Municipality of Lambton Shores Grand Bend Beach Research and Consultation Initiative FINAL REPORT May 2011 Prepared by: PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK Municipality of Lambton Shores MONTEITH BROWN PLANNING CONSULTANTS Grand Bend Beach Research and Consultation Initiative May 2011 T ab Contents l e Executive Summary ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 3 o f Defining the role of the Grand Bend Beach ................................................................................................................................................ 3 Co Determining appropriate uses of the Grand Bend Beach ........................................................................................................................... 6 nt e Identifying improvements or additions to existing infrastructure ............................................................................................................. 8 nt Reviewing the municipal rate structure for beach rentals ....................................................................................................................... 12 s Determining possible partnerships for the delivery of recreation and leisure services on the Grand Bend Beach ................................ 13 Ecological and Environmental Issues ........................................................................................................................................................ 14 Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 16 Purpose of the Research and Consultation Initiative ............................................................................................................................... 16 Methodology ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 17 Definition of the Study Boundary ............................................................................................................................................................. 18 Community Development Master Plan (2008) ......................................................................................................................................... 18 Glossary of Terms ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 19 Planning Context ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 21 Community Profile .................................................................................................................................................................................... 21 Key Trends ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 22 Beach Operating Practices from Waterfront Communities ...................................................................................................................... 30 Public Consultation Programme ............................................................................................................................................................... 32 Needs Assessment ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 44 Strategic Framework ................................................................................................................................................................................. 44 The Concept of Beach Management ........................................................................................................................................................ 45 Uses of the Grand Bend Beach ................................................................................................................................................................. 47 1 Municipality of Lambton Shores MONTEITH BROWN PLANNING CONSULTANTS Grand Bend Beach Research and Consultation Initiative May 2011 Aspiring to be a World Class Lakefront Beach .......................................................................................................................................... 51 T Infrastructure ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 54 ab Ecological and Environmental Issues ........................................................................................................................................................ 62 l e Partnerships .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 68 o f Implications of Recommended Actions ........................................................................................................................................................ 72 Co nt e nt s 2 Municipality of Lambton Shores MONTEITH BROWN PLANNING CONSULTANTS Grand Bend Beach Research and Consultation Initiative May 2011 Executive Summary Ex ecu The Grand Bend Beach Research and Consultation Initiative has been driven by a Terms of Reference that addressed a number of areas to be explored: tiv • Defining the role of the Grand Bend Beach; e • Determining appropriate uses of the Grand Bend Beach and examining best practices in municipal beach management and Su tourism; mm • Identifying improvements or additions to existing infrastructure; • Reviewing the municipal rate structure for beach rentals; and a • Determining possible partnerships for the delivery of recreation and leisure services on the Grand Bend Beach. r y In addition, ecological and environmental issues have been addressed in a separate subsection of the Initiative (as well as being interspersed throughout), as the need for balance between the ecological health of the beach and promoting tourism as an economic driver emerged as a key concept through background research and consultation efforts. This Executive Summary includes all recommended actions from the Research and Consultation Initiative, each positioned with the Terms of Reference component that is the best fit. It should be noted that there are legal issues and implications associated with various rights of way and access to the North Beach between the Municipality and the respective property owner. Given these constraints, there may be limits to organized activities taking place on the North Beach without the participation and consent of affected property owners. Therefore, the recommended actions contained in this Report could be subject to change due to the above. Defining the role of the Grand Bend Beach The role of the Grand Bend Beach was defined following the identification of a number of key themes that emerged through public consultation, background research, and a review of beach management practices in other communities (both locally and abroad). These themes reflect the breadth of impact of a beach, as well as the importance of balancing ecological and economic factors. Once these themes were extracted, the role of the Grand Bend Beach was delineated. The themes were as follows: Economic Maintenance / Natural Beauty Development Accessibility Cleanliness and Tourism Environmental Recreation Special Events Sustainability 3 Municipality of Lambton Shores MONTEITH BROWN PLANNING CONSULTANTS Grand Bend Beach Research and Consultation Initiative May 2011 The themes are further illustrated in the graphic below, and have served to inform the needs assessment process. Ex Natural Beauty ecu •The Grand Bend Beach is a naturally beautiful municipal asset enjoyed by residents and tourists alike. tiv e Cleanliness Su •The cleanliness of both the beach and the water are important to the continued viability and value of the Grand mm Bend Beach. a r Economic Development & Tourism y •The Grand Bend Beach is one of the Municipality's greatest attractors for employment, tourism and seasonal residents. Accessibility •All residents and visitors, regardless of ability, are welcomed and able to access the Grand Bend Beach and its amenities. Recreation •Recreation is a key element of the Grand Bend Beach. Special Events • Community‐level special events that do not threaten the ecological well‐being of the beach itself are important economic drivers. Environmental Sustainability •The environmental impact of beach activities should be considered when determining whether they are appropriate. Ongoing environmental remediation (e.g., dune grass plantings, etc.) is essential for the long‐term health of the Grand Bend Beach. 4 Municipality of Lambton Shores MONTEITH BROWN PLANNING CONSULTANTS Grand Bend Beach Research and Consultation Initiative May 2011 Each theme is reflected within the defined role of the Grand Bend Beach, as each