Grand Bend To Become Even More Inviting

Ontario is helping the Municipality of Lambton Shores and its partners enhance Grand Bend's main beach area as a tourist destination.

The province is investing $500,000 to improve beach area accessibility and traffic flow and to construct an extended boardwalk with viewing areas, a family splash pad and a picnic area. The project will also reintroduce natural landscaping and vegetation to the area, helping Grand Bend obtain "Blue Flag" designation in recognition of its natural habitat restoration efforts.

The funding is part of the Rural Economic Development Program, which invests in community-based projects in three priority areas:

• Revitalized communities and downtowns
• Enhanced skills training
• Improved access to health care services.

QUOTES

"Improving access to the beach and its amenities, downtown shops and businesses is necessary in order to draw more visitors to our community and increase the length of the tourist season."
- Maria Van Bommel, MPP Lambton-Kent-Middlesex.

"The Beach Enhancement project is extremely important to maintaining Grand Bend's position as a premier tourist destination. The enhancements will increase our ability to maintain our tourism base but will also allow us to protect this vital natural asset and improve our service to residents and visitors. The funding from the RED program is critical to the success of this venture and we are thrilled to have this support."
- John Byrne, CAO, The Municipality of Lambton Shores

QUICK FACTS

• Since 2003, Ontario has invested $71.4 million in 212 projects through the Rural Economic Development Program.
• "Blue Flag" designation is awarded to beaches and marinas that meet strict environmental criteria.
  
  

LEARN MORE

Learn more about The Municipality of Lambton Shores.

Discover Grand Bend.

For more information, contact:

Sherry Persaud, Minister's Office, 416-326-6439
Brent Ross, Communications Branch, 416-326-9342