ONTARIO LAMBTON SHORES WWW.LAMBTONSHORES.CA A THRIVING COMMUNITY ON THE RISE
LAMBTON SHORES, ON AT A GLANCE LAMBTON SHORES WHAT: A rapidly growing municipality focusing on infrastructure, tourism, and community development WHERE: Ontario, Canada WEBSITE: www.lambtonshores.ca A THRIVING COMMUNIT THE RISE 1 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07
G TY ON Lambton Shores, Ontario, a vibrant municipality on the south shore of Lake Huron, thrives on its unique blend of natural beauty and small-town charm. Mayor Doug Cook paints a vivid picture of this idyllic locale, describing it as a place where the landscape stretches across 330 square kilometers, anchored by two iconic towns. Expertly balancing growth, sustainability, and community spirit to become a top destination for residents and tourists alike. Photo Credit: Janette Baillie 2 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07
“Forest and Grand Bend are our largest towns,” Mayor Cook explains, noting that a 25-minute drive separates them, providing a balanced mix of urban conveniences and rural serenity. With a year-round population of about 11,500, the area transforms in the summer, swelling to two or three times its size as tourists flock to its scenic shores. “Tourism is our strongest industry during the summertime,” the mayor says. Grand Bend is the crown jewel of Lambton Shores’ tourist attractions. Mayor Cook highlights its appeal: “It is by far our largest tourist attraction. The Pinery Provincial Park is another major draw within our borders.”The Pinery,boasting around 1,200 campsites, sees its population surge to nearly 5,000 people on a busy weekend.The area’s extensive sandy beaches, stretching 2 to 3 kilometers, attract 7,000 to 8,000 visitors on peak weekends.. The Grand Bend beach is of particular importance because of its Blue Flag designation which is a testament to Council’s, and the community’s commitment to the environment. TRANSFORMING DOWNTOWN: BLENDING HISTORY AND MODERNITY As Lambton Shores balances its rich history with contemporary development, its downtown areas are focal points of both resident and tourist life. Mayor Cook sheds light on this evolution. “When we talk about streetscapes, we have four towns with fairly historical downtown cores: Forest,Arkona, and Thedford are three of our smaller towns with more historical downtowns,” he explains.These areas maintain a charming, vintage feel, drawing residents and visitors to their well-preserved streets. On the other hand, while historically significant, Grand Bend has seen significant modern investments. “Grand Bend has seen some changes over the last number of years,” Mayor Cook notes. “It’s a beach town primarily, and we’ve seen a lot of new infrastructure and construction on the main street.” The transformation of Grand Bend reflects its dual identity as a summer tourist hotspot and a burgeoning year-round community. This shift is also driven by a growing demand for amenities that cater to permanent residents. “The 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07 LAMBTON SHORES, ON
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population that used to be a lot more seasonal is now becoming more permanent, 12 months of the year,” the mayor says. This change has prompted a need for more dining and shopping opportunities throughout the year.“Before, especially in the Grand Bend area, many restaurants would close in the fall and not reopen until the summer. Now, we have many more year-round businesses operating in that area.” INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENTS Lambton Shores is experiencing a significant transformation. It is focusing on innovative infrastructure catering to its residents and the thriving tourism sector. Chief Administrative Officer Stephen McAuley shares insights into the municipality’s strategic developments reshaping the area. “In Grand Bend, we’ve seen a real change,” McAuley states. He elaborates on the mixed-use developments that are now common in the area.“We typically see commercial use on the bottom of a three-story building with residential units on top. This is a real shift for Grand Bend.”These developments, featuring rental units and condos, enhance the beachfront theme, with shops and restaurants occupying the ground floors. In addition to these mixed-use buildings, Lambton Shores is establishing new public amenities. “We just placed and opened one of the first self-cleaning washrooms in the area,” McAuley explains. This $500,000 investment marks the introduction of a year-round facility, a first for Grand Bend, which previously had only seasonal washrooms. “This allows us to have washrooms open to the public all year round down there. We’re excited about that.” McAuley also discusses the ripple effect of infrastructure projects in Forest, mainly centered around the new “super school” being built by the Lambton-Kent District School Board. “It’s a school that will house students from kindergarten all the way to grade 12,” he says, describing it as a $40 million project. The construction of this state-ofthe-art educational facility has spurred further development in the area, including new restaurants and retail expansions around the local grocery store. 5 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07 LAMBTON SHORES, ON
