Saugeen Shores council has delayed a proposed overhaul of development rules in downtown Port Elgin and Southampton until after this fall’s municipal election.
Council voted following a July 13, 2026 statutory public meeting to defer a Local Official Plan Amendment and proposed Community Planning Permit By-law.
The proposed system would replace the town’s existing zoning and site-plan control bylaws within the two downtown areas and become the primary tool for regulating development there.
It would combine zoning amendments, minor variances and site-plan approvals into one application and review process. The town says the change could reduce approval timelines from 180 days to 75 days while supporting mixed-use development and a wider range of housing.
The proposal drew significant opposition during the public process. Residents raised concerns about the potential loss of heritage character, parking, reduced public involvement and the delegation of some approval authority from council to municipal staff. Some also argued Port Elgin and Southampton should not be treated as identical communities under the new framework.
The July meeting followed a virtual session held March 31 and a public open house June 24. Town staff, Bruce County planners and consultants had been expected to review the feedback before returning to council with a recommendation report.
The project is part of Saugeen Shores’ federally supported Housing Accelerator Fund initiatives. The town has said the permit system is intended to encourage housing diversity and "gentle density," while making the development-review process less complex.
No new date has been announced for the proposal to return to council. The municipal election is scheduled for October 26.
