Hello everyone,

The past month has had its highs and its lows. While there has been reason to celebrate the progress in our fight against COVID-19 and the acceleration of vaccinations across Ontario, we have also had to face the reality of a period in our history that so profoundly impacted Indigenous peoples.

The finding of unmarked graves of Indigenous children has served as a grim reminder of the impact left by Canada's system of residential schools. Canada Day, a day that is typically dedicated to the celebration of our country's diversity and inclusive nature, will feel different this year. I hope you will join me in taking time to pause, reflect, and acknowledge the grieving of Indigenous communities across Canada.

While many will celebrate what makes our country great today, we must also continue to recognize the history, culture, and traditions of Indigenous peoples and lay the foundation for reconciliation.

I want to also take a moment to once again thank the staff and volunteers at our vaccination clinics. Ontario has officially entered Step Two of the reopening plan, a sure sign that we are moving in the right direction in our fight against COVID-19.

Mayor Bill

As of 12:01 a.m. on June 30, Ontario advanced to the second step of the Roadmap to Reopen plan. Step Two of the reopening plan focuses on the resumption of more outdoor activities and limited indoor services where restrictions can be in place, such as capacity limits and face coverings.

Learn what's open in Step 2 or read the provincial regulation for full details.

We have also provided a glance at the municipal impacts of entering Step Two in Lambton Shores.

During Step Two of the reopening plan, Municipal Offices remain closed to the public. During these measures:

For up-to-date information on COVID-19, public health guidelines, and vaccinations in Lambton County, please visit Lambton Public Health Page.

Please note that our offices will be closed on Thursday, July 1, 2021. Staff will return to office on Friday, July 2 to respond to any emails or phone calls.

Garbage and recycling collection will not be affected.

The Municipality of Lambton Shores has initiated a public consultation and review of short term rentals (STRs) to investigate the impact of STRs and identify public opinion regarding licensing and regulatory options.

As part of the consultation process, the public is asked to submit an online survey regarding STRs. Survey results will be limited to one per household. The survey is available until September 15, 2021.

If you haven't already, you can complete the survey online.

Additional consultation phases are still to come, which will include:

More information about the consultation process can be found online.

As of June 28th, 2021 all remaining adults 18 years of age and older who received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at least 28 days ago (as per the recommended minimum interval) are eligible to book second dose vaccination appointments.

To book, or find the most up to date information, visit GetTheVaccine.ca.

For fallen branches/trees: branches are to be tied in bundles of less than 1.2 m (4 ft) in length and 60 cm (2 ft) in width. Individual branches must be less than 7 cm (2 ¾ in) in diameter.

The compost site is located at 7550 Brush Road, Forest. When visiting, please be patient and follow the direction of the site operator as we continue to practice physical distancing by allowing only one vehicle in at a time.

Forest: Broadway Street reconstruction continues and is estimated to be completed by July 31, 2021. In order to ensure the health and safety of both crews and the public, Broadway Street will be closed to all but local traffic (those who need to use the road to access their property or a business). There is a local detour set up while the road is closed. Local businesses will remain open during construction. More information.

More information about the surface treatment project, including a list of all construction locations, can be found on our website.

Lambton Shores Farmers' Markets are open and operating with several rules and safety measures in place to ensure a safe market season. Learn more about the rules and how to shop safely before visiting.

More information at LambtonShoresMarkets.com

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) has received multiple reports of a black bear in the Lambton Shores area. The MNRF and Lambton Shores officials remind the public that bears will continue to return to areas with non-natural foods.

Please remember to:

More information about how to report a bear sighting and seek support from MNRF can be found on the Be Bear Wise website.

Many local businesses are still offering curbside pickup during the current provincial restrictions. Please continue to shop local! Check out the following links for up-to-date business listings:

  

Shoreline ToGo has also been keeping listings up to date throughout the pandemic. You might find your new favourite restaurant right here at home!

Visit the links below to see other local event calendars:

While offices may be closed to the public, municipal staff are still available by telephone or email. To reach us, visit our Staff Directory.