Alix Foundation funding helps shape future of downtown Forest parkette

Funding from the Judith & Norman Alix Foundation will help complete a new outdoor stage and community gathering space at the Downtown Forest Parkette as part of more than $715,000 awarded to local projects across Lambton County.

The Judith & Norman Alix Foundation has awarded more than $715,000 in grants to 15 capital projects across Lambton County this year, including funding that will help complete a major new community gathering space in downtown Forest.

Among the projects receiving support is the Downtown Forest Parkette Project, which was approved for $75,000 to help fund the construction of a permanent outdoor stage at the new King Street West parkette.

The Municipality of Lambton Shores purchased two vacant downtown lots in early 2024 following a fire, with plans to transform the space into a public gathering area for events, performances, and community programming. The overall project is expected to cost approximately $700,000.

The first phase of the project included utility servicing, surfacing work, restoration of a neighbouring brick wall, concrete walkways, plaza space, and electrical upgrades. Additional work currently underway includes landscaping and installation of flower planters, lit bollards, accessible seating with permanent shade structures, a bike repair station, and historical panels highlighting Forest’s history.

Plans for the outdoor stage are expected to move into the design phase in June, with construction anticipated later this year.

“We are incredibly grateful to The Judith & Norman Alix Foundation for supporting this project and investing in our community,” Lambton Shores Mayor Doug Cook said in a municipal release. “This funding helps bring our vision for the downtown Forest parkette to life and creates new opportunities for people to gather, connect, and enjoy community events in downtown Forest.”

Cook said the project evolved through collaboration between council, staff, community groups, and residents.

“This started with a simple idea to turn vacant space into something that brings people together, and became a true community effort,” he said. “From the early brainstorming stages through to the construction happening today, the collaboration between staff, council and community groups will transform two vacant lots into something really special.”

The Forest project was one of 15 initiatives supported this year through the Judith & Norman Alix Foundation, which has distributed more than $9.3 million toward community projects across Lambton County over the past three decades.

Other projects receiving funding this year include renovations at St. Vincent de Paul, a Bright’s Grove library and art gallery expansion, improvements in Oil Springs parks, renovations for BGC Sarnia-Lambton, a new van for the Inn of the Good Shepherd, and equipment upgrades for Theatre Sarnia and Point Edward-based PointSar Marine Rescue.