The Town of Saugeen Shores is undertaking a major resurfacing project along Highway 21, spanning approximately 5.5 km from just north of South Street to just south of Craig Street in Southampton.

The planned work includes asphalt resurfacing along this section of Highway 21. In addition, some underground infrastructure upgrades are scheduled, including improvements to the water system within the Right-of-Way north of the Saugeen River.

This section of Highway 21 is a critical transportation route for residents, businesses, and visitors. The project is designed to:

• Extend the life of the roadway infrastructure
• Improve driving conditions
• Reduce long-term maintenance costs

Funding for this initiative has been secured through the Ministry of Transportation’s (MTO) Connecting Link Program.

We recognize Highway 21 is an important corridor through our community for residents, businesses, visitors, and travelers. Here's how we are minimizing disruptions:

• Most of the work being completed is "Mill and Overlay" resurfacing, which can usually be completed with alternating lane closures and minimal detours. For more information on this technique, view the video below.
• This is a 2026 project that is expected to start in the spring and be completed in the fall.
• Work will be staged thoughtfully throughout the construction season to reduce impacts to traffic and businesses. To minimize disruption to businesses, no resurfacing will be done in the Palmerston Street to Lansdowne Street blocks during July and August.
• The 2026 project area for High Street Reconstruction (west of Huron Street) is a much smaller area than the 2025 project area currently being completed. That work is expected to be completed by the end of June and the timeline will not be impacted by this resurfacing project.

Before any major construction activity begins, the Town require precondition surveys as a proactive measure to protect both property owners and the community. These surveys establish an accurate record of the existing condition of nearby buildings and structures, ensuring that any future concerns related to vibration, excavation, or construction impacts can be assessed fairly and transparently. This process helps safeguard residents, supports responsible project management, and contributes to the Town’s commitment to minimizing disruption during public infrastructure improvements.

This condition survey is important in the unlikely event that issues arise during the construction. The survey involves an interior and/or exterior inspection and documentation of buildings and structures determined to be in close proximity to the project work area. Photographs are taken as part of the survey. While the preconstruction inspection is voluntary, your permission and cooperation in helping us complete this survey as soon as possible is greatly appreciated.

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the precondition survey, you may contact Walker Construction Ltd at 519‑376‑5698, or OZA Inspections Ltd. at 289‑672‑0007.

Public consultation has been an important part of this project. A Public Information Centre was held on November 6, 2025 and comments were collected both in person and online. Please review the PIC presentation and Proposed Plans (North of Saugeen River, South of Saugeen River) for more information.