Sarnia has about 72,000 residents (2021 Census) at the southern tip of Lake Huron. Its petrochemical and refining plants employ thousands of trades and contract workers, many of whom invoice for their work. Sarnia residents apply online with Ontario-licensed lenders and receive funds by Interac e-Transfer.
A Sarnia examplePaul finished a three-week turnaround as a self-employed welder and sent a $6,000 invoice, payable in 30 days. Meanwhile his account is nearly empty. A payday lender looks at deposits that have actually arrived, not invoices, so he’s offered far less than he hoped. He asks the contractor about faster payment instead, and borrows only $300 to cover groceries.
Sarnia borrowers are covered by Ontario’s payday loan rules: at most $14 per $100, half your net pay, and two business days to cancel.
Sarnia-specific things to know
- Invoices aren’t income yet. Lenders count money that has landed in your account. An unpaid invoice can be late, disputed or short.
- Smooth the gaps. If your work comes in blocks, keep a buffer from each contract so the wait between payments doesn’t need a loan.
Free help in Sarnia before you borrow
Ontario Works
Delivered by the County of Lambton for Sarnia and Lambton County residents.
Electricity bills
Bluewater Power customers: ask about LEAP emergency help. The OESP credit is open to every Ontario household.
211
Food banks, rent help and other Sarnia-Lambton services, by phone, text or 211ontario.ca.
Neighbourhoods we serve in Sarnia
- Downtown Sarnia
- Bright’s Grove
- Blackwell
- Mitton Village
- The South End
- Canatara
- Lakeshore