COVID-19 Lambton Shores Updates

Updated November 13, 2020    

Welcome to the COVID-19 Lambton Shores information hub. Here you will find the latest information and updates. Please check back for regular updates. The health and safety of our community and residents are our number one priority and we continue to monitor the situation very closely. 

In consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and the Public Health Measures Table, the Ontario government is taking immediate action to respond to the rapid increase in COVID-19 cases and is updating the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework, by lowering the thresholds for each level in the framework. These necessary updates will help limit the spread of COVID-19 while keeping schools open, maintaining health system capacity, protecting the province's most vulnerable, and avoiding broader lockdowns.

Press Release - November 13
Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework

Province of Ontario

What you need to know to stay safe?

As we work toward recovery, acting responsibly and respectfully towards each other will help keep family, friends, colleagues and neighbours safe.

Tips to stay safe: 
 
Physical Distancing

Maintaining physical distancing of at least two metres from people outside of your household or social circle
Masks

Wearing a face covering in indoor and outdoor public spaces where physical distancing is a challenge
Hand washing

Washing your hands frequently with soap and water
Sanitizer

Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
Cleaning

Cleaning frequently touched surfaces more often
Cough

Practicing good hygiene (covering a cough and sneeze and avoiding touching your face)
Maximum people indoors

Limiting indoor gatherings to a maximum of 50 people, or less, to maintain physical distancing
Maximum people outdoors

Limiting outdoor gatherings to a maximum of 100 people, or less. to maintain physical distancing
Stay home

Staying at home and away from others if you are feeling ill or have symptoms of COVID-19
public health

Protecting the most vulnerable by following public health advice
Testing

Getting tested if you are worried you have or have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19

Quick Links

Fall Preparedness Plan for Health, Long-Term Care and Education  
New Public Health Measures to Keep Ontarians Safe 
Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act
Provincial COVID-19 Website

Lambton Public Health

The Municipality is following the direction from Lambton Public Health, who is making their decisions based on the provincial and federal response. 

Lambton Public Health is pleased to announce the expansion of the Lambton COVID-19 surveillance report. As of October 19th, 2020, Lambton Public Health will report the locations of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Lambton County, across five “reporting regions,” captured by the COVID-19 Case Map.
Press Release

Quick Links

Lambton Assessment Centres
COVID-19 Workplace Screening Questionnaire for Non-Healthcare Settings
Face coverings
Social circles
Lambton Public Health COVID-19 Website

Municipal Information

 Municipal Updates

 Facilities and Services

 See the below list for the latest updates on Municipal facilities and services. 

Administration and Office Buildings
Lambton Shores municipal offices are closed the public. Staff will be reporting for work at this time. Staff are reporting to work. Residents are encouraged to contact staff by phone or email. Visit our Contact Us page for more information on how to reach staff. 

Arenas, Parks and Facilities (Beaches and Marinas)
 Arenas

The Municipality has developed reopening plans for both the Shores and Legacy Recreation Centres that are linked below. 

Shores Recreation Centre Guidelines for Ice Users - updated October 7, 2020
Shores Recreation Centre Map for Users - November 10, 2020

Legacy Recreation Centre Guidelines for Ice Users - updated October 7, 2020
Legacy Recreation Centre Map for Users - updated October 5, 2020

Arena user groups will be asked to complete a Return to Play Operations Plan prior to returning to the ice for the 2020/21 season. A template is provided below:

COVID-19 Recreation Facility User Return to Play Operations Plan

If you have any questions regarding the facility guidelines or the return the play template, please contact:
Phone: 519-243-1400, Ext. 8313
Email: Ashley Farr 

For rental inquiries, please call Parks and Recreation at 519-243-1400, option 3. 
Beaches 

Outdoor public washrooms located at the Grand Bend Beach and Eilber Street Lot in Grand Bend are closed for the season as of Tuesday, October 13
Community Centres

The following municipal facilities remain closed:

  • Arkona Community Centre
  • Arkona Seniors Centre
  • Grand Bend Recreation Centre
  • Port Franks Community Centre
  • Thedford Village Complex
 Marinas

The Grand Bend Marina and Port Franks Marina are closed for the season as of Tuesday, October 13. 
 Parks

Playgrounds remain open, however there are no washroom facilities available.

Splash pads are now closed for the season.

