnership
Group– www.olpg.on.ca
Indicator #15
School Board Expenditures
Elementary and Secondary Enrollment
Figures Continue to Decline
Data Highlights
Operating Expenditure Per Student 1998-2012 Lambton Kent
District School Board and St. Clair Catholic District School Board
$12,000.00

In 2010/11, the total
expenditure on
elementary and
secondary education in
the province (excluding
transfers to reserves)
was just over $22 billion.

In 2012/13, there were
2,031,205 elementary
and secondary students
in the province. This
figure has been trending
downward for a decade.
(OnSIS 2012-13)

Enrollment in both the
Lambton Kent District
School Board and the
St. Clair Catholic District
School Board has
decreased in every year
covered by this report.

Only 2580 Lambton
residents indicated
French as mother
tongue in 2011 National
Household Survey.
$10,000.00
$8,000.00
Lambton Kent
$6,000.00
St. Clair Catholic
$4,000.00
Province
$2,000.00
12/13
11/12
10/11
09/10
08/09
07/08
06/07
05/06
04/05
03/04
02/03
01/02
00/01
99/00
98/99
$0.00
The above chart shows rising costs in operating expenditure per student. These figures
were calculated by dividing total enrollment by total expenses (excluding capital
expenditures), using audited financial statements. Ontario numbers include only
English speaking public and Catholic schools.
Under the Ontario Education Act, school boards are required to prepare and adopt
balanced budgets and to publish their financial statements and auditor’s reports at
year-end. In addition, school boards face restrictions on the following expenditures:
classroom spending, special education, board administration and governance, school
renewal, and new pupil places. Other than these restrictions, school boards have the
flexibility and responsibility to allocate their resources where they are needed to provide
the best education for their students. It is up to boards to adopt budgets and set
expenditures in accordance with local conditions and needs.
French Immersion is offered in schools within the Lambton Kent and St. Clair Catholic
District School Boards. Its purpose is to provide students with the opportunity to learn a
second language whereby French is the language of instruction and classroom
communication, not a separate subject studied in isolation of other subjects.
French education for students whose mother tongue is French is offered in one
elementary and one secondary school in Sarnia with a combined total enrollment of
157 students in 2010.
Total Enrollment in Elementary and Secondary Schools,
Lambton 2000-2013
40000
30000
20000
10000
0
Report: Pupil Accommodation report
Oct 2012
Conseil scolaire Viamonde
www.csviamonde.ca
00/01
05/06
06/07
07/08
08/09
09/10
10/11
11/12
12/13
LK
30661
25437
24793
24229
23639
23089
22655
22240
21842
St. Clair
13483
11349
11079
10712
10392
10099
9725
9443
9173
17
Ontario Ministry of Education–
www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/educationFa
cts.html
Indicator #16 Income
Average Household Expenditures Increasing in
Sarnia
The Story Behind the
Numbers
According to a 2010 report by The
Canadian Facts, “Income is
perhaps the most important social
determinant of health. Level of
income shapes overall living
conditions, affects psychological
functioning, and influences healthrelated behaviours such as quality
of diet, extent of physical activity,
tobacco use, and excessive alcohol
use”. Employment income is
therefore a key indicator for quality
of life.
Average Employment Income
(2010 dollars)
Data Highlights

Average household
expenditures in 2012
were almost 32% higher
than in 2002.

According to the 2011
National Household
Survey, the median
income for SarniaLambton males (15
yrs+) was $52,906.
Compared to Ontario
males this figure was 7
percentage points
higher.

The median income for
Sarnia-Lambton
females was $30,043.
Compared to Ontario
females this figure was
11 percentage points
lower.

In Sarnia-Lambton,
females earned about
67% of what males
earned.

In 2011, 23% of all tax
filers in Canada made
charitable donations.
45,000
40,000
2000
35,000
2005
2011
30,000
Sarnia
Ontario
Canada
Median Employment Income
(2010 dollars)
40,000
Statistics Canada is the most
30,000
reliable source of information on
2000
median household income at the
20,000
2005
national, provincial, and local
10,000
levels. Employment Income
2011
presented, based on Census data,
0
is calculated in year 2010 dollars
Sarnia Ontario Canada
for the population 15 years and
over. Average Employment Income is the average amount of income each person
in the area receives. It is calculated by taking the total personal income, including
wages, interest, and dividends, of the residents of an area divided by the total
population (with an income) of that area.
Median Employment Income refers to the amount of total income earned by
individuals in the area (with an income). The median income indicates that half of
the individuals in the area received that amount or more, while the other half of the
individuals earned that amount or less.
AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD
EXPENDITURES, SARNIA CA*
2002
2005
2010
2012
Food
$6,346
$7,140
$8,270
$7,894
Shelter
$9,717
$10,897
$14,593
$15,660
Clothing
$2,187
$2,471
$3,108
$3,168
Transportation
$6,687
$7,704
$10,311
$10,779
Health and Personal Care
$2,005
$2,273
$3,060
$3,367
Recreation, Reading & Education
$3,746
$4,264
$6,144
$6,040
Taxes & Securities
$14,137
$15,967
$19,488
$20,428
Other
$8,992
$10,152
$11,313
$11,634
Total Expenditures
$53,817
$60,867
$76,286
$78,968
Source: Financial Post 2002,2005,2012 Canadian Demographics
* Consists of Sarnia, Point Edward, St. Clair, plus one small area w/in the County.
18
Statistics Canada www12.statcan.gc.ca/nhsenm/index-eng.cfm
The Canadian Facts–
www.thecanadianfacts.org/The_Can
adian_Facts.pdf
Report Name: “Social Determinants
of Health- the Canadian Facts”
Financial Post “Canadian Demographics 2012”
Indicator #17 Tourism
More Visitors Come to Sarnia-Lambton in 2012
but Spending Less
Tourism-Related Businesses in
Sarnia-Lambton 2000-2010
Source:
Statistics
Canada,
Canadian
Business
Pattern,
from
Ministry of
Tourism
and
Recreation
2000
1500
Data Highlights

In 2011, 2,072,391
visitors (Canada, U.S.,
overseas) came to
Lambton County.
Between 2008 and 2011
this number has
remained relatively
stable.

The OLG Casino in
Point Edward had
515,213 visits in 2012.
Hiawatha Slots closed in
2012 ending 140 jobs.

The number of
Bluewater Bridge
crossings (all vehicles,
both directions) has
declined every year
since 2004. Passports at
border crossings
became a requirement
in 2009.

In 2011, 2.2% more USA
residents visited SarniaLambton than in 2010
and spent $46 million
while visiting. In 2008,
22% of overnight visitors
to Lambton County
came from the USA.

Sarnia-Lambton hosts
400 annual festivals and
events.
Note:
Figures not
available
for 2005
and 2009
1000
500
0
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2006
2007
2008
2010
Sarnia-Lambton's beautiful shorelines, variety of recreation, and vibrant art scene
not only provide quality of life for local residents; the area’s resources also attract
tourists to the region. The ample opportunities for shopping and recreational
activities (swimming, boating,
sailing, golfing, fishing, minor
Total International (non-Canada origin)
sports) make tourism the thirdVisits to Sarnia-Lambton
largest economic sector in Sarnia2500000
Lambton, with estimated 2011
revenues of approximately $144
2000000
million. As a result, tourism is a
major employer in Sarnia1500000
Lambton, with an estimated 5,210
1000000
workers.
500000
Statistics Canada changed their
methodology for data collection in
0
2012 so comparative results to
previous years for tourism-related
businesses is not possible. There
Source: Tourism Sarnia Lambton 2012 Annual Report
are 679 tourism-related
establishments according to the new reporting format.
The Ministry of Tourism and Recreation recognizes persons visiting SarniaLambton during a trip as having made one person-visit. The chart above portrays
Overseas or USA origin person-visits who visit Sarnia-Lambton regardless of the
final destination of their trip. Between 2008 and 2011, person visits by USA
residents to Lambton County decreased by 18%, whereas overseas person visits
decreased by 63%. During the same interval, person visits from within Canada has
grown by 20%. Total visits to Sarnia-Lambton in 2011, increased by approximately
12,000 over 2010.
19
Tourism Sarnia-Lambton www.tourism-sarnia-lambton.com
Ministry of Tourism and
Recreation– www.tourism.gov.on.ca
Report Name: “Regional Tourism
Profiles, CD 38: Lambton County”
Indicator #18 Business Growth
Number of Small-to-Medium Businesses
(SMEs) Increases in Sarnia-Lambton
Data Highlights
Number of SMEs (1-99 employees) by Sector, 2008-2013
Retail Trade
Construction
Other Services
Health Care and Social Assistance
Accomodation and Food Services
Professional, Scientific, Technical Services
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting
Wholesale and Distribution
Manufacturing
Finance and Insurance
Transportation and Warehousing
Real Estate and Leasing
Administrative and Support, Waste…
Arts, Entertainment and Recreation
Oil and Gas, Mining and Quarrying
Management of Companies & Enterprises
Educational Services
Information and Cultural
Public Administration
Utilities
0
2013
200
2008
400

In 2013, there were
8,108 businesses in
Sarnia-Lambton, up
from 7,415 in 2008.

Among all businesses
in 2013: 55% reported
no employees on payroll, 44% employed
between 1 and 99
individuals, and 1%
employed 100+.

Between 2008 and
2013, the number of
businesses with 500+
employees declined
from nine to eight.
Also, businesses
employing between
100 and 499
individuals dropped
from 87 to 79.
600
Source: Statistics Canada, Canadian Business Patterns, 2008, 2013
What is ‘Other Services’?

A growing economy means more people are working and have more money to spend.
Companies respond to increased business activity by expanding to meet customer
demands which, in turn, may create additional jobs.
Historically, businesses in the petro-chemical and agricultural sectors have been a
major contributor to the local economy. The presence of these businesses continues to
influence the region's economic development. The above figure shows that local
economy is diversifying – a positive advancement. SMEs and self-employed
businesses in Agriculture, Real Estate and Leasing, Retail Trade, and Accommodation
and Food sectors are growing in numbers.
The presence of small-to-medium sized enterprises (SME) in the local economy has
grown by five percent between 2008 and 2011. This slight increase reflects the region’s
continued recovery from the 2008 recession. There has also been a gain in the number
of self-employment businesses. People in the area may be becoming entrepreneurial in
response to lack of employment opportunities elsewhere.
The Fall, 2013 announcement of a new trade agreement between Canada and
European Union has sparked some excitement in the business community. The largest
impact on exports may be felt in the agricultural industries, but businesses in all sectors
may benefit from cheaper imports of European goods.
20
It includes businesses
that operate in: repair
& maintenance;
personal & laundry
services; religious,
grant-making, civic, &
professional
organizations; and
private households.
Sarnia-Lambton Economic
Partnership (SLEP) www.sarnialambton.on.ca
Sarnia-Lambton Business
Development Corporation
(SLBDC) http://slbdc.com
Indicator # 19
Employment Growth
Health Care and Social Assistance Continue to
Offer Job Opportunities in Lambton County
Data Highlights
Employment by Industrial Sector, 2006-2011
Health Care, Social Assistance
Manufacturing
Retail Trade
Construction
Accommodation, Food Services
Educational Services
Other Services
Administrative, Support Services, Waste…
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, Hunting
Professional, Scientific, Technical Services
Transportation, Warehousing
Public Administration
Wholesale Trade
Arts, Entertainment, Recreation
Finance, Insurance
Real Estate, Rental, Leasing
Utilities
Information & Culture
Mining, Quarrying, Oil, Gas
Management of Companies
0
5000
2006
2011
10000
Source: Statistics Canada, 2006 Census, 2011 NHS
Having a sufficient number of available jobs ensures residents the opportunity to
work and support themselves and their families. A community that provides an
adequate number of jobs to sustain its population will have a better quality of life. A
sign of a growing and thriving community is one that consistently creates new jobs in
existing and newly established businesses.
The figure above shows that manufacturing employment dropped substantially
(down 2115) between 2006 and 2011. During this time period, Dow Chemical
(petrochemical processing facility), Woodbridge Foam and UBE (auto parts
manufacturers), among others, closed their plants. Canada’s manufacturing
industry was hit hard during the recent recession, and according to an Insights on
Canadian Society Statistics Canada report, it has yet to fully recover.
Health and Social Services had the largest gains in employment growth between
2006 and 2011. Sub-sectors with the heaviest concentration of employment
include: ambulatory, hospitals, nursing and residential care facilities, and social
assistance. Growth in this industry is expected to continue in future years.
21

The top 3 occupations in
2011 include: sales &
service (26%), trades,
transport & equipment
(18%), and business,
finance, & administration
(13%). These are also the
top 3 occupations in
Ontario.

Other prominent
occupations in SarniaLambton include:
management (11%) and
education, law and social,
community, and
government services
(10%).

