COVID-19 Updates

 Public health and support

• In Saugeen Shores, the Grey Bruce Health Unit (GBHU) is the municipality’s lead agency in terms of managing a local infectious disease outbreak.
• The Town will continue to provide updates to the community via our website and social media platforms regarding Town services and programming affected by COVID-19 restrictions.
• If you need assistance during the pandemic, the United Way encourages you to submit a request to TheDo. As well, you can call 211 to find resources and local services in our area. 
• During a pandemic it is not uncommon to struggle with mental health. There is support available through Grey Bruce Public Health and The Canadian Mental Health Association.

 COVID-19 Vaccines

The Grey Bruce Health Unit leads COVID-19 vaccination in this area. For information about vaccines including how to book appointments and dose eligibility, visit Grey Bruce Health Unit's Vaccine Information page.

The Town of Saugeen Shores cannot book COVID-19 vaccination appointments.

 What you can do to prevent the spread of illness

•  Know the facts. Follow direction from the Grey Bruce Health Unit to know the signs and symptoms of COVID-19.
• Call Telehealth Ontario toll-free at:  1-866-797-0000 or visit the GBHU website for information on how to care for the ill, infection prevention and control, self-treatment and when and where to seek medical attention.
• Follow Public Health’s direction to use infection control practices such as hand washing, covering your cough and sneeze, and staying home when you’re sick to reduce the spread of the virus.
• Wear a mask or non-medical face covering inside commercial establishments as well as in situations where physical distancing (staying 2 m apart) is difficult to maintain.
• Organizations and businesses should be preparing their own plans and policies to ensure business continuity in the event an infectious disease outbreak is declared locally.

Information for businesses

Saugeen Shores’ small and locally owned businesses are woven into the fabric of our Town. To help support businesses during these challenging times, we’ve assembled a Saugeen Shores Strong page with information on how the community can help.

In addition, the Mayor’s Task Force on Economic Recovery and Town Staff have developed an Economic Recovery Strategy to support the economy through the pandemic. 

Facilities and amenities

Indoor facilities and amenities

Please wear a mask and respect capacity limits when visiting open indoor facilities.

• The Town of Saugeen Shores Municipal Office is open for in-person services with appointments preferred.
• Municipally-run recreation facilities, meeting and event spaces are open, including the arenas and the Centennial Pool. 
• The Saugeen Shores Fire Stations (612 Emma St., Port Elgin and 50 Victoria St. S, Southampton) is open to in-person services by appointment only. 
• The Saugeen Shores Police Service building (1240 MacKenzie Rd., Port Elgin) common areas are open to the public. Any member of the public wishing to access the secure areas of the police station will have to pass the pre-screening questionnaire.

Outdoor amenities

Parks, trails, beaches, playgrounds and outdoor facilities are open for use. Year around washroom facilities are open. Seasonal washroom facilities are now closed for the season. Visit our parks and trails page for information.

Tourist camps and harbours

The tourist camps and harbours are now closed for the season. Visit our camping or harbour pages for more information. 

Recreation programs and activities

Swimming and skating schedules will resume beginning January 31. Registered recreation programs will return as scheduled, with the exception of winter swimming lessons, which will begin on February 14. Visit our Recreation page for more information.

Patrons wishing to withdraw from a program or change their registration can email recreation@saugeenshores.ca.

Building services

Building permits

• Accepted electronically by applying online on the cloud permit website. If you require assistance, please contact us by emailing Building Services or calling 519-832-2008 x118.
• Payment of building permit application fees will not be required at time of application.

 Building inspections

Mandatory building inspections will continue for open building permits.

 Other services

• Other services will be conducted online or by telephone: Email Building Services or call
  519-832-2008 x118. Please leave a message and we will return your call.
• Plans for any new structure, addition or renovation must be approved. A Building Permit is your formal permission to start construction or demolition.
• For more information, please visit our Building and Renovating page.

Council meetings

Garbage and recycling

Curbside collection

• Curbside garbage and recycling collection will continue as scheduled.
• All curbside garbage must have a bag tag on it in order for it to be collected.

Landfill

Residents are welcome to bring their household garbage during normal operating hours Saturdays from 9:00 am to 3:45 pm and Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 9:00 am to 4:45 pm.

Physical distancing measures will remain in place.

Recycling is currently not available at the Landfill site for blue box items.  Film Plastic, Styrofoam and cardboard recycling depots remain open. 

For more information, visit our Garbage, Recycling and Compost page.

 Infrastructure and Development (Public Works)

Services requiring payment

A list of applicable services are:

• Moving Permit
• Road Occupancy Permit  
• Water meter repair/replacement
• Curbstop (water service) turn on/off 
• Bulk Water (Fill Station) Permit
• Site Plan Applications

• Municipal Consents (email trevor.robinson@saugeenshores.ca)

• Engineering Review Fees
• Pool Filling Permit
• Sandpoint Permit
• Hydrant use Permit
• Green Cone and Composter sales

Cemetery plot sales and burial costs

• These can be done via phone at 519-832-2008 x130 or email the Cemetery Operator.  
• For after hours service, contact at 519-385-2885 or or email the Cemetery Operator.

Permits

• All permits requiring a site inspection will be scheduled via phone calls when staff are able.
• For questions specific to these, call 519-2008 x130 or email Public Works.

Lottery Licence, Marriage Licence, Burial Permit, or Commissioner of Oath

Paying your bills

Property Taxes

For questions about your account, please email us

• Available payment methods:
  • Internet/telephone banking – Use your 19-digit roll number when you log into your online banking
  • Pre-Authorized Payment - Sign up for our Monthly or Due Date payment plans 
  • Town drop-box - Drop off a cheque or cash payment, along with your billing stub, at the drop-box located outside the main doors of the Municipal Office at the Plex (600 Tomlinson Drive, Port Elgin)
  • Mail - You can mail your cheque or post-dated cheque, along with your billing stub, to:
    Town of Saugeen Shores, P.O. Box 820, Port Elgin, ON N0H 2C0
• Tax Certificates will be accepted by email request. There is a fee of or $55.61 per roll number or $71.23 if required within 48 hours.

Water and Sewer Billing

For questions about your account, please email us

Available payment methods:

• Internet/telephone banking – Use your 7 digit account number when you log into your online banking
• Pre-Authorized Payment - Sign up for our Monthly or Due Date payment plans 
• Town drop-box - Drop off a cheque or cash payment, along with your billing stub, at the drop-box located outside the main doors of the Municipal Office at the Plex (600 Tomlinson Drive, Port Elgin)
• Mail - You can mail your cheque or post-dated cheque, along with your billing stub, to: Town of Saugeen Shores, P.O. Box 820, Port Elgin, ON N0H 2C0
• Final water meter read requests and Water Certificate requests will be accepted by email. There is a fee of $55.61 or $71.23 if required within 48 hours for water certificates.

Other municipal services

If the service you are looking for is not listed above and you are unsure how to access it due to COVID-19 precautions, please contact the appropriate department.