ontarioschoice.com 519-786-8733 Tree trimming • Tree removal • Stump removal Lot clearing • Brush chipping • 100’ grapple saw Cabling • 60’ Bucket truck • Lake views LARGE TREE SPECIALIST! FREE ESTIMATES Trust Your Next Project to Us! DISCOVER ONTARIO’S CHOICE TREE SERVICE INC We are the premier tree service in Lambton Shores and based in our hometown, Forest. Established in 2010, we have been dedicated to delivering exceptional tree care with unmatched expertise. Specializing in large trees, we utilize leading-edge equipment including a 100’ grapple saw and a 60’ bucket truck, ensuring precise and efficient service. With over 20 years of experience, our team is capable of handling even the most challenging tree projects safely and effectively. Whether you need expert tree removal, trimming, or maintenance, OCtree is the trusted name in the industry. We are the safest, fastest and most affordable tree service around. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is what sets us apart. We take pride in our work, and our loyal clientele speaks to our outstanding service. Choose Ontario’s Choice Tree Service for reliable, professional, and high-quality tree care. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and see why we’re leading the tree industry in Lambton County. Let us help you keep your property safe and beautiful!
NEW FACILITIES, ENHANCEMENTS, CONNECTIVITY AND SERVICES Lambton Shores is embracing a new era of infrastructure and community development, catering to the needs of both its residents and the growing tourist population. McAuley highlights the municipality’s ongoing projects that reflect this progressive vision. “The pickleball court came out of a real need in the community,” McAuley remarks. “Pickleball has exploded in popularity across North America.” This nearly half-million-dollar project includes six pickleball courts and a tennis court, all designed with top-notch features like proper fencing, wind netting, and court coatings. Currently under construction, the community eagerly anticipates the facility, with an expected opening in mid-July. Regarding transportation infrastructure, McAuley discusses the Connecting Link projects, which involve critical upgrades to main highways that connect provincial routes. “We’ve done a number of them,” he notes. “In Forest, we reconstructed the entire connecting link, including sidewalk, road, water, and sewer systems.” Similar efforts have been undertaken in Grand Bend along Highway 21. “The next big project is replacing the main bridge in Grand Bend,” McAuley explains. The current bridge, built in the early 60s, is due for an upgrade to accommodate the town’s growth and increased traffic. “It’s a tricky project because of the amount of traffic we have coming through Grand Bend,” he adds, indicating that much of the work must be scheduled during off-peak times to keep the bridge open. The project is estimated to cost between $8 to $10 million and will begin in the fall. On the building facilities side, McAuley points out the construction of a new administration building, which was the amalgamation of 3 offices. This Photo Credit: Ontarios Southwest 7 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07 LAMBTON SHORES, ON
We serve residential and commercial clients in Lambton Shores, Huron County and the surrounding areas, specializing in Erosion Control and Lake Bank Restoration. We started the business doing erosion control structures and have expanded to utilize a tug boat and barge to get to all job site locations. Our family-run business takes pride in the quality of our work and our high level of professionalism. Founded in 2003, Overholt Excavating has earned a solid reputation for integrity, honesty, and a commitment to quality workmanship. With the severe lake and storm effects along the west coast of Ontario, Overholt Excavating helps people protect their property and investments. While property prices have been rising, the devastating effects of erosion ultimately reduce property values through land loss and damage to the land’s aesthetic appearance. Mindful of environmental sensitivities and protecting property owners, we obtain proper Authority and Ministry permits. Using our machinery ensures the company maintains direction and control over all aspects of the job. Overholt Excavating stays current with the latest technologies to offer the most effective, efficient, and up-to-date services. The team’s collective knowledge, experience, and training allows them to exceed the expectations of each and every customer. SHORE LINE PROTECTION & LAKE BANK RESTORATION We work with both residential and commercial clients throughout Southwestern Ontario, specializing in erosion control and lake bank preservation. Overholt Excavating is a name you can trust for all of your site preparation, trucking, excavating and septic needs. Erosion Control Retaining Wall Barge Work Gravel Armour Stone Dredging Top Soil Sheet Piling Septic Installation Website: www.overholtexcavating.com Email: info@overholtexcavating.com Phone Number: (519) 565-4318