Since 2006, there are
more people in
management and
occupations in education,
law and social, community
and government services.
There has been a decline
in employed people in
natural resources,
agriculture and related
production occupations.
The Sarnia Lambton Workforce
Development Board www.slwdb.org
Employment and Social
Development Canada (ESDC) (former HRSDC)
www.hrsdc.gc.ca
Insights on Canadian Society www.statcan.gc.ca (search
Catalogue #75-006-XWE)
Indicator #20 Unemployment
Shrunken Labour Force Size, Unemployment
Surpasses Provincial Rate
Numbers
Labour Force Participation Rate (%)
When a family member is out of
work, the whole family unit is
impacted. Paying bills often
becomes a challenge and
emotions such as anger and
depression often develop. The
widely used Holmes and Rahe
stress scale rates disruptive life
events. Being fired at work is
ranked as one of the top 10 most
stressful events. Changes to
one’s work hours or line of work,
having a spouse stop working, or
having a large mortgage or loan
are also stressful life events.
Stress has harmful effects on
health. The greater the stress in
one’s life, the greater likelihood of
illness.
The figures show changes in the
participation and unemployment
rates in Lambton over time. The
72
70
68
66
64
62
60
58
56
54
65.5
Data Highlights

The population of
Sarnia-Lambton
declined 1.6% between
2006 and 2011, whereas
Ontario’s population
grew by 5.7% in the
same period.

The labour force in
Sarnia-Lambton dropped
from 67,450 in 2006 to
66,150 in 2011 (-1.9%).

In August 2013, the
unemployment rate in
Sarnia-Lambton was
9.1%; the provincial rate
was 7.6%.

Many younger adults
(18-24 years) and 25-44
years old adults left the
area between 2007 and
2012; the net number of
migrants (difference
between in- and outmigrants) was -1592 and
-816 for these age
groups during this time.
SarniaLambton
59.6
Ontario
1991 1996 2001 2006 2011
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Unemployment Rate (%)
9.5
8.3
SarniaLambton
Ontario
1991 1996 2001 2006 2011
participation rate is the number of
Source: Statistics Canada, 2006 Census, 2011 NHS
labour force participants (those
who either have a job or are actively looking for a job) expressed as a
percentage of the population 15 years of age and over. The percentage of
people participating in the labour force has slowly declined over time, indicating
that a greater number of people in the population are not working or looking for
work. Unemployment rate refers to the percentage of unemployed individuals
as a percentage of the labour force. This percentage has recently spiked which
may reflect two things: (1) the area has not yet completely recovered from the
2008 recession, and (2) the smaller labour force size (denominator).
Demographics cannot be ignored when discussing the labour market (see Data
Highlights on right column). Similar to other regions in Canada, SarniaLambton has an older population. Although low fertility rates are behind this
national (and worldly) phenomenon, the migration of young adults out of the
area is another contributing factor. Adults aged 25-44 years are also leaving
the area.
22
Ontario Ministry of Labour www.labour.gov.on.ca
Ontario Office of the Worker
Advisor www.owa.gov.on.ca
Employment and Social
Development Canada (ESDC) (former HRSDC)
www.hrsdc.gc.ca
Indicator #21 Public Transportation
Sarnia-Lambton workers walk, bike, car pool or
use public transportation less often than province
Green Transportation Use
% Working Population 15 years or older, Lambton
and Ontario
Data Highlights

Sarnia Care-A-Van
provides transportation
service to people who are
physically unable to climb
or descend steps on
conventional public transit
facilities and/or people
who are unable to walk a
distance of 175 metres.
Blind people are also
eligible to use Care-A-Van
st
services from Nov. 1 to
st
March 31 .

Sarnia Transit carried
more than 1.1 million
riders in the first 11
months of 2012, an
increase of 8.7% from
2011.

Sarnia Transit’s cash fare
is $2.50. The price for 20
tickets is $44.00 and a
monthly pass can be
purchased for $66.00.

The local transit system is
part of the secondary
control group for the City’s
Peace Time Emergency
Plan.
15.0%
10.0%
car pool /passenger
5.0%
public transportation
0.0%
walk or bike
Sarnia Lambton
Ontario
Source: National Household Survey 2011 (Mode of Transportation)
The chart above indicates the percentage of the working population in
Lambton and Ontario who use ‘green transportation’. Only 13% of SarniaLambton working age population 15 years or older use public transportation,
car pool, bike or walk to work compared to almost 27% Ontario-wide. Barriers
to using Sarnia Transit cited in the 2011 Lambton County Active
Transportation Survey Report included affordability (especially if traveling with
young children), trip length, and inconvenient schedules. The transportation
report also recommended bike lanes, paved shoulders on county roads and
public education to reduce safety concerns.
The availability of reasonably priced, reliable public transportation is crucial for
many people to get to work or school, shop for food and other necessities,
visit family and friends, and maintain independence.
Sarnia Transit Ridership in "Revenue
Passengers" (conventional transit only) 2000-2012
Sarnia Transit is
a department of
the City of
1,400,000
Sarnia, which
1,200,000
operates and
1,000,000
maintains a fleet
800,000
of 25 buses in
600,000
the conventional
400,000
transit system
200,000
and 6
specialized
0
vehicles in the
Care-a-Van
service.
Sarnia Transit offers special transportation services to support major events
being held in the city and provides charter services within the city limits. The
fleet is equipped with bike racks which have been well received and utilized by
riders.
23
Sarnia Transit–
www.city.sarnia.on.ca/citygovernment/city-manager-anddepartments/transit
Ministry of Transport–
www.mto.gov.on.ca
Canadian Urban Transit
Association -- www.cutaactu.ca
Report: Lambton County Active
Transportation Survey Report
2011
www.lambtoncountytrails.com/Active
Transportation/Documents
Indicator #22 Agriculture
Consolidation of Farms is Trend Evident in
Sarnia-Lambton
Canada Land Inventory Soil Capability Classification for
Agriculture (Lambton County)
Soil Capability Classification
Class 1
Class 2
Class 3
Class 4
Class 5
Area of County in hectares (with %)
70814ha (23.41%)
166159ha (54.93%)
30737ha (10.16%)
1158ha
(0.38%)
17408ha (5.75%)
*note: Other
classifications
(6,7, Organic
and Not
Classified)
omitted from
table account
for another5%
(16215ha).
Data Highlights

Agriculture is the 2nd
largest sector of the
Lambton economy behind
petrochemical processing.

Over 85% of the soils in
Lambton County are
suitable for agriculture
according to the Canada
Land Inventory. Lower soil
class number indicates
better growing soils. Most
agricultural activity
occurs on Class 1
through 3 soils.
Agriculture has been one of the region's primary economic activities since
Lambton became a County in 1853. The area's temperate climate, long
growing season, and high quality soils seen in table above make it one of
Canada's most productive growing regions.
Sales ($ millions)
As of 2011, farms
occupied nearly
Major Commodity Sales - Lambton
240, 000 hectares
(2010)
(80%) of the land
area in Lambton
County with most
farmland (87%)
being planted for
crop production.
Traditionally, cash
crops such as
soybeans, wheat
and corn have
Data Source: Census of Agriculture
constituted most of
the crop planting in
Lambton, accounting for over half of the $399 million total farm receipts in
2010. Other commonly grown crops include potatoes, sugar beets, hay, oats
and apples. Animal farming is also common in Lambton, accounting for
roughly one-third of farm receipts in 2010. The above bar graph shows the
most commonly planted crops/grown animals.
140.0
120.0
100.0
80.0
60.0
40.0
20.0
0.0
While the amount of land being cultivated in Lambton has remained relatively
stable over the past few decades, the number of farms in operation has
steadily declined. Consolidation of farms is a common trend across rural
communities in North America as economic pressures favour larger scale
production. This is evident in Lambton as the number of farms reporting sales
over $500,000 increased by 23% between 2006 and 2011. Over the same
period, the total number of farms decreased by 6%, and the number of farms
reporting sales under $100,000 decreased by 14%.
24

In recent years, the
number of farms has been
decreasing while
cultivated area remains
the same leading to a
growth in the average size
of farms.

In addition to economic
pressures favouring
consolidation of farms,
many aging family farmers
may not have future
generations able or willing
to assume farming
operations.
Lambton Federation of
Agriculture–www.ifawebsite.ca
Locally Lambton–
www.locallylambton.ca
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture
and Food www.omafra.gov.on.ca
Census of Agriculture www.statcan.gc.ca-ra2011
Indicator #23 Food Production Sustainability
One Tomato Project Growing Rapidly
Local Food Production
Fruits & Vegetables
Farm fresh fruits and
vegetables can be
sourced at 10 locations
throughout SarniaLambton. Some are
open year round while
others are seasonal. A
wide variety of garden
fresh fruits and
vegetables or pick-yourown fruits can be found
at farm gate markets.
Meats
Locally raised meats
including beef, pork,
lamb, turkey, chicken,
duck, rabbit and guinea
fowl can be purchased
from one of eleven local
producers. Available
products include free
range poultry, grass fed
and antibiotic and
hormone free beef.
Data Highlights
Markets
Farmers Markets
located in:
 Grand Bend (Wedseasonal)
 Forest ( Friseasonal)
 Petrolia (Satseasonal)
 Sarnia (Wed & Sat)
 Sarnia Marina
(Sun-seasonal)
Purdy Fish Marketyear round

Today, it is said that we
have enough space to
feed everyone, we just
have to change green
space to food space.

In 2010, One Tomato
volunteers handed out 500
tomato plants in one day.
Hundreds of plants were
also pre-planted as
‘bucket gardens’. This
initiative exhausted all
tomato plants in Lambton
County.

On November 3, 2011, the
One Tomato Project was
awarded the prestigious
Suncor Sustainability
Award, a mark of
distinction and recognition
for contributions to social
equity, ecological integrity
and economic prosperity
demonstrated in Sarnia.

One Tomato has created a
large volume of food
coming into the Food Bank
during the summer months
which traditionally is a
period of slow donations.

The Food Charter has
been endorsed by 10 of 11
Lambton municipalities,
the County Council, and
many community
members and
organizations.
Garden fresh Box is a non-profit food-buying club for anyone who wants to
purchase fresh, quality produce without paying grocery store prices.
Participants can order and pick up a box of vegetables and fruit at one of
several locations. Contents vary with season, quality and price of precuts
available.
One Tomato, launched in Sarnia on Earth Day 2009 has a mission to grow
healthier communities one tomato at a time. The One Tomato Project is a
home gardening program encouraging people to plant, grow and eat more
produce and give surplus to local food banks. The Commons is their
community gardening initiative to build and maintain vegetable gardens that
offer free access for the neighbourhood to grow and consume fresh produce.
Food Works is a healthy eating program empowering children to prepare
meals using local healthy ingredients.
At every step along the way, One Tomato has empowered many other
organizations to follow its lead. This has not only resulted in more produce
given away but also keeps residents healthier and more active. The work of
One Tomato has led to greater poverty reduction, food security, environmental
sustainability and healthy living, but it has only just begun. With greater
collaboration and support, it is positioned to expand the projects it already has
in progress to help Sarnia-Lambton become a healthy, sustainable
community.
The Sarnia-Lambton Food Coalition (SLFC) is a group of public, private and
non-governmental organizations that support the development of a sustainable
food system in Sarnia-Lambton. To further this goal, SLFC has created a Food
Charter that describes the vision and principles of a sustainable food system.
25
Locally Lambton–
www.locallylambton.ca
One Tomatowww.onetomato.org
Garden Fresh Box
Indicator #24 Support for the Visual Arts
Gallery Lambton Relocates to
Judith & Norman ALIX Art Gallery in 2012
Data Highlights
Gallery Lambton Memberships
250

From its inception,
Sarnia ArtWalk was
designed to celebrate
the arts, champion
ecology and provide a
free event for people of
all ages to enjoy. There
were almost 25,000
participants in 2013.

The International
Symphony Orchestra is
a unique partnering of
two communities in two
different countries
(Sarnia & Port Huron,
Michigan).

Ontario Arts Council
funding increased from
$47.2 million in 2008-09
to almost $60 million in
2009-10.

$45.9 billion is the
impact on Canadian
economy from the arts
and culture industry
(Statistics Canada,
2011).
200
150
100
50
0
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2013
The arts play an essential role in sustaining a diverse community that is socially
vibrant and economically healthy. Given the complexity of Canada’s
multicultural population, social forums where dialogue, debate, innovation,
celebration of culture and the building of community can occur, are essential.
The Ontario Arts Council (OAC) is the province’s primary funding body for
professional arts activity. It plays a vital role in promoting and assisting the
development of the arts and artists for the enjoyment and benefit of Ontarians.
In 2011-2012, the OAC awarded 1,720 grants to individuals and 1,057 grants
to organizations for a total of $52.3 million across 223 Ontario communities.
Local grants include:
 The International Symphony Orchestra received $12,000 and $13,000
in 2011 and 2012 respectively for projects.
 The Judith and Norman ALIX Art Gallery received $34,500 in operating
grants in 2012.
 An individual, Jason Baerg received $9000 in 2012 for Aboriginal Arts
Education Project.
Lawrence House Centre for the
Arts– www.lawrencehouse.ca
Gallery Lambton relocated in 2012 to a beautifully restored Category A facility
renamed the Judith & Norman ALIX Art Gallery. This public gallery offers
programs for families, youth and adults and supports local initiatives such as
Sarnia Artwalk.
Canada Council for the Arts–
www.canadacouncil.ca
Ontario Arts Council–
www.arts.on.ca
In 2011-2012, over 2000 individuals and 2200 arts organizations in 1904
communities across Canada received $157.3 million in funding from The
Canada Council for the Arts, a national arm's-length agency created "to foster
and promote the study and enjoyment of, and the production of works in the
arts." This is a slight increase from 2010-2011 when $154.5 million was
1.
invested in arts and culture in Canadian communities.
2.
26
Sarnia Artwalk www.Sarniaartwalk.com
Gallery Lambton www.lclmg.org/lclmg/GalleryLambto
n/tabid/54/Default.aspx
Indicator #25 Performing Arts Attendance
The Performing Arts Broaden Cultural
Horizons
Performing Arts
Annual Attendance 2002-2012
Data Highlights
70000

The Imperial Theatre is
owned and operated by
Theatre Sarnia, a nonprofit, charitable
organization.

