Annette Hitchins
Annette Hitchins serves as the municipal communications publisher for the Municipality of Lambton Shores in Sarnia-Lambton, producing and distributing official municipal news, advisories, and event updates. The role manages social media and online postings, issues service and public safety notices, and publishes the monthly Municipal Update e-newsletter to inform residents about elections, local projects, closures, and community programs.
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Last updated on Apr 6th, 2026
Recent Activity
Lambton Shores Votes update: turnout and help centre hours
The Municipality of Lambton Shores reports 17.63% voter turnout as of October 22, 2026, with online voting open through Monday, October 26 at 8:00 PM. If you need help voting online, staff are available at the Voter Help Centre at the Municipal Office, 9577 Port Franks Road during the posted hours.
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Completion of London Line transmission pipeline repairs
LAWSS reports that repairs to the transmission pipeline on London Line are complete and the water conservation request is lifted effective immediately for Plympton-Wyoming, Warwick, Brooke-Alvinston, and Lambton Shores west of Highway 21. Residents and businesses in those areas may resume normal water use, and the utility thanks the community for its cooperation during repairs.
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Water conservation notice for Lambton Shores west of Highway 21
LAWSS is asking residents and businesses in Lambton Shores west of Highway 21, including the Town of Forest, to conserve water while a transmission pipeline on London Line is being repaired. The notice says this is a precaution, there is no impact to drinking water safety or quality, and further updates will be posted if conditions change.
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Local Government Week announcement
Local Government Week is a moment to recognize municipal staff, volunteers, candidates, and council members in Lambton Shores while urging residents to stay involved. With voting currently underway in the Municipal and School Board Election, it is an ideal time to attend Council meetings, share feedback, or volunteer to help shape local services.
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Municipal election voting notice
As of October 20, 2026, 12.6% of eligible electors in the Municipality of Lambton Shores have voted during the ongoing voting period that continues through Election Day on Monday, October 26. Eligible voters may vote online from anywhere using their Voter Information Letter, or get in-person help at the Municipal Office Voter Help Centre during posted hours.
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Election assistance and Voter Help Centre hours
Staff at the Municipal Office Voter Help Centre at 9577 Port Franks Road are available to assist with online voting from October 20 through Election Day, October 26, with extended hours on Election Day until 8:00 PM. Use your Voter Information Letter or check the Voters' List online, or visit the office with ID and proof of residency to receive your voting PIN.
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Road work and Main Street closures
Road work in downtown Grand Bend has been rescheduled, with increased traffic control and delays on Tuesday, October 20, and full closures of Main Street West and Main Street East on Wednesday, October 21. During the Wednesday closure access to downtown will be via Oak Street, and a posted detour will serve Main Street East.
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Planned power outage notice
Hydro One plans a power outage on Sunday, October 25 from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM for maintenance on aging wooden poles, affecting about 4,900 customers in the Municipality of Lambton Shores including Bosanquet, Forest, Grand Bend, Port Franks, and Thedford. Charge electric vehicles and prepare backups for powered garage doors and essential devices, then check the municipality notice for updates.
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2026 Municipal and School Board Election Voting Period and Voter Help Centre
Voting for the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election is open now through October 26, 2026 at 8:00pm. If you need help casting your online ballot, visit the Voter Help Centre at the Municipal Office, 9577 Port Franks Road, on the listed dates for staffed support and devices.
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Grand Bend Bridge construction traffic impacts and closures (Oct 19–20, 2026)
Asphalt work at the Grand Bend Bridge resumes Monday October 19 with increased traffic control and delays, then moves to full closures of Main Street West and Main Street East on Tuesday October 20. Downtown access will be via Oak Street and a posted detour will guide traffic to Main Street East; check the Lambton Shores project page for updates.
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Mobile Household Hazardous Waste Collection
The County of Lambton will run a Mobile Household Hazardous Waste Collection in Forest on Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM at the County Public Works Depot, 6958 Townsend Line. Bring corrosive, toxic, reactive, and flammable household hazardous waste for safe, free disposal with staff on site to assist.
