Saugeen Shores is growing faster than any other community in Bruce County. From 2016 to 2021, our population increased by 16%, and today we’re home to about 15,900 people across Port Elgin, Southampton, and Saugeen Township. With more people choosing to live here, we’re taking action to make sure there is a diverse housing supply with homes that are affordable, attainable, and suited to a variety of needs.

To help meet this goal, the Town is introducing a Community Planning Permit System. This system will simplify and speed up the housing development process by combining three planning steps (zoning, site plan review, and minor variances) into one single application. By reducing the application review timeline from 180 days to just 75 days, the town will enable more efficient housing developments, improving housing supply, variety and affordability.

Alongside this, we’re launching a Nodes and Corridors Study. This study will help identify key areas in town where growth through intensification (such as adding more housing types in existing areas) makes sense. The study will help inform our new Community Planning Permit By-law and support an Official Plan Amendment to make sure our local policies match our housing goals.

Throughout this process, we’ll be asking for public input and feedback. We want to hear from you as we plan for the future of housing and growth in Saugeen Shores.

The Town of Saugeen Shores recently received a grant to explore how a Community Planning Permit System (CPPS) could help increase the supply and diversity of affordable housing.

In 2022, a background report was prepared that looked at how a CPPS could work in Saugeen Shores. This work included:

• Public and stakeholder consultations, including an open house
• A review of housing trends
• An analysis of land and construction costs

Different options were tested to see how a CPPS could support affordable housing, and the final report included key findings and recommendations.

To learn more about the CPPS, how it works, and to see the 2022 report, visit our Community Planning Permit System webpage.

Throughout this project, we'll be asking for public feedback and input. This will include public meetings and online engagement opportunities. Follow this project page to stay informed of upcoming opportunities.