The Municipality of
Petrolia operates the
Victoria Playhouse.
About 80% of its funding
comes from box office
sales; the remainder
comes from fundraising,
sponsorship, and bar
proceeds.

Drayton Entertainment
operates the Huron
Country Playhouse and
Playhouse II in Grand
Bend.
65000
60000
55000
50000
45000
40000
35000
30000
25000
20000
2002
2003
Imperial Theatre
46735
Victoria Playhouse
36000
Huron Country Playhouse 66071
2004
2005
2006
2011
2012
46479 45,186 44,068 49386
37189 38,507 46,675 45,000 43000
49374
47000 37,000 40,000 38000
37000
45025
39577
35000
24000
29210
63635 61,810 62293
60568
47053
48330
55398
40870
57061
54502
2007
2008
2009
2010
Sarnia-Lambton’s performing arts organizations present a diverse calendar of
events, including Broadway hits, ballets, plays, concerts, dance troupes,
vocalists, jazz bands, and full-scale orchestras.
The data presented here represent only the events sponsored by the largest
organizations. The numbers for Victoria Playhouse are for the summer season
(May- September) only and do not reflect community use of the theatre or
attendance during the winter season.
Many other performing arts events are sponsored by schools, colleges,
churches, and other organizations and are not included in these statistics.
Tourism Sarnia-Lambtons’ 2012 annual report indicates that cultural
performances brought over 154,000 persons to Sarnia-Lambton in 2012.
27
Lawrence House Centre for the
Arts– www.lawrencehouse.ca
Imperial Theatre–
www.imperialtheatre.net
Victoria Playhouse–
www.victoriaplayhousepetrolia.com
Huron Country Playhouse–
www.huroncountryplayhouse.com
Tourism Sarnia Lambton www.tourismsarnialambton.com
Indicator #26 Museum Attendance
Variety of Museums and Galleries Attract Over
30,000 Visitors Annually
45000
40000
Visitors to Major Heritage Museums- Sarnia-lambton
1999-2012
Data Highlights
35000

The Judith and Norman
ALIX Art Gallery offers
approximately 30 shows
per year.

Gallery in the Grove
offers 10 exhibits per
year.

Museums generate
more than $650 million
in salaries and wages
and employ 24,000
people in Canada.

Canada’s museums
contribute about $17
billion per year to the
country’s GDP.
30000
25000
20000
15000
10000
5000
0
99
00
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
10
11
12
Lambton County is home to a variety of museums and art galleries featuring art, artifact,
and history:
Arkona Lions Museum and Information Centre: A 27-hectare area of scenic, historic and
geological significance. Fossils of the Devonian Era are a specialty.
Forest-Lambton Museum: Features a military display, doll collection, flax production display,
early local telephone, electrical and railway exhibits, vintage photography equipment, band
memorabilia, hand tools, First Nations' relics, and fossils.
Gallery in the Grove: A non-profit, volunteer-operated organization offering exhibitions and art
education. Located in Wildwood Park in the historic Faethorne House that was built in 1875.
Judith and Norman ALIX Art Gallery: A public gallery which holds about 935 paintings,
sculptures, and works on paper. Included 40 works by the Group of Seven and others, now
considered national treasures.
Lambton County Archives: One stop spot for family history research as well as archived local
papers.
Lambton Heritage Museum: A home for thousands of artifacts and photographs that tell the
story of the development of Lambton County.
Moore Museum: Preserves glimpses of pioneer living in a riverside community, of Great Lakes
shipping, of the Victorian era and more.
Oil Museum of Canada: A wealth of petroleum industry artifacts, geological displays and
mementoes of the foreign drillers. The property preserves the site of the world's first commercial
oil well, dug in 1858.
Petrolia Discovery: A 60-acre working oil field that has been set aside as a living museum, a
major historic, recreational and educational exhibit.
Sarnia Historical Museum: Houses three permanent exhibits depicting the life of people in the
Sarnia-Lambton area for the past two hundred years.
Sombra Museum: Turn-of-the-century Victorian home, including period home furnishings.
Stones N’ Bones: Features minerals, fossils, insects, shells, coral, antler and horn.
28
Heritage Sarnia Lambton-
www.lambtononline.com/heritage_s
arnia_lambton
Lawrence House Centre for
the Arts–
www.lawrencehouse.ca
Lambton Libraries, Museums
and Galleries– www.lclmg.org
Indicator #27 Library Expenditures and Circulation
Lambton County Library E-Book Circulation
Growing Exponentially
Library Program Attendance 2008-2012
40000
20000
0
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Data Highlights
Libraries provide
opportunities for people of
all ages to read and learn in
a shared community space.
In Ontario, public libraries
are created by municipal
by-laws and governed by
public library boards.
The Lambton County Library system consists of 26 branch libraries and one
bookmobile unit that transfers collections between the libraries. Books,
however, are only a fraction of the libraries' full service complement that
includes movies, music, audiobooks, internet access, reference services and
a diverse array of programs such as children's story-hours and book clubs for
all age/interest groups. The libraries' have also begun offering collections
online through an e-download borrowing program that allows patrons to
download works right to their e-readers. This program has grown 8-fold since
tracking began in 2011, as can be seen in chart below. The increases in
online borrowing may account for decreases in in-library use also shown in
Total In-Library Use chart below. Total in-library use includes circulation,
internet use and reference queries.
Total In-Library Use 2006-2012
1200000
1150000
1100000
1050000
25000
20000
15000
10000
5000
0
E-Book Use 2011-2013
Reference and audio-visual
services for the whole county are
centralized in the Sarnia Branch.
The Lambton Room at the Sarnia
Branch specializes in the history
and genealogy of Lambton
County and its residents. The
Library headquarters in Wyoming
coordinates back-end services to
the branches, including book
selection and ordering,
cataloguing, inter-library loans,
inter-branch material exchanges,
service to those with accessibility
issues and long-term care
facilities.

Per capita in 2007,
Sarnia-Lambton spent
17.3 percent less than
the provincial average
on libraries.

E-download borrowing
has grown exponentially
since its reporting was
introduced at the
beginning of 2011.
Rented e-books will
expire from your e-book
reading device after the
rental period, but
downloaded public
domain books will
remain indefinitely.

The number of programs
offered and their
attendance decreased
significantly in 2009 but
has since recovered to
2008 levels.

In 2007, SarniaLambton’s per capita
circulation was two items
per year lower than the
provincial average.

The libraries offer over
2800 programs every
year.
Lambton County Library,
Museums, and Galleries–
www.lclmg.org
Library and Archives Canada www.collectionscanada.gc.ca
29
Indicator #28
Parks Expenditures
Sarnia-Lambton Parks Provide Recreational
Opportunities for Visitors and Residents
Data Highlights

The Pinery is home to
over 757 plant varieties,
over 325 bird species,
and over 60 butterfly
species. The park
contains the largest
protected forest in
Southwestern Ontario.

St. Clair Region
conservation areas
include wetlands, forests
and urban parks,
featuring 38 km of trails.
Two conservation areas
are located along Lake
Huron and provide
access to beaches.

Canatara Park includes
one of Canada’s few
remaining Carolinian
forests and a popular
Children’s Farm (not
The Sarnia-Lambton region boasts a large number of parks operated by
various levels of government. The City of Sarnia maintains over 115 parks
within the city limits. These include 200 acre Canatara Park on the Lake Huron
waterfront, Germain Park with its multi-sports facilities, and Centennial Park
located on the St.
Clair River.
City of Sarnia Parks Costs
(wages & operating expenditures only)
$4,000,000
In the spring of
2013, sections of
Centennial Park's
north end were
fenced off to the
public after the
discovery of lead
and asbestos. A
multimillion dollar
remediation is
anticipated.
$3,000,000
$2,000,000
$1,000,000
$0
Canatara Park has
more than 3000 feet of Lake Huron shoreline. Germain Park, located in the
center of the City, is Sarnia’s largest active recreational park. Sarnia Parks and
Recreation also manage nearly 100 neighbourhood parks, a 20-acre storm
water management pond, the 17-km Bluewater Trail system, Mike Weir Park,
and numerous other waterfront access points.
The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority oversees 15 conservation areas
and 10 additional habitat management areas, with the following aims: to reduce
the risk to life and property from flooding and erosion, water and land
stewardship, forestry, wildlife habitat creation and outdoor recreation.
The provincial government manages one provincial park in the region: the 6330
acre Pinery Provincial Park. The Pinery is home to rare and unique butterflies,
songbirds, and reptiles. It also boasts the largest remaining Oak Savanna
woodland to be found in North America.
St. Clair Conservation Authority
Expenditures (conservation areas only)
$1,000,000
$800,000
$600,000
$400,000
$200,000
$0
Pinery Expenditures
(all salaries & operating exp.)
$5,000,000
$4,000,000
$3,000,000
$2,000,000
$1,000,000
$0
included in expenditure
figures).

The increase in parks
expenditures is due to
increased camping and
various upgrades.

Geo-caching, an
increasingly popular
pastime increases the
exposure of residents to
their parks and green
spaces.
City of Sarnia–
www.city.sarnia.on.ca
Tourism Sarnia-Lambtonwww.tourism-sarnia-lambton.com
St. Clair Region Conservation
Authority– www.scrca.on.ca
Pinery Provincial Park www.pinerypark.on.ca/
Note: 2004 & 2005 figures not available
30
Indicator # 29
Recreational Activities
Sarnia-Lambton Offers Visitors a Variety of
Sports and Recreational Opportunities
The Pinery - Total Campers per
Year
Numbers
600000
500000
Recreation is vital to the health and
400000
well-being of individuals. It
300000
strengthens communities by
200000
encouraging volunteer involvement
100000
and providing constructive activities
0
for youth. The $4 billion that
Ontarians spend annually on
recreation, sport and fitness has a
Note: 2004 & 2005 figures not available
powerful impact on job creation and
the economy.
Tourism is a major economic sector in Sarnia-Lambton, and many visitors
come to the region specifically for the quality of its recreational activities. It is
estimated that the population in Lambton Shores increases by 40,000 in the
summer due to Pinery and Blue Flag beaches of Grand Bend. Sarnia-Lambton
is home to an exceptional variety of recreational attractions, including
swimming, boating, camping, sailing, fishing, and golf. Several fishing derbies
are held annually, including the Bluewater Angler's Salmon Derby in early May
and the Tournament of Champions Salmon Derby in June.
Data Highlights

Sarnia-Lambton has 22
premium golf courses
including Huron Oaks
Golf and Recreation
Club, which was home
to 2003 Masters
Champion Mike Weir in
his formative years.

Geo-caching – a hi-tech
treasure hunt experience
has gained enthusiasts
in the Sarnia-Lambton
area. "Cachers" hide
small finds -- under
rocks, inside trees,
behind bushes -- then
mark the spot with a
GPS device

A wide variety of
summer camps offer
children exposure to a
variety of sports and
cultural activities. Camps
offered at March Break
include art, swimming,
hockey and gymnastics
camps.