state-of-the-art building includes office space and a new Council Chambers that houses audio video technology that allows meetings to be live streamed to the public. This energy efficient building is also a net zero building with power being supplied by solar panels resulting in significant operational savings. McAuley states “I have heard many comments both from our staff and public about what a beautiful building we have to work and do business in” Other critical projects include a significant upgrade to the water booster station in Thedford, which is undergoing a $1 million refurbishment. “We’re rebuilding the booster station and doing some work on the water reservoir,” McAuley reports, with expected completion by the end of the year. In Arkona, efforts are focused on recoating the standpipe, with tenders currently out for this project. Lambton Shores also benefits from a state-of-the-art sewage treatment plant commissioned in 2016, a $16 million investment that provides advanced tertiary treatment and efficiently meets the municipality’s needs. COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY INITIATIVES Ashley Farr, the Director of Community Services, highlights the initiatives supporting commercial growth and community improvement in Lambton Shores. “Forest has a Business Improvement Area (BIA), and Grand Bend has a Chamber of Commerce and Tourism,” Farr explains.These organizations play crucial roles in promoting tourism and supporting local businesses. “Council has recently implemented a community improvement plan to support existing businesses and encourage new ones,” Farr says. This plan, stemming from a business retention and expansion study, is backed by council-approved funding. Although applications for the plan are just beginning, the initiative marks a proactive step toward fostering commercial vitality. Lambton Shores has also excelled in the Communities in Bloom program, achieving provincial, national, 9 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07 LAMBTON SHORES, ON
businesses in our area,” Mayor Cook notes.These coops are essential for local farmers, providing a place to deal with grain products and necessary supplies. They also cater to the broader community by offering bird food, pet food, and other bulk items.“ Forest Agri Services is one of them,” he mentions, highlighting a key player in the local agricultural scene. In addition to traditional agriculture, the area is seeing growth in specialty agribusinesses such as wineries and cideries. “We have a couple of unique wineries and cideries in our area, too,” Mayor Cook says. Twin Pines Orchards and Cider House, known internationally for its award-winning ciders, and Shale Ridge Estate Winery & Cidery, a combination winery and cidery, are attracting significant attention. RESIDENTIAL GROWTH AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING INITIATIVES Lambton Shores is witnessing a significant uptick in residential development, driven by an influx of new residents seeking a different lifestyle, especially and international recognition. “It’s a program any municipality can participate in, and we’ve been winners alongside places like Stratford,” Farr notes. This initiative has been instrumental in enhancing downtown areas and building community partnerships. To support growth, the council is hiring an economic development officer. “We’ve grown enough that there’s now a need for someone to focus strictly on economic development,” Farr explains. Collaboration with the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership ensures support for new initiatives, including marketing and servicing industrial land. THE BACKBONE OF THE LOCAL ECONOMY: AGRICULTURE Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Lambton Shores’ economy, with several agricultural co-ops serving as critical hubs for the community. “We have several agricultural-based co-op type Photo Credit: Tourism Sarnia Lambton 10 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07
during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mayor Cook remarks, “We’ve had significant growth in our area. The pandemic benefited us quite a bit for the folks that worked at home, attracting more people to our area.”This growth has been particularly noticeable in Forest and Grand Bend, which focus on regular residential housing. However, addressing affordable housing remains a priority. “We are trying to find ways of focusing on affordable housing,” the mayor emphasizes, acknowledging the pressing need for more accessible housing options. McAuley expands on this initiative, explaining that affordable housing is one of the council’s strategic priorities. The municipality is exploring partnerships with developers by offering land and easing the approvals process to facilitate the creation of affordable housing.Although the current economic climate and interest rates have slowed down development somewhat, there is optimism for 11 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07 LAMBTON SHORES, ON
