View from the Strip
By Casey Lessard

“We’re only open two months, so…”
“We don’t get a lot of people in wheelchairs, so…”
“It’s an old building, so…”
These are only three of the reasons Rick Lewcock and I heard from business owners about why their businesses weren’t wheelchair friendly. We made a journey through Grand Bend to examine the town’s accessibility and the findings of our study – which is as comprehensive as possible in the time we had – are included in the next few pages.
The results are disturbing, but should surprise few. Our rural communities are old, with some buildings erected more than 100 years ago. Many have one or several steps before you can access the door. These steps are instant barriers to accessing a business, a legacy our ancestors handed down that stops many from shopping in our stores, eating in our restaurants, playing our games, and enjoying our culture.
It’s true that some people will risk the business lost by sticking to the theory that they don’t get a lot of people in wheelchairs, but do you ever wonder why people in wheelchairs aren’t customers? They can’t get through the front door! Shockingly, many of the businesses with steps cater to older customers, the same people who are more likely to have mobility issues. Maintain a “don’t get many” attitude, and you’ll notice you have fewer customers with mobility every year.
I do realize Grand Bend is a beach town. Yes, it has a short season for the businesses on the main strip. Maybe it’s time to change that. I have been an supporter of moves to make Grand Bend’s main street work year-round since my return to the area last year, and I know there are many who would like to see the same change happen. Businesses on Highway 21 seem to be able to stay open year-round. How can those businesses stay open, while the Main Street ones can’t? One way is to change your market to the people who live here (and who, by the way, have money, too).
We’ve all heard a lot about the community plan and proposed changes that will cost taxpayer money to make the town more pedestrian friendly and attractive.
One of the first steps in that progress was this month’s opening of the beach house elevator. That’s where I met Rick Lewcock, who lost the ability to use most of his body in a car crash 17 years ago. He was excited to be able to see the view from the beach house roof. But the elevator is more than the key to a nice view. It is a way to remove a barrier to access. It’s a small step toward giving equal access to one location in our community we all take for granted.
I wanted to see what Rick could and couldn’t access – on his own and without any assistance from anyone – wherever the sidewalk could take him in Grand Bend (I assessed Parkhill independently and will assess Exeter for a future issue).
Our journey through the streets opened both of our eyes to the empirical evidence about what is and what is not accessible. Rick was reminded of places he has never been able to access, but was pleasantly surprised to find he could access others.
Our study is not intended to embarrass you or your business. Perhaps you are not aware of the way the construction of your building limits access for your customers. If a change needs to be made, perhaps it is as simple as moving some clothing racks or boxes on the floor, changing the way a door swings, or pouring a little bit of cement. For others, major changes are needed, and perhaps it’s not feasible for you right now.
That said, whatever business you are in, you have until 2025 to make your building meet Ontario building code requirements for accessibility, and standards must also be met for the customer service, communications, transportation and employment. The rules will affect you eventually, so now’s a good time to think about how your business sets limits to access.
I can see why the community plan so heavily favours accessibility. It’s going to take time and money to make change happen, but it is a good reason to change. I may not agree with all of the details (e.g. the bridge through the yacht club confuses me), but the overall plan makes sense when you look at how our community is changing.
Change is happening, and it is a good thing (for the most part). The question you need to ask: Are you part of the problem or part of the solution?

Alternative View
By Anjhela Michielsen

Male/female. Caucasian/non-Caucasian. Straight/gay. Able/disabled. Civilized/savage. Rich/poor. Rational/emotional. Mind/body. Normal/abnormal.
All of these pairs appear to be polar opposites. But in every set, in Western thinking, one part is privileged over the other. One is seen as “having” while the other is seen as “lacking.” This is called a binary. This ideology perpetuates Western power structures, which privilege white, straight, “civilized” men.
Let’s examine the ability/disability binary. “Able” is privileged over “disabled,” but who decides what is ability and what is disability? If you break it down, it’s actually “invented” by us: people in a culture or society who behave according to the ideas of the binary and follow certain rules. Therefore, our society is economically and physically built to privilege the “able” bodied individual creating the limitations that hinder all people from accessing and independently enjoying all aspects of public life, including working, shopping, recreating, traveling and worshipping.
As an “able” bodied individual, I take many things for granted. I am able to move freely in the physical construction of society without struggle, not often stopping to consider what it would be like if – because of my physical state – I weren’t able to step up one step to get the medical prescription I need without calling someone to get it for me, or being limited to certain clothing stores because most in our area are not accessible. This realization has made me look deeper into how I’ve been privileged as an able-bodied person in our society, and how I perpetuate oppression, and this is the first step to being part of the solution.
So, is there such as thing as “disability?” Or is it something that we, as a society, have created because of binary thinking, placing the rights of able-bodied people over those with other physical situations?
How can we, as a community, break the binary?

Rick Lewcock: “You’re used to doing things on your own, and that stops.”

