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
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