There is a noticeable shift happening in Sarnia. More people are choosing to make Sarnia their home, and many people, after time away, are settling back into the city.

According to Statistics Canada, Sarnia posted a net interprovincial migration gain of +387 in 2023/2024 (after a net loss of -175 in 2022/2023). It’s an impressive turnaround and proves what many already know. Sarnia is being rediscovered.

Interestingly as well, census data from 2021 shows that one in three households rent their housing. In the four years since that data was published, rental demand has exploded, especially in the mid-range as affordability concerns rise.

With more people settling in Sarnia and many opting for rental housing, there has also been a shift in expectations. Residents want more than four walls and a lease. They want to feel a sense of belonging, right from the start – especially if they are new to the city.

Given that, what does it mean to rewrite the welcome mat? It starts by understanding that housing, community and quality of life are deeply connected. Where you live shapes how you live. Creating a welcome experience focused on connection, belonging, warmth and simplicity makes a space feel like a place you can call home.

That was precisely the thinking behind MillDon’s recent You Belong Here contest. We wanted to welcome residents in a way that enhanced their lifestyles, connected them to community and inspired them to dream of possibilities. We also wanted to help them plant strong roots by supporting local businesses and spreading Sarnia love.

The contest’s first three prizes were incredible themed hospitality packages, featuring both established mainstays and up-and-coming entrepreneurs shaking up the Sarnia scene. All the prize packages were curated by team members who are “in the know,” connecting residents to the businesses that make Sarnia so special.

And the grand prize? Ten thousand dollars. Definitely a life-changing win for anyone settling into a new city or a new home.

While on the surface it was a great giveaway, it was a lot more than that. Reimagining what it means to be welcomed into a new home is just one way MillDon is redefining the rental housing experience overall. It’s not just about a place to live, but about feeling and growing a sense of belonging once you’re there.