Nestled along the St. Clair River, the township offers a rare blend of economic vitality and resort-like amenities. “It’s a beautiful place, our main life here is there’s refineries for jobs, lots of jobs, and we have lots of beautiful parks,” says Agar, underscoring the region’s industrial backbone. From its industrial roots to its recreational ambitions, St. Clair is a community where progress flows as steadily as the riverfront it celebrates. THE HEART OF ST. CLAIR Life in St. Clair revolves around its crown jewel, the St. Clair River. With 12 waterfront parks and multiple boat launches, the township offers residents and visitors alike a gateway to the water. “We have two campgrounds that we operate that actually are on the river as well, and then we have a third campground that’s very close to the river,” explains Chief Administrative Officer John Rodey. This easy access to nature fosters a resort-like atmosphere, where summers buzz with boating and riverside strolls. The township recently completed a $4 million renovation of its golf course clubhouse, set to open within months, while the nearby community center and arena received $7 million in upgrades. For younger residents, a new skate park and repurposed tennis courts now cater to pickleball enthusiasts.“As recreational needs change, we’re sort of repurposing spaces,” Rodey notes, highlighting the community’s responsiveness to trends. A standout feature is the River Trail, a scenic pathway connecting St. Clair to neighboring towns. “It’s basically all tourists,” says Agar. “They can start from Sarnia and go 50 miles downriver.” This trail, years in the making, has become a cornerstone of the township’s tourism strategy. “If I didn’t live here, I’d want to be a tourist here,” Agar adds, summing up St. Clair’s allure. Between its natural assets and adaptable amenities, the township makes it easy to see why. TWIN ENGINES: INDUSTRY & AGRICULTURE St. Clair’s economic strength lies in its industrial might. Home to Nova Chemicals, the largest refinery in Chemical Valley, along with Shell and CF Industries, the township thrives on high-value manufacturing. “Most of our industry is large,” Rodey explains.“Nova, I think, is on over 500 acres of land.” With thousands of acres still zoned for industrial use, the potential for growth is vast. 131 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05 ST. CLAIR TOWNSHIP, ON
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