Southcott Pines resident Rick Lewcock has used a wheelchair for the last 17 years after a car rollover left him unable to use most of his body. He is now a member of the Lambton Shores accessibility committee.

As told to Casey Lessard

It was August 25, 1991. We were coming back from the Michigan International Speedway and we were just outside West Lorne. The car went into the gravel and flipped eight times. I sustained a neck injury, C-5, C-6 vertebrae. I’ve been in a wheelchair ever since.
That day, I remember coming to from time to time and people talking to me. I remember the ride in the ambulance. I remember being in the emergency room. From then it’s just all a blur. I think I went into shock because my family said they came up to see me and I was alert, but I don’t remember that at all. I think I was pretty medicated.
I was in intensive care and that was a blur. I had sustained a neck injury plus the bottom of my buttocks was burned because the car caught fire. I also shattered my right elbow. They were able to put it back together, but I’m limited in my use of it.
I can use from my chest up. I have limited use of my hands. I can hold a glass. I don’t have fine motor skills for picking up small things. If I dropped a penny on the floor, it would take me a while to pick it up.
I met with the surgeon at Parkwood a couple months after the accident. When he did the surgery on my neck, I know he came out to my parents and was quite hopeful that I wasn’t going to be paralyzed because there wasn’t a lot of damage he could see. A lot of times when you do have a spinal cord injury, it’s the swelling that does a lot of the damage. Even three months, I was still hopeful I would walk again. I don’t think they ever said I wouldn’t. There’s always hope.
I was in Parkwood six months for my rehabilitation, but your real rehabilitation starts when you leave hospital. That’s when you hit the barriers for things you could do but can’t do now. I think that’s probably when it really sank in. You’re used to doing things and getting around on your own, and that stops. You have to rely on people.
It’s tough. Relying on someone to make your meals, clean your house, go to the grocery store. You can’t go out yourself and you have to rely on somebody else. When you stop and think about it, everything you do is a challenge.
I was a very outgoing person before my accident. I used to camp and I loved the outdoors. The accident was the end of the road for me working. I worked at Ford Motor Company in Talbotville. There’s no way I can go back to that; it’s impossible. You have to work your way through that and move forward. Change your way of thinking and carry on.
Most of the time I’m in my manual wheelchair. The power chair is for long walks so someone doesn’t have to push you all the time. My house is completely accessible. I drive my own van and am able to travel a fair distance.
Independence is important. No one wants to depend on somebody else. I have my own home and can live somewhat independently. You still need to rely on others; at least I do. I’m limited to what I can do as far as dressing and making meals. They’re almost impossible for me to do. Bayshore and March of Dimes come in the morning to get me washed and dressed. The rest of the day I’m doing woodworking with my brother. I can put myself to bed, so I have that freedom.
This house was a cottage to begin with, and eight years ago I got a divorce and chose to move up here full time. London was too busy for me. Here in Southcott Pines, I have the trees and it’s cool. I spend a lot more time outside here.
The elevator is a big excitement for me because it was supposed to be installed for the 2001 Summer Games. I was disappointed then that it wasn’t installed, but now that it is installed it’s great, it has a beautiful view and it’s going to benefit a lot of people.
There are so many barriers still. You can’t get into buildings, they don’t have proper ramps, the washrooms are inaccessible. I can see now I’m limited to certain businesses. It would be great if people thought about it for a minute. It’s only going to benefit them financially. There might be something in there I would like to buy, but if I can’t get in, I’m not going to buy anything.
The town needs to improve some of the infrastructure. And they will. It’s going to take time and money. I’m sure that’s what’s holding a lot of businesses back. We are a town that’s seasonal, and people don’t have the money to spend on ramps and accessible washrooms. Hopefully, as Grand Bend grows, people will start spending the money to do those things.
I don’t think a lot of people realize how difficult it is to get around and into places. They see a little bump and think, He can get in there. That’s a barrier to me. I don’t want to go into a place where someone has to help me go in, because I know I can’t leave on my own.
The biggest thing for me is not depending on people. The biggest challenge is trying to be as independent as I can be.

By Casey Lessard with Rick Lewcock, member of Lambton Shores accessibility committee

166 Grand Bend businesses surveyed
40% are 100% inaccessible by wheelchair
Only 1/3 have wheelchair parking
1 in 5 has a powered door opener
Grand Bend’s average mark (on Strip survey): 47%
Full results: Grand Bend wheelchair accessibility

53 Parkhill core businesses surveyed
41% are 100% inaccessible by wheelchair
Only 4 locations have wheelchair parking
Seven have a powered door opener
Parkhill downtown’s average mark (on Strip survey): 42%
Full results: Parkhill wheelchair accessibility

We assessed 166 businesses in Grand Bend, from the beach in the west, to the Grand Bend Community Health Centre in the east, to Oakwood Inn in the north and G.B. Posh in the south. We also included some major tourist attractions just outside of town, including the Huron Country Playhouse, Grand Bend Motorplex, and Pinery Antique Flea and Farmers’ Market.

