COVID-19 Lambton Shores Updates

Updated April 7, 2021  

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.

The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and other health experts, is immediately declaring a third provincial emergency under s 7.0.1 (1) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMPCA). These measures are being taken in response to the rapid increase in COVID-19 transmission, the threat on the province's hospital system capacity, and the increasing risks posed to the public by COVID-19 variants.

Effective Thursday, April 8, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., the government is issuing a province-wide Stay-at-Home order requiring everyone to remain at home except for essential purposes, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services (including getting vaccinated), for outdoor exercise , or for work that cannot be done remotely.  Click the link below for the full press release from the province. 

Provincial Press Release

Province of Ontario Quick Links

Vaccination Program for Ontario
COVID-19 Response Framework 
COVID-19 School Screening Questionnaire 
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. 

Quick Links

Vaccination Program for Lambton County
Lambton Assessment Centres
COVID-19 Workplace Screening Questionnaire for Non-Healthcare Settings
Protect yourself and others
Lambton Public Health COVID-19 Website

Municipal Information

2021 Municipal Updates

2020 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. 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 Shores Recreation Centre and Legacy Recreation Centre are closed. 
Beaches 

Ontario is currently under an extended provincewide stay-at-home order. The Municipality of Lambton Shores reminds the public that a key takeaway from the provincewide order is the importance of not travelling outside your own region unless necessary.

In accordance with the current provincial restrictions, Grand Bend Beach remains open to those in the region looking to walk outside with members of their immediate household. In addition to regular beach by-laws and rules, please note:

- Congregation and social gatherings on the beach are not permitted during the current stay-at-home order.
- Public washrooms and facilities remain closed.
- Walking leashed dogs is permitted on the main beach until May 1, 2021
- Only visit with members of your own household and keep at least 6-feet away from others
- Face coverings are encouraged in outdoor areas where physical distancing is not possible
- If you do not feel well or have been instructed to self-isolate, stay home
- Take the COVID-19 assessment before your visit. 

We hope to welcome new visitors to Lambton Shores as soon as it is safe to do so. Until then, it remains important that we stay vigilant and follow all other COVID-19 Public Health Guidelines
Community Centres

All community centres are closed.
Marinas

Ontario is currently under an extended provincewide stay-at-home order. Due to the provincial order, please be advised that the Grand Bend Marina and Port Franks Marina remain closed until further notice. Please also note that as part of the provincial order, public boat launches are closed for recreational boating purposes.
Parks and Trails

Playgrounds remain open, however there may not be washroom facilities available. Please continue to follow Public Health guidance for playground use.

Trails remain open at this time. Please ensure physical distancing and other Public Health measures are being followed when using trails. 

Due to the provincial order, please be advised that the sports fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, skate parks, pavilions (including picnic tables) and spray pads remain closed until further notice.

 

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, or the complete application can be emailed to jmason@lambtonshores.ca .
  • 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.

For information regarding other types of building and permits, please see that attached detailed explanation.

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 on a limited basis.
  • 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. 

Planning and Development

All public hearings are being held virtually. The public can join the hearing through telephone or video-conferencing. 

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.

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 interim tax bill will be issued in January. The installment amounts are based on 50% of the previous years’ taxes. The installment due dates are February 26, 2021 and May 31, 2021.

Customers who are set up for monthly budget billing will receive a letter 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 and On 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. Someone must be present to check inside buildings for all water on appointments and staff will be following contactless procedures for everyone’s safety.

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

Temporary Patio Extensions 2021 

To support businesses as they work to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, the AGCO has extended the Temporary Patio provisions for 2021.  If permitted to open for on-site consumption, liquor sales licensees may continue to temporarily extend or add a temporary physical extension of their licensed premises until 3:00 a.m. on January 1, 2022.

Eligible liquor sales licensees do not need to submit an application to the AGCO to extend their licensed premises for the duration of 2021, provided they meet certain requirements.

To be eligible for a temporary patio extension under the AGCO’s 2021 patio policy, you must have a valid liquor sales licence, be permitted to open for on-site consumption and must meet the criteria as set out below:

  1. The physical extension of the premises is adjacent to:
    1. the premises to which the licence to sell liquor applies; or 
    2. a dock to which the boat is attached and may include land adjacent to the dock; or
    3. the licensed premises under the “By the Glass” licence; 
  2. The municipality in which the premises is situated has indicated it does not object to an extension; 
  3. The licensee is able to demonstrate sufficient control over the physical extension of the premises;  
  4. There is no condition on the licence prohibiting a patio;  
  5. The capacity of any temporary extension, allows for at least 1.11 square metres per person; and 
  6. In the case of “By the Glass” licensees, the sale and service of the wine, beer and/or spirits manufactured by the manufacturer within the physical extension of the premises is primarily aimed at promoting the manufacturer’s product and either providing an enhanced tourist experience or fulfilling an educational purpose.

In response, the Municipality of Lambton Shores is offering an expedited process to allow for temporary patio spaces. 

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 3:00 am on January 1, 2022, if registered with the municipality.

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 a patio into an existing private parking area, permission and additional approval must be obtained if any more than 25% of the onsite parking for the establishment is impacted.

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.

Community Information

Community Information

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

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. Check out the following links for up-to-date business listings:

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