There are 600 KM of
trails in Sarnia-Lambton.
Amateur sport is important to the quality of life in the province of Ontario.
Sport provides role models for the pursuit of personal excellence,
exemplifies the value of teamwork and builds community pride. Competitive
amateur sport also stimulates participation in physical activity, leading to
better health, higher productivity and a stronger social fabric.
Sarnia-Lambton has a sporting calendar that is full of activities for every
season. In addition to local resident participation in sporting events, each
year thousands of visitors come to Sarnia-Lambton to experience sporting
events. This includes the International Silver Stick Hockey Tournament and
local Ontario Hockey League team, the Sarnia Sting.
Hockey
8 minor hockey
associations
Soccer
11 minor soccer
associations
Baseball
4 minor baseball
associations
Figure Skating
9 figure skating
associations
Other sports offered include tennis, basketball, cricket, rugby, lacrosse,
volleyball, gymnastics, curling and martial arts. Sarnia-Lambton has eleven
arenas and sports recreation centres. The RBC Centre seats up to 5,500
people and hosts entertainment as well as sporting events.
Lambton Community Health Services Department offers "The Awareness
through Geocaching Program” which is about exploring a trail or green space
near you. GPS units can be borrowed free, for 1 week, from several locations.
With over 700 caches in the area, it is a great way to get active, reduce stress
and have fun with family and friends, while connecting with nature.
31
Ministry of Tourism and
Recreation– www.tourism.gov.on.ca
Tourism Sarnia Lambton www.tourismsarnialambton.com
Live in Lambton
www.liveinlambton.ca
Sarnia Kids Fun www.sarniakidsfun.com
Geocaching www.geocaching.com
Sarnia Sports Express www.sarniasportsxpress.ca
Indicator #30
Volunteerism
Volunteer Workforce is Strong in Sarnia-Lambton
Data Highlights
Volunteering plays a vital role in Canadian society. Working with others on
shared goals breaks down age, cultural and ethnic barriers, and builds trust,
tolerance and unity. In this way, volunteers improve and enhance
communities. Volunteering in Canada 2012 reports that, volunteering is
influenced by flexible work hours, commute time and gender (women 35%,
men 21% of workforce). Persons who attend a weekly religious service, have
university degree or are parents of school age children have greater volunteer
participation. In 2010, 1 in 5 fulltime workers aged 25 to 54 regularly
volunteered 5 or more hours per month. Volunteer participation rates are lower
among those employed on a part-time basis or who are unemployed.
2010
Participation Rate
of Population
aged 15 or older
47.7%
47%
Ontario
Canada
Average Annual
Volunteer hours
164
156
857,000,000
2,068,000,000
Many of the skills learned while volunteering can be used in the workforce, and
employers often ask about volunteer history when interviewing potential
employees. There are many volunteer opportunities in Sarnia-Lambton.
Agencies strive to make the volunteer experience rewarding for the volunteer
while fulfilling the community need. Volunteer hours shown below reflect the
sum of annual totals reported by five local organizations: Lambton Elderly
Outreach2, Red Cross, St Joseph’s Hospice, Victorian Order of Nurses (VON),
and Bluewater Health,). Combined, these five agencies have over 1500
volunteers.
Volunteer Hours of Five Sarnia-Lambton Agencies
2010-2012
72,000

St Joseph’s Hospice of
Sarnia has over 375
volunteers.

VON Sarnia-Lambton
Volunteer Visiting and
Caregiver Support
programs have
supported residents of
Sarnia-Lambton for over
25 years.

Ontario high school
students are required to
complete at least 40
hours community service
to graduate. For some
high school volunteers,
their community service
volunteer experience
begins a lifelong ethic
that may help replenish
our aging volunteer
workforce.
Volunteer Sarnia Lambton
www.volunteersarnia.com/
Statistics Canada www.statcan.gc.ca
Caring Canadians, Involved
Canadians Tables Report 2010
Catalogue no. 89-649-X — 2011001
The Daily April 16, 2012 Volunteering in Canada,2012
70,000
68,000
66,000
64,000
62,000
71,233
66,801
63,423
58,000
2010
2
In 2010, 13.3 million
Canadians aged 15 or
older did volunteer work.
Total Volunteer
hours
Source: www.statcan.gc.ca Caring Canadians, Involved Canadians Tables Report 2010
60,000

2011
2012
Statistics for 2012 not available for Lambton Elderly Outreach
32
Sarnia Gives www.sarniagives.com
Indicator # 31 Air Quality
Air Quality Rating Averages Good / Very
Good 80% days between 2009 and 2012
Data Highlights
Number of Days per Air Quality Rating by Month for 2012
& Average Air Quality Index (AQI) Monthly Reading for 2012
30

The Air Quality Index is
based on six key air
pollutants including:
 Sulphur dioxide
 Ozone
 Nitrogen dioxide
 Total reduced sulphur
compounds
 Carbon monoxide
 Fine particulate matter.

An estimated 50% of the
substances that form smog
in Lambton County originate
in the United States.

Lambton Generating Station
stopped burning coal at the
end of 2013 but coal still
fuels 50% of electricity
generation in Michigan.

The City of Sarnia passed an
anti-idling bylaw which went
into effect January 2014.

672,558 diesel trucks and
1,862,042 cars crossed the
BlueWater Bridge in 2012.

Drive Clean began using
computer-based testing
technology on most lightduty vehicles in 2013. The
test will result in greater
reductions in smog-causing
emissions.
35
30
25
25
Very good
20
15
15
Avg. reading
20
Good
Moderate
Poor
10
Very Poor
10
Avg. AQI
5
5
0
0
Source: Air Quality Ontario, SARNIA: 2012 History, from Ministry of the Environment
While the petrochemical industry may have been a major contributor to local air
pollution in the past, significant steps have been taken to reduce emissions in
recent years. The 20 industrial manufacturers that make up the SarniaLambton Environmental Association have dramatically reduced their emissions
of Volatile Organic Compounds by 50% in the past ten years. There has been
no Lambton Industrial Meteorological Alerts (LIMA) between 2008 and 2012.
Local air quality is intentionally monitored at eleven locations where the highest
levels of contaminant are anticipated. Comparisons to other areas in Ontario
may be misleading, since other jurisdictions routinely place monitors where
average levels are expected. Nonetheless Sarnia-Lambton’s air quality
compares favourably with that of other cities.
A Lambton Air Quality Community Action Plan has been in place since 2000 to
educate the public regarding personal actions they can take to “spare the air”,
such as carpooling and public transit.
Air Quality Readings – Sarnia – Total number of days
Reading
Colour
Rating
2010
2011
2012
0-15
Very Good
30
46
36
16-31
Good
253
251
256
32-49
Moderate
79
62
67
50-99
Poor
3
2
5
100+
Very Poor
0
0
0
Readings taken at 4:00PM
Source: Air Quality Ontario, SARNIA: 2012 History, from Ministry of the Environment
33
Community Health Services–
Sarnia Lambton Environmental
Association–
www.sarniaenvironment.com
Ministry of the Environment -www.ene.gov.on.ca
www.airqualityontario.com
Bluewater Sustainability Initiative
www.bluewatersustainabilityinitiative.
ca
Indicator #32 Water Quality
Only two Microbiological Exceedances
Reported by LAWSS in six years
Data Highlights
The Lambton Area Water Supply System (LAWSS) services approximately
104,000 residents in the City of Sarnia, the Village of Point Edward, the Townships
of St. Clair and Warwick, the Towns of Plympton-Wyoming, and the Municipality of
Lambton Shores. Water in some smaller communities is monitored by the
municipal system with results forwarded directly to the Ministry of Health and the
Ministry of the Environment.

Lake Huron provides
drinking water for the
majority of Lambton County
residents. Approximately
18% of the earth’s fresh
water supply is contained in
the Great Lakes.

Since 1997, over 68,000
students have participated
in the “Go with the Flow” or
“River Bottom Critters”
education programs on
concepts of maintaining
healthy water.

Septic systems, storing
fuel, spreading manure,
road salt and pesticides are
examples of activities that
could pose a threat to
drinking water systems.

LAWSS raised the
controversial issue of
fluoridation with the 6
member municipalities in
2013. As 4 member votes
are needed to discontinue
fluoridation, they are
proceeding with replacing
the aging fluoridation unit.
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
# of Exceedances
The Lambton Area Water
Supply System (LAWSS)
collects roughly 50 drinking
water samples per week for
microbiological water
quality parameters.
Lambton Area Water Safety--Microbiological
Exceedances per Annum 2001-2012
The graph shows
the number of
times per annum
that a sample
tested positive
for
microbiological
contamination in
those systems
monitored by
LAWSS. Between 2010 and 2012, there were two exceedances: Point Edward July,
2010 and Sarnia July, 2011.
6
5
4
3
2
1
0

LAWSS drinking water goes through six basic stages of treatment: intake and
primary screening, pre-chlorination, flocculation, filtration, post-chlorination, and
fluoridation. Water is monitored for both organic and inorganic contamination. The
results are available to the public as required by Ministry of the Environment
regulations. There were two adverse quality events in 2012. Both were issues of
turbidity that were resolved within the same day.
The St. Clair River Monitoring System operated by Sarnia Lambton Environmental
Association oversees continuous sampling (at 60 minutes intervals) of river water.
The system was established in 1987 to test for 20 volatile organic chemicals
associated with the oil and petrochemical industry. In 2012, more than 8,700 tests
were performed. After six years of all analyses reading below 1 part per billion, in
2012 a single incident resulted in 1.35 percent of samples testing greater than 1
part per billion.
Lambton County has many beautiful beaches and 190 kilometres of shoreline along
Lake Huron and St. Clair River. Each week, from late May to early September,
water at six public beaches are tested and monitored by County of Lambton
Community Health Services for high levels of bacteria, excessive algae growth, or
other contaminants that could cause negative health effects associated with
swimming. Grand Bend is a Blue Flag beach, which is a highly respected and
recognized international eco-label awarded to beaches and marinas that meet strict
criteria for water quality, environmental education, environmental management, and
safety and services.
Sarnia Lambton Environmental
Association–
www.sarniaenvironment.com
Lambton Area Water Supply
System (LAWSS)–
www.lawss.org
Ontario Clean Water Agency–
www.ocwa.com
Community Health Services www.lambtonhealth.on.ca/healthinformation/safe-water/beaches
34
Indicator #33 Reportable Incidents
No Recent Convictions for Spill to St. Clair
River or Air
Environmental Penalty Report Sarnia-Lambton
Year
# Orders Issued
2010
2011
2012
5
0
3
# Violations
included in order
25
0
5
Data Highlights
Total Penalty Value
$141,780
0
$91,875

Provincial Officer Order
delineates action that
must be taken to
mitigate violation.

Many businesses have
voluntary abatement
plans to minimize
likelihood of incidents
and/or spill
management plan to
handle situations that
occur.

Money collected for
environmental penalties
is made available for
projects in the tertiary
watersheds where the
violations occurred.

Friends of the St. Clair
River promote
conservation,
beautification and other
environmental activities
associated with the St.
Clair River and assist in
the development and
implementation of the
St. Clair River Remedial
Action Plan.
Source: Environmental Penalty Annual Reports 2010-2011, Ontario Ministry of the Environment
The table above shows the violations and penalty value issued against facilities
in Sarnia-Lambton. Environmental penalties apply to facilities that are part of the
nine industrial sectors regulated by the Municipal-Industrial Strategy for
Abatement (MISA) regulations – petroleum, organic chemicals, inorganic
chemicals, industrial minerals, metal mining, metal casting, iron and steel, pulp
paper, and electric power generation facilities. Environmental penalties are an
abatement tool the ministry uses to encourage companies to plan ahead and
prevent spills or other violations of environmental legislation from occurring or to
lessen their effects if they do occur. Up to 35% of the Environmental Penalty
can be reduced if the facility has taken steps to prevent or mitigate the violation
and/or has in place a qualifying environmental management system at the time
of the violation.
Reportable Incidents: Sarnia-Lambton 2009-2011
2009
2010
2011
Industrial
Sewage
Incidents
Municipal/
Private Sewage
Incidents
Air
Emissions
Provincial
Officer
Reports
Director
Order
Environmental
Penalty
77
21
66
26
23
45
113
23
44
7
10
2
1
0
0
0
0
2
Source: Ontario Ministry of the Environment Environmental Compliance Summary Reports
The Ministry of the Environment produces monthly environmental compliance
summary reports on Industrial Sewage discharges, Municipal /Private Sewage
discharges and Air Emissions. The table above shows a summary of SarniaLambton incidents. In most cases voluntary abatement such as equipment
modification or replacement and operational changes resolve the issue quickly.
Following inspection, a provincial order may be issued and if non-compliance is
evident or environment impact is substantial, a penalty issued. There are no
recent convictions for the Sarnia area for a spill to the St. Clair River or
air. Bypasses are not considered a compliance issue for storm and rain events;
however, there has been a 50% reduction of bypasses for the City of Sarnia.
The last two convictions for air discharge exceedences were in 2009.
The St. Clair River, a beautiful natural resource, receives wastewater
discharges from industrial complexes and municipalities and has been identified
as an area of concern since the mid-80s. The Remedial Action Plan is the
cumulative, ongoing product of international cooperation among federal,
provincial, state and local governments and communities. Much work has taken
place to remediate the river and work towards delisting.
35
Ontario Ministry of the
Environment www.ene.gov.on.ca/environment/e
n/industry/compliance_and_enforc
ement/environmental_penalties/ST
DPROD_080614.html
Friends of St. Clair www.friendsofstclair.ca/www/resou
rces.html
Indicator #34
Beaches
Only 2 Beach Postings in 2012
Beach Postings by year and location
Grand Bend South
Grand Bend North
Pinery Provincial Park
Ipperwash Main Beach
Highland Glen
Bright’s Grove
Canatara Park
Total
2005
2
0
1
2
1
0
1
7
2006
1
0
2
0
0
0
3
6
2007
0
0
2
1
0
0
2
5
2008
1
0
1
1
1
0
0
4
2009
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
2
2010
1
2
1
1
0
2
2
9
2011
1
2
2
1
1
0
2
10
2012
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
2
Data Highlights

The shores of the St.
Clair River also feature
numerous public parks
and beaches, as well as
private marinas and
waterfront docks that are
not routinely monitored
by CHSD.

