So you want to go to the beach this weekend, but you don't have a license, or a car, or you just don't feel like driving. Lakeshore might have the answer.
As of Saturday, the municipality will offer a free weekend shuttle bus between the Atlas Tube Recreation Centre and Lakeview Park West Beach.
"Our waterfront is a summer favourite for residents and visitors," said Executive Director of Community Services in Lakeshore, Vanessa Stratton. "As the area gets busier throughout the season, we're excited to offer a more convenient way for everyone to enjoy the beach while improving traffic and safety."
The bus will run every Friday, Saturday, and on holiday Mondays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The first bus will arrive at the Atlas Tube Recreation Centre at 10 a.m., and the final bus from Lakeview Park West Beach leaves at 4:45 p.m.
The pilot project is expected to improve access to the beach while reducing the need for parking. Lakeshore can assess ridership, community interest, and overall operational effectiveness throughout this summer season.
The beach bus program was approved by councillors during their June 9 meeting.
Meanwhile, Lakeshore asks visitors to only park in municipal parking lots. By-law compliance officers will patrol Lakeview Park West Beach and other popular destinations in the municipality.
It reminds visitors to the beach that the use of barbeques is prohibited under Lakeshore's Open Burning By-law, and the use of motorized vehicles is prohibited in Lakeshore parks.
