By Dan McCaffery for the Sarnia Observer
A century before the local Economic Development Commission was established, Mayor Joe Lowrie was actively urging new industries to locate in Sarnia.
Lowrie, who was born in Berwickshire, Scotland, came to Canada in 1852 and immediately established a Blacksmith Shop on Victoria Street. Later, he added a wagon and carriage factory.
He ran for the Mayor’s chair in 1882 on a platform of bringing new industry to Town. And after defeating fiery newspaper editor G.P. Gemmill 398 votes to 207, Sarnia’s 14th Chief Magistrate set about to do just that.
One of his first acts was to set up a committee charged with seeking out companies interested in expansion.
The Observer praised the move, noting Stratford and several other Ontario communities were doing the same thing.
Before long Sarnia was booming. The Goodison Threshing Company opened its doors during his first year in office, staying in business until 1951. It was a major employer, churning out 300 machines a year during its peak.
The Doherty-Barton stove foundry also opened in 1882 and Sarnia Woolen Mills was given the go-ahead to begin construction of a mill which opened in 1884.
A number of lumber companies also sprang up at this time.
Mayor Lowrie, who was acclaimed to a second term in 1883, also convinced Council to hire extra police officers after gangs of thieves began breaking into local businesses and homes.
He died on February 12, 1914, at age 83.