The Beach Water
Quality Monitoring
Program tests beach
waters for E. coli and
runs annually from early
June to the end of
August. There were 2
adverse beach postings
in 2012.

The Blue Flag program
is an international
standard of excellence
for beaches and
marinas. Currently, Blue
Flags fly at 17 beaches
and 4 marinas in
Canada. Grand Bend
North Beach, and both
Grand Bend and Port
Franks Marinas have
Blue Flag status.
Data Source: 2012 Beach Water Quality Report
The County's Community Health Services Department (CHSD) has
implemented a Beach Water Quality Monitoring Program (BWQMP) to ensure
and promote public health and safety for those using the beaches. Beaches
selected for monitoring are "beach area owned and operated by a municipality,
which has a supervised aquatics program or is staffed by a lifeguard". These
beaches are Grand Bend North, Grand Bend South, Pinery Provincial Park,
Ipperwash Main , Highland Glen , Canatara Park and Bright's Grove. The
sampling model employed in the BWQMP stipulates that initial pollution levels
are surveyed at the beginning of season and followed up by weekly testing for
the duration of the bathing season; early June to end of August. Samples are
sent to the London Public Health Laboratory, where they are tested for the
presence of Escherichia coli (E. Coli). Test results exceeding 100 organisms
(cfu) per 100mL indicate unsafe water quality. If a test returns positive, the area
is retested; if the average test results exceed 100cfu per 100mL then the beach
is posted as adverse. There is no trend over time for beach postings year-toyear.
Although Centennial Park was closed in 2006, sampling is still conducted to
maintain records. Cumulative geometric mean is the average of every sample
taken throughout the year. As can be seen in the table below, the cumulative
geometric means for Centennial Park are above the safe bathing limit (100
cfu/100 ml) for all recorded years, indicating that the surrounding waters remain
unsafe for bathing.
Centennial Park
Cumulative
Geometric Means
Percentage Adverse
Events
2006
221.84
2007
152.82
2008
136.68
2009
165.67
2010
131.73
2011
160.82
2012
177.08
Blue Flag Programme www.blueflag.org
73.33%
38.46%
42.86%
64.29%
61.54%
58.33%
69.23%
County of Lambton, Community
Health Services Department–
Data Source: Community Health Services
36
Indicator #35 Well Water Usage
Wells Provide Drinking Water for 14,000
Lambton County Residents
Private Well Water Tests in Lambton County
% safe/unsafe 2010-2012
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
2010
2011
Safe
Unsafe
Data Highlights

The mineral content of
well water is usually
high; iron salts may
cause discolouration.

High bacterial counts in
well water are usually
due to fecal material
resulting from poor
construction or
maintenance of the well.

Well water samples
submitted to the
Community Health
Services Department are
tested for coliform
bacteria and e. coli.

As of September 2004,
testing for chemicals
(eg. nitrate, nitrite, and
fluoride) must be done
through a private lab.
The main sources of
nitrate are fertilizers,
manure, silage, and
septic systems.
2012
Untestable
Over three million Ontarians rely on groundwater for their drinking water. In
Lambton County there are roughly 9000 wells, including both operational and
decommissioned wells. Most of the wells in Lambton are business related. It is
not possible to determine the exact breakdown as the Ontario Ministry of the
Environment, keeper of this information, does not filter their data.
Wells that provide water to small businesses, common spaces, and residential
communities may qualify as “regulated systems” which are tested regularly.
Private wells are not regulated systems, although rules are now in place for
constructing or abandoning a well. Private well testing is voluntary and may be
done through the County's Community Health Services Department.
Over 90% of the wells in Lambton County are drilled. Drilled wells are typically
lined with a steel casing to prevent contamination in the wellbore. One of the
most common causes of contamination is foreign materials and surface waters
seepage at the top of the well casing. This is often due to cracking of old
cement which compromises watertight integrity and corrosion due to poor
maintenance. In 2003, the Ontario government banned the construction of dug
well pits as they may hold surface contamination longer than drilled pits and the
risks for groundwater contamination are increased.
37
Ontario Groundwater Well
Database –
www.ontariorgroundwater.com
Ministry of the Environment -www.ene.gov.on.ca/environment/en/
subject/wells
Report- Water Well Sustainability in
Ontario
County of Lambton, Community
Health Services Department–
Indicator #36 Household Waste
Recycling Increases While Waste Generation
Remains Stable
Data Highlights
Metric Tonnes Collected
Residential Waste Generation and Disposal
60000.00
50000.00
40000.00
30000.00
20000.00
10000.00
0.00
2008
2009
2010
2011
TOTAL WASTE
50054.30
49870.29
48498.05
50031.74
LANDFILL
36884.93
35977.16
34432.95
35150.62
RECYCLING
13169.37
13893.13
14065.10
14881.12
26%
28%
29%
30%
DIVERSION RATE
The above chart on household waste diversion in Lambton County shows the
total waste produced by Lambton households and the proportion of that waste
that is sent to landfills or diverted (recycled). Waste diversion rate is the
percentage of total waste that is not sent to landfills. Whereas total waste
production has remained relatively stable since 2008, the proportion of waste
diverted from landfills has steadily increased to 30%. This trend towards higher
recycling rates is mirrored across the province and Canada. Despite recent
improvements, Lambton County’s waste diversion rate is still nearly 20% lower
than the provincial average of 49%. This discrepancy may be attributed to later
introduction of household recycling collection and differences in the types of
materials that may be collected across municipalities. Unlike solid waste
collection and disposal, which is operated by the County of Lambton, recycling
is contracted separately across municipalities.
In 1991, the County of Lambton took over responsibility for solid waste
collection and disposal services in Sarnia-Lambton. The County assumed
ownership of six landfills operated by the municipalities of Brooke, Dawn,
Grand Bend, St. Clair (Moore), Sarnia and Sombra. Of these, only the Dawn
facility still accepts waste. Environmental monitoring continues at the five
closed facilities. Presently, the County has contracted waste disposal services
to Waste Management of Canada that operates two landfills in Petrolia and
Warwick.
Lambton residents may divert their hazardous waste from landfill by bringing it
to one of the County's hazardous waste disposal events. The County of
Lambton, in conjunction with Clean Harbors Canada, runs a number of
collection events throughout the year so that hazardous waste is disposed of in
a safe manner to prevent harm to sanitation workers and the environment.
38

Total waste generation
has stayed stable since
2008, whereas recycling
increased. There is a 4%
increase in the county’s
waste diversion because
less waste is being sent
to landfills.

Lambton’s waste
diversion rate is
considerably lower than
the provincial average
(30 vs. 49%). This is
likely due to differences
in recycling capacity
across municipalities

Over the past 25 years,
residential multi-material
recycling has grown
from a pilot-project to
reach over 99% of
Ontarians.

Items accepted at
Hazardous Waste
collection days include
paints, solvents,
batteries, propane tanks,
fertilizers, pesticides,
antifreeze, oil, fire
extinguishers, needles,
pharmaceuticals,
fluorescent lights, and
mercury containing
devices.
Bluewater Recycling
Association – www.bra.org
County of Lambton –
www.lambtononline.ca
Ontario Waste Management
Association www.owma.org
Waste Diversion Ontario www.wdo.ca
Indicator #37
Energy Usage
Annual Highest Peak Demand Stable for
Past Four years
Data Highlights
Bluewater Power Annual Highest Peak Demand
Entire System (Megawatts)2002-2013

The chart provides a
snapshot of peak
demand in a given
year, rather than the
total consumption
over the course of a
full year.

Interpretations of the
data are difficult,
since changes in
customer load and
fluctuating weather
patterns must be
considered.

From 2006 through
2009, Ontario
exported more
electricity than it
imported. Ontario’s
transmission grid is
connected to
Manitoba, Quebec,
New York, Michigan
and Minnesota.

Lambton Generating
Station coal fired
units closed at the
end of 2013, one
year earlier than
originally projected.

Lambton is home to
several solar farms.
189
183
186
187
194.5
196.12
170
176
175
180.1
180
186.06
185
194.48
190
194.94
195
192.5
200
165
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
On August 14, 2003, the largest blackout in North American history reminded
Ontarians that energy is a basic human need, drives industry and powers the
economy.
The data presented in the above chart represent the highest annual
measurement of electricity (in megawatts) drawn by Bluewater Power from the
provincial transmission grid. Bluewater Power has expanded into the County.
Therefore, with the inclusion of Petrolia, Oil Springs, Watford, Alvinston and
Point Edward, the peak demand number for 2013 reached 204 megawatts.
The Ontario government is focusing on conservation as it could reduce much
of the future growth in energy demand that is currently predicted for the
province. Conservation has been less expensive than building new generation
plants and transmission lines. Since 2005, Ontario has saved over 1,900
megawatts of power based on the actions of homeowners, business and
industry. This might suggest that introduction of Smart Meters has increased
consumer awareness and resulted in the reduction of demand during peak
hours evident in the chart.
Ontario Generation Capacity
2012
bioenergy
1%
coal
3%
wind conservation
5%
3%
solar
0%
water
21%
natural gas
14%
nuclear
53%
The pie chart shows existing
generation capacity in Ontario.
Solar currently accounts for
<1% of the 36,013 MW total
installed capacity.
Coal fired electricity will be
eliminated by the end of 2014
which is equated to removal of
7 million cars off the roads.
39
Ministry of Energy–
www.energy.gov.on.ca
Independent Electricity System www.ieso.ca/imoweb/siteshared/p
ower_outlook.asp
Report: 18 month outlook 20132015- An Assessment of the
Reliability and Operability of the
Ontario Electricity System
Indicator #38 Poverty
Applications for Ontario Works Social
Assistance Decreasing
Applications Made to Ontario Works in Sarnia-Lambton
2000-2012
Data Highlights

In 2012, the Soup
Kitchen served 40,987
meals, an increase of
7.6% from the previous
year.

The food bank provided
21,681 units of food in
2012, down 3% from
2011.

A family of four living in
4000
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
Sarnia with a before-tax
income of less than
$37,610 in 2012 lived
below the poverty line.
0
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

The chart above shows the number of applications made to Ontario Works
social assistance in Sarnia-Lambton between 2000 and 2012. The average
number of cases per month show a decline between 2010 (3,035) and 2012
(2,529). A "case" in Ontario Works could be a single person or a family of two
or more persons. This decline could be influenced by the innovative Circles
program introduced in 2009 or improvements in the economy. Previously it was
possible to also report number of applications granted; however, with the
current reporting system, those statistics are no longer available.
Lambton County’s Circles program uses a community approach to support and
befriend those who want to leave poverty behind. This program was the first of
its kind in Canada. Volunteers are known as ‘Allies’ and matched with lowincome families called ‘Leaders.’ As of May 2013, there are currently 60
families involved with the program, including 111 children. Nearly 90 people are
acting as ‘Allies’ along with others known as ‘Ad Hoc Allies’ who help with
sponsoring meals or childcare at the group’s weekly meetings. In 2012, 51
adults were involved in the Circles program. Of those, 31% increased their
earnings, 63% increased their education, 45% attended post secondary school
and 49% exited social assistance.
Good jobs that adequately support families are a key component in reducing
poverty. However, employment alone does not guarantee that a family will
escape poverty. Many family providers work in part-time, contract, or seasonal
jobs that often pay low wages and do not offer benefits. Statistics Canada
publishes Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) figures that assist in identifying those
who are substantially worse-off than the average. According to the 2011
National Household Survey almost 23% of Lambton households (12,000) lived
in low income in 2010.
40
Poverty rate in Ontario
for 2011 was 9.0%
which is the third highest
in the country. Ontario
has had the second
highest increase in
social assistance cases
during the recession.
Ministry of Community and Social
Services- www.mcss.gov.on.ca
Canadian Council on Social
Development, Economic Security
Fact Sheet #2: Poverty –
www.ccsd.ca/factsheets/economic_s
ecurity/poverty
County of Lambton -www.lambtononline.com/social_servi
ces Report Name: Ontario Works
Caseload Trends and Economic
Indicators 2006
Statistics Canada -
The Daily June 27, 2013 Income of
Canadians 2011
www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/75f0002m/20
13002/tbl/tbl02-eng.htm
Circles www.lambtoncircles.com/
Indicator #39 Family Structure
Percentage of Married Couples on downward
trend in Sarnia-Lambton and the Province
Married Couple Families - 2001, 2006 & 2010
Data Highlights
Percent of All Census Families
80
78
72
75
73.7
75.3
73.7
70
68
In 2010, there were
37,135 families in
Lambton County.

Over 22% of SarniaLambton households
were either single parent
(5,585) or common -law
(4,180).

In 2010, 77% of the
lone-parent households
in Lambton County listed
a female as head of
household compared to
81.7% in 2006. In the
City of Sarnia 17.9% of
households was led by
lone-parents. Of these
79% was led by females.

