Sarnia-Lambton's member of provincial parliament is hopeful for what 2026 has in store as he reflects on the positive outcomes last year.
MPP Bob Bailey described himself as a "glass half-full kind of guy" as he spoke with Sarnia News Today to discuss the highlights and challenges of 2025.
"I guess one big challenge... that turned out to be successful was, we heard they were going to end the slots at Raceway at Hiawatha, which would have thrown almost 50 (full-time) people out of work," he said. "I went to the premier personally and we advocated with the ministry and they had a change of heart."
In mid-December, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) sent a letter to Sarnia city officials, indicating work was being done to extend Ontario's Slots at Racetracks Program.
News of the Gateway Casinos Sarnia closure shocked the community in September, which prompted the mayor to reach out to the premier as well.
Bailey said the involved parties are negotiating some matters as part of a multi-year agreement. An official announcement from the OLG has not yet been released.
"I want to commend the work (owner) Jim Henderson does with Hiawatha [Horse Park]. He's a great host out there," Bailey said.
The local MPP also highlighted the work of the Central Lambton Family Health Team for seeing more patients, as well as the recent announcement that St. Joseph's Hospice is expanding care to Lambton Meadowview Villa in Petrolia.
Looking ahead to 2026, Bailey said he's hoping to see more energy announcements.
Energy Minister Stephen Lecce hinted at a possible project in St. Clair Township at the beginning of the year, and returned to the area in September to break ground on a new transmission line.
"We've had six cabinet ministers down here in the last year, the premier included," said Bailey.
He's also expecting to see progress with the Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub.
"There are parts of it that are open already but they're going to have a big opening early in January. Worked hard on that with Bluewater Health and (CEO) Paula Reaume-Zimmer and her team there," Bailey said. "That's going to be a great announcement and a great project to help people who need those services."
Bailey said he's also looking forward to seeing progress with the build of Lambton College's new student residence, which is anticipated to open in September 2027. A groundbreaking ceremony for the $50 million project was held in June.
"That's going to be a big deal," he said.
In the meantime, Bailey said the trade dispute with the U.S. and tariffs will continue to be a concern in the new year.
"I think Premier Doug Ford and Prime Minister Mark Carney are doing a great job there," Bailey said. "What I do like is it's forced all of the provinces, Ontario included, to look inward and decide what they can do within Canada to develop new markets and drop inter-provincial trade barriers."
Earlier this year, Ford signed a Memoranda of Understanding with the premiers of Saskatchewan, Alberta, Prince Edward Island, and Manitoba in an effort to strengthen trade across the country.
As the federal government looks to boost economic growth and build pipelines, Bailey said he hopes Sarnia-Lambton, as an industrial cluster, will be kept in mind.
Bailey was re-elected to serve a sixth term as Sarnia-Lambton's MPP during the 44th Ontario general election held in February.
