Planning Initiatives

Urban Tree Canopy Plan

 The Urban Tree Canopy Plan was presented to Council on Monday December 16, 2024 for approval. The plan was approved in principle by Council, and outlines 22 recommendations. These recommendations will guide actions over the next decade aiming to address critical areas impacting the health and growth of Saugeen Shores’ urban tree canopy, including:

• Tree Maintenance

• Tree Planting

• Development Review

• Awareness and Education

• Urban Tree Conservation By-law

By addressing these key areas, the UTCP seeks to maintain and increase the Town’s tree canopy cover, promoting a thriving and resilient urban forest for residents today and for generations to follow.

Two-Zone Floodplain Management Concept

In June 2024, Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority completed a Flood Hazard Mapping Study that identified the floodplain has increased substantially since the last mapping update completed in 1992. The floodplain in Saugeen Shores is currently managed under a One-Zone Floodplain which restricts development in these areas.  As a result, and to allow conditional development to continue, a Two-Zone Floodplain Management Concept is recommended in order to meet the needs of our growing community. Work to implement such a concept is currently ongoing.

Cultural Heritage Master Plan (CHMP)

The Town is developing a draft Cultural Heritage Master Plan with recommended actions to conserve cultural heritage resources in Saugeen Shores. 

The plan includes five objectives, each with recommended actions for implementation. These objectives are:

1. Maintain Compliance within the Legislative Framework for Cultural Heritage Resources

2. Improve Process

3. Build Capacity

4. Expand Lines of Communication

5. Develop a Saugeen Shores Approach to Conservation

View the draft Cultural Heritage Master Plan.

Community Improvement Plan (CIP)

A Community Improvement Plan (CIP) is a planning and economic development tool that municipalities use to encourage the revitalization of the community. It does this through grants or loans to private property owners and tenants.

On August 26, 2024, Town of Saugeen Shores Council passed By-law 67 – 2024, being a By-law to Adopt a Community Improvement Plan and to Designate Community Improvement Plan Areas for the Town of Saugeen Shores. For more information visit our CIP project page on the Town of Saugeen Shores website.

Residential Design Guidelines

Urban Existing Neighbourhoods Design Guidelines have been developed to complement our ongoing planning work to update our Official Plan, support and facilitate the construction of housing that meets the needs of Saugeen Shores, and maintain the small-town charm that all residents of Saugeen Shores enjoy. Please see the below links for more information.

See the Final introductory presentation.

See the Final Design Guidelines for Existing Neighbourhoods.

Community Planning Permit System (CPPS)

Saugeen Shores is looking to implement a Community Planning Permit System (CPPS) specifically designed to support affordable housing and to increase housing supply and diversity.

For more information and updates, visit our Community Planning Permit System (CPPS) project page as well as the Housing project page for information on ongoing Housing Initiatives.

Additional Residential Units (ARUs)

What is an ARU?

An Additional Residential Unit (ARU) is a self-contained residence, with kitchen and bathroom facilities, on a property with a single-detached house, semi-detached house or townhouse. They can be inside or outside your home. Previously, ARUs were referred to as Secondary Dwelling Units, since only one could be added to a property.

Updated Policies

The Town amended its Official Plan and Zoning By-law to remove barriers to housing development and increase housing diversity that is more affordable for residents of Saugeen Shores. Amendments to Additional Residential Units (ARUs) include:

• Additional Residential Units are now permitted in a duplex and triplex;
• Reduction in parking where currently 2 stalls are required per principal unit/building, except where an ARU is provided, a maximum of 1 stall per unit is required;
• Maximum floor area of ARUs has been removed;
• Detached ARUs permitted if principal building is single-detached, semi-detached, duplex, triplex or street townhouse; and
• Can have 2 detached ARUs if lot is larger than 450 m².

Homeowner’s Guide

Read our Additional Residential Units Guide on considerations and best practices for adding units to your home.

For technical matters on obtaining a building permit for your unit, see Applying for an ARU and read our building department’s Guide to Constructing an Additional Residential Unit for more information.