Lambton Shores Receives Funding Through The Judith & Norman Alix Foundation For Forest Parkette Stage

The Municipality of Lambton Shores is pleased to share that the Downtown Forest Parkette Project is one of fifteen local projects to receive funding through The Judith & Norman Alix Foundation this year.

The Foundation approved $75,000 in funding to support the construction of a permanent outdoor stage at the new downtown Forest parkette, which will further transform it into vibrant community space that can host events, performances and local celebrations.

“We are incredibly grateful to The Judith & Norman Alix Foundation for supporting this project and investing in our community,” said Lambton Shores Mayor Doug Cook. “This funding helps bring our vision for the downtown Forest parkette to life and creates new opportunities for people to gather, connect, and enjoy community events in downtown Forest.”

In early 2024, Council purchased two vacant lots on King Street West in downtown Forest with a vision to transform the space into a gathering space for the community and events. Later that year, staff and council began to meet and collaborate with community groups to brainstorm how the space could be used and what features it could have to accommodate the needs of the public and local groups.

“This started with a simple idea to turn vacant space into something that brings people together, and became a true community effort,” continued Mayor Cook. “From the early brainstorming stages through to the construction happening today, the collaboration between staff, council and community groups will transform two vacant lots into something really special.”

The first phase of the project included adding utility services, surfacing the area, and restoring the north wall. Phase two, which is currently under way, includes adding additional features and landscaping, including:

• Flower planters
• Lit bollards
• Accessible tables and chairs with permanent shades
• A bike stand and repair station
• Plans for a stage to be constructed on the new concrete pad

The design work for the construction of the permanent outdoor stage will move ahead next month with plans to create a space that will serve as a focal point for future community programming and events at the parkette.

Learn more about the project.