The deputy mayor of Lambton Shores is looking forward to the Victoria Day long weekend.
Dan Sageman said it's considered the unofficial start of summer in Grand Bend, so he encourages anyone heading to the beach to arrive early.
"Our parking lots do fill up pretty quick in the summer months," said Sageman. "As of May 15, we started our pay parking for the season and that will go through to Labour Day this year. Which, is a bit of a change. We've usually taken it past Labour Day, but it's going to end after Labour Day this year."
Sageman said there's been a lot of buzz across the municipality about the province easing alcohol restrictions in provincial parks.
"I think it's important to note that change is only within the boundaries of provincial parks. So, in terms of public beaches, public spaces within the municipality, all of the rules are still in place in regards to the consumption of alcohol," he said.
Alcohol will no longer be limited to individual campsites at provincial parks and park-goers will be able to enjoy a drink in most public areas, including beaches and picnic spots.
"Traditionally our bylaw officers are well trained to look out for alcohol infractions in our public spaces and especially on the beach," Sageman said. "There will be some confusion, people may think [the new rules] apply to all beaches, but I know that our highly trained staff will keep them informed."
The beach is also smoke and vape free.
Sageman said about 55 seasonal staff have been hired by the municipality.
"We've got about a dozen bylaw enforcement officers, we've got our beach patrol staff, we've got our beach maintenance staff that looks after making sure our beach stays clean and retains its Blue Flag status. We have our general maintenance staff, that looks after grounds and we've got our harbor staff that greet boaters that come into the harbour and also help launch boats at the boat ramp," he said.
Sageman reminds visitors the second phase of the Ontario Street Grand Bend Bridge project will not be completed until the end of June.
"For the May 24th long weekend, that will still be a two lane intersection... which will cause traffic tie up for sure," he said.
Sageman said while they're always excited about the beach and the crowds they get in Grand Bend, there are a lot of other things to do in the municipality.
"Especially when the May 24th long weekend sometimes is cold, chilly, and sometimes wet, we've got a lot of great hiking trails," he said. "We've got things to do in Forest, we have a great theatre in Forest and we've got lots of hiking in Port Franks and Arkona at the conservation area. So, I think it's important also to highlight that in addition to the beaches, we also have a lot of great things to do in Lambton Shores."
The rollout of the new Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) also continues as the busy Lake Huron resort area prepares to welcome visitors.
"We're focusing right now on educating and working with property owners through the process, and like anything new we've had some challenges, but the municipality has a really good relationship with the cottage owners and our traditional accommodation providers. Staff really has been working well to ensure that the questions from those people have been answered in terms of collection etcetera," Sageman said.
The four per cent tax applies to hotels, motels, Airbnbs and bed and breakfasts.
The MAT program is expected to generate up to $500,000 for the municipality each year.