Tennis Courts in Port Franks and Esli Dodge Conservation Area (Forest) are open. If you need to purchase a key for $10 for the Port Franks Tennis Courts, please call 519-243-1400 ext. 2 to make arrangements.

Tennis Court Rules (1)
Tennis Court Rules (2)

 

Building Services 

The following changes have been made to the building permit process during this unprecedented time:

  • Building permit applications will only be available for drop-off at the Northville Office.
  • Once a permit is ready for pick-up, the applicant will be contacted to schedule a specific time and location to sign the appropriate paper work and pay for the permits.
  • Inspections should be booked as normal by phone or email, however in order to ensure social distancing, inspection sites must be vacated while our inspector is conducting the inspection. This can be accomplished by either leaving the site or by simply waiting in a vehicle while the inspection is completed. The results of the inspection will be communicated to you through email or phone.

If you have any questions regarding these new practices, please contact the Building Department as follows:
Phone: 519-243-1400, Ext. 8510
Email: Jackie Mason

Council and Committees Meetings

Meeting information and schedules will be updated on the Council Meeting Calendar.

Fire Services

Lambton Shores Fire Stations remain fully functional. We are taking precautionary measures to ensure that volunteer firefighters can attend emergencies. Updates to our services include:

  • Volunteer firefighters will still respond to incidents, however, you may see members wearing personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks, and protective eyewear. This is for their protection. To decrease the risk of exposure to our firefighters, we are asking all residents to ensure their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are functioning properly to reduce the number of false alarm calls. 
  • Fire inspections will continue as normal.
  • Public Education and Prevention activities have been temporarily suspended.

At this time we would ask that all correspondence be done by phone or e-mail. 

Yard Waste Fires

Open air burning can be a fire hazard, as well as infringing on the enjoyment of your neighbours.  Check online and review the information on Open Air Burning before starting your burn. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Lambton Shores Fire Chief as follows:
Phone: 519-243-1400 Ext. 8801
Email: Lawrence Swift

Garbage and Recycling

At this time, garbage and recycling collection is not impacted. For regular updates visit the Bluewater Recycling Association webpage. 

Compost Site

The Lambton Shores Compost site is now open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9:00am - 2:00pm weather permitting. In order to practice physical distancing and ensure the safety of our staff and residents, only one vehicle at a time will be permitted to enter the site.

The compost site is located  at 7550 Brush Road, Forest.

For more information on acceptable items, visit our Compost Page. 

Planning and Development

Beginning in September, both Public Meetings (for zoning by-law and official plan amendment applications) and Committee of Adjustment (for consent and minor variance application) meetings will resume in person meetings.  At this time, it is mandatory that those wishing to attend must register in advance.

Public Notice of all applications will be provided in accordance with applicable legislation and posted on the municipal website.  This notice will advise the public on the procedure for delegation or submission of written comments.

Only those people who register will be admitted into the meeting.  Information regarding registration will be contained on the Notice for the meeting.

If you have any planning related inquiries, please contact Will Nywening as follows:

Phone 519-243-1400, Ext. 8512
Email: Will Nywening

If you have inquiries specific to the Committee of Adjustment, please contact Jackie Mason as follows:

Phone 519-243-1400, Ext. 8510
Email: Jackie Mason

Taxes, Utilities and Payments
Taxes

The final tax bill was issued in August. The final installment for 2020 is due November 30th, 2020.

Customers that are set up for monthly budget billing will have their last withdrawal on November 30th. No withdrawal will be taken in December. A letter will be sent at the beginning of January advising you of the new withdrawal amount and the dates that it will be withdrawn.  
Utilities

There is no interruption to the water and wastewater billings. All utility accounts are billed quarterly. The area you live in determines the billing date. If you live in:

  • Grand Bend or Arkona, you will be billed at the end of January, April, July and October.
  • Thedford, Forest, or the rural area of Bosanquet (excluding Northville Rd), you will be billed at the end of February, May, August and November.
  • Bosanquet (including Northville Rd), you will be billed at the end of March, June, September and December.
Payments 

We offer many ways to pay your tax, utility or other municipal bills. Information is available on our Bill Payments  web page. 

Preauthorized payments will continue as scheduled; however if you have a concern and need to discontinue this process please contact the Finance Department at 519-243-1400, press 1 or complete the preauthorized payment Cancellation Form. 

