Preparations are underway to open Grand Bend beach but it will not be ready for this weekend's official start of summer.
Lambton Shores Mayor Bill Weber said a number of the Lake Huron resort community's restaurants and bars will open their patios but the beach will remain closed a little longer.
"We are still preparing things, we are getting our lifeguards in place, there's still some things to get ready," said Weber. "We're hoping for a Monday opening, June 22nd but it's not definite yet. We'll play that by ear as we go forward and what can be ready and just how we're going to open."
The popular beach has been closed for the last couple of months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the provincial government gave the green light this week for Sarnia-Lambton to advance to Stage 2 of its reopening plan.
Beaches that have been closed and outdoor splash pads can reopen as early as Friday.
Mayor Weber told Sue Storr on CHOK Wednesday morning that when the beach does reopen, physical distancing measures will have to be followed.
"It's a move forward, but if we don't continue our hand hygiene and physical distancing, we will take a move backwards and we certainly don't want to do that," he said. "I hope everyone respects those rules we've been following for the last while and we have a good week and a good soft opening basically is what we're doing."
Weber said beaches and other amenities at nearby Pinery Provincial Park are opening up in time for the weekend. Summer officially arrives Saturday at 5:44 p.m.
On its website, the park says it's gradually opening up campgrounds, public washrooms, drinking water and trailer sanitation stations. Playgrounds and sports fields are still closed.
-With files from Dave Dentinger
