Cedar Crescent Village
Overview
Cedar Crescent Village (CCV) is a facility that will serve as a premier year-round destination at Port Elgin Beach for visitors to eat, rest and shop. CCV is the result of a unique partnership that developed from several years of public consultation.
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. CCV and surrounding land will serve as an anchor for The Town's Waterfront Master Plan, emphasizing pedestrian and active movement.
Amenities
Cedar Crescent Village (CCV) is a facility that will serve as a premier year-round destination at Port Elgin Beach for visitors to eat, rest and shop. The plans for the facility include a restaurant, gamespace, market hall, ice cream shop, and other amenities.Location
CCV will be located on Harbour Street near the Port Elgin Main Beach, in the area previously occupied by “The Station”, mini-putt and summer market.
Construction Timeline
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The North Building is currently under construction with an anticipated completion date of February 2, 2026.
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The South Building has an anticipated completion date of May 18, 2026.
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Total completion of the project is scheduled for September 14, 2026
An amending agreement was approved by Saugeen Shores Council on February 24, 2025, extending to the dates listed above.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Why is CCV being built near the Port Elgin Main 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 will this facility serve residents and visitors? |
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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. |
| How will this affect parking? |
| The issue of parking and pedestrian traffic has been a consistent concern on the Port Elgin beach for several years. The CCV is the beginning of a larger opportunity to reorganize the space, so we can designate land use, transportation, and parking to be more efficient and more accessible. |
| Will CCV take up beach space? |
| No, the facility will be located across the parking lot from the beach in the area previously occupied by “The Station”, mini-putt and summer market. |
| What about noise and light pollution at night? |
| 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. |
| Who controls the development? |
| The CCV is an example of a 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:
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| What else is planned for the Port Elgin Main Beach? |
| With CCV moving ahead, there is an opportunity to implement recommendations from the Waterfront Master Plan and Port Elgin Waterfront Design Concept. These recommendations are focused on reorganizing the area for more efficient parking and traffic flow, creating improved resident and visitor experiences, and creating a safer and more accessible destination.
The 2025 Saugeen Shores Business Plan identifies Port Elgin Waterfront Detailed Landscape and Engineering Design (pg 54) as a Major Initiative for 2025. This project will build on the existing Waterfront Plan Conceptual Design to develop a detailed design for the Port Elgin waterfront. Implementation of the design is identified as a Future Year Highlight for 2026-2028 (pg 33). |
Do you have questions about Cedar Crescent Village? Email beachprojectinfo@saugeenshores.ca.