Business development is ramping up in Grand Bend.
Lambton Shores Mayor Doug Cook said construction is underway to build a new Food Basics and Dollarama on Grand Bend Line (Highway 81), near the intersection of Crediton Road. There are also applications for further retail and fast food businesses in the plaza.
"It's a very big project for us in Grand Bend," Cook said.
The developer, Medway Homes Inc., has been posting videos to social media, showing the construction progress of Food Basics.
"We're very excited! It's new development that we haven't seen for a little while," Cook said. "There's a rumor that there's more commercial [builds] coming in that area also."
Cook said the Food Basics is expected to open by this summer, marking Grand Bend's third grocery store, joining Sobeys and NoFrills.
Cook said it's encouraging to see the projected growth, not just for Grand Bend but neighbouring communities as well.
"Overall, the impression is we're a real growing hub in that area and it will continue that way," he said. "Our population in the summertime goes up to 30,000 to 40,000 people on weekends, so you have a tremendous amount of people in the area who can help to cover these three grocery stores."
Meanwhile, Cook said over the past couple of years, housing has hit a "plateau" as the municipality hasn't seen a significant increase in new residential developments.
-With files from Melanie Irwin
