A first quarter update from Saugeen Shores municipal staff highlights some progress on the Town’s major initiatives.
Good weather has allowed work to progress on the new aquatic and wellness centre, with footings and foundation work underway and some storm sewer lines installed. Staff say demolition work on the existing municipal offices is expected to start in late April or early May. (Council will now meet at the Nuclear Innovation Institute)
Staff are working to track recreational trail usage and are planning to present a detailed report later on, but they do highlight that trail usage in Saugeen Shores has increased by 11 per cent in 2023. They say usage of the Rail Trail and Shoreline Trail has gone up more that 25 per cent since 2022.
They say strong building activity trends continue, noting by the end of February, 29 permits had been issued, and 86 residential units were created. Staff also say permits were issued for another apartment building in the Northport Meadows development in Port Elgin.
There have been 44 free period product dispensers installed in bathrooms at public recreation buildings in Saugeen Shores including The Plex, the Coliseum, and Centennial Pool.
The recreation division saw strong registration numbers on the first day people could sign up for programs. For example, summer camps saw 338 campers signed up and $78,000 revenue on just the first day, compared to 253 campers and $58,000 revenue through the whole of last year.
Spring swimming lessons are also popular with 625 signed up on the first day compared to 798 for all of 2023.
The Town also launched an ‘Engage Saugeen Shores’ platform online which is meant to provide accurate information to the community about municipal projects.
Staff say, the town’s senior leadership and Saugeen Shores police participated in a Kairos Blanket exercise, which is an interactive way to teach Canadians about the history of the land and its impact on indigenous communities. Its aim is to also advance reconciliation.
The Saugeen Shores Police service has been given approval to hire a 27th sworn police officer. They are also looking to hire a special constable and three part-time support positions.
Staff say overall, initiatives are at about 18 per cent completion which is on track or ahead of schedule for the first quarter.
Some new initiatives added this year include a 12-month ice strategy at local arenas, the implementation of a Safe to School plan which is a community-led plan that identified various safety improvements around school zones.
The Town also plans to expand the food cycler countertop composter program. That’s being led by Municipal Innovation Council staff and Food Cycle Science.