The married couple
family remains the
dominant family type in
Canada. Since 1986,
however, the proportion
of this type of family has
decreased from 80% to
67% of all families. The
presence of commonlaw couple families has
been growing overtime.
77.5
76
74

75.4
73.9
72.3
2001
69.9
2006
66
2010
64
62
60
Sarnia
County, incl.
Sarnia
Province
Source: National Household Survey 2011
Separation, divorce, remarriage, common-law unions and lone-parent families
have transformed the character of families. Historical comparisons are difficult
to make because the structure of the family has changed and so has the
census format and definition of families. In order to qualify as a family, under
StatsCan’s definition, at least two people must be living under the same roof.
A downward trend in married couple families is evident for both SarniaLambton and the province. The percentage of married couple families in Sarnia
is below the provincial average; the percentage for the entire county (including
Sarnia) is higher than the provincial rate.
As shown in the
chart to the left,
the 2011 National
Household Survey
20.0%
indicates that 16%
of all Canadian
15.0%
families are loneLone parent
10.0%
parent families.
The percent for
Common-Law
5.0%
Ontario is 17%
and Sarnia0.0%
Lambton is slightly
Lambton Ontario Canada
less at 15%. Loneparent families headed by women in Sarnia-Lambton outnumber those headed
by men by almost four-to-one, representing 77% of all lone-parent families.
% Lone Parent and Common-Law families
Lambton, Ontario and Canada 2010
41
Statistics Canada–
www.statcan.gov.ca
County of Lambton -www.lambtononline.ca
National Household Survey 2011 www.12.statcan.gc.ca/nhsenm/index-eng.cfm
Indicator #40 Domestic Abuse
Domestic Violence Has a Life-Long
Negative Impact on Children
Data Highlights
Sarnia Police Service -- Domestic Reports 1998-2012
1600
1400

Fluctuation in the figures
presented may be due to
changes in the Domestic
and Spousal Assault
definitions and reporting
criteria

Research has consistently
shown that men are the
victim of abuse in fewer
than 10 percent of all
incidents of partner abuse.

Overall, men were
responsible for 83% of
police-reported violence
committed against women.
Most commonly, the
accused was the woman's
intimate partner (includes
both spousal and dating)
(45%), followed by
acquaintances or friends
(27%), strangers (16%) and
non-spousal family
members (12%). This
pattern contrasts violent
crimes against men, where
intimate partners were
among the least common
perpetrators (12%).
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
98
99
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
Domestic Disturbance 957 770 797 1206 1367 1498 1008 1033 1036 363 412 1035 981 1056
Source: Sarnia Police Services
The chart above portrays domestic disturbances in Sarnia. Spousal assault is
no longer reported separately as there is no charge in the criminal code for
Spousal Assault. It will fall into one of the levels of Assault depending on the
severity of it. Nationally, there has been a decrease in police-reported
attempted murders and physical assaults against women between 2009 and
2011. However, the rate of police-reported sexual assaults against women
increased in 2010 and remained stable in 2011.
In 2011, the five most common violent offences committed against women
were common assault (49%), uttering threats (13%), serious assault (10%),
sexual assault level I (7%), and criminal harassment (7%). With the exception
of sexual assault and criminal harassment, these were also the most frequently
occurring offences against men. Women were eleven times more likely than
men to be a victim of sexual offences and three times as likely to be the victim
of criminal harassment
# Women Served by Woman's Interval
(stalking).
Home 2009-2012
600
400
The chart to the left shows the
number of women in abusive
relationships who have
0
sought refuge at the Woman’s
2009 2010 2011 2012
Interval Home. The Home
provides 24 hour emergency
and short-term shelter, support, individual and group counseling, transitional
services, an in-shelter school program, and child witness counseling services.
Woman Abuse is any threat, act or physical force that is used to create fear,
control or intimidation. Of the women served by the Interval Home, more than
50% were victims of emotional abuse. In addition to the women, approximately
180 children were served in each of the years shown.
200
42
Statistics Canada, Juristat
Article—Measuring violence against
women: Statistical trends
www.statcan.ca
Community Legal Education
Ontario – www.cleo.on.ca
Public Health Agency of Canada
www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ncfvcnivf/famvio-eng.php
Victim Services of Sarnia Lambton
www.victimservices.on.ca
Indicator # 41 Subsidized Childcare
Families Receiving Childcare Fee Assistance
Continues to Grow
Data Highlights
Average Monthly Totals for Children Receiving Fee
Assistance without Duplicates
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
Many low-to-moderate-income families find it difficult to afford childcare when
working or furthering their education. Childcare costs vary depending on the type of
setting (licensed, private), age, number of children, and other factors. Frequently,
subsidized childcare becomes necessary. Data shown above reflect the number of
children whose childcare is subsidized, and the chart below shows the number of
families (households) receiving childcare subsidies. Both types of subsidies have
been leveling off since increases related to the 2007 economic downturn.
# Households
Lambton
County has
Average Monthly Totals for Households Receiving
a total of
Fee Assistance without Duplicates 2002-2012
2,571
Lambton
licensed
1000
child care
spaces
which
500
includes
both Centre0
based and
Nursery
School. In
March 2013
there were 39 homes (of the allowable 70) between the 2 licensed programs that
offer in-home child care. The number of spaces varies from home to home making
it difficult to determine the actual number of in-home spaces available. These data
do not include any informal care (or non-licensed child care) in "private homes" as
the County of Lambton only tracks Licensed Programs. Since 2010, the Early
Learning Division of the Ministry of Education has been responsible for all aspects
of regulated child care policy and operation. Best Start hubs are resource centres
focused on nurturing children and families. They are located throughout the county
and offer a variety of services such as Before and After School care, Licensed
Child Care and Preschool Early Learning Program.
43

Seventy percent of
Canadian mothers with
children under the age of
six are in the workforce.

The Ministry of Children
and Youth Services
provides funding for
childcare to Ontario
Works participants and
other low-income
families with young
children.

The Ontario Child Care
Supplement for Working
Families supports low
and modest income
parents who are
working, studying, or
training and have
children under age
seven, and working
families with one stay-athome parent.
Ministry of Children and Youth
Services– www.children.gov.on.ca
Canadian Child Care Federation–
www.cccf-fcsge.ca
County of Lambton -www.lambtononline.com/childrens_s
ervices
Childcare Resource and Research
Unit–
www.childcarecanada.org/pubs/other
/spaces/ccspacestatistics07.pdf
Report Name: Early Childhood
Education and Care in Canada 2012
Best Start www.ourbeststart.ca/Lambton/
Ministry of Education www.edu.gov.on.ca/kindergarten/
Indicator #42
Child Abuse and Neglect
Kinship Families Reduce Need for Foster Care
Data Highlights
Children in Care at March 31 1999-2013
(Sarnia-Lambton Children's Aid Society)

The CFSA defines the
term "child in need of
protection" and sets out
what must be reported to
a children's aid society.
This definition includes
physical, sexual and
emotional abuse,
neglect and risk of harm.
The act recognizes that
each of us has a
responsibility for the
welfare of children.

Sarnia-Lambton
Children’s Aid Society
completed 1100
investigations in 2012.

During the same period,
a total of 2600 families
were served.

In Lambton, there were
82 foster homes
available in 2013, down
from 97 in 2010.

There are now also 70
kinship families who
receive support to keep
children in family
member homes rather
than foster care.
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
3000
Total # Families Served by C.A.S.
Sarnia-Lambton 1999-2012
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
Ontario's Child and Family Services Act (CFSA) provides for a broad range of
services for families and children, including children who are or may be victims
of child abuse or neglect. The paramount purpose of the Act is to promote the
best interests, protection, and well-being of children. To this end, kinship family
support programs have been implemented. They are family members who
receive support to keep children in their homes rather than have them placed in
foster care.
The increase in children supported in family kinship homes corresponds with a
downward trend for children in foster care, which is shown in the chart above.
The increase in total number of families served by C.A.S. reflects the fact that
they increasingly function as a support service rather than an agency that
typically removes children from the home.
44
Ontario Association of Children’s
Aid Societies– www.oacas.org
Sarnia-Lambton Children’s Aid
Society– www.slcas.on.ca
Report Name: “Sarnia Lambton
Children’s Aid Society Annual Report
2012/13”
Child Welfare League of Canada -www.cwlc.ca
Indicator #43 Elder Abuse
More Lambton County Residents Feel Elder
Abuse is a Problem
Data Highlights
Reported Elder Abuse
2010
0
2011
2
2012
48

Since it was introduced
in 2009, the provincial
Senior Safety Line has
received over 20,000
calls. Most callers report
emotional or financial
abuse.

Over the next 20 years
the Baby Boom cohort
will begin reaching
retirement age and for
the first time in Ontario
there will be more
seniors than youth.

Census, Sarnia-Lambton
is home to 23,650
seniors (65+ years).
Researchers generally
accept that about 4%
(946 in Sarnia-Lambton)
will have /or are
currently experiencing
some form of abuse.
Source: Sarnia Police Services
Statistics on elder abuse are difficult to find as many cases are not reported, different
definitions of abuse exist and organizations often do not agree at what age someone
is an "elder". The most well known study was done by Dr. Elizabeth Podnieks in
1990. This national survey found that 4% of seniors (65+ years) reported they
experienced abuse.
According to a survey conducted by the Ontario Provincial Police in 2006, elder
abuse is considered a greater problem now than it was in the past. As Baby
Boomers age, elder abuse is expected to become a more prominent societal
concern. According to the 2011 Census, 19% of Sarnia-Lambton’s population was
65 years and over, compared to 15% for the province as a whole.
Today, numerous national, provincial, and local initiatives are raising awareness
and addressing the multitude of issues related to the abuse and neglect of older
adults. The Criminal Code was amended in December 2012 to include elder abuse
as a criminal offence. This change may account for the increase in reports of elder
abuse shown in the table above. There are many types of elder abuse. Officers
typically code the call by the type of offence and the secondary code of elder abuse
gets missed in the statistics.
As with other forms of domestic violence, elder abuse ranges in severity and
manifests itself in various forms:
 physical abuse,
 sexual abuse,
 emotional (psychological) abuse,
 financial or material abuse, and
 neglect.
Abuse can occur in private homes or in institutional settings. Financial abuse is the
most common form of abuse, followed by neglect. Financial abuse can include
frauds and scams as well as improper use of the power of attorney document.
Research findings3 in Canada (also reflected in the United States) indicate:
 Shared living is the major risk factor for abuse;
 Social isolation can result in violent situations;
 Higher rates of physical abuse occur among older adults with dementia;
 Abusers have histories of psychiatric illness/drug, alcohol dependency;
 Depression is a common characteristic of abuse;
 Perpetrators may be dependent on their victims for housing/financial
support”
3
Elder Abuse the Canadian Experience (Podnieks 2008), Catalogue No. 014308 August 2009 © 2009 Queen’s Printer for Ontario .
45
Ontario Network for the
Prevention of Elder Abuse–
www.onpea.org
Seniors Canada –
www.seniors.gc.ca
National Advisory Council on
Aging– www.naca.ca
Sarnia Lambton Elder Abuse
Awareness Network
www.sleaan.com/
Victim Services of Sarnia Lambton
www.victimservices.on.ca
Government of Canada
www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/seniors/fundin
g/pancanadian/elder_abuse.shtml
https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/Photo
copy/139167NCJRS.pdf
Indicator #44 Homelessness
Requests for Emergency Shelter Increasing
Data Highlights
Requests for Emergency Shelter
2004 - 2012, Lambton
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2011
2012
Data Source:
Lambton County
Social Services
Department Social
Planning and
Program Support
Homelessness
Reporting Master
2012. This data
shows programs
funded by the
County of
Lambton through
Homelessness
funding received
by transfer
payments from the
province.
Agencies also
assist individuals
with their own
funds.
The chart above illustrates the increasing demand in Lambton County for
emergency shelter. While requests may come from individuals, families,
couples and children, most requests come from individuals.

In 2012, 1,149 families
were helped through
the Rent Bank to retain
their housing, a
decrease of 5% from
2011.

Almost 41,000 people
were helped through
the local Soup Kitchen
in 2012, an increase of
7.6% over 2011.

21,681 units of food
were provided at Food
Banks, down 3% from
2011. These units of
food served 10,609
households.

In 2012, 722 people
(including children)
were housed in
emergency shelter, a
37% increase over
2011.
Local agencies that provide supports to individuals who are homeless or at risk
of becoming homeless received 3,597 requests for assistance through the
Homelessness program in 2012, a 6% increase over 2011. Of these requests,
2,866 people received assistance, an increase of 19.3% over 2011. 61% of
those who requested assistance from Homelessness Programs were in receipt
of Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support which compared to 60% in 2011.
In Sarnia-Lambton four agencies provide services to people who experience
homelessness or who are at risk of becoming homeless: The Salvation Army
Community and Family Services, Inn of the Good Shepherd, St Vincent de Paul
Society and the River City Vineyard Mission. Note: The continued operation of
the River City Vineyard Mission homeless shelter in a central Sarnia
neighbourhood is in jeopardy and as of November 2013 the case remains in the
Ontario Superior Court of Justice.
Local service providers continue to report increased demand for the rent/utility
bank, emergency shelter, soup kitchen and food bank programs. Meanwhile,
provincial funding for these programs will be reduced on April 1, 2014,
decreasing the funds available for the rent/utility bank to support households at
risk.
46
County of Lambton, Social
Services– www.lambtonline.ca
National Homeless Initiative
www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/communities/h
omelessness
Community Homelessness
Prevention Initiative
www.mah.gov.on.ca/
Indicator #45 Rental Assistance
More Affordable Housing Stock Needed for
Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) Housing
Applications on Waiting List for Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI)
Units in Sarnia-Lambton
600
Data Highlights

The Housing Services
Department of
Lambton County
owns and manages
830 RGI units.

