Sarnias Chemical Valley is home to sixty-two chemical plants accounting for nearly 40 percent of Canada’s chemical industry.
Besides, large quantities of low temperature water that is needed in the plants cooling system were easily accessible.
Production continued even after the war, and soon Canada was exporting its products and creating subsidiaries abroad.
But Sarnias industrial success is taking a toll on its environment.
According to a 2011 report by the World Health Organization, Sarnias air is the most polluted in Canada.
Today, it’s one of the most poisonous locations in North America.
The number of smog days in 2009 was also down to 5 from a record 46 in 2005.
Photo credit:Toban B/Flickr
A sign along the St. Clair river.
Photo credit:Toban B/Flickr
Sources:Wikipedia/Wikipedia/Sarnia Historical Society/Library and Archives Canada Blog/Environmental Justice Atlas/Chatelaine/Vice