Our eight criteria for assessment were as follows, each with equal weight (if a business did not offer the facility for its walking customers, we did not assess that criterion):
1 – Does the facility offer wheelchair parking on site?
2 – Is there a level entry to the building? If there was a step, the business automatically received zero on the assessment.
3 – Can the entry door accommodate a motorized wheelchair? Our standard was 36” wide.
4 – Does the door have assistive power, where a person can press a button to open the door or it opens automatically?
5 – Can a person sitting in a wheelchair see over the counter?
6 – Are aisles easy to navigate through the entire store?
7 – Can someone in a motorized wheelchair use the washroom?
8 – If tables are offered, are they high enough to accommodate a person using a wheelchair?

Downtown

Colonial (Restaurant/Bar)
1 Main Street West
519-238-2371
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Aisles are passable. 75% accessible washroom. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.
Parking in back is better than parking in front (front spots are too steep). Rod & Gun entry bump is too high to maneouver safely. Some obstructions between restaurant and bar on our visit.

Gables (Bar)
5 Main Street West
519-238-2371
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Aisles are passable. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.

Honey Milk (Retail)
8 Main Street West

Huckleberries (Café)
10 Main Street West
519-238-5740
Level entry or ramp. Aisles are passable. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.
Patio Seating only

Bikini Bob’s (Bar)
11 Main Street West
519-238-2235

Café aux Sables (Café)
13 Main Street West
519-238-2224

Pura Vida (Clothing)
13 Main Street West
519-238-2224

Beauty & the Beach (Hair Salon)
14 Main Street West
519-238-6520
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.

Grand Bend Heating Plus (Heating & Cooling)
14 Main Street West
519-238-6707
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.

BJ’s Diner (Diner)
15 Main Street West
519-878-6666
Level entry or ramp. Counters are at reachable height. 100% accessible washroom. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.

Knockout Fashions (Clothing)
16 Main Street West
519-238-2903

Tender Spot (Variety)
20 Main Street West
519-238-2512
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Powered door. Counters are at reachable height.
Enter through exit only. Once in, no aisles are passable.

Beer Wear (Clothing)
23 Main Street West
519-238-5402
Wheelchair Parking.

J Dee’s (Restaurant)
23 Main Street West
519-238-5402
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable. 100% accessible washroom. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.

Kieswetter Interiors (Design Studio)
3 Queen Street Place
519-238-2157
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door.

Mike Dilts (Goldsmith)
4 Queen Street Place
519-238-5967
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.

Hemptations (Retail)
6 Queen Street Place
519-238-5845
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.

Grand Bend United Church (Worship)
25 Main Street West
519-238-2402
Wheelchair Parking.
Can park, but can’t get into church. Some worship is outside on lawn.

Grand Bend Hardware (Hardware)
28 Main Street West
519-238-2552

Bum Bum (Clothing)
29 Main Street West
519-238-5881

Sea Jewels (Accessories)
30 Main Street West
519-238-6883
Small bump at side door – could easily accommodate ramp.

Jalapeños (Mexican food)
32 Main Street West
519-238-2632
Level entry or ramp. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.

Fawn & Brindle (Clothing)
33 Main Street West

Magic Girl (Clothing)
33 Main Street West
519-238-1323

Eat a Pita/Eat za Pizza (Takeout)
35 Main Street West
Level entry or ramp. Counters are at reachable height.

Frosty Stone Creamery (Ice Cream)
37 Main Street West

Static (Clothing)
39 Main Street West
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.

Island Beach Co. (Clothing)
40 Main Street West
519-238-1234

Bluenotes (Clothing)
41 Main Street West

Archie’s Emporium (Candy)
42 Main Street West

Grand Bend Clothing Co. (Clothing)
47 Main Street West
519-238-2358

Ripples (Clothing)
48 Main Street West
519-238-2875
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.

Village Green (Mini-golf)
48 Main Street West
519-238-2428
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height.
Wheelchair user can get through gate, but playing a round would be impossible.

Holiday Plaza (Arcade)
50 Main Street West
519-238-5731

Perfect Image (Tattoo Parlour)
51 Main Street West
519-238-1649

Archie’s (Clothing)
55 Main Street West
519-238-2720

OPP (Police)
58 Main Street West
519-238-2345
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Powered door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable. 100% accessible washroom. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.

Little Gino’s (Takeout)
61 Main Street West
519-615-5454

Coco’s (Bar)
62 Main Street West
519-238-5140

Bangkok Pad Thai (Takeout)
63 Main Street West
Level entry or ramp. Counters are at reachable height.

Chameleon (Accessories)
63 Main Street West
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.

Spud Shack (French Fries)
63 Main Street West
Level entry or ramp. Counters are at reachable height.

Bikiniland (Clothing)
67 Main Street West
519-238-6754
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.

Batting Cages (Batting Cages)
68 Main Street West
519-615-5454
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height.

