The Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park is the prominent technology incubator of the region and the innovation hub for start-up technology companies. A number of research and commercialization projects were successfully executed at the Park since it was established in 2003, and the Park has successfully graduated more than 20 tenants onto commercialization in the field since 2012. For the Sarnia-Lambton community, the Research Park is much more than a technology incubator. The Park is an engine of economic growth. The Park represents advanced technologies and a strong knowledge workforce through our state-of-the-art complex of research and development infrastructure and commercial office suites. Partnerships are essential for the success of the Park and economic development of the region. The Research Park enjoys a strong collaborative relationship with our key innovation partner, Lambton College. Strategic partners also include Western University, Bioindustrial Innovation Canada, the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership, Lambton County and the City of Sarnia. The Research Park is the community-gathering place for significant events, knowledge transfer, idea formulation and the development of strategies for the prosperous future of Sarnia-Lambton.

The PARK Plan for Prosperity 2021-2025 will strengthen the Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park’s reputation in the region and further raise its profile locally, nationally and internationally. In alignment with the Park’s vision and mission statements, priorities of the 2021-2025 strategic plan enhance the role of the Research Park in the economic development of Sarnia-Lambton and as the world-class technology incubator in the region. The plan also calls for greater community involvement, including knowledge creation and dissemination. The four fundamental strategic priorities that will drive the Research Park’s planning and activities are as follows:

• Pillar of economic growth,
• Asset management and maximization of value,
• Research and commercialization focused, and
• Knowledge centre

To become an essential pillar of regional economic growth, to manage the Park facility as a strategic asset of Sarnia-Lambton, to lead regional innovation as a world-class technology incubator and to operate as the knowledge centre in Intelligent Sarnia-Lambton are the goals of these strategic priorities.

Each strategic priority has three action items to achieve these goals. The Park will increase its visibility and collaborate with key partners to invest in and attract entrepreneurs and new industries to Sarnia-Lambton. Prudent investments in Park facilities will attract diverse businesses to the Park while securing financial sustainability. Research and commercialization is a fundamental activity of the Park along with enhancing community involvement. The internationally recognized and award-winning Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park will continue to be the proud entity of the citizens of Sarnia-Lambton by rigorously measuring and building on its successes.

In November 2003, Lambton County, the City of Sarnia and Western University announced a partnership to establish a state-of-the-art Research Park to serve as the catalyst for a new generation of high-growth companies, and the hub for the area’s knowledge economy.  

The Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park was established in the former DOW Chemical of Canada Corporate Centre, consisting of prestigious administrative offices and research laboratories.  At its peak, the Corporate Centre employed 800 DOW Chemical administrative and technical staff, in addition to the DOW Chemical manufacturing site in Sarnia.

In commissioning the Park, the partners recognized that Sarnia-Lambton’s rich history of industrial development and proven legacy in the energy, chemical and processing sectors, coupled with the University’s growing interest and research capacity in these fields of study, could create a powerful, synergistic relationship that would greatly enhance the economic and social well-being of the region and its citizens.

Since this inception, Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park has diligently evolved into a vibrant structural footprint that is becoming increasingly well known in the marketplace, and well positioned to attract, develop and retain high-value business prospects, partners and people.

The Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park is comprised of five interconnected buildings situated on 80 acres of prime employment land nestled in the heart of Sarnia-Lambton’s industrial and agricultural bases, adjacent to Lambton College, and strategically located next to the 400-series highway with easy access to the local airport and U.S. border, where 65% of the U.S. market is within a one day drive.

Located on the blue shores of Lake Huron, Sarnia-Lambton gives provides an affordable balance of urban and rural life.  Learn more about life in Sarnia-Lambton: https://livesarnialambton.ca