The money visitors to the resort village of Grand Bend pay for parking this summer, goes right back into the upkeep of the beach.
The municipality of Lambton Shores collected just over $660,000 in parking revenue in 2018 -- a $43,000 increase over 2017.
Mayor Bill Weber said that money keeps the Blue Flag hot spot looking its best for future visitors.
"Looking after the beach facilities, paying down the debt for the capital improvements, the lifeguards -- all of the things that go together with the beach, picking up garbage and cleaning the beach as well," said Weber.
He said if they didn't charge for parking, residents in the municipality would be on the hook to cover those costs.
"I believe it's a win-win," he said. "People are enjoying the beach, the taxpayers aren't paying for all of the maintenance, but the beach is being looked after and local residents can park later in the evening and watch the sunset at no cost."
The Lake Huron resort community received Blue Flag status for its beach for a fifth year in a row last summer.