Yögen Früz (Frozen Yogurt)
68 Main Street West
519-615-5454
Level entry or ramp. Counters are at reachable height. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.

Cheryl Ann (Ice Cream)
71 Main Street West
519-238-1092
Level entry or ramp. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.

Mini-Putt (Mini-golf)
72 Main Street West
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.
A wheelchair user can navigate most of course, but would not be able to complete any holes.

Splash (Clothing)
72 Main Street West
519-238-8430
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.

Missy’s (Ice Cream)
75 Main Street West
Level entry or ramp. Counters are at reachable height.

Dairy Dip (Ice Cream)
76 Main Street West
519-238-6408
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.

Dairy Queen (Ice Cream)
77 Main Street West
519-238-6952
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height.

Jiggy (Clothing)
77 Main Street West

Time for a Break (Juice Bar)
77 Main Street West
519-238-6237
Level entry or ramp. Aisles are passable.

Twisted Sisters (Hair Salon)
77 Main Street West
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Aisles are passable.

Kazwear (Clothing)
80 Main Street West
519-238-8126
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.

Tropical Trends (Clothing)
82 Main Street West
519-238-5624

Apropos (Clothing)
83 Main Street West
519-238-2511

Ripples (Clothing)
84 Main Street West
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height.

Lakeview Café (Restaurant)
85 Main Street West
519-238-2622
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable. 75% accessible washroom. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.
Washroom in back restaurant only, where hours are different. Must ask for assistance to get access to them.

Growling Gator (Restaurant)
86 Main Street West
519-238-1300
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable. 100% accessible washroom. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.

Beach House (Municipal)
1 Government Road
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Powered door. Counters are at reachable height. 100% accessible washroom.

Bonnie Doone Manor on the Beach (Accommodation)
16 Government Road
519-238-2236
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable. 50% accessible washroom.
Can access rooms only, but registration desk is inaccessible by wheelchair.

River Road

Grand Bend Yacht Club (Private Club)
55 River Road
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. 75% accessible washroom. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.

Public Washroom (Washroom)
56 River Road
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. 25% accessible washroom.

Purdy’s Fish & Chips (Restaurant)
59 River Road
519-238-8044
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.

River Road Gallery (Art Gallery)
63 River Road
519-238-6874
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Aisles are passable.

Canada Border Services Agency (Government)
91 River Road
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. 50% accessible washroom.

Dockage (Municipal)
91 River Road
519-238-6676
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Aisles are passable. 50% accessible washroom.

Laundromat (Laundry)
91 River Road
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Aisles are passable. 50% accessible washroom.

North of Downtown (Highway 21/Ontario Street North)

Grand Bend Youth Centre (Community)
16 Municipal Drive
519-238-1155
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. 100% accessible washroom.
Assessment incomplete

Royal Canadian Legion (Service Club)
20 Municipal Drive
519-238-2120
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable. 100% accessible washroom. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.

Lambton Shores Municipal Office (Municipal)
4 Ontario Street North
519-238-8461
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Powered door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable. 100% accessible washroom.
Assessment incomplete

Bank of Montreal (Banking)
6 Ontario Street North
519-238-2475
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Powered door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.

The Beer Store (Beer)
21 Ontario Street North
519-238-2356
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Powered door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.

Sutton Realty (Real Estate)
26 Ontario Street North
519-238-8000

Back ‘n Time (Diner)
31 Ontario Street North
519-238-1955
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable. 100% accessible washroom. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.

Mac’s Convenience (Variety)
31 Ontario Street North
519-238-5664
Wheelchair Parking.
Garbage can obstructs business access for wheelchair users. Could be fixed by moving can to opposite side of door.

Royal Lepage Heartland (Real Estate)
31 Ontario Street North
519-238-1800
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.

Subway (Restaurant)
32 Ontario Street North
519-238-6771

Grandpa Jimmy’s Scottish Bakery (Bakery)
34 Ontario Street North
519-238-5055
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.

Grand Bend Fitness Centre (Health)
37 Ontario Street North
519-238-3488
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable. 100% accessible washroom. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.

Tim Horton’s (Café)
39 Ontario Street North
519-238-1488
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable. 100% accessible washroom. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.

Desjardine Wealth Management
45 Ontario Street North
519-238-6399

Waypoint Financial Group – Brian Hall (Financial)
45 Ontario Street North
519-238-8892

Accents Hair and Gift Studio (Hair Salon)
47 Ontario Street North
519-238-1010

ELS & Company
47 Ontario Street North
519-238-2199

Grand Bend Veterinary Services (Veterinary)
47 Ontario Street North
519-238-5055

Angie’s Laundromat (Laundry)
48 Ontario Street North

Farm Gate Outlet (Food)
48 Ontario Street North
519-238-5761
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.

Salon 8180 (Hair Salon)
48 Ontario Street North
519-238-8180
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.

The Co-operators – Chuck Hall (Insurance)
48 Ontario Street North
519-238-8651
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door.

