The Town wants to create a new Community Improvement Plan (CIP) to support priority development and revitalization projects that align with many of the Town's -- and the County of Bruce's -- priorities, including:

• Revitalizing store fronts and streetscapes in our two downtowns (Port Elgin & Southampton), as well as reducing the number of vacant storefronts,
• Increasing the number of affordable/attainable homes in Saugeen Shores,
• Promoting the development of vacant or underutilized properties and encourage/attract investment,
• Increasing projects that add value to the agricultural sector, promote agritourism, and improve facilities.

The new CIP will also align with Bruce County’s recently enhanced Spruce the Bruce program.

The Town is holding a public meeting to get community input on a new Community Improvement Program. You can review the draft proposed new Community Improvement Plan online.

A Community Improvement Plan (CIP) is a planning and economic development tool that municipalities use to encourage the revitalization of the community. It does this through grants or loans to private property owners and tenants.

Shores Shores currently has a number of CIPs in place to support businesses and affordable housing. The plans also set the framework for additional downtown improvements in both Southampton and Port Elgin.

The aim of this project is to create a new CIP which will incorporate these plans into one, while also aligning with Bruce County programs.