Grand Bend 's Downtown Comes Alive

Changes are Fast and Furious to Grand Bends Downtown

thanks to a multi million dollar upgrade right on the heels of

last years multi million dollar Beach Enhancement.

Other changes as well as the Bend gears up

 for the Two Four  Weekend

A new Licensed Patio Being added to the Colonial and Gables

Changes and themes to Each Intersection This one at Archies Emporium ( Eilber and Elmwood at Main St )

New Clothing Store at the old Barefoot Pedlar

Elmwood and Main St Intersection

Kazwear and Kazmania's New Building

New Parking Lot Between Archies and Little Ginos with 30 plus Parking Spots

Hard to see but a New Funky Restaurant in the Lakeview 's fromer location behind Appropos called The Sunset

House .

Complete Reno to Grand Bend Hardware beside Sea Jewels which will be the return of George

The following is from The London Free Press May 5, 2010


Premier Dalton McGuinty has finally admitted Ontario families will pay hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars more in taxes because of the new 13% harmonized sales tax, or HST.



It's about time, but it's really no surprise since basic logic told most of us long ago that if we're paying more taxes on more items than before the change, we'll be paying more, despite promises of transition payments and income tax cuts that are supposed to make the HST a wash.


McGuinty had to concede Ontarians will be paying more, and kudos to the New Democrats for releasing a study showing the impact of the HST.


McGuinty is banking on taxpayer (voter) support to pay more in taxes to create more jobs and a better future. Don't count on it.


But there comes a point where shifting taxes from business to taxpayers is not just a burden, but also unfair and a mug's game as the money paid in taxes is taken out of the economy. The shift reduces discretionary spending, especially in the service sector, and costs jobs for the low-income workers who dominate that sector.


McGuinty clearly believes he's doing the right thing and, if the public disagrees, they'll let him know at the polls.


Again, he's right. The pressure's building. Don't be surprised if voters let of a little steam.

Dramatic rebound characterizes Canada's luxury home segment in 2010

69 per cent of markets set records for best-ever first quarter sales

Just on the market, first time, in Southcott Pines Grand Bend

4-6 bedrooms $ 568,000. Call Larry for details 519 709 8977

more pics below 

Mississauga, ON (April 26, 2010) - Luxury home sales soared in the first quarter of 2010 as affluent purchasers moved to take advantage of favourable market conditions across the country, according to a report released today by RE/MAX.
The RE/MAX Upper End 2010 Report, highlighting sales and trends in 13 major Canadian centres and five sub-markets, found that improved economic performance, increased personal wealth, immigration and foreign investment all contributed to a serious upswing in sales. Virtually all areas experienced double and triple-digit increases between January and March of this year over 2009 figures for the same period. Nine out of the 13 markets examined (69 per cent) shattered existing records - setting new all-time highs for first quarter activity in the upper end.
"Real estate continues to resonate with purchasers at every price point," says Michael Polzler, Executive Vice President, RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada. "With the top end of the market shifting into high gear, every segment of the residential real estate sector is now operating in tandem. Despite the upward momentum, there are still deals to be had - especially at the higher price points-a fact that is motivating buyers to act."

Still Time to Rent A Cottage in July & August

The Fabulous up-grade to Main St Grand Bend continues at a feverish pace to meet the end of May deadline.
Here's a look April 13, 2010

This project on the same scale and scope as last years multi million dollar Beach Enhancement will further Grand Bends reputation as the number one tourist destination. You can join us this summer .There are still a couple of Summer weeks available to rent at 44 Walker located in the heart of Downtown.

Details are at www.grandbend4sale.com/44walker.htm

A Really Good Friday at the Bend

Hundreds of people of all ages came out to enjoy the Beach at Grand Bend in near record setting temparatures as witnessed in this London Free Press photo by Derek Ruttan

While the main Street is still under construction with a multi million dollar upgrade it also was packed with people. The crowds continued Saturday and Sunday too getting a head start on the season. Grand Bends Beach was the recepient of a major multi million dollar transformation last year. This years Main St upgrade is slated to be complete by the May 24 weekend

Low inventory levels

Low inventory levels set stage for heated Spring market in most major Canadian centres, says RE/MAX

Active listings down in 81 per cent of markets in January

Mississauga, ON (February 24, 2010) - Lack of inventory will be the greatest challenge facing housing markets across the country this Spring, according to a report released today by RE/MAX.

The RE/MAX Market Trends Report 2010, which examined real estate trends and developments in 16 markets across the country, found that unusually strong activity during one of the traditionally quietest months of the year has led to a sharp decline in active listings in 81 per cent of markets surveyed. The threat of higher interest rates, tighter lending criteria, and in British Columbia and Ontario, the introduction of the new Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) have clearly served to kick-start real estate activity from coast-to-coast, prompting an unprecedented influx of purchasers. As a result, 87.5 per cent of markets posted an increase in sales in January. Average price appreciated in 81 per cent of markets surveyed.


"There have never been so many motivating factors in play at once," says Michael Polzler, Executive Vice President, RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada. "We're in for a heated Spring market that will, in all probability, spill over into the summer months, as the window of opportunity draws to a close. The supply of homes listed for sale has been drastically reduced, housing values are once again on the upswing, and banks and governments are moving in unison toward stricter lending policies."

Prime-time parking fees scheduled for Main St. Grand Bend

This Grand Bend aerial shot from the Lake looking East shows the new Beach, Main Street ( which is undergoing a major upgrade to be ready for this Spring ) and the Harbour taken May 2009

Here's a recent article by  DEBORA VAN BRENK, THE LONDON FREE PRESS
3rd February 2010.
Fun won't be free for visitors to Grand Bend's Main St. when beach season begins in May -- paid, prime-time parking is coming to the strip.
While some merchants fear it will harm business, metered parking is one way to make sure Main St. shopping traffic circulates regularly, said Lambton Shores Mayor Gord Minielly.
"The reality is that people were parking their cars at 9 in the morning and returning (to leave town) at 5 in the afternoon," Minielly said.
Paid parking, he said, "is simply a matter of recycling people through" during the busiest times of the day.
Grand Bend is a hot destination for beach- and party-goers during summer months and it's not unusual some weekends to see solid lines of drivers cruising the strip, looking for free places to park.
The new fees for Main St. -- $2 an hour to a maximum of two hours -- apply only during business hours during the summer, Minielly noted.
"Logically, it should benefit businesses on Main St.," he said.
Eight solar-powered pay kiosks will collectively manage parking for 85 parking spaces on the street -- which is newly redesigned with sweeping curves, wider sidewalks, better lighting and pedestrian crossings. With recirculation of visitors, those 85 spots can become the equivalent of 300, town staff say.
Those who don't feed the meter or who wear out their welcome beyond the two-hour limit face a $30 fine.
Paid parking, by the day or the hour, will still be available at the beach and free municipal parking is available a few blocks away.
Debora Van Brenk is a Free Press reporter.