Green Haven Trailer Park
56 Ontario Street North
519-238-7275

Lakeshore Advance (Newspaper)
58 Ontario Street North
519-238-5383

Robert Q Travel (Travel Agent)
58 Ontario Street North
519-238-6666

William Kennedy (Lawyer)
58 Ontario Street North

Oakwood Inn Office (Accommodation)
Highway 21 North
519-238-2324
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable. 100% accessible washroom. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.
Front door inaccessible by wheelchair; to register, wheelchair users must use conference room entrance, which is inaccessible when conference room is in use.

Oakwood Inn Pub (Pub)
Highway 21 North
519-238-2324
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Powered door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable. 100% accessible washroom. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.

East of Downtown

Grand Bend Chamber of Commerce (Chamber)
1 81 Crescent
519-238-2001
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable. 100% accessible washroom.

Gaiser Kneale (Insurance)
2 81 Crescent
519-238-8484
Assessment incomplete

RBC Dominion Securities (Financial)
2 81 Crescent
519-238-1100
Assessment incomplete

House of Fashions (Clothing)
15 Sauble Road
519-238-1077
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.

Steve’s Automotive (Automotive)
16 81 Crescent
519-238-2475
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.

Schoolhouse Restaurant (Restaurant)
19 81 Crescent
519-238-5515
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable. 100% accessible washroom. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.

Canada Post (Post Office)
20 81 Crescent
519-238-8080
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Powered door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.

Baillie’s Picture Framing (Art)
22 81 Crescent
519-238-1472
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door.
Ramp leads to back of store; no access to gallery and cash register.

TD Canada Trust (Banking)
24 81 Crescent
519-238-8435
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Powered door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable. 100% accessible washroom. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.

HMS Insurance (Insurance)
30 81 Crescent
519-238-2692
Wheelchair Parking.

The Fisher Corporation (Accountants)
30 81 Crescent
519-238-6095
Wheelchair Parking.

Church of God (Worship)
8 Gill Road
519-238-2142
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door.

Grand Bend Public School (Education)
15 Gill Road
519-238-2091
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Powered door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable. 100% accessible washroom. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.

Patio Motel (Accommodation)
40 Main Street East
519-238-2431

Grand Bend Optometry Clinic (Optical)
43 Main Street East
519-238-6086
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable. 100% accessible washroom. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.

Sobey’s (Grocery)
55 Main Street East
519-238-8944
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Powered door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.

Movie Gallery (Video Rentals)
63 Main Street East
519-238-1161
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.

Shoppers Drug Mart (Pharmacy)
65 Main Street East
519-238-8540
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Powered door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.

Grand Bend Community Health Centre (Medical)
69 Main Street East
519-238-1556
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Powered door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable. 100% accessible washroom. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.

Grand Cove Estates Sales Office (Real Estate)
Highway 81
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.

Huron Country Playhouse (Theatre)
B Line
519-238-6000
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable. 100% accessible washroom. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.

Grand Bend Motorplex (Attraction)
Highway 81
519-238-7223
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. 100% accessible washroom.
Assessment incomplete

South of Downtown

Garden Gate (Florist)
15 Ontario Street South
519-238-1701
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.

New Orleans (Pizza)
15 Ontario Street South
519-238-6868

Cranbury Lane (Retail)
20 Ontario Street South
519-238-1120

Gilpin Visitation and Cremation Centre (Funeral)
22 Ontario Street South
519-296-4964
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Aisles are passable.
Assessment incomplete

Coldwell Banker (Real Estate)
25 Ontario Street South
519-238-7355

Riverbend Bar & Grill (Bar)
26 Ontario Street South
519-238-6919

Salon 21 (Hair Salon)
27 Ontario Street South
519-933-3376

Jeffrey Hudson Hair Design (Hair Salon)
28 Ontario Street South
519-238-4247

Wags Pet Grooming (Pet Care)
28 Ontario Street South
519-238-3647

Small Wonders (Clothing)
30 Ontario Street South
519-238-6726

The Grapevine (Wine)
30 Ontario Street South
519-238-9463

G.L. Barclay Insurance (Insurance)
34 Ontario Street South
519-238-6790

Century 21 (Real Estate)
38 Ontario Street South
519-238-8321
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.
Wheelchair parking across Highway 21.

Hair Bend’rs (Hair Salon)
38 Ontario Street South
519-238-8822
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.
Wheelchair parking across Highway 21.

Sport-Med (Health)
38 Ontario Street South
519-238-1444
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable. 100% accessible washroom.
Wheelchair parking across Highway 21.

The Co-operators – MacDermid & Associates (Insurance)
38 Ontario Street South
519-238-1781
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.
Wheelchair parking across Highway 21.

F.I.N.E A Restaurant (Restaurant)
42 Ontario Street South
519-238-6224
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable. 100% accessible washroom. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.
Nicest washroom in town.

