Country Canada Formed 1996 Postal Code N0H Population 13,715 (2016) Province Ontario | Settled ca. 1849 Time zone EST (UTC-5) Area code(s) 519 and 226 Local time Thursday 4:19 AM | |
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Weather -8°C, Wind S at 6 km/h, 86% Humidity Team Saugeen Shores Winterhawks Points of interest MacGregor Point Provincial, Chantry Island, Saugeen Bluffs Conserva, Bruce County Museum, Saugeen Golf Club | ||
Saugeen shores winterhawks vs durham thundercats 1st round playoffs game 5 at saugeen shores
Saugeen Shores is a town in Bruce County, Ontario, Canada, formed in 1998. (The name "Saugeen" is the corrupted form of an Indian word meaning the entrance or mouth of the river.) Initially, Southampton, Port Elgin and Saugeen Township, all along the shores of Lake Huron, were amalgamated to form the Town of Port Elgin-Saugeen-Southampton. On December 17, 1998, the Province renamed the entity; since then, it has been the Town of Saugeen Shores.
Contents
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- Map of Saugeen Shores ON Canada
- Saugeen shores winterhawks vs clinton radars 2nd round playoffs game 5 at saugeen shores
- History
- Notable people
- Demographics
- Municipal government
- Economy
- Agriculture
- Small business
- Electricity generation
- Tourism
- Saugeen Rail Trail
- Education
- Saugeen District Secondary School SDSS
- Port Elgin Saugeen Central Elementary School
- Northport Elementary School
- St Joseph School
- GC Houston Public School
- Health care
- Retirement and assisted living
- Churches
- Mosques
- Recreation
- Arts culture and heritage
- References
Map of Saugeen Shores, ON, Canada
The primary employment categories are agriculture, small business, tourism and work at the Bruce Power nuclear power station. The population doubles in the summer due to cottagers and campers who arrive in the area. Close to MacGregor Point Provincial Park, the town has several beaches on Lake Huron.
In addition to the two main population centres of Southampton and Port Elgin, the town includes a portion of the village of Burgoyne and the North Bruce area, straddling the municipal eastern and southern boundary respectively. In 2016, the permanent population of Saugeen Shores was 13,715, in a land area of 171.05 square kilometres.
The Town's Official Plan (most recently completed in 2014) includes the following comment about the land area: "The Chippewas of the Saugeen First Nation and the Chippewas of Nawash First Nation have filed a Native Land Claim for the islands in the Saugeen River, the lands that border the north side of the Saugeen River and the shoreline from the mouth of the Saugeen River northerly around the Bruce Peninsula."
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History
The area that is now Port Elgin was first settled in 1849, when Lachlan McLean ("Loch Buie") built a shanty and lived in it for the winter. For several years he ran a tavern, his patrons consisting primarily of settlers and sailors passing through the little port. In spring 1852 George Butchart built a dam and saw-mill on Mill Creek.
According to an Ontario historic plaque, Butchart sold the mill to Benjamin Shantz who subsequently "built a grist-mill and within three years a community of 250 people had developed around these mills. Stores, hotels and tanneries were constructed and in March, 1857, a village plot named Port Elgin was laid out. The enterprise of its businessmen, notably Henry Hilker, Samuel Bricker and John Stafford, contributed to the development of the settlement, which had a population of over 600 by 1867. The arrival of the Wellington, Grey and Bruce Railway in 1872 further stimulated the growth of the community and it was incorporated as a Village in 1874 with a population of about 950." By 1854, the community had three houses, a tavern, and mill. Shops, churches, schools, and roads followed, and ten years later the population totalled six hundred and thirty. Early industries included a steam sawmill, foundry, and woolen mill. In 1873, the railway arrived, allowing Southampton and Port Elgin products to travel out into the world.
Southampton, Ontario was founded by Captains John Spence and William Kennedy in 1848. Commercial fishing and coastal trade drove the economy, with the Saugeen River and Lake Huron making for ideal transportation before roads had been built. Initially called Saugeen, its name was changed in 1858. The Chantry Island Lightstation Tower (off Southampton) was completed in April 1859, guiding sailors clear of the underwater boulders that make navigation dangerous. Southampton was incorporated as a town in 1904; at the time, its population was 2400. The economic base included furniture factories, a tannery and a sawmill. The town built a hospital in 1947, a post office in 1952, a library in 1956, an arena in 1961 (replaced in 1977) and a new firehall in 1974.