The Housing Services
Department provides
housing assistance to
over 2,000 residents
of County of Lambton.

The County's Housing
and Homelessness
Plan recommends the
creation of a minimum
of 200 units of
affordable rental
housing between
January 2014 and
December 31, 2023.

16% of the 281
individuals in 276
households who
requested help from
the Rent/Utility Bank
were the working
poor.
500
400
Wait List
300
Placed
200
100
0
The above chart shows that the wait list for affordable housing continues to increase,
an indication of the growing need. Between 2007 and 2010, roughly 60% of
applicants were not housed. While improvements were seen in 2011 and 2012 with
50% of applicants housed, the need for affordable housing continues to outpace the
supply. There are currently more than 500 households on the wait list and a typical
wait for affordable housing is two years.
Rent geared to income (RGI) is a system that subsidizes housing costs by basing rent
on household income. Typically, RGI is based on 30% of household income. In
November 2013, there were a total of 1,698 social and affordable housing units
available of which a minimum of 1,075 were RGI units. These numbers fluctuate
depending on the funding availability. In some instances, persons live in market rent
units but are subsidized based on income. Placing applicants in affordable housing
has been more successful in the last few years, aided in part by various programs
through the Ontario’s Affordable Housing Strategy. This wait list will continue to grow if
new affordable housing stock is not added in Sarnia-Lambton.4 The 2013 provincial
funding cut for housing will decrease the rent/utility bank funds available to support
households at risk.
4
Housing and Homelessness Plan 2014-2023
47
Ontario Non-Profit Housing
Association
www.onpha.on.ca
Lambton County Housing
Services Website –
www.lambtononline.ca/home/resi
dents/housingservices/
Housing Again Website –
http://housingagain.web.ca
Cooperative Housing
Federation of Canada Website –
www.chfcanada.coop/eng/pages2
007/home.asp
Indicator #46 Fair Market Rent
Number of Rental Units Decreasing yet Sarnia
Vacancy Rates Higher than Province
Sarnia Average Rent - Private Units
** Some data
suppressed due to
confidentiality
concerns or
because reliable
statistics are not
available
Source: Rental
Market ReportHighlights. Canada
Mortgage and
Housing
Corporation 2013
$1,200
$1,000
$800
$600
$400
$200
$0
Bachelor
1-bdrm
2-bdrm
Data Highlights

Vacancy rates in Sarnia
rose from 4.6% to 6.8%
during the period from
April 2009 to April 2013.

Average monthly shelter
cost in city of Sarnia is
$766, whereas the
average in SarniaLambton is $745
(Provincial average
$926).

National Household
Survey, 47% of tenants
in Sarnia-Lambton
spend 30% or more of
their household income
on shelter (Provincial
average 42%).
3-bdrm
According to the 2011 National Household Survey, 30% of the 31,380
households in the City of Sarnia are renters. In 2010, Sarnia had a total of
6,253 private rental units, down from 6,544 in 1991. In 2013 this number
dropped to 5,426 rental units. Between 1991 and 2013, there has been a loss
of 1,118 units (or a 17% reduction). Sarnia’s vacancy rate has fallen from 11%
to 7% between 1998 and 2013 but remains considerably higher than the
provincial average of 3%.
Average shelter-cost-toincome ratio (STIR) refers
to the proportion of total
before-tax household
35
income spent on shelter.
30
2006 STIR is calculated for each
25
20
2001 household individually by
dividing total annual
15
1996
shelter cost by total annual
10
5
1991 income. The average STIR
0
is based on total of all
STIRs. The chart to the left
shows a twenty year
perspective on shelter
costs, comparing Sarnia
owners and renters to
Ontario and Canada.
Source: Housing in Canada Online 2010
Tenants typically spend a
http://cmhc.beyond2020.com Table Viewer (accessed
Oct 22, 2013)
significantly higher
percentage of household
income on shelter costs than homeowners. The STIR numbers for Sarnia
renters and owners combined are not significantly different from provincial and
national numbers.
Average Shelter to Household Income
Ratio in Sarnia with Comparison to
Province and Nation 1991-2006
48
Housing Again–
http://housingagain.web.ca
Cooperative Housing Federation
of Canada– www.chfc.ca
Lambton County Housing
Services–
www.lambtononline.ca/housing_servi
ces
Housing in Canada online 2010
http://cmhc.beyond2020.com
Canada Housing & Mortgage
Association
Rental Market Statistics Spring 2013
https://www03.cmhcschl.gc.ca/catalog/product
Statistics Canada
www12.statcan.gc.ca/nhsenm/2011/as-sa/fogsspg/Pages/FOG.cfm?lang=E&level=
4&GeoCode=3538030
Indicator #47
The Cost of a Home
Sarnia Housing Prices Remain Low
Compared to Other Ontario Cites
Data Highlights
Avg. Price New Detached Bungalow - 2005 to 2013
(Q3)

While growth in the
Sarnia-Lambton housing
market has been strong
in recent years, analysts
predict a slowdown to
coincide with
unemployment in the
skilled trades.

The average price of a
home (all types) in
Sarnia in October 2013
was $203,790.

Sarnia-Lambton housing
prices have not
experienced the volatility
(highs and lows) of
larger communities in
Ontario.

There were 93 starts for
single detached homes
2012, down from 99
starts in 2011.
700,000
600,000
500,000
400,000
300,000
2005
200,000
2007
2013
100,000
0
Source: CMHC Market Absorption Survey September 2013
Compared to other communities in Ontario, Sarnia housing prices are very
affordable. Rural Lambton communities offer a variety of housing at even
more affordable prices.
CMHC’s Ontario Housing Market Outlook for Ontario region projects shifting
preferences from expensive to inexpensive housing which will exert downward
pressure on average prices over the next few years.
Most of the housing starts in Sarnia-Lambton have been for single dwellings.
Lambton Shores, a large retirement community, has seen a decline in starts in
the past few years.
Through the Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy, the Canada-Ontario
Affordable Housing Program and other programs and services, Ontario is
working to improve access to adequate, suitable and affordable housing, so
that the people of Ontario have a solid foundation on which to secure
employment, raise families and build strong communities.
49
Sarnia-Lambton Real Estate
Board– www.mls-sarnia.com
Canadian Mortgage and
Housing Corporation–
www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca
Report: Housing Now Ontario
Region
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and
Housing– www.mah.gov.on.ca
Indicator #48
Building Permits
Number of Building Permits Issued
Decreased since 2009
Number of Building Permits Issued Per Year
Sarnia and County 2004-2012
Data Highlights
1000

Over $57 million in
building permits were
issued in the County in
2012, down from $66
million in 2010 and $110
million in 2009.

Over $64 million in
building permits were
issued in Sarnia in 2012
down from $68 million in
2011 and $90 million in
2010.
900
800
700
600
Sarnia
500
County
400
300
200
100
0
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
The chart illustrates the total number of building permits for the City of Sarnia
and County of Lambton from 2004-2012. The County numbers include Lambton
Shores from 2004-2007 only. Lambton Shores has seen a decline in new home
starts in recent years. Large projects such as construction of a new industrial
facility or Art Gallery (which occurred in 2009) can significantly influence the
building permit values for any given year. The building of new homes is one
indicator of a growing and thriving community. Adding and altering existing
homes makes the existing housing stock more attractive.
The Ontario Building Code sets the regulations pertaining to the construction of
new houses and additions or alterations to existing units. Each municipality sets
its own permit fees, which vary depending on the work to be done.
Building permits are required for new structures (dwellings, garages, carports,
etc.), renovations to existing structures, additions to existing structures, the
demolition of any structures, and swimming pools. Free-standing structures that
are smaller than 100 square feet do not require a building permit but must
comply with the zoning by-laws of the local municipality with respect to such
things as setbacks from the property line, height, etc.
50
Canadian Home Builders
Association– www.chba.com
Ontario Building Code–
www.obc.mah.gov.on.ca
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and
Housing– www.mah.gov.on.ca
City of Sarnia
www.city.sarnia.on.ca/
County of Lambton
www.lambtonline.ca
Methodology Note
The following section on Public Safety presents statistics obtained primarily from data
provided by the Sarnia Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police (Lambton
Detachment).
Comparing the two jurisdictions on a “per 100,000 population” basis, for example, is not
advisable because Lambton County’s population swells by 20,000 to 30,000 every
summer with visitors to the Grand Bend area. Furthermore, heavy traffic at the US border
brings substantial truck and tourist flow through the region and significantly increases the
local policing burden.
RISK FACTORS IN LAMBTON COUNTY:
Lambton OPP 2011 Business Plan
The “Chemical Valley” in Sarnia and St. Clair is the largest grouping of petro-chemical industries
and refineries in Canada, with 40% of the country’s related industries located here. The twin Blue
Water Bridge crossing is the fourth busiest international passenger and commercial vehicle
crossing in the province and the second busiest international truck crossing.
Both forces serve the Sarnia-Lambton area. However, socio-economic factors differ
substantially between the City of Sarnia and the more rural remainder of Lambton County.
Therefore, it is not advisable to conflate the data provided by the two forces.
For this reason, it was decided that the LIFE report would avoid conflating data from the
two police services. Rather, data are presented separately, and comparisons are
made over time but not jurisdiction.
51
Indicator #49 Perception of Public Safety
Sarnia-Lambton Residents Slightly More
Concerned about Their Communities
Data Highlights
Seriousness of Community Problems -- Lambton
OPP Survey
Drug/Substance
Abuse

The 2011 Lambton OPP
survey found 98% of
respondents felt very
safe or safe in their
community. Almost 92%
said they are satisfied or
very satisfied with the
OPP’s ability to work
with communities and
solve local problems.

Many of the respondents
in the 2006 OPP Survey
thought drugs (65%) and
violence (49%) in
schools presented a
problem. Many (59%)
also felt that a lack of
youth activities/programs
was a problem.

Some (33%) believed
youth gathering in the
street was a problem
and some (21%)
believed there was a
problem with
skateboarding on
sidewalks and streets.
2001
Alcohol Abuse
2003
Nuisance Activities
2006
Property Crime
Feelings of Safety
1
2
3
4
1 = Very Serious; 2 = Serious; 3 = Slight Problem; 4 = Not a Problem
The feelings we have about the safety of our physical surroundings impact the
way that we engage in our daily activities. The enjoyment of activities such as
walking the dog in the evening, jogging in a local park, and strolling down the
sidewalk at lunchtime is jeopardized when we do not have a sense of personal
safety. When people feel safe, they are able to have a better quality of life.
The chart to the left
reflects the findings of

surveys conducted of
60
area businesses by The
Sarnia Police Service.
50
The level of concern has
remained stable over the
40
Unconcerned
last two survey periods
30
but does portray an
Neutral
increased level of concern
20
when compared to 2001.
When asked about
10
Concerned
concern in their own
0
neighborhoods, the
2001 2007 2010 2013
percentage of unconcerned
2013 Sarnia Police Services Business Report
citizens has been relatively
stable at 50% since 2001. The
greatest areas of concern are drug control (71%), cyber bullying (60%) and theft
from vehicles (54%).
Business Concern About Crime Sarnia
Police Survey (2001-2013)
52
On a scale of 1 to 4,
respondents in the OPP
Survey rated their
feelings of safety in the
community as part way
between “safe” and “very
safe” (Mean score: 3.32
out of 4).
OPP– www.opp.ca
OPP community Satisfaction
Survey 2013
Sarnia Police–
www.police.sarnia.on.ca
Indicator #50 Alcohol and Drug Arrests
Drug and Alcohol Charges Decreasing
2500
Number of Incidents
Data Highlights
Total Drug & Alcohol Incidents
Sarnia Lambton 2001-2012

Almost 11% of the
Sarnia-Lambton
population 12 years and
older reported using pot
in 2009/10.

The highest rates of
impaired driving in
Canada are reported
among young drivers,
aged 19-24 years.

Alcohol is the most
widely used drug among
youth in grades 7 to 12.

1 in 5 Sarnia-Lambton
residents aged 12 years
or older (represents
22,000 people) were
classified as heavy
drinkers in 2011/12.
Heavy drinking is
defined as consuming 5
or more drinks on one
occasion, 12 or more
times per year.