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Grand Bend Bridge Project traffic update
A Grand Bend Bridge Project update says Main Street West and East at the Ontario Street intersection will be open on October 16 with traffic control and expected delays. Major closures return on Monday, October 19 when segments of Main Street West and Main Street East will be closed, with downtown access via Oak Street and a posted detour for Main Street East.
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2026 Municipal and School Board Election voting period announcement
Voting for the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election opens October 16 at 9:00 AM and remains open through October 26 at 8:00 PM. Eligible voters should use the login details in their Voter Information Letter to access the online voting portal, and a video tutorial is provided to guide you through the process.
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Grand Bend Bridge construction traffic advisory
Short term closures and traffic control are in effect for Main Street West and Main Street East around the Grand Bend Bridge project on October 15, October 16, and October 19. Expect traffic control and delays at the Ontario Street intersection on October 16, Highway 21 will remain open, and downtown access is available via Oak Street with Main Street East served by a posted detour.
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Planned power outage notice
Hydro One will run a planned outage for pole replacement in Lambton Shores on Sunday, October 25, 2026 from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, affecting about 4,900 customers in Bosanquet, Forest, Port Franks, and Thedford. Prepare by turning off appliances, charging devices, using a battery powered alarm clock, and keeping refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Visit the municipality notice for full details and updates.
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2026 Municipal Election voting period and voter information
Voting opens Friday, October 16, 2026 at 9:00 AM and runs through October 26 at 8:00 PM. Use the Voter Information Letter to access your online ballot, or submit the Check the Voters List form so staff can confirm your registration and advise next steps.
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Community Vibrancy Fund - Small Projects
The Community Vibrancy Fund Small Projects stream accepts applications through October 15, 2026, and can cover up to 50% of eligible project costs for local initiatives in health, arts, culture, recreation, education, heritage, and the environment. The program was created through the Municipality's agreement with Jericho Wind, LP, and full application details are on the Lambton Shores grant and funding page.
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Municipal office closure notice
The Municipal Office is closed today, October 12, 2026, and will reopen with regular hours on October 13. Regular garbage and recycling pickups will continue as scheduled, and residents with urgent issues should use the municipality after hours contact page.
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Mobile Household Hazardous Waste Collection
The County of Lambton is running a Mobile Household Hazardous Waste Collection in Forest on Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM at the County Public Works Depot, 6958 Townsend Line. Residents can drop off corrosive, toxic, reactive, and flammable household hazardous waste for safe, free disposal.
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Municipal election voting period and Voter Help Centre
Voting opens at 9:00 AM on October 16 and remains open online through 8:00 PM on Election Day, October 26, 2026. A staffed Voter Help Centre will be available at the Municipal Office, 9577 Port Franks Road, with devices and staff to assist voters; hours are posted at the municipality election page.
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Downtown Forest King Street Parkette Project Update
Phase 2 of the Downtown Forest King Street Parkette Project is underway with planters, lit bollards, and accessible tables and chairs now installed. This October update from Annette Hitchins points readers to the project webpage for ongoing progress and future details.
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Lithium ion battery fire risk: 6 warning signs
A Fire Prevention Week notice from Lambton Shores Fire and Emergency Services warns of six clear warning signs that a lithium ion battery may pose an immediate fire risk. Stop using or charging a device that feels very hot, starts to swell, smells strange, leaks, smokes, or makes popping sounds, and consult the Fire Prevention Week page for next steps.
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Fire Prevention Week safety reminder
For Fire Prevention Week Lambton Shores Fire and Emergency Services is reminding residents about the risks of lithium ion batteries and ways to reduce danger at home. The public safety reminder was published by Annette Hitchins on 2026-10-07 and points readers to local fire service communications for more information.
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Regular council meeting notification
A regular council meeting convenes tonight, October 6, 2026, at 7:00 PM with public viewing available in person or online. Annette Hitchins notes a recording will be posted afterwards and the full agenda is at https://calendar.lambtonshores.ca/council.
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Voter information and voting period notice
Voter Information Letters are arriving this week with instructions for the 2026 Municipal Election. The voting window runs from October 16, 2026 at 9:00am to October 26, 2026 at 8:00pm; follow the steps in your letter or visit the municipality website for details.