Notable people
Some of the historically significant people with connections to what is now Saugeen Shores include the following:
Demographics
According to the 2016 Canadian Census
Income
Retail Sales
Disposable & Discretionary Income
Labour Force
The Town expects continued growth according to a February 2017 report. “We've seen a substantial increase in new units, apartments and commercial projects ... the number of permits issued over the past five years increased by approximately 20 per cent, and the increase from last year to next will be even higher. As well, 25 commercial building permits were issued last year."
Municipal government
Saugeen Shores Council includes a Mayor, a Deputy Mayor, a Vice Deputy Mayor and six councilors. In 2017, the Mayor was Mike Smith.
Economy
The major economic activities in this region are agriculture, small business, electricity generation and tourism. The town of Saugeen Shores has recently experienced a boom in development, with the addition of stores such as Walmart and Shopper's Drugmart, plus expansions of Canadian Tire, two Rexall Pharmaplus stores, one in Port Elgin, the other in Southampton. Restaurants such as Chester's Bar & Grill, Andre's Swiss dining, Armen's Rooftop Patio, The Woodpecker Fresh Dining & Lounge, Saffron, and Rosina's Ristorante (Italian) provide unique dishes not common to this area.
The Town's Official Plan (2014) recognizes the value of a broad objective. "Saugeen Shores will continue to be a leader in Bruce County in providing a place for individuals, families, retirees, culture, tourism, business and industrial opportunities."
A new Saugeen Shores' new Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) was formed in 2017 including council members from Port Elgin and Southampton, as well as citizens. The Town offered this comment about the plans for the group: "The Committee's set of responsibilities has yet to be finalized but among them will be to ...make recommendations respecting implementation of the Community Improvement Plans (CIP), Streetscape plans and Facade Improvement Studies in both Port Elgin and Southampton including capital improvements ... One of its most important roles will be to advise Council on the development of policy and programs related to economic vitality with a view to enhancing prosperity through coordinated public investment fostering private development and retention of existing jobs".
A major employer of the workforce living in Saugeen Shores, the Bruce Nuclear Generating Station in Tiverton, Ontario started a $13 billion refurbishment program in 2016 which will provide employment for many residents and maintain demand for other services. According to Bruce Power, this multi-year plan "will generate between 1,500 and 2,500 jobs on site annually – and 18,000 across Ontario directly and indirectly – while injecting up to $4 billion annually into Ontario’s economy".
Agriculture
Historically, agriculture is the longest standing economic practice in the region. Intensive livestock operations include beef and dairy, cattle and hogs. Bruce County beef is famous throughout the country, as over a third of Ontario's beef industry is based here. Two-thirds of the land within Saugeen Shores is excellent for cash crops. Fresh produce grown locally is sold locally too. Beef and Dairy farming are the primary agricultural activities with orchards, berries, and some large market gardens also in operation.
Small business
Southampton resembles a turn-of-the-century fishing village with its variety of retail stores, boutiques, restaurants, and gift shops. Port Elgin's main street features varied retail uses plus gift shops, restaurants, grocery stores, boutiques, and novelty shops. The Port Elgin Business Park has land for industrial and commercial uses. Businesses already located here are in the transportation, fuel, technology, recreation and automotive sectors. The Municipal Offices, Community Complex, Police Department and Bruce County Library Headquarters are also here.
Electricity generation
Saugeen Shores and Ontario's energy sector have a long-standing relationship via the region's largest employer. Bruce Power forms the core of the municipality's economic base by providing highly skilled, well paid jobs. More than a third of its 3,500 employees reside in Saugeen Shores. Bruce Power is the licensed operator of the Bruce Nuclear Generating Station.
Tourism
The long sandy beach attracts visitors who are primarily families; many rent or own cottages in the area. (Young singles tend to prefer Sauble Beach some 18 kilometers north of Southampton.) The entire Saugeen Shores beach of the Lake Huron shore faces west so it is famous for its beautiful fabulous sunsets on the water. Cottage Life magazine does rates the area highly in its article 10 spectacular places to watch a sunset in Ontario. "With clear skies, a dry atmosphere, and an unobstructed view of the skyline, many of the west-facing towns along the shores of Lake Huron have the perfect conditions for a breathtaking sunset."
The area also features Port Elgin's busy harbour, Southampton's serene Chantry Island, to the Saugeen river winding its way through the countryside of Saugeen Township. Summer residents are a longstanding feature of Saugeen Shores. In addition to cottages, the communities are also home to a number of trailer parks, hotels and two municipal Tourist Camps. The local population more than doubles during the summer, substantially benefitting local businesses. Highlights include the Chantry Island Imperial Lighthouse tours; the Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre; walking, running, and cycling trails.
The Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre provides displays about local history and in summer especially, offers adult and children's programming and special events. These are listed in the Shoreline Beacon community newspaper. The museum has been enlarged over the years and was recently renovated. In addition to a settlers cabin, the facility houses numerous historic artifacts from the area, genealogical records, county newspapers, photographs, and municipal documents.
The Chantry Island lighthouse in Southampton, now completely renovated, was completed in 1859, first lit on April 1, with Duncan McGregor Lambert as the first keeper. The tower and the keeper's home have been extensively renovated. From late-May to mid-September, tours of Chantry Island are available from only one company, reaching the island on a small boat that leaves from the ticket office by the fishing boat docks. The tower and the keeper's home have been extensively renovated but the island is a federal bird sanctuary and access is otherwise prohibited.
The TripAdvisor travel web site's users who have visited Port Elgin recommend the nearby MacGregor Point Provincial Park, the Saugeen Rail Trail walking/cycling route, the Brucedale Conservation Area with small camp sites, and the several nearby golf courses.
The three top-rated attractions in Southampton according to TripAdvisor user reviews are the Southampton Board Walk (along the lakefront), the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre and the Southampton Art School and Gallery. The fourth on the list is the tour of Chantry Island Lighthouse. The site also recommends the canoeing and kayaking opportunities offered by Thorncrest Outfitters on the Saugeen River, the walking trail around Fairy Lake (downtown) and the various golf courses in the area.
Saugeen Rail Trail
After the railways ceased to service the area, the tracks were removed and the beds were vacant and overgrown. According to the Saugeen RailTrail Association, the group of volunteers was formed in 1990 and convinced Port Elgin, Southampton and Saugeen Township to acquire sections of the then unused rail bed. Over the years, the bed has been developed as trails for walking and cycling. The trail connects Southampton and Port Elgin. The trail also connects to the 80 kilometre long Bruce County Trail Network which leads to towns such as Paisley, Walkerton, Mildmay and Kincardine.
The trailhead can be accessed at River Street in Port Elgin, a few blocks north of the town centre and east of Hwy 21. There are other access points in both towns, some with parking. The trail is not groomed for cross country skiing during the winter but is used frequently for that purpose. Maps of the trails are available on the web site of the Saugeen Railtrail Association.
Education
The Bluewater District School Board operates most of the schools, with one one secondary and three elementary schools in Saugeen Shores. The public Board also operates a French Immersion school, École Port Elgin Saugeen Central School with classes from Junion Kindergarten to Grade 8. The Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board has no high school in Saugeen Shores and only one Catholic elementary school, Saint Joseph's in Port Elgin. The closest Catholic Board's secondary schools is St. Mary's in Owen Sound.
Several post secondary institutions are within a two-hour drive, with Georgian College's Owen Sound campus being the closest.
Saugeen District Secondary School (SDSS)
Saugeen District Secondary School is the home of the Saugeen Royals. A school that is noted for its strong performances in the arts, sports, and academic studies—ranging from history & English, to science and technology.
Port Elgin Saugeen Central Elementary School
Saugeen Central is home to the SC Wildcats.
Northport Elementary School
Northport is home to the Northport Cougars.
St. Joseph School
St. Joseph is home to the Knights.
G.C. Houston Public School
G.C. Houston is home to the G.C Hawks.
Health care
The Town's hospital is in Southampton, Saugeen Memorial. Many physicians' practices are at the Saugeen Shores Medical Building and the Dr Earl Health Centre. The hospital is part of the Grey Bruce Health Services' network of hospitals in northern Bruce and in Grey County. Facilities include 16 beds, a 24-hour emergency department, surgery, acute medical care and outpatient services. According to the local Health Care Services, other facilities include:
The hospital also houses other community health providers. Day surgery services are offered and include ear, nose and throat surgery.
Retirement and assisted living
Saugeen Shores has two retirement and assisted living facilities, and one nursing home. Long Term Care programs are also available to provide in home support allowing elderly residents to live at home as long as possible.
The Town of Saugeen Shores includes senior service groups and clubs as well as aid providers and senior homes that offer full services. Relevant providers include Home and Community Support Services Grey Bruce, two assisted living residences, the Hampton Court Retirement Lodge (Southampton) and Kingsway Arms at Elgin Lodge (Port Elgin) and Southampton Care Centre long term care home. Social and other services for seniors are available at PARC 55+ (Port Elgin) and Chantry Senior Centre (Southampton).
As well, the Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce webpage offers a full listing of seniors' leisure groups and clubs.
Churches
Nineteen churches, representing most major denominations, serve the municipality's spiritual needs.
Mosques
Saugeen Shores Has One Mosque at the Maple Square Mall in Port Elgin.