Annette Hitchins
Annette Hitchins is the municipal communications publisher for the Municipality of Lambton Shores in Sarnia-Lambton, providing official news, service updates, event notices, and public safety information. Regular newsletters and posts keep residents informed about council meetings, office hours and closures, local projects, emergency notices, and seasonal or election-related reminders. The role focuses on timely, practical updates to help residents stay connected to municipal programs and opportunities to participate.
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Last updated on Apr 6th, 2026
Recent Activity
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.
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Purchase of frontline fire engine and specialized mini engine
At its April 14 meeting Council approved buying a new frontline fire engine for Forest Station and a specialized mini engine for Thedford Station. Both units are being assembled in Ontario and are expected to be delivered this fall as part of the Municipality's 2026 Capital Budget.
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Indigenous Film Festival
The Indigenous Film Festival opens at the Kineto Theatre in Forest Ontario on April 17, 2026 and runs through April 21, 2026. Annette Hitchins announced the multi day festival, which will present a curated slate of Indigenous films at the local theatre; check the Kineto Theatre for screening times and ticket details.
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Tonight's council meeting watch online
Tonight's council meeting is available to watch via the Lambton Shores calendar page; the agenda is posted and a recording will be published later. Visit the calendar link when the meeting begins to stream it live or to review agenda items beforehand.
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Seasonal positions hiring
The Municipality is recruiting seasonal employees for Beach Maintenance, Harbour Attendant, and Maintenance Operations with applications open now and closing once roles are filled. Visit the official recruiting page to review full job descriptions and apply through the online portal.
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Temporary road closure and traffic control notice
Main Street W in Grand Bend will be closed on April 13, 2026, from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM for girder deliveries and placement on abutments, with additional traffic control on surrounding streets. Local drivers should expect detours or delays and consult the municipal project page for updates.
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Municipal office temporary closure notice
The municipal office is closed today, April 6, 2026, and will reopen with regular hours on Tuesday, April 7. Regular garbage and recycling pick up will not be impacted, so curbside services continue as scheduled.
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2026 Municipal Election nominations open
Nominations for the 2026 Municipal Election open May 1, 2026 and run through August 21, 2026. Nomination packages will be available on the municipality website and in person, and completed packages may be submitted to the Municipal office at 9577 Port Franks Road, Thedford ON.
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Municipal office closure notice
The municipal office is closed today, April 3, and again on Monday, April 6, 2026, with regular hours resuming on Tuesday, April 7. Annette Hitchins notes that regular garbage and recycling pick up will not be impacted during the closure.
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Municipal election reminder and voter registration portal
Elections Ontario provides a Voter Registration portal for eligible voters in Lambton Shores to confirm or update their information on the voters list ahead of a municipal election later this year. Annette Hitchins urges residents to check their records now using the portal so they are prepared when the election is called.
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Free public skating during March Break
Annette Hitchins shares that free public skating is scheduled throughout March Break week at both the Legacy and the Shores. Check the community Public Skating Calendar at https://calendar.lambtonshores.ca/skating/Month for exact session times, daily updates, and rental or accessibility details.
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Pancake Breakfast & Maple Syrup Festival
Annette Hitchins is hosting a pancake breakfast and maple syrup festival at Forest Legion Branch 176 on Sunday, featuring pancakes and maple syrup with breakfast service. The source does not list a specific calendar date, start time, or cost; contact the venue for full details.