Mortgage Intelligence (Financial)
45 Ontario Street South
519-238-4663

Benjamin Moore (Paint)
46 Ontario Street South
519-238-0181
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.

Jud Bumstead (Financial)
46 Ontario Street South
519-238-4729
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.

Re/Max (Real Estate)
46 Ontario Street South
519-238-5700
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.

Apropos After Five (Clothing)
47 Ontario Street South
519-238-6776
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.

Grand Bend Convenience/Esso (Variety/Gasoline)
48 Ontario Street South
519-238-5706

Sharen GMAC (Real Estate)
51 Ontario Street South
519-238-2303
Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.
Proprieter is planning a wheelchair ramp to match current porch upgrade.

Grand Bend Chiropractic Health Centre (Health)
54 Ontario Street South
519-238-1111

Twigs Floral Co. (Florist)
54 Ontario Street South
519-238-1262
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.

Pro Hardware (Hardware)
57 Ontario Street South
519-238-5500
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.

Gospel Hall (Worship)
64 Ontario Street South
519-238-2820

Peckitt’s Men’s Wear (Clothing)
78 Ontario Street South
519-238-6165

Jennifer Tully (Massage Therapy)
82 Ontario Street South

Michael Forrester (Lawyer)
82 Ontario Street South
519-238-5297

Denny’s Drive-in (Ice Cream)
86 Ontario Street South

Havasu/Jackson Construction (Construction)
98 Ontario Street South
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.
Only half of store is accessible

House of Flags (Flags and Banners)
98 Ontario Street South
519-238-3524
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.
Only half of store is accessible

No Frills (Grocery)
98 Ontario Street South
519-238-6211
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Powered door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable. 100% accessible washroom.

Green Bucks (Discount Store)
99 Ontario Street South
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Powered door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.

Greene’s Optical (Optical)
99 Ontario Street South
519-238-3937
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.

LCBO (Liquor)
99 Ontario Street South
519-238-2191
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Powered door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.

Pizza Delight (Restaurant)
99 Ontario Street South
519-238-8330
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable. 100% accessible washroom. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.

Pine Dale Motor Inn (Accommodation)
107 Ontario Street South
519-238-2231
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Aisles are passable.
Wheelchair users can stay the night, but can’t register or access washrooms.

Bluewater Motel (Accommodation)
121 Ontario Street South
519-238-2014

Aunt Gussie’s (Restaurant)
135 Ontario Street South
519-238-6786
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable. 50% accessible washroom. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.
Men’s washroom inaccessible for motorized wheelchair, but accessible for manual chairs. Women’s washroom is fully accessible.

GB Posh (Retail)
139 Ontario Street South
519-238-7674

Best’s Ice Cream (Ice Cream)
Highway 21 South
519-238-6196

Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church (Worship)
Highway 21 South
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Powered door.

Lakeshore Laundry (Laundry)
Highway 21 South
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.

Pinery Antique Flea Market (Flea Market)
Highway 21 South
519-238-8382
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable. 100% accessible washroom. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.
One area of one building is not accessible (ramps are too steep).

Home Town Memories (Bed & Breakfast)
108 Main Street
519-294-1118
Did not assess

Hensall District Co-op (Farm Supply)
192 Main Street
519-294-6252

All Seasons (Automotive)
193 Main Street
519-294-0676

Deuzeman Animal Clinic (Veterinary)
196 Main Street
519-294-0243

Bluewater Counselling Services (Counselling)
197 Main Street

HMS Maclachlan (Insurance)
197 Main Street
519-294-6871

The Fisher Corporation (Accountants)
197 Main Street
519-294-0340

The Right Path (Counselling)
197 Main Street
519-294-6345

Thomson & Hamilton (Accountants)
197 Main Street
519-294-0883

Waters Feed & Seed
141 King Street
519-294-6392
Did not assess

Parkhill Gazette (Newspaper)
165 King Street
519-294-6264

Tickle Trunk (Thrift)
173 King Street
519-294-0563

Northwest Middlesex Multi-Service Centre (Government)
185 King Street
519-294-0442
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable. 100% accessible washroom. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.
Features computer desks that are elevated for wheelchair customers.

Accentual (Hair Salon)
206 Main Street
519-294-6522

Four Seasons (Gifts)
210 Main Street
519-294-6617
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.

The Currant (Organic Store)
216 Main Street
519-294-1025
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.

OPP/Licence Office (Government)
218 Main Street
519-294-0351
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.

Kelli’s (Restaurant)
226 Main Street
519-294-0199
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable. 100% accessible washroom. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.

Municipal Offices (Municipal)
229 Main Street
519-294-6244
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. 100% accessible washroom. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.

Frontier Flowers (Florist)
230 Main Street
519-294-6994
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.

Canada Post (Post Office)
231 Main Street
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.

Bertha Wolf (Optometrist)
232 Main Street
519-294-6767
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable. 100% accessible washroom. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.

Middlesex Public Library (Library)
233 Main Street
519-294-6583
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Powered door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.

