Cedar Crescent Village Facts

After years of public consultations in the development of its Waterfront Master Plan, the Town of Saugeen Shores is pleased to move forward with the Cedar Crescent Village project.  This unique public-private partnership will serve as a keystone of Port Elgin's beach to make it a premier destination for beachgoers.

In order to keep residents abreast of developments, along with how we arrived at this decision, we've provided some answers to commonly-asked questions.

Why are we building this on the beach?

In 2013, the Town conducted extensive public consultations and sought out expert recommendations to create its Waterfront Master Plan, as well undertaking a Waterfront Design Study.  One of those recommendations was to develop the beach as a unique visitor destination, with amenities to serve both residents and visitors. 

How does this better serve residents and visitors?

As our Town has grown, so has the attention on our already-famous Waterfront and Beaches.  However, those seeking food and entertainment at the main Port Elgin beach have always had few options.  The Town recognizes a more fulfilling visitor experience is needed for its future economic success as a tourism destination.

For generations past, the site provided entertainment and memories with the well-loved tourist train, a candy shop and the Cedar Crescent Casino.  The new Cedar Crescent Village will support beach visitors with seating, shade, food and beverages.

Is this project environmentally viable?

We understand that our beaches are our “crown jewels” and their protection is always at the forefront of all our decisions concerning the waterfront.  The current project site was chosen to avoid impacting the natural beach environment and is located on the former site of the train station, which was already disturbed. 

The Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority has confirmed this project lies outside any of its areas of concern along the waterfront, and did not require an Environmental Impact Study.  However, the developer has prepared a Sediment and Erosion Control Plan for the portion they are building on.

When the Town advances work on adjacent lands, it will require appropriate erosion and sediment control to ensure stormwater quality and protection of fish habitat, and will engage the appropriate authorities. The Town has also followed guidelines outlined in its Waterfront Best Management Principles.

What about parking and space for beach goers?

The issue of parking and pedestrian traffic has been a consistent concern on the Port Elgin beach for several years.  The CCV development is the beginning of a larger opportunity to reorganize the beach, so we can designate land use, transportation, and parking to be more efficient and more accessible.

What about noise and light pollution at night, as well as crime?

The development is still subject to all necessary permits, by-laws, as well as federal and provincial laws.  Those include noise and light restrictions, potential liquor license requirements, etc.  Enforcement of those laws is a priority for the Town.  The developer has also agreed its businesses will close by midnight.

Will this create more congestion at the beach, with even more visitors?

The Town has grown by 15% in the last five years, and so has its profile as a vacation destination; that means those visitors are already here.  The CCV project is a facility that is designed to serve both current and future residents and visitors, especially the families and older tourists who we know enjoy vacationing in Saugeen Shores.

The CCV is also the beginning of a larger opportunity to accommodate those visitors while managing the beach's natural environs.

Who controls the development?

The CCV is an example of a public-private partnership where the Town retains ownership of the land, which is then leased by the private developer.

The municipality remains in control of things like:

• The project’s overall character and quality
• Integrating the project into the overall design of the waterfront
• The development’s impact on parking and pedestrian traffic
• Access for all pedestrians and visitors
• Fulfilling the requirements of any other authorities that have jurisdiction over the project