Saugeen Shores residents will get another chance to weigh in on proposed planning changes for the downtowns in Port Elgin and Southampton.
A statutory public meeting is set for July 13, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. at the Saugeen Shores Municipal Office on Tomlinson Drive.
The town is looking at a Local Official Plan Amendment and a new Community Planning Permit By-law for the two downtown areas.
According to the public meeting notice, the goal is to "create a comprehensive set of development regulations" for downtown Port Elgin and Southampton that "support mixed-use development, and help to address housing needs."
The proposed by-law would replace the town’s existing zoning by-law and site plan control by-law in the affected downtown areas, becoming what the notice calls the town’s "primary tool for regulating development" there.
The town says the Community Planning Permit System is meant to "streamline the development approvals process" by combining zoning amendments, minor variances and site plans into one application and review process.
The related Official Plan Amendment would allow a new permit system to be established and provide policy direction.
Under Saugeen Shores’ updated Official Plan, the Community Planning Permit System is also described as a way to encourage more housing variety through a “gentle density” approach, while reducing the complexity of reviewing development proposals.
The public meeting will be held in a hybrid format, with residents able to attend virtually or in person.
