About Us

Growth and Sustainability Services is a customer service focused department comprised of three main divisions.

These divisions work co-operatively and in harmony with the balance of the administrative structure. The GSS divisions pride themselves on exemplary customer service and commitment to the residents of Lakeshore.

Building

The Building Division assists developers, contractors, and the general public interested in obtaining a building permit. Prior to granting approval, the plans examiner reviews plans submitted for Ontario Building Code & Municipal Zoning compliances.

It is recommended that applicants first investigate what will be required by them in order to obtain a building permit. Most permits require building plans and a site plan; however, some may also require a copy of your deed, proof of entrance approval, conservation authority approval, septic or water and sewer approval and/or payment of development fees.

Community Planning

The Community Planning Division provides planning, long range and land use functions for the Municipality of Lakeshore.

The Operations Department is committed to providing our residents with the highest level of service while maintaining a low tax rate. We endeavour to maintain our roads and sidewalks for our residents and visitors, keeping safety at the forefront of each and every job we do.

Operations is directly responsible for the construction, operation and maintenance of Lakeshore's infrastructure including water, municipal drains, storm sewers, sanitary sewers and roads.

The Operations department is organized into four divisions to provide efficient and effective delivery of services essential for a rapidly growing community: Public Works, Engineering, Drainage, & Environmental.

Drainage

The Municipality of Lakeshore is responsible for the maintenance, repair, and expansion of its municipal drains

• So What's a Municipal Drain?
• Do you live on a Municipal Drain?
• Tile Loans

Engineering Services

The Engineering Division is responsible for the following services:

• Reviewing new plans and proposals for residential subdivisions, condominium, commercial, industrial and institutional site plans.
• The Development Manual, continuously generating and updating new standards and guidelines and ensuring all new plans and proposals comply with the current Development Manual.
• Assisting in the preparation and ensuring compliance with Subdivision, Site Plan and Servicing Agreements.
• Closely monitoring construction activity required to complete subdivisions and site plans from start to finish.
• Examples would be:
  • Watermain testing
  • Curb repairs
  • Asphalt repairs
  • Street lighting energization
  • Sidewalk installation
  • Final asphalt lift installation
• Coordinating and authorizing new utility construction within Lakeshore road allowances also called right-of-way (ROW).
• Ensuring compliance of Municipal Access Agreements and Franchise Agreements with utility companies in Lakeshore
• Supplementary engineering review and providing technical input for Capital Projects in Lakeshore
• Gathering record drawing information for Capital projects, site plans and new subdivisions so data can be entered into Lakeshore’s Geographical Information System.
• Providing technical assistance, record drawing information, and completed studies to consulting engineers, developers, contractors, utility companies, builders, home owners, etc.

Public Works

The Public Works Division is responsible for a wide range of services including, but not limited to:

• Roads (maintenance, closures, sidewalks, winter control, signs, etc.)
• Driveway inspections 

Environmental Services

This division is responsible for the operation and the maintaining of the Municipality's water and wastewater systems. The division responds to emergency water/wastewater related issues which include watermain breaks, water service repairs and sanitary sewage issues. The division issues water meters for new construction and oversees the water meter program responsible for monitoring water consumption in the Municipality of Lakeshore. The Environmental Services Division oversees and administers the Municipality's Drinking Water Quality Management System. The division is also responsible for managing solid waste management.

• Water and wastewater
• Garbage and recycling
• Flooding and subsidies
• Permits and fees

The Corporate Services Department is comprised of four divisions. One deals with the billing and collecting of revenues, one with the payment of bills, payroll and the provision of financial information for the benefit of other departments, along with the public and the other is information technology. Corporate Services is equally committed to the provision of excellent customer service for rate payer and general public enquiries. 

Workforce Development

This division is responsible for:

• Personnel matters
• Employee records
• Employee benefits
• Administration and monitoring of union contracts
• Salary administration
• Employee recruitment
• Health and Safety
• Employee training

Accounting

Services include accounts payable, payroll, cash management, investments, grant claims and general ledger account reconciliations and balancing. Financial statement preparation, along with Ministry reporting, is an annual requirement. There are currently 4 full time staff members assigned to this section.

Finance, with input from the various other departments, is responsible for annual budgeting and planning to ensure that the financial resources are available for the provision of necessary services, now and in the long term. Information and input are provided to all departments for business plans, development related projects and the financial impact on council reports.

Financial Planning and Analysis

Services include development and maintenance of the Municipality's asset inventory, asset management program and managing the supporting business processes.  This includes management of related technology and datasets and providing financial analysis and financial policy support for the Municipality.

Revenue

This includes the preparation and collection of all property tax bills, which are issued twice a year as well as water and wastewater bills issued bi-monthly. Invoices for recoverable costs such as arena usage, drainage maintenance and developer services are billed monthly to assist with cash flow and ensure costs are recovered on a timely basis.

The Legal and Legislative Department is responsible for providing legal support for the corporation, along with specific programs and services relating to Council/Committee support and By-law enforcement. 

Civic Affairs

 This division is responsible for 

• Elections
• Risk Management
• Freedom of Information
• Council and Committee Support
• Legal Services
• By-laws
• Record Retention
• Lottery Licensing
• Vital Statistics, i.e. Marriage licences
• Crossing Guards
• Dog Pound

By-law Services

By-laws are created as a way to address issues and concerns of the community. They are created to protect the environment, public health, safety and to maintain a pleasant community for everyone. Complaints regarding suspected By-law infractions can be reported to our By-law Compliance Team, by calling 519-728-2700. Or visiting the Building and By-law service desk located at Town Hall.

This department oversees Fire and Community Services.

Community Services

This division includes: Recreation, Facilities, Parks & Trails, and the Belle River Marina.

Fire Services

The Fire Services Division provides fire suppression, inspection and education services to the residents of Lakeshore.

Please see our Fire Department Page for more information

Comprised of 5 stations, the department is made up of some 100 volunteer firefighters. Direction is provided by 5 full time administration officers and clerical support staff.

The department also provides medical support to the Land Ambulance Service through a tiered response agreement. With 40 kilometres of 401 highway dividing Lakeshore, the department also provides emergency services to that portion of the 400 series highway.