When making online payments please ensure that you have entered in the electronic payment number that is located on your bill. This number is property specific so if you move within Lambton Shores, the electronic payment number will change.  

 Water and Sewers

Water and Sewer services will generally be provided in the normal fashion. Urgent matters including watermain breaks, sewage back-ups, etc. will continue to be handled on an as needed basis and should be reported by phone or through our website.

Water Turn-Off Services

Lambton Shores provides a service to our seasonal property owners that may want to consider our free curb stop turn on and off service.

Please provide at least 5 business days notice.  Service is completed during regular business hours, Monday - Friday.

To make this request, call Community Services at 519-243-1400, option 2 or complete the online form. 

 

If you have any questions regarding your utilities, please contact Nick Verhoeven at 519-243-1400, ext. 8213

Temporary Patio Extensions
Patio Expansions and New Patios

In response to the Province of Ontario’s Stage 2 – Reopening Ontario Plan, the Municipality of Lambton Shores is offering an expedited process to allow for temporary patio spaces.  The Provincial Government and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) will allow businesses that serve food and beverages to open outdoor seating on site effective June 19, 2020.

Temporary patios must complete the Temporary Patio Registration Form and comply with guidelines provided by the Municipality of Lambton Shores, Lambton Public Health and the ACGO regarding size, occupancy and health regulations.  Temporary patios will be allowed to operate without permit until January 1, 2021, if registered with the municipality. 

Restaurant patrons are limited to the patios unless they require use of washroom facilities or are paying their bill. No municipal permits will be required for existing businesses to operate patios on private property.  However, businesses are required to register and confirm that they will comply with the guidelines.

If a business is requesting to open or expand an existing patio on public property, permission and additional approval must be obtained.

Registration:
Fees

Fees will be waived for the registration of Temporary Patios.

Inspections/Occupancy

You are not required to call for inspections; however, the municipality may conduct audit inspections of patios to ensure compliance with the general safety requirements outlined in the Registration Form. 

Owners shall provide their liquor licence, if requested by the Chief Building Official.  The Chief Building Official is authorized to inspect all temporary patios and require adjustments to the patio in order to address compliance with these Guidelines.

You are not required to request an Occupancy Permit; however, you are required to comply with the Provincial social distancing guidelines.

If you require municipal approval to obtain a Liquor License, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission will be notified of the registration of your patio.

Community Information

Community Information

Before visiting any business, please remember to follow Lambton Public Health Guidelines and practice physical distancing.

Community Support
Grand Bend Community Foundation

Grand Bend Community Foundation is helping to administer Phase Two of the federal government's Emergency Community Support Fund. Charities that are serving vulnerable populations affected by COVID 19 are welcome to apply online until October 30, 2020. For more information, click here or contact Pat Morden, grandbendcf@gmail.com, 519-619-8630.
Grand Bend Pandemic Support Group

Not feeling well? Returning from abroad? Do you need:

  • Groceries picked up
  • Mail picked up
  • Dog walking
  • Other errands
  • Support

We are a group of volunteers from Grand Bend and surrounding area who are willing and able to help. If you or someone you know is in need, please contact:

Kim Hammond
519-238-1725
gbhelps2020@gmail.com
Community Health Services
Information for Businesses
Support Local Businesses

More than ever, local businesses need your support. While preparing for holiday shopping, please consider exploring local options first. Consider gift certificates for local restaurants and services, or find a unique and affordable gift that you won't find anywhere else. Check out the following links for up-to-date business listings:

Many restaurants are still open! If dine-in isn't your thing, consider take-out.

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

Non-Profit Support

Emergency Community Support Fund

Grand Bend Community Foundation COVID Relief Fund

Through the incredible generosity of our community members, the Grand Bend Community Foundation has developed a substantial COVID relief fund. We want to support organizations experiencing an increase in demand for existing services (often accompanied by a decrease in fundraising revenue). We are also open to ideas for innovative new ideas to support vulnerable populations in this unprecedented time. To find out more, contact Pat Morden, 519-619-8630 or grandbendcf@gmail.com.

 
Who can I call? 

If you have a complaint

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 ten people in contravention of the EMCPA.
  • Offences relating to the illegal use of closed areas and facilities.

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. 
Other Helpful Resources

Contact Us