Some Outside the Box Thinking: Drones and other Possibilities

We face real challenges when it comes to attracting new industry to Sarnia . Global trade tensions and shifting tariff landscapes create uncertainty for sectors that rely heavily on cross‑border movement. That means we need to look for opportunities that are less vulnerable to external disruptions and more aligned with Canada’s long‑term national priorities.

One of those priorities is Canada’s renewed commitment to strengthening its military readiness and its NATO contribution. This commitment requires a significant expansion of domestic defence‑related production, not only in advanced systems but also in the essential equipment and materials that support military operations.

Canada’s 2026 Defence Industrial Strategy outlines ambitious goals for the next decade, including:

• Building Canadian firms in key capability areas

• Improving serviceability of maritime, land, and aerospace fleets

• Increasing the share of defence acquisitions awarded to Canadian companies

• Accelerating procurement of successful Canadian R&D

• Boosting federal investment in defence‑related research

• Growing total defence‑industry revenues

• Increasing opportunities for Canadian small and medium‑sized businesses

• Expanding defence exports

• Creating thousands of new jobs across the country

  
  

Across Canada, new projects are already emerging. In New Brunswick, a large Crown‑land site near Belledune has been proposed for an energetics facility. The Strategy also identifies the need for a future nitrocellulose plant, though the location has not yet been determined. In London, General Dynamics Land Systems–Canada has seen increased orders as part of the broader effort to rebuild Canada’s military capabilities.

Sarnia already has deep experience handling industrial materials safely and responsibly. However, it’s important to recognize that not all defence‑related production involves hazardous substances. In fact, many of the areas expected to grow under the Strategy align closely with Sarnia’s existing industrial strengths and present minimal risk to the community.

These include:

• Military uniforms and apparel

• Component fabrication (vehicle parts, industrial textiles, etc.)

• Protective equipment

• Field medical kits

• Chemical‑resistant materials

• Logistics and distribution

• Field rations

• Drone assembly and testing

  
  

Sarnia’s machining, fabrication, and petrochemical sectors provide a strong foundation for several of these opportunities. With coordinated planning, Lambton College could help develop any specialized training required to support new roles.

One particularly interesting area is drone assembly and testing. The global security environment has demonstrated the importance of drones in modern operations, and Canada will need to expand its capabilities in this field. While Sarnia may not currently host large‑scale software or avionics firms, the assembly, integration, and testing of drones are well within reach.

This brings us to the Sarnia Chris Hadfield Airport. Its long‑term role has been debated due to the absence of commercial airline service, but the facility still offers valuable infrastructure. Its proximity to the 402 Industrial Park creates a unique opportunity: a combined drone assembly and testing corridor that could give the airport a renewed purpose while supporting new industry.

Any such initiative would require federal aviation approvals and careful planning, but these are manageable steps if the economic case is strong.

Canada’s defence‑industrial expansion represents a chance for Sarnia to pursue stable, resilient, and future‑oriented industries that are less exposed to tariff volatility and more aligned with national priorities. Preparing suitable industrial sites, focused on low‑risk, high‑value defence production could position Sarnia to benefit from this emerging sector.

Our local MP, Marilyn Gladu, has spoken about the importance of aligning with federal priorities to bring economic benefits to the region. As a community, we can encourage her and other leaders to advocate for Sarnia’s inclusion in Canada’s growing defence‑industrial landscape. With thoughtful planning and a clear strategy, Sarnia can be ready to seize these opportunities.

Sources: Government of Canada, 2026 Defence Industrial Strategy, Global Affairs Canada News Release