Annette Hitchins
Annette Hitchins is the municipal communications publisher for the Municipality of Lambton Shores in Sarnia-Lambton, producing official news, service updates, event notices, and public safety advisories. Regular newsletters, social media posts, and meeting and facility notices keep residents informed about council meetings, office hours and closures, local projects, and emergency alerts. The role emphasizes timely, practical communications to help residents access municipal programs, services, and community resources. Announcements also promote local initiatives such as the Lambton Shores Business Directory and community awards.
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Last updated on Apr 6th, 2026
Recent Activity
Lambton Shores Business Directory Announcement
Annette Hitchins announces the Lambton Shores Business Directory, a categorized resource to help residents find and support local businesses. Business owners can request inclusion using the Business Listing Request Form, and readers are encouraged to check the directory to discover nearby shops and services.
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Indoor walking track closure and alternate access
The indoor walking track at the Shores will be closed for Canada Day on July 1, 2026. The track reopens on July 2 with access through the YMCA between 7:00 AM and 2:00 PM, so plan to enter via the YMCA during those hours.
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Forest baseball diamonds temporary closure
Annette Hitchins reports that the Forest baseball diamonds are closed on June 22, 2026 because of recent wet weather. Players and organizers are asked to avoid using the fields to prevent damage and help them recover more quickly.
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Lambton Shores Accessibility Award — 2026 recipient
The Forest Curling & Social Club was named the 2026 recipient of the Lambton Shores Accessibility Award for its accessible facilities and inclusive programming. The club provided an in service elevator, accessible washrooms, adaptive equipment, and hosted the Two Person Stick Delivery Provincial Championships during the 2025 to 2026 season.
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Ontario Street lane marking updates — June 17 start
Crews began lane marking updates on Ontario Street North and South in Grand Bend on June 17, 2026, with work expected to continue throughout next week. Motorists should expect crews and equipment near the roadway, allow extra time, and exercise caution when driving through the work zones.
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Regular council meeting
The regular council meeting takes place on June 16, 2026 at 7:00 PM, open for the public to attend in person or watch online. Review the full agenda beforehand at the linked council calendar to follow key items and decisions.
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Lambton Film & Food Festival
The Lambton Film & Food Festival features community events in Forest Ontario, including a Children's Chalk ArtFest on King Street W and a Street Fiesta referenced for March 30. Local schools and daycares took part in chalk art, and the Kineto Theatre is listed as a festival location; visit the festival page for the full schedule.
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Splash pad status update
Three community splash pads in Forest, Thedford, and Grand Bend are open as of May 29, 2026, with addresses provided for each site. Kaeden's Splash Pad in Arkona remains closed while a replacement controller part is on order; watch for a follow up when it reopens.
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Joint Compliance Audit Committee recruitment for 2026 Municipal Election
The municipality is recruiting experienced professionals for the Joint Compliance Audit Committee for the 2026 Municipal Election, charged with reviewing applications for campaign finance compliance audits and considering Clerk reports about apparent contraventions of contribution limits. Visit the municipal website for full role details and how to apply.
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Reminder: Check or update school board support before June 1
Annette Hitchins urges you to check or update your school board support before June 1, 2026. This quick and easy reminder gives you 11 days from the 2026-05-21 publication to confirm your preferences.
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Municipal office temporary closure notice
The municipal office will be closed Monday, May 18, 2026 and will reopen with regular hours the morning of Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Regular garbage and recycling pickup will not be impacted during the closure.
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Channel depths update for Grand Bend and Port Franks
Annette Hitchins posted the latest channel depth update for Grand Bend and Port Franks on May 16, 2026, with a friendly Victoria Day long weekend message for boaters. If you are planning to head out this holiday, check local channel depths and navigation notices before launching.
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Downtown Forest King Street Parkette Project Phase 2
Phase 2 of the Downtown Forest King Street Parkette Project began on May 14 2026 with trees planted and sod laid, and plans in place for flower planters, lit bollards, accessible seating with permanent shade, a bike stand and repair station, a stage, and a heritage graphic fence. The project is supported in part by the Rural Ontario Development Fund and aims to expand green space and civic amenities in downtown Forest. Visit the Lambton Shores project page for full details.
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School support designation notice
Confirm your school support designation now so you will be eligible to vote in the correct trustee race during October's municipal election. By default the designation is English Public, and you can view or update your choice online at www.mpac.ca/SchoolSupport.
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Paid parking reminder
Paid parking in Grand Bend begins May 15, 2026 and continues through Labour Day to help fund lifeguards, beach cleaning, washrooms, and water quality testing. If you prefer to avoid fees, the Ontario Street Lot, the Gill Road Lot, and the Municipal Drive Lot are free municipal options; full details are available on the Lambton Shores parking page.
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Municipal update newsletter distribution notice
Annette Hitchins published the Municipal Update on 2026-05-13, noting that the newsletter recently hit inboxes with municipal information and reminders. If you are not subscribed, the announcement invites you to check the latest edition and subscribe using the link in the message.
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Municipal office closed Monday May 18 2026
The municipal office will be closed on Monday, May 18, 2026 and will reopen with regular hours the morning of Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Regular garbage and recycling pickup will not be impacted during the closure.
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Watermain break and temporary water interruption notice
Crews reported a watermain break on Lake View Haven Drive on May 13, 2026, and residents in the area may experience temporary water interruptions while repairs are completed. Monitor official updates from Annette Hitchins for restoration notices and any recommended precautions.
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Grand Bend Beach Visitor Advisory
Grand Bend Beach visitors should note that alcohol is not permitted and the beach is smoke and vape free. Paid parking resumes May 15, 2026, lifeguards are not yet on duty, and lane restrictions on the Grand Bend Bridge are expected to remain until about June 26, 2026.
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National Police Week recognition
On May 12, 2026, Annette Hitchins posted a message recognizing National Police Week, honoring the Lambton OPP and thanking the Anishinabek Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police West Region. The note highlights their roles in emergency response and community outreach, offering a community expression of appreciation for frontline public safety work.
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Regular council meeting
Annette Hitchins announced a regular council meeting on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 7:00 PM with public access in person or online. Check the Lambton Shores municipal calendar for the official agenda and meeting access, and expect a recording to be posted after the session.
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70th anniversary and long-term theatre ownership
The Kiwanis Club of Forest Ontario celebrated its 70th anniversary over the weekend, highlighting their long term ownership of the Kineto Theatre. Purchased in 1977, the theatre has been owned and operated by club volunteers since then, a story captured in a video produced last year.
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70th Anniversary Congratulations
Annette Hitchins posted congratulations to the Kiwanis Club of Forest Ontario on their 70th anniversary on 2026-04-27, celebrating seven decades of community service in Forest Ontario. The brief announcement highlights the milestone for club members and local supporters and invites public recognition.
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Highway 21 road resurfacing — Forest
A road resurfacing project on Highway 21 in Forest will begin this week, covering the segment from Amtelecom Parkway to about 800 meters north. Lane restrictions will be in effect for paving and milling operations, so expect delays, consider alternate routes, and drive carefully through the work zone.
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Municipal Candidate Nomination Packages Available
Candidate Nomination Packages for the upcoming Municipal Election are available online and at the Municipal office. Nominations may be filed beginning 2026-05-01 and the filing period closes on 2026-08-21 at 2:00 PM, so gather and submit your paperwork within that window.
