Saugeen Shores Mayor Luke Charbonneau says the local beaches were well used this past weekend following a lifting of the provincial stay-at-home order on June 2nd.
Charbonneau says everyone was respectful and following the rules and COVID-19 safety guidelines.
"We had our auxiliary officers and bylaw officers patrolling and by all reports from them, folks were being really respectful and maintaining appropriate physical distances and just enjoying the beach in a safe way, so that's very encouraging for us. It's worth noting it was the same thing last year for us, as well."
Charbonneau adds it's encouraging people were following the rules and enjoying the local beaches, which he hopes will help out local businesses with the promise of the province beginning phase 1 of their economy reopening this Friday, June 11th.
"That, combined with summer coming and people being more free to travel around the province now that we've got more vaccinations, I think that all that bodes well for local businesses and they badly need some good tidings."
The beaches in Saugeen Shores have always been an advantage for the local tourism industry and businesses in general, Charbonneau notes, and he's hopeful they'll play a big role in local businesses finally recovering from the pandemic.