View - The Municipality of Lambton Shores

Minutes of the January 28, 2013 Council Meeting
upcoming budget. Council expanded the size of municipal ads to an
easily readable font in the local newspapers. Council also approved
the public access to council agendas for the same time that council
members can access the information online. As well, council
initiated an online Communications Survey in an effort to draw out
public input on how to improve communication yet more. It should
be noted as well that Ward councillors hosted a significant number
of town halls for citizens this past year to not only inform, but seek
public input on a variety of community issues.
9. Wind Turbine Protections – Council took proactive action to
respond to public concerns and ensure that the infrastructure and
resources of Lambton Shores residents would be protected if wind
turbines are erected in our jurisdiction.
10. Lambton Shores Trail Committee – Council supported a
significant improvement of the local trail system in 2012. The
impressive list of accomplishments in 2012 can be found at
www.lsntblazers.com. An exciting new development is the
partnership with CH2MHILL for the development of the unused
lagoons outside Forest into a wildlife sanctuary. Council is pleased
to be working in cooperation with the passionate members of this
committee.
11. Communities in Bloom National Winners – Council supported
the communities’ participation in the CIB national level competition
and won 5-blooms as well as category for “Best Volunteers” for all
Canada. When we see the participation in this CIB initiative as well
as Phragmites Community Group, Ad Hoc Committee, Trail
Committee, Economic Development Committee, above, and many
other efforts, it’s not surprising. Bravo!
12. Blue Flag Beaches – Our Port Franks and Grand Bend beaches
both won “Blue Flag status” again in 2012. Great job municipal
staff!
13. Short Term Rental Improvements – Increased police presence
and municipal by-law enforcement in the older area of Grand Bend
known as Plan 24 resulted in significantly reduced complaints from
the public in 2012 and better behaved tenants. Through a
community team approach involving citizens, ratepayer
associations, business owners and landlords with council
cooperation, we achieved impressive results and will continue to
focus on this issue for future years. It is an ongoing issue.
14. Rotary Trail Asphalted to Pinery – This year the Rotary Trail was
surfaced with asphalt from Dalton Subdivision to the Pinery Park
entrance.
15. Significantly Increased Building Permits – There was a surge of
building in 2012. At last report, permits were issued for 89 new
dwelling units in 2012 which reaches levels this municipality hasn’t
seen since 2005. This is a 37% increase over 2011 and 26%
increase over the average annual building since amalgamation.
16. Grand Bend Ball Diamond Received Trillium Funding – The
municipality worked with partners to secure $33,000 for upgrades
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