The Town of Saugeen Shores councillors voted to have staff start work on a master plan for North Shore Park after turning down a proposal for the North Shore Train Monday night.
The committee voted against a recommendation to integrate the train proposal into the park’s master planning process after some debate Monday evening, along with a series of public engagements and reports about North Shore Park’s future.
The majority of the feedback from an online survey asking the community if they supported the project presented to council back in April, was met with mixed reaction. The project would have included bringing back the train that previously ran on-site in the 1970s and early 80s, as well as related tourism amenities for the park’s east end.
“Saugeen Shores is certainly in need of this type of proposal. I have looked into it and can see the potential of it serving many different people,” read one of the responses in favour of the plan. “It is educational for children, an adult area as well as the train. One of the best plans I have seen.”
Others who voted yes said they would look forward to having the train back, noting the nostalgia it brought to several generations of residents and tourists alike, and felt the plan would be a good investment for the municipality.
“Excellent proposal with focus on all the key areas,” read another response. “This would be a welcome addition to the community as it embraces the old and the new! Yes please!!”
Several of those who voted against the plan cited environmental concerns over the project. Others expressed they felt the park should be kept as natural as possible, and some said that while they would agree to the train, they would not approve of additional proposed elements including a mini golf course, and wine and food bar.
“I like the idea of the train returning, but do not support the idea of building additional buildings that will detract from the natural park space and potentially generate more garbage,” read a response against the plan. “I think we should be putting our focus on replacing the trees that were lost.”
A number of people against the project also criticized the proposal, stating they were uncomfortable with the plan and felt the space would become commercialized and no longer enjoyable.
“Please keep the park natural. I am a resident of Saugeen Shores and I walk through this park all year long. The train tracks that are there now are a nuisance already. I cannot imagine how cluttered and busy this beautiful space will become,” read another survey from a resident who voted against the proposal. “The owner of the train needs to find another way to use his train to make money!”
Work to reimagine the park started after a storm in September 2021 destroyed hundreds of trees, and damaged turf and interior trails.
Council has since heard four reports on rehabilitating the park, and has formally engaged with the public twice to determine next steps.
“The Town will now gather further public input on a master plan for North Shore Park,” read a statement from Saugeen Shores council. “This will include determining what amenities to include inside the park, as well as a detailed landscape design.”
The master plan would come back for Council’s final approval.
More information about the report presented to council can be found on the municipality’s website.