Andrea’s Dance Studio (Dance)
237 Main Street
519-294-8822

Second Blessings (Thrift)
237 Main Street
519-294-0271

RECreative Art (Art Supplies)
184 Mill Street
519-294-0069
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable. 100% accessible washroom. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.

IDA (Pharmacy)
238 Main Street
519-294-6314

Sharon’s of Hyde Park (Clothing)
241 Main Street
519-294-8886

North Middlesex Auto Supply (Automotive)
242 Main Street
519-294-6224

CIBC (Bank)
244 Main Street
519-294-6291
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Powered door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.

Star Dust Dinner Theatre (Entertainment)
245 Main Street
519-294-1141

Pines Mini Mart (Variety)
248 Main Street
519-294-8881
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height.

Wagner Chiropractic (Medical)
251 Main Street
519-294-0373

Ming’s Chinese (Restaurant)
252 Main Street
519-294-0099
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable. 100% accessible washroom. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.

Lickity Split (Ice Cream)
257 Main Street
519-294-0752

Parkhill Variety (Variety)
260 Main Street
519-294-0600
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.

Sydenham Credit Union (Bank)
260 Main Street
519-294-6277
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Powered door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.

The Co-operators (Insurance)
260 Main Street
519-294-6228
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Powered door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.

Walden & Walden (Lawyer)
260 Main Street
519-294-6831
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.

Carrie’s Hair Design (Hair Salon)
221 Anna Street
519-294-0703
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.

M. Box & Son Funeral Home (Funerals)
183 Broad Street
519-294-6382
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door.
Assessment incomplete.

Royal Canadian Legion (Club)
200 Broad Street
519-294-6261
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable. 100% accessible washroom. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.

Grammie’s (Pizza)
264 Main Street
519-294-0183
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.

Home Hardware (Hardware)
264 Main Street
519-294-6200
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height.

LCBO (Liquor)
264 Main Street
519-294-6694
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Powered door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.

North Middlesex Community Health Centre (Health)
268 Main Street
519-294-6881
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Powered door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable. 100% accessible washroom. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.

Bender’s Foodland (Grocery)
269 Main Street
519-294-6215
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Powered door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.

Re/Max (Real Estate)
273 Main Street
519-294-6260

Country Collectibles (Antiques)
274 Main Street
519-294-6263

Grace Bible Chapel (Worship)
277 Main Street
519-294-0211
Wheelchair Parking. Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Aisles are passable. Tables can accommodate wheelchairs.
Assessment incomplete.

Beginnings II (Fitness)
280 Main Street
519-243-2803
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door.
Assessment incomplete.

Dove Dental Clinic (Dentist)
280 Main Street
519-294-0151
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door.
Assessment incomplete.

Office & Beyond (Office Supplies)
282 Main Street
519-294-0912

Rempel’s Service Centre (Automotive)
287 Main Street
519-294-6302
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.

Parkhill Outdoor Products (Agricultural)
296 Main Street
519-294-0659
Level entry or ramp. Wheelchairs can get through door. Counters are at reachable height. Aisles are passable.

Great Canadian Hideaway (Camping)
32910 Centre Road
519-294-6333
Did not assess

Mitchell’s RONA (Lumber/Hardware)
2211 Elginfield Road
519-294-6755
Did not assess

Tim Horton’s (Café)
2277 Elginfield Road
519-294-1052
Did not assess

Johnson’s Sanitation (Washroom Rentals)
2312 Elginfield Road
519-294-6954
Did not assess

Tonight from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Grand Bend Youth Centre, amateur artists with the Grand Bend Art Association host a year end show for their members. They’d love for you to attend!

How a former Grand Bend entrepreneur made his way into the movies and became an Internet star