a resurgence. “I expect we’ll see a pretty big boom coming our way,” he predicts. SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES AND COMMUNITY RECOGNITION Lambton Shores is also at the forefront of sustainable development and public transportation in rural areas. Farr outlines the municipality’s leadership in establishing a rural transit system in partnership with neighboring municipalities and Kettle and Stony Point First Nation. “The system covers rural routes, providing access for employees and residents commuting to and from Lambton Shores,” she explains. This system is integrated with city systems, enabling travel to nearby cities like Sarnia and London.“It’s a very wellused transit system, funded through the MTO, and we’ve just received additional funding for 2024.” Mayor Cook adds another accolade to Lambton Shores’ list of achievements: the municipality was Photo Credit: Tourism Sarnia Lambton 12 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07
rated among the top 100 communities in Canada for populations over 10,000, ranking 93rd overall and 18th for retirement. This recognition highlights the municipality’s attractiveness to retirees and vibrant community spirit. He points out that the community’s high ranking is mainly due to its robust network of volunteers and community groups. “It ties in all the volunteer networks we have across our municipality, with our service clubs, community groups, and churches, making people feel welcome when they get here,” he says.The community’s strong sense of cohesion and support is a critical factor in its appeal, contributing to its growing reputation as a desirable place to live and retire. LOOKING AHEAD: PRIORITIES FOR THE FUTURE As Lambton Shores gears up to enter the second fiscal quarter of 2024, the municipality is setting its sights on key infrastructure projects that promise to significantly enhance the community. Mayor Cook outlines the critical initiatives that will take precedence in the coming months. “The two main infrastructure projects that we’re working on, especially the bridge, will be our priority for 2024-25,” he emphasizes. The bridge project is a structural upgrade and a pivotal enhancement of the community’s connectivity. “It’s a much-needed improvement to our community,” he adds, underlining its importance. Regular infrastructure work and growth are also on the agenda, particularly in the Grand Bend area, which continues to draw investor interest.“Investors are looking at Grand Bend as more of an opportunity for the tourism side,” Cook notes. The influx of investment capital aims to bolster the community’s tourism infrastructure, further solidifying Grand Bend’s status as a prime destination. Lambton Shores is poised for a period of robust 13 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07 LAMBTON SHORES, ON
development and strategic improvements. With major projects like the bridge and the new school on the horizon and ongoing residential and commercial growth, the municipality is well-positioned to continue its upward trajectory. The focus remains on enhancing the quality of life for residents while leveraging the area’s appeal to attract new visitors and investors. PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Ontario’s Choice Tree Service Inc. www.ontarioschoice.com n Overholt excavating Service Inc. www.overholtexcavating.com Overholt excavating specializes in shoreline protection and barge work. We have completed a variety of steel sheet piling, armour stone and wood retaining walls. We have recently purchased a helical pile unit for our excavator to complete a variety of different projects. We also offer septic system installation, lot grading and drainage and trucking of aggregates. n Skinner & Skinner Architects Inc. www.skinnerarchitects.com Skinner Architects is a full-service firm devoted to creating enduring architectural works. We have over 30 years of experience designing a broad range of specialized facilities across Southwestern Ontario, including municipal offices, council chambers, libraries, community centres and fire halls. We take pride in collaborating with our clients to craft architectural solutions of lasting value. n B.M. Ross and Associates Limited Engineers and Planners www.bmross.net BMROSS provides engineering and planning services to municipalities throughout southwestern Ontario from offices in Goderich, Mount Forest and Sarnia. The firm specializes in municipal consulting and infrastructure development. For over 73 years our focus has been on assisting communities to prosper and grow. We take pride in our long-term relationships with our clients. n All Season Excavating www.allseasonexcavating.com Established in 2004, All Season Excavating is proud to provide civil construction services to the southwestern Ontario region. We offer all aspects of civil construction including but not limited to; municipal, industrial, environmental, commercial, agricultural and residential sectors of construction. Specializing in: Site servicing, excavating, grading, road building, land clearing and development, ponds and retaining walls, aggregate supply and install, general contracting and environmental work. 14 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07
WWW.LAMBTONSHORES.CA WWW.BUSINESSVIEWMAGAZINE.COM AS FEATURED IN Lambton Shores ON
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