Municipality of Lambton Shores
COVID-19 Update, May 20, 2020

Please continue to watch for frequent updates on our website, Facebook and Twitter accounts to keep you informed of what is happening in Lambton Shores during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Message from the Mayor

Hello everyone,

This week the Premier announced that the Province has initiated Phase 1 of the “re-opening”. Ontario will reopen in three stages. Public health and safety will be the number one, while balancing the needs of people and businesses. The Premier has stated that there will be time between the launch of each stage to allow health officials to assess conditions before moving to the next.

Phase 1 of reopening enables our local shop owners to resume their businesses beyond online sales and curbside pickup. I am pleased how our retailers adapted their businesses to a new sales model. As you go out to spend some time shopping in store now that restrictions have eased, please be respectful of precautions that have been put in place for our continued battle against this virus.

Yesterday, all restrictions on construction were lifted. It’s wonderful to see development activity resuming throughout our communities already. There were no changes that affect the restaurant industry at this time so please continue to support these businesses with your take-away orders. A great resource to find out what is available for take-out and delivery from local restaurants in our area is through Shoreline ToGo.

As we return to summer weather, our area golf courses and marinas were given the green light to open. These recreational activities may not look exactly as they did a year ago as continued limitations are necessary to ensure the health and safety of patrons. The Grand Bend Marina will open on Saturday, May 23. Boat launches at both the Grand Bend and Port Franks Marinas are now open and will be supervised.

Your family pets can now get pampered and groomed while sadly, we us must wait for our turn for haircuts and maintenance. Our time will come if we continue to adhere to the advice of our medical professionals. Learn more at Ontario’s plan for reopening.

Stage 1 has some good news, however many of the provincial orders affecting our lives remain in place. Our public playgrounds and facilities remain closed, social gatherings are still restricted to no more than 5 individuals and 2 metre physical spacing continues.

We need to stay focused on the advice of our medical professionals to protect against COVID and to support one another. This light at the end of the tunnel will continue to grow if we stay on the path that has been laid out for us. As residents of Lambton Shores we know that we live in a special place that needs to be protected. Thank you to each of you for continuing to do your part to stop the spread of COVID in our community.

Stay healthy, safe and positive!

Mayor Bill
Updates for Lambton Shores Residents
Please visit our COVID-19 Information Hub for up-to-date information on municipal services. You will find links to information for community and business supports. You will also find reliable COVID-19 information sources.

Supporting Local Restaurants
Although restaurants remain closed for dine-in patrons, there are many local restaurants offering take-out and delivery options. Shoreline ToGo is a great resource for services and menus currently being offered. This website is updated regularly. Visit Shoreline ToGo for more information.

Second Tax Installment
The second tax installment of 2020 is due on Friday, May 29. or more information on you how you can pay your taxes, visit our Bill Payment Options page.

Outdoor Recreational Amenities
At this time all municipal outdoor recreational amenities remain closed. This includes, but is not limited to: playgrounds, sports fields, basketball and tennis courts, beaches, skateboard and BMX parks, picnic areas, park shelters, outdoor exercise equipment. 
Contact House
Contact House Food Bank, Forest continues to provide essential items to those in need during COVID-19.
Hours of Operation: Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Interested in donating?
Kimball Hall is accepting donations on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Both monetary and essential items are being accepted.
Open Air Burn By-Law
Open air burning can be a fire hazard and a nuisance to your neighbours. If you choose to burn your yard waste over bagging it, you must abide by the open air burn by-law.

Only burn if you can guarantee:
  • the fire will not be a nuisance to your neighbours
  • you can supervise the fire for the duration of the burn
  • the wind speed is less than 15km/hr
  • the fire is under 1m in diameter

Please note that the burning of yard waste is prohibited in the former village of Grand Bend.
COVID-19 Enforcement
The Municipality of Lambton Shores and the OPP would like to remind you that the safety of all Ontarians is our top priority. We encourage all people and businesses to voluntarily comply with all Provincial Emergency Orders which are short-term restrictions. Education, awareness and compliance are preferred options. OPP or in some cases Municipal Law Enforcement officers will apply discretion on whether to launch any enforcement actions such as:

  • Offences relating to non-essential businesses that remain open in contravention of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. (EMCPA).
  • Offences relating to gatherings of more than five people in contravention of the EMCPA.
  • Offences relating to the illegal use of closed facilities, parks or beaches

Complaints for less serious incidents can be reported online at  opp.ca/reporting or by calling the OPP non-emergency line at 1-888-310-1122. 
Staying in Touch
While offices may be closed to the public, municipal staff are still available by telephone or email. To reach us, visit our Staff Directory.
Lambton Public Health
The best place to access reliable health information
For reliable up-to-date information on COVID-19 visit the Lambton Public Health Page.
The Municipality of Lambton Shores
7883 Amtelecom Parkway,
Forest, ON, N0N 1J0
519-243-1400 | 866-943-1400