By Casey Lessard

Sarnia native and Kitchener resident Robert Stirrett opened a hot dog and hamburger stand for his brothers in the 1970s. Today, Stirrett is a Flickr sensation, posting photographs that consist of two images fused and therefore called a PhotoFusion, which is his Flickr name.
Back in the early 70s, I ran the Ponderosa off Ipperwash. I ran a riding stable for a couple of summers, and then I rented for my brothers (thinking they’d want to do it) a hot dog and hamburger stand on Main Street Grand Bend. There was lots of business, but my brothers didn’t want to run it unless it was the weekend, so we kept it shut during the week. To make any money, you had to wait around for the bar crowd from across the street to let out.
In 1979, I was running a shoe store in Petrolia and I came into some money ($3500). I had always wanted to travel, so my brothers took over the store.
I was with a group that takes about two months to go from London to Katmandu. You get in the back of an army truck and you go all through Europe and Turkey. Then you go into Iran. I got out of Iran three days before the hostage crisis in 1979.
We went into Pakistan and went up to Srinagar in Kashmir. I wound up in New Delhi and they had a sign at the camp where we were staying looking for extras. I was a day late, but I went to the hotel to see what it was all about. They said, “You’re Canadian, can you work for three months?” and I said, Sure. Because I was Canadian I didn’t need a visa.
I was hired to be a stand-in for David Niven for The Sea Wolves with Roger Moore and Gregory Peck. A stand-in stays with the actor at all times and when the actor goes to wardrobe and makeup, you have to be their height and same skin tone, so you become the actor when the director sets the lighting and the camera.
It became more than stand-in work. Three days later, they had difficulty finding extras to play German and British soldiers. They had a big dance scene in New Delhi before they flew us to Goa. I said, Why don’t you use the people from the embassy? So they sent me to all the different embassies and wound up getting all the people to work for free. They hired me and I became an assistant to the director – without the title. I did all the hiring of all the extras throughout the movie. They paid me well and I had a blast.
Goa was Portuguese for 400 years. They had hired all these Sunday school teachers to play hookers and they told them they were playing party girls. They were Indian, but Portuguese Catholic. None of the local girls would do it because they’d be tainted for life for playing a prostitute in a brothel. They all quit and we needed them for this big scene. I went to an all-nude beach and found the girls with the darkest tans to do it.
I was in Sri Lanka when I had a chance to go down to film Indiana Jones; Steven Spielberg came up to recruit people for Temple of Doom. But I wanted to go to Nepal first and then to Thailand. I wound up in Bangkok and I knew The Killing Fields was going to be filmed. The director, Roland Joffe, had just won the Oscar for Chariots of Fire. I immediately got hired because I had experience. It was probably the most intense of all the movies I worked on. I was in a scene with Craig T. Nelson (who was the star of the TV series Coach). That’s my big scene.
I started doing Toronto skyline pictures in 1998, and I always look for a good beach. Grand Bend’s got a perfect beach for it because it has the beach house. Some of my best pictures are out of Grand Bend.
I know what I’m looking for. You have to match shadows, but it’s a really simple process. Now with computers, it’s amazing what you can do with them.
I invented a comb that you put in your wallet and to go along with the comb, I thought there should be a mirror. I wanted pictures on the back of the mirror for advertising, and Toronto has four million people, so I thought they would sell if I had a nice picture of the skyline. I went over to Toronto island, and found it difficult to get the swans to match the sky, so I started slicing with a razor blade across the harbour and put another bottom in.
I’m having fun with these pictures and am getting a great response. I haven’t had a day under 1,000 hits for about two months now. You get comments from around the world and I’ve been able to resurrect a whole pile of my old pictures.
To see more of Robert Stirrett’s work, visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/BlairStirrett

By Casey Lessard

A film classic opens the Huron Country Playhouse 2008 season as Grand Theatre artistic director Susan Ferley directs My Fair Lady, running June 3 until June 21.
Encountering Eliza Doolittle, a “curbstone flower girl with a lower class Cockney accent” on the street, linguist Henry Higgins believes he can transform her into a duchess. A fellow linguist, Colonel Pickering, wagers he cannot, and Higgins accepts the wager.
Mairi Babb plays Eliza, Doug Hughes plays Higgins, and Keith Dinicol plays Col. Pickering.
“It’s a great story based on George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion,” Ferley says. “So many of the songs within this musical stood on their own and have been recorded endlessly over the years.”
“George Bernard Shaw is talking about how society can define itself in such archaic ways and he finds some humour in how the upper classes behave. Ultimately, he makes the point that at its base, there’s a humanity that unites us all.”
One hundred years later, it seems the tables have turned for the Henry Higgins’ of the world: the upper class is turning to the Cockney accent.
“What we found in our research for this play is now, the Cockney sound is viewed as attractive. Jamie Oliver the chef has made it a popular sound. What’s happening now is the younger people who would be part of the upper class don’t want to separate themselves to that degree. They’re often adapting their sound to a street sound. But it’s almost 100 years later that we’re hearing and recognizing a change.
“There still are class distinctions. But it’s less to do with how you sound and look.”
No matter how you sound or look, Ferley wants to see you in the theatre to enjoy the atmosphere created by the cast and crew.
“There’s a lovely spirit around this theatre. The people love what they do.”
If you want to be part of the spirit, the Playhouse is always looking for volunteers of a full range of ages to do various theatre tasks, and for housing for actors within the community.

If dad enjoys theatre, Brentwood on the Beach’s annual Breakfast with the Stars may be a perfect Father’s Day gift. Guests who book the weekend at the St. Joseph area bed and breakfast for the Father’s Day weekend get tickets to the Saturday evening performance of My Fair Lady and will dine with the play’s stars Sunday morning.
This is the 14th year for Joan and Peter Karstens’ event, and is part of a season-long promotion that earns Brentwood guests a 10% discount on tickets to Drayton’s Huron Country Playhouse performances.
To book your spot for the weekend, contact Joan Karstens at Brentwood on the Beach at 519-236-7137 or beachbnb at hay.net.
For more information, visit www.brentwoodonthebeach.com.