Sarnia Lambton Business Development Corporation's (SLBDC) WIN this Space  finale presentations and award presentation focuses on s ix  ambitious entrepreneurs competing to take the top prize of a FREE 1 year lease on a commercial property to kick-start their business.

Our very own Laura Rideout and Shannon Shurgold of Culture Shock Kombucha were winners of last year's event.

For more information or to attend this event, contact Ashley Rusticus, 519- 383-1371, [email protected].

In 2017, the Ontario government provided municipalities with the ability to add a 4% Municipal Accommodations Tax (MAT) as a means of raising revenue in support of local tourism promotion and development. The legislation provides some flexibility to determine the design, administration and collection of the tax, although 50% of the tax revenue must be provided to a not-for-profit organization whose mandate includes the promotion of tourism in the municipality. Lambton Shores is aiming for a January 2020 implementation. 

The Chamber's Board of Directors have discussed this issue with several accommodation providers in the area and on consideration support the concept of generating funds in support of local tourism promotion, however feel it is vital for the Municipality to consult with and adopt industry stakeholder recommendations on how the new tax is implemented. 

In a letter going to Mayor and Council this week, the Board outlined the need for a level and fair playing field for all accommodation providers. The tax burden cannot be shouldered by hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts alone, but rather applied to the entire industry of short term rentals (i.e. cottages, cabins, vacation apartments and home-sharing units). 

In preparation for application of the MAT tax to short term rentals, the Chamber also recommends Lambton Shores adopt a licensing program as other areas of Ontario have. Licensing programs for short term rental properties focus on fire safety, property standards, capacity limits and insurance and address local residents' issues with short term rental units.

Listing agencies like AirBnb are already applying the MAT tax in Ontario and Canada as easily as they apply their own commission and provincial and federal taxes.

A Meet & Greet will be held Monday, May 6 at Willie's

Beach Bar, Main Street, Grand Bend. 

Southwestern Ontario Tourism Corporation (SWOTC) and Tourism Sarnia Lambton (TSL) are organizing this event. More details coming soon!

The Bend Bus offers area visitors an easy way to get from London to Grand Bend (and soon from Kitchener-Waterloo). Bus arrives in Grand Bend on Saturdays at 10am and leaves at 2pm; Sundays it arrives at 3pm and leaves at 9:30pm. 

Advance booking is required, which Matthew handles through Event Brite.

facebook.com/BendBus

Heather Sayer of the Arkona Heritage Market, is closing her business and holding an auction Saturday, May 11 starting at 10am.

The building MUST be emptied! Deals will be done!  Heather invites you to come out and scoop up the savings.  Heather is returning to her first love, that being horse racing.

Arkona Heritage Market,  7283 Arkona Road,  Arkona 

Products: Maple syrup, Honey Do Honey, Vintage Furniture, Inspired Coffee, Ola Recreations, Smoked Meats, Depression Glass, Epicure, Miss Heather Loves to Cook Blends, Clothing, Wisbeach Chickens (free range), Incredible Ed'Em Garlic, Handmade & Vintage Jewellery, Model Cars & Tractors, Vintage Glass, Circa Antiques, Lighting, Fresh produce, Collector Plates, Mary Kay.

6 Spots left in this FREE workshop limited to 25 participants

Travel trends are changing these days. Today's travellers are in search of a deeper, more authentic experience.  Gone are the days where tourists come to look at an attraction or walk through a gallery, they want to be immersed and make a true connection.

Lambton County has rich stories, culture, traditions, places, people and natural features to deliver customized experiences to our visitors. Join us for the workshop to learn how.

Presenters:

• Joanne Wolnik,Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation
• Cindy Walker,Chocolatea
• Laura Soetemans,Stonepicker Brewing Company
• Beverley Horodyski,Tourism Sarnia-Lambton

Register Online Now

Huron County begins a review of its official plan to ensure community vision, values, directions, policies and actions continue to be met, including new policies to reflect community changes, and consistency with the Provincial Policy Statement.

They invite the public to attend a Community Consultation Workshop. Unable to attend? Submit written comments to  Monica Walker-Bolton, Planner,  [email protected],  519-524-8394 ext. 3.

www.huroncounty.ca/plandev/county-official-plan/huron-county-official-plan-five-year-review/