Running around town this weekend you can’t help but notice that the town is waking up. The Pinery Antique Flea Market was busy as they opened for their 41st season. The Grand Bend Studio Tour also appeared to be very popular. Folks were not disappointed as they strolled around enjoying the warm weather this Sunday. From the shore you could see that the boaters are back in the water and down River Road, the sailboats are back in their slips.

Down on Main Street J Dee’s Summerhouse is now open for business and the patio was packed with people enjoying the sunshine. Dairy Dip had a line up for ice cream and almost every business had some sort of activity going on as owners are getting ready for the Victoria Day Weekend (May 24). The forecast is looking good for next weekend - check back soon for the latest happenings in Grand Bend.

With the annual spring boat launch just over a week away it is time for the Village elders to have a look at our public boat launch. The launch has been in need of repair for sometime. There is exposed metal along the sides that will take a piece out of your boat and your body if you are not very careful. On a calm pre-season day it’s not an issue to be extra cautious but come July all hell breaks loose as folks are rushing and jockeying for position.

Just after Thanksgiving last year, calamity struck and the end of the middle pier was smashed and is now unusable. It has been tied up with caution tape ever since. When I first noticed it I was immediately thankful I didn’t cause it. Friends that have seen me pilot a boat probably wonder… No, it was not me this time.

I am hopeful that we will not go into our season with this unsafe situation. The pier needs to be repaired. The addition of rubber guards along the sides of the launch and platforms that compensate for the reduced lake levels are critical. It is a challenge to safely haul yourself out of your boat when the dock is 3 feet above your head.

We would also do well to invest in whistles for the Municipal dock hands that collect the tolls. Assisting with traffic coordination and advising folks of the lake condition would be helpful. There is something amiss when the lake has swells and a tiny bow rider filled with the family is launching without a word of caution from the folks with the clipboards.

A little maintenance and proactive launch supervision would go along way in making everyone’s lake experience a great one in 2008.

May 4th Update - the middle pier has been repaired.  No improvements have been made to the railings so be careful launching your boat. 

• A fundraising event is scheduled for April 19th at Twigs Floral Company. A BBQ is planned to benefit Julianna Zahn as she participates in the Organ Donor Tribute Walk, April 24-27. Julianna’s father, Mike Kahn died on August 29, 2007 at the age of 53. Please stop by and sign up to sponsor Julianna for the walk.
  Twigs Floral Company is located at
  54 Ontario Street South, Grand Bend.
  519.238.1262

The leaf blowers have gone silent and it looks like there is rain on tap for the upcoming weekend. The good news… there are supply trucks rumbling through town and building contractors are out in force. If we don’t see you in town this weekend, it won’t be long until you can’t resist a trip to the shore.

I just heard the other day that the new restaurant on River Road, The Pirates Eatery, is in jeopardy. Seems a local resident has objected to the liquor license application. I sure hope this is bad information. Until I get confirmation I have my fingers in my ears singing lalalala.