The Town of Saugeen Shores is updating its Transportation Master Plan to reflect growth and change that has occurred in the community since the municipality completed the current plan in 2020.

A transportation master plan is one of several strategic policy documents that direct how a municipality will grow and develop over time. It works together with a municipality’s Official Plan, which directs land use and development patterns, as well as other long-term strategies for municipal servicing, parks and recreation, economic development, and others. Generally, transportation master plans examine current transportation issues within a community, assess existing and future growth patterns, determine the need for network improvements, and establish policies to develop and maintain the future system.

The Transportation Master Plan Update will plan for an integrated transportation network that will efficiently handle a growing community considering updated population growth projections and a continued focus on multi-modal transportation solutions. The goal of the update is to prioritize and encourage walking, cycling, and other sustainable travel modes as the first choice for short trips, including access to schools, local businesses, recreation facilities, and local and regional employment centres, while also accommodating increased vehicle traffic needed to support economic growth and community development patterns.

The study will follow Master Plan Approach #1 of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) (an approved process under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act) and align strategically with the Town’s Official Plan and other municipal plans and policies.

Public and stakeholder participation is an essential component of the Transportation Master Plan Update. The study’s public engagement program provides opportunities for meaningful, two-way communication so that the final plan reflects a “Made in Saugeen Shores” approach to transportation and aligns with the Town’s vision and unique community features. Participants can converse with the consultant team and Town staff and provide input on ideas and recommendations through upcoming public information centres and surveys.

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The first Public Information Centre (PIC #1) to learn more about the ongoing transportation study and share feedback was held on July 16, 2025. Two location options were provided:

Location 1- Community Hall, St. Paul’s Anglican Church
248 High Street, Southampton
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM (Presentation at 4:15 PM)

Location 2 - Rotary Hall, The Plex
600 Tomlinson Drive, Port Elgin
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM (Presentation at 6:45 PM)

Your input provided at these meetings is valuable in helping the study team identify transportation-related opportunities, challenges, and potential improvements for the community.

Missed this opportunity? View the PIC Presentation and Display Boards.

A survey was available following PIC #1 until August 10 to better understand the opinions and priorities of local citizens about transportation in the community.