The Town of Saugeen Shores is one of the fastest-growing communities in Ontario. The population expanded by 16% since the last census… almost three times as quickly as the provincial growth rate. Two of the fastest-growing segments are children under 15 and those between 25-44. The region is home to Bruce Power, with its Life Extension Program securing approximately 27,000 jobs.

The Town’s traditional tourism economy is thriving. The population surges year-round, especially during the summer as tourists arrive to enjoy Lake Huron. After retirement, many people tend to remain or relocate to Saugeen Shores. Additionally, the number of residents aged 65 and older has grown by more than a third since the last census.

The new aquatic and wellness centre will help address the growing need for activities and facilities to serve this growing population, especially when you consider the current pool is nearing the end of its life cycle.
The Town is excited that Saugeen Shores is evolving into a regional hub and a community of choice for many new residents who embrace the beauty, vibrant lifestyle, and benefits of small-town, rural living.

The Town of Saugeen Shores plans to construct a new Aquatic and Wellness Centre (AWC) that will function as a recreational hub and destination facility for the region. The new facility will integrate recreational spaces to support the health and well-being of the Town’s regional residents and visitors, including youth, seniors, and those with disabilities. The new energy efficient AWC will be built upon, and adjacent to, the existing Saugeen Shores Community Complex (the Plex) in Port Elgin.

Aquatic Facility:

• 25 Meter Lap Pool with eight (8) Lanes
• Warm Water Leisure/ Therapeutic Pool with water features and bubbling jets
• Upper Viewing Deck overlooking the lap pool
• Main-Level Viewing Deck overlooking the Leisure pool
• Rock Climbing Wall and "Tarzan" Rope

Fitness & Wellness:

• Fitness Centre with Strength, Cardio, and Free Weight equipment
• Fitness Studio Space for group fitness classes and training
• 3-Lane indoor track
• Dual Gymnasium equipped for Badminton, Basketball, Pickleball, Volleyball, and more!

Common / Change Areas:

• 3 Fully equipped changerooms (Universal / Men's / Women's)
• Co-ed Steam Room (Universal Changeroom)
• Welcoming Lobbies and Lounge Spaces
• Multi-Use Program Rooms
• Meeting Rooms
• Storage, Mechanical, and Filtration Rooms

Outdoors and Greenspace:

• Increased Parking for the AWC, Municipal Office, and The Plex including an additional entrance off of Wellington Street
• Community Patio(s) located off the multi-use program room
• Increased Greenspace surrounding the AWC, Municipal Office, and The Plex

Designed with environmental sustainability at the forefront, this innovative facility will tie into the Town’s existing recreation infrastructure to create a space for community fitness, sports, and leisure activities available to all ages and abilities.

Community Engagement & Feedback:

• Public consultation sessions were held in August 2022 and Summer 2024 to gather input from residents.
• Feedback from these sessions directly influenced the Operations and Management Plan, ensuring the facility reflects community needs and priorities.
• In Spring 2025, staff hosted interactive pop-up sessions where community members could map their program interests on large scale timelines. This hands-on activity helped staff better understand preferred programming and scheduling needs.
• Staff met with local service clubs and sports organizations to see how they saw themselves accessing the AWC and to discuss their programming needs.

Designed for a Growing Community:

• The AWC is being developed in response to Saugeen Shores’ rapid population growth, especially among families and retirees.
• Community demographics and lifestyle trends were considered in planning the facility’s features, such as the pool, fitness areas, and wellness spaces.

Inclusive and Accessible Vision:

• The project emphasizes accessibility and inclusivity, shaped by community values and input.
• The facility will serve as a regional hub for recreation, wellness, and social connection, reflecting the town’s evolving identity