Almost 100% of those
using drugs are multisubstance usersprincipally crystal meth,
prescription opiods,
marijuana and alcohol.
2000
1500
1000
500
0
Sarnia
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
777
677
615
896
864
868
393
402
360
County 1832 1963 1849 1328 1556 1945 2263 1789 1326 1331 1351 1243
Drug and alcohol abuse are serious problems that may negatively impact quality
of life. Serious personal consequences can result, like family problems, losing
friends, getting expelled from school, losing a job and financial or legal trouble.
Some people become psychologically or physically dependent on them.
Impaired driving, drug violations, and liquor law offenses are classified as
alcohol and drug-related incidents in the chart. In both the City and County,
incidents have decreased significantly since 2001 (53% in Sarnia and 32% in
the County). A slight decline has been evident over the past three years.
Alcohol arrests are now classified as Liquor License Act Violations. When an
individual operating a vehicle registers .08 or above on a breathalyzer test, he
or she may be arrested for impaired driving. The 2011 survey of all Lambton
OPP policed municipalities revealed that 88% were satisfied or very satisfied
with the OPP’s enforcement of drunk driving laws.
Within the drug arrest category, people are arrested for either possession or
intent to sell the type of illegal narcotic found upon arrest. There is a trend of
rising dangerous drug use including injection and cutting fentanyl patches. The
Local Health Integrated Network has announced Phase 1 funding for an
Integrated Withdrawal Management Program in Sarnia-Lambton, expected to
be up and running by summer 2014. This program will offer care and support to
persons who are in mild to moderate withdrawal.
Impaired driving offenses are of particular concern among youth. Statistics
Canada notes that young drivers, ages 19 to 24 years have the highest rates of
impaired driving. Data indicate that impaired driving peaks at age 21 years.
Rates level off and remain relatively constant for 25 to 44 year olds, followed by
a drop in rates for people 45 years and over. Seniors (65 years and older) have
the lowest rates.
53
Centre for Addiction and Mental
Health– www.camh.net
Report Name: 2007 Ontario Student
Drug Use Survey
Statistics Canada–
www.statcan.gov.ca The Daily,
Friday, November 7, 2003
Report Name: “Impaired Driving and
Other Traffic Offenses”
Erie St. Clair LHIN
www.eriestclairlhin.on.ca
Indicator #51 Motor Vehicle Collisions
Motor Vehicle Collisions in Sarnia-Lambton
Declining
Data Highlights
Annual Total Motor Vehicle Collisions
Sarnia Lambton 2001-2012
2000
1800
1600
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
Sarnia

In 2010, there were
215,533 motor vehicle
collisions in Ontario,
resulting in 44,430
persons with injuries and
534 fatalities. 43% of
accidents occur between
noon and 6 pm.

In 2010 almost 40% of
drivers who were fatally
injured had consumed
alcohol beforehand or
had their ability to drive
impaired by alcohol or
drugs.

More fatalities occur on
highways and rural
roads than in urban
areas where the speed
limit is <60km/hr.

Approximately 1 in 3
drivers and passengers
killed in a collision was
not wearing a seatbelt.

Nearly 23 per cent of
motor vehicle fatalities
were 15-to-24 year olds
in 2010, even though
this age group makes up
only 13 per cent of the
Canadian population.
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
1787 1701 1807 1541 1681 1630 1714 1657 1517 1439 1331 1224
County 1043 1255 1332
759
625
858
1014
905
933
702
625
599
Data Source: Lambton OPP, Sarnia Pollice
According to the Ministry of Transportation, a preventable collision is one that
occurs when the driver fails to act in an appropriate manner to prevent it.
Distracted driving is cited as a causal factor in 30 to 50 % of traffic collisions in
Ontario but is probably much higher due to under-reporting. Overall in Ontario,
with an 85% increase in number of licensed drivers, there has been a 62%
decline in fatalities since 1980. Most collisions occur in the months of July,
August and October.
There were 103,145 registered vehicles in Sarnia-Lambton in 2010. There are
considerably fewer motor vehicle collisions in Sarnia (-31%) and the County
(-42%) than a decade ago. Of the total collisions in the area in 2010, 53%
occurred in the City of Sarnia and 13% were on provincial highways. There
were 6 fatalities in that year. In response to collisions on Highway 402 where
bridge traffic congestion was an issue, the speed limit was reduced until
reconstruction was completed in 2013 to channel traffic more efficiently to the
Bluewater Bridges.
Ontario’s motor vehicle fatality rate is 4.3 per 100,000 population. The number
of fatalities per 100,000 population in Canada was 6.5 in 2010, slightly lower
than 6.6 in 2009. The downward trend for serious injuries continued as well,
dropping 5.1% from 11,829 in 2009, to 11,226 in 2010 in Canada. Young driver
and passenger fatalities continued to be very noticeable in motor vehicle
collision statistics. 40% of speeding drivers involved in fatal crashes were 1624 years old. In 2010, about 57 % of fatal collisions took place on rural roads,
whereas 73 per cent of recorded injury collisions took place in urban areas.
The fatality rate per 100 million kilometers traveled in Ontario remained the
same at 0.45 in 2009 and 2010.
54
Canadian Institute for Health
Information
http://secure.cihi.ca
Transport Canada
www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety
Canadian Motor Vehicle Traffic
Collision Statistics 2010
Ministry of Transportation
www.mto.gov.on.ca
Report Name: Ontario Road Safety
Annual Report 2010
Indicator #52 Property Crime
Property Crime Falls in Sarnia
between 2009 and 2012
Total Property Crimes Sarnia and Lambton
2001-2012
Data Highlights

1000
The police reported
crime rate in Canada,
which measures the
volume of crime per
100,000 population,
continued to decline in
2012, down 3% from
2011. After peaking in
1991, the policereported crime rate has
declined and reached its
lowest level since 1972
in 2012. Stats Canada:
500
Juristat article Police Reported
Crime Rate 2012
Number of Crimes
3000
2500
2000
1500
0
Sarnia
01
02
03
05
07
08
09
10
11

The Ontario rate fell to
2,622 per 100,000
population in 2012, a
decrease of 4% from
2011.

In 2012, the provincial
government announced
a planned closure of the
Sarnia jail with transition
to a new regional
correctional facility in
Windsor.
12
2307 2445 1853 2166 2279 1709 2074 1197 1308 1235
County 1497 1555 1455
724
857
701
630
722
749
670
Data Source: Lambton OPP, Sarnia Police
Statistics Canada says the national police-reported crime rate fell by three per
cent in 2012 compared with the previous year. Nearly two million incidents
involving criminal activity were reported by police nationwide in 2012, roughly
36,000 fewer than in the previous year. Ontario had the second largest (-4%)
rate decrease. The severity of crimes committed was also down by three per
cent in 2012, according to Statistics Canada’s Crime Severity Index (CSI).
Among all persons accused of a crime by police in 2012, over 125,000 were
aged 12 to 17 years. This represents a rate of 5,224 accused per 100,000
youths which is slightly lower than the national crime rate for the general
population. The most common type of youth crime was theft of $5,000 or
under. The majority of accused youth in 2012 were involved in non-violent
incidents such as property crime.
Property crimes include break and enter, theft, theft of motor vehicle, identity
fraud and arson. Nationally, property crimes have decreased by 3% between
2011 and 2012. Locally, 36% of the property crimes in Sarnia were break and
enter; theft accounted for another 55%. In the County, percentages were 34%
and 58% respectively. Sarnia has seen a 5% decline in property crime rates in
2012 from 2011, whereas the County has seen a 10% drop in the same
interval. Overall rates are down approximately 50% from 2001.
55
Article—Police Reported Crime
Statistics in Canada 2012;
www.statcan.ca
OPP– www.opp.ca
Sarnia Police–
Indicator #53 Violent Crime
Violent Crime Decreasing in Sarnia- Lambton
in Recent Years
Data Highlights
Total Violent Crimes

In Canada, the policereported violent crime
rate declined in 2012,
down 3% from 2011 to
1,190 incidents per
100,000 population.

In Ontario the crime
severity index and police
reported crime rate
declined by 4% in 2012

The homicide rate in
Canada is 1.56 per
100,000 population, its
lowest level since 1966.

Violent crime (including*
homicides) dropped 15%
in Sarnia between 2007
and 2009.

Police reported about
415,119 violent crimes in
2012 in Canada, of
which 121,725 occurred
in Ontario. The rates for
homicides, attempted
murder and sexual
assault all declined from
2011.
Number of Crimes
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12
Sarnia 111 110 852 582 594 666 774 669 658 539 708 599
County 386 407 350 161 179 225 242
240 223 210
Data Source: Lambton OPP, Sarnia Police Services
Violent crime includes murder, sexual assault, assault (including spousal
assault) and robbery. The violent crime rate in Canada has declined since the
early 1990s and reached its lowest homicide rate in 40 years in 2012. Since
1999, the homicide rate has fallen by 17%. The severity of crimes committed
was also down by three per cent in 2012, according to Statistics Canada’s
Crime Severity Index (CSI). Following nearly three decades of decline, the rate
of homicide against women has been relatively stable over the past decade,
according to data from the Homicide Survey.
According to police-reported data in Canada, about 173,600 women 15 years
and older were victims of violent crime in 2011. This translates into a rate of 1,207
female victims for every 100,000 women in the population, slightly higher than the
rate for men (1,151).
The vast majority of reported violent crime in Sarnia is assault (over 80%),
followed by sexual assault (approximately 12%) and robbery at (4-8%). In the
county the numbers were similar; assault accounted for most violent crimes
(75-80%), followed by sexual assault (16-20%) and robbery (1-4%) over the
past three years.
56
Article—Police Reported Crime
Statistics in Canada 2012; Juristat
Article—Measuring violence against
women: Statistical trends
www.statcan.ca
OPP– www.opp.ca
Sarnia Police–
Indicator #54 Emergency Preparedness
Sarnia-Lambton Prepares through Annual
Disaster Simulation
C.V.E.C.O.Code
Code 5
Code 6
Code 7
Code 8
Code 9
What it Means
Incident outside of industry potentially requiring C.V.E.C.O. assistance
Full traffic control requested in designated areas
Bomb threat
Notification by a C.V.E.C.O member of an internal abnormal occurrence. No
action taking by C.V.E.C.O responders
Request for response by Municipal Fire Department
Data Highlights

The CAER Industry
Update Line provides
Lambton County residents
with a 24-hour number
they can call to hear
current information about
non-routine industry
activity such as unusual
noises, alarms, training
activities, high flaring and
industrial incidents. The
number is 1-855-4727642).

A severe winter storm in
December 2010 closed
Highway 402 for several
days. Police and military
worked together to move
237 stranded people to
safety. They joined about
320 other people who had
spent the night in one of
the emergency warming
centres

Areas of Sarnia-Lambton
have been struck by
tornados in 1953, 1983
and 2011. A 72 hour
emergency supply kit is
recommended for all
residents.
In response to concern for community safety and well being, after a massive
explosion in 1951 at an industrial site that was then called Polymer Corporation,
representatives from police and industry met to form strategies to control traffic
during an emergency. Later, industries agreed to share fire-fighting resources.
Eventually this drove the formation of the Community Awareness Emergency
Response Organization (CAER), bringing municipal and industrial emergency
responders together to identify potential risks associated with industrial operations
and to develop emergency plans around them. CAER also provides the public with
information needed to prepare for an emergency. The Chemical Valley Emergency
Coordinating Organization (C.V.E.C.O.) has trained professionals who can be
called upon quickly to respond to an event.
The pillars of emergency preparedness include community awareness and
emergency response. In the event of a chemical release, safety sirens in Sarnia’s
industrial corridor will sound to alert the public. Local radio stations will sound an
alert tone interrupting regular broadcasts, followed by a voice message about a
chemical emergency. Instructions may be to shelter-in-place or evacuate.
Information to prepare residents for winter storms, floods, severe weather, power
failure, public health emergencies, chemical emergencies and tornadoes can be
found on the County website. Prior to the turn of the millennium, agencies,
businesses, industry and municipalities developed extensive strategies for disaster
preparedness, sharing of resources and for prioritizing services during a disaster.
For over 15 years, every September organizers of the Sarnia Area Disaster
Simulation pick a different scenario to help first responders train for possible
emergencies. Approximately 150 persons participate in these exercises, each year,
as either first responders or students role playing as victims.
The table below outlines the last five disaster simulated exercises in SarniaLambton.
Year
Disaster Simulation
2013
Simulated complex industrial emergency ( at Imperial Oil)
2012
Tank truck rollover with collision by school bus and diesel spill
2011
Simulated fire at large storage tank (at Plains Midstream formerly BP)
2010
Water pumper relay exercise (at Lanxess)
2009
Simulated ship fire and tanker collision disaster (at Shell docks)
57
Community Awareness
Emergency Response
www.caer.ca/
Chemical Valley Emergency
Coordinating Organization
www.caer.ca/cveco.asp
County of Lambton
www.lambtononline.ca/home/residen
ts/EmergencyManagement/Pages/D
efault.aspx
The Sarnia Lambton Workforce Development Board is
funded in part by Employment Ontario.
The views expressed in this document do not necessarily
reflect those of Employment Ontario.
Profile 2013-2014 – LIFE in Sarnia-Lambton
Compiled by the Sarnia Lambton Workforce Development Board
Funded by Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration
Photos by Hailey McHarg Photography courtesy of
Live in Lambton -Immigration Portal
Copies of this report are available electronically at:

www.slwdb.org

www.theunitedway.on.ca

www.liveinlambton.ca

www.bluewatersustainabilityinitiative.com

Profile - Sarnia Lambton Workforce Development Board

Transcription

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