During the 1970s, Sarnia housed a large number of Portuguese immigrants, mainly from the Azorean islands of S. Miguel and Graciosa. The foundation of the Portuguese Club of Sarnia, just like in many other Luso-Canadian communities across the country, began with religious celebrations. In Sarnia, it was the feast of St. Anthony, in 1979, that led to the foundation of the club.

The organization’s building was purchased in 1989 and then paid in record time. For more than three decades, thousands of people gathered here to celebrate memorable events that were always filled with camaraderie, great food, and plenty of music. The home of the Portuguese Canadian Club of Sarnia was also a place where many people from diverse backgrounds celebrated religious events and personal milestones. The Club’s headquarters is the sole remaining landmark that celebrates our collective presence in this Southern Ontario locality.

The 2021 Canadian Census reports that Sarnia has a population of 72,000 people, of whom 545 have knowledge of the Portuguese language, 415 consider it their mother tongue and 215 speak it most at home. The Census also reveals that 215 residents of the city were born in Portugal and a total of 865 people who live here declared to be of Portuguese background.