GIS - Frequently Asked Questions
What is SLIM?
Sarnia Lambton Information Mapping (SLIM) is now available online. SLIM’s atlas lets you find everything from airstrips and arenas to schools and beaches. You can check out where the sports fields are and how to get to them. You can even see your home from the air.
SLIM also provides some specialized services. Farmers can use the nutrient management component to plan the most efficient use of natural fertilizer while protecting the environment. As provincial regulations affect more farmers, SLIM will make it easier for them to comply by providing information like soil types and the distance to be set back from buildings, streams and wells.
SLIM will also make it easier to build or grow a business in Lambton. The site selection package will show businesses interested in relocating to Lambton where land is available, and some of the advantages of building a business here. The site will also provide information to local businesses that are looking to expand or better serve the local market.
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When will SLIM be launched?
SLIM will be accessible on Wednesday, July 28. The site will be continually updated.
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How will I access SLIM?
You will be able to reach SLIM through the County of Lambton's website, www.lambtononline.ca, or through the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership’s website at www.sarnialambton.on.ca. Just click on “maps” to access SLIM.
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What geographical area does SLIM cover?
SLIM covers the County of Lambton, its local municipalities and the Aamjiwnaang, Kettle & Stony Point and Walpole Island First Nations.
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Why do we need SLIM?
The County of Lambton is investing in SLIM as a part of its Geographic Information System (GIS). The County will use its GIS to improve its operations in such areas as planning, roads and even in tracking West Nile control efforts.
The County has also joined the Ontario Geospatial Data Exchange (OGDE) so that we can share data with provincial ministries. The County has recently completed an update of the woodlot map of Lambton to provincial standards. Both the Ministry of Natural Resources and the County thus can have the most accurate information without duplicating efforts.
Over the long term, the GIS will help the County plan its services and pass information to the public more effectively. GIS can also improve the timeliness and quality of the information provided.
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Who developed SLIM?
The Lambton Mapping Group (LMG) provided much of SLIM’s information. LMG includes municipalities, federal and provincial agencies, conservation authorities and private sector organizations like Union Gas and Bluewater Power. By agreeing to common data standards it will be easier to share information amongst members of the group.
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How much did it cost to build SLIM?
SLIM has been funded by all three levels of government, local agencies and businesses. Aside from the County of Lambton, the largest funder has been the GeoSmart program of the Ministry of Natural Resources. (http://www.geosmart.gov.on.ca/) GeoSmart is a program designed to support the implementation and enhancement of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Ontario's municipalities, First Nation communities, and Conservation Authorities. Funding for much of the data collection came from Human Resources & Social Development Canada (HRSDC) through the Job Creation Partnership program. Other funders include the St. Clair Region and the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authorities, Union Gas, Bluewater Power and the Walpole Island First Nation. The entire project is estimated to cost about $1.5 million.
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Who are the Lambton Mapping Group members?
Representatives of the following groups have attended meetings of the Lambton Mapping Groups:
Bell Canada
BKL Engineering
Bluewater Power
CAER
Chippewas of Kettle & Stony Point
City of Sarnia
County of Lambton
County of St. Clair, Michigan
Hay Municipal Telephone System
Hurontario
MIG Consulting Engineers
Ministry of Natural Resources
Monteith & Sutherland
Municipality of Lambton Shores
Nisbet, Robertson
Ontario Provincial Police
People's Telephone
Re/Max Sarnia Realty
Sarnia Police Service
Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership
St. Clair Region Conservation Authority
Tourism Sarnia-Lambton
Town of Petrolia
Town of Plympton-Wyoming
Township of Brooke-Alvinston
Township of Dawn-Euphemia
Township of Enniskillen
Township of St. Clair
Township of Warwick
Union Gas
Village of Oil Springs
Village of Point Edward
Walpole Island First Nation
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