Strategy and Companion Guide

On April 13, 2026, the Saugeen Shores Active Transportation Wayfinding Signage Strategy was approved. Check out the strategy and hear the presentation and discussion during the meeting.

The Companion Guide is included as a supplemental document to the strategy. The guide includes signage concepts, community engagement results and the sign design manual for alignment with RTO7 standards.

Next Steps

Preparations will then begin with phased installation, ongoing maintenance, and continuous monitoring to ensure the system remains responsive to community needs and operational requirements through future business plans. The intent is that signage improvements are incorporated into operating budgets year after year to continuously improve network navigation.

The strategy is also a tool that can be used to incorporate active transportation signage into road reconstruction projects that integrate active transportation routes.

Project Overview

The Active Transportation Wayfinding Signage Strategy is a Town initiative to make it easier and more enjoyable for people to walk, cycle, and move actively through Saugeen Shores. This strategy will guide the design and placement of wayfinding signs along streets and off-street routes, helping residents and visitors navigate our community confidently and safely.

The outcomes of this project will:

  • Connect people with places by clearly marking routes to parks, trails, waterfront areas, and community destinations.
  • Promote active transportation as a healthy, sustainable way to travel.
  • Maintain clarity and motion with signage that is simple, logical, and easy to follow.
  • Ensure predictability and inclusivity so all users, including those with accessibility needs, can navigate comfortably.
Key components include a sign location plan and an implementation roadmap for phased installation. The strategy incorporates RTO7 standards and Great Lakes Waterfront Trail signage to align with regional tourism and trail systems. This project was developed in partnership with pl.ural (Stempski Kelly Associates Inc.), experts in municipal wayfinding design. This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada.

Active transportation (AT) refers to any form of human-powered travel, such as walking, cycling, or using mobility devices. It’s about moving through your community in ways that are healthy, environmentally friendly, and accessible.

Active transportation routes often include sidewalks, bike lanes, multi-use trails, and connections to community destinations, parks and waterfront areas.

By improving signage, the Town aims to make these routes easier to find and navigate, encouraging more people to choose active travel for commuting, recreation, and exploring local destinations.

Wayfinding is more than standalone signage; it's a thoughtful approach to help everyone navigate a facility or network comfortably. This wayfinding strategy is focused on navigating the Town's active transportation (AT) network. Effective in-person wayfinding starts with a user-focused plan that can be supported and supplemented through digital tools and resources.

Wayfinding creates clear routes, signs, and cues to simplify navigation and minimize confusion and stress. It blends design and human behavior, using visual language and spatial planning to lead people intuitively.

The Guiding Principles are:

  • Connecting People with Places
  • Promoting Active Travel
  • Maintaining Motion
  • Simple, Clear, and Logical
  • Predictable
  • Inclusive
  • Community-driven Design

Get Involved

Your input matters! The project includes opportunities to share feedback through this project page. This community engagement opportunity is open until February 25, 2026 at 12:00 noon.

Below are two options to Get Involved:

  • Option One (1): Complete the Active Transportation Wayfinding Signage survey below for proposed destinations, routes, and signage.
  • Option Two (2): Help us identify important amenities, routes and destinations for active transportation in Saugeen Shores that we missed. Review the map under option 2 and add markers for:
    • Added amenities, routes or destinations.
    • Areas for improvement or opportunity.
    • Areas where wayfinding signage is especially important.

Participate in either, or both engagement opportunities. Your input is valuable and will help shape the final Strategy.