“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 237 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07 LAMBTON SHORES, ON
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