Client Profile: Lambton Shores

Located on the shores of Lake Huron, Lambton Shores is home to the beautiful beaches and thriving tourist industry of Grand Bend. Although a small, quiet community nine months of the year, Grand Bend transforms into a bustling tourist destination throughout the summer months. Visitors during the peak season can often reach upwards of 50,000.

The Project

Grand Bend’s infrastructure was failing to meet the needs and demands of both residents and visitors. As development and construction in other summer destinations in Goderich, Kincardine, Sauble and Wasaga Beach continued to thrive, Grand Bend needed to solidify that it was still a leading tourist destination. 

The community was in need of new enhancements that would better serve the changing demographics and restore the natural habitat. The municipality looked to strengthen the economic development capacity of Grand Bend and to provide a safe, accessible, family oriented destination. 

The Solution

The residents of Grand Bend worked persistently to obtain donations in support of the $4,000,000 Beach Enhancement Project. However, even with support from the Rural Economic Development Fund and reserve funding, the society fell short of meeting their funding needs.   

Lambton Shores turned to Infrastructure Ontario to help finance the remaining $1,500,000 that was needed to put the Beach Enhancement Project in motion. 

“Infrastructure Ontario has been an excellent resource for Municipalities. In addition to the Loan Program being an affordable method of providing infrastructure, the staff of Infrastructure Ontario are knowledgeable, very helpful and patient.  From the initial program inquiry to finalizing our financing needs, we were treated with respect and no questions left unanswered. Lambton Shores is fortunate to be a part of this program."

Janet Ferguson, Treasurer - The Municipality of Lambton Shores 

The Result

Residents were more than pleased with the project and the restoration of the natural environment.  The new extended boardwalk, viewing areas and gazebo showcase the newly restored beach. The reintroduction of dunes, dune grass, trees, planting buffers and new gardens resulted in instant beautification of the area.   

The Enhancement Project also includes a new children’s play area fully equipped with a splash pad and playground. The new accessibility improvements have allowed for a greater demographic of children and individuals to enjoy the waterfront activities. 

Improved pedestrian and vehicular traffic access has also resulted from the project. This has allowed for less congested roads and increased accessibility for residents and visitors. This increased accessibility has expanded the economic development capacity of Grand Bend. 

Upon completion of the project, the Grand Bend Beach Enhancement Project also won an award of excellence for design from Parks and Recreation Ontario.

For more information on the client, please visit their website at www.lambtonshores.ca.