Current situation

Effective Monday, March 1, 2021, at 12:01 a.m., the Grey Bruce Health Unit has moved to the Green Prevent Level of the Ontario COVID-19 Response Framework. Visit Public Health Grey Bruce to learn more.

For the most recent information regarding cases in Ontario, please visit the Ontario government's COVID-19 website.

On March 11, 2020 the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 (Coronavirus) a global pandemic, so it is very important that individuals and organizations be prepared for a potential outbreak in our community. 

The Town of Saugeen Shores has declared a state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. With this declaration, the Town of Saugeen Shores has seen several changes: see "Impact on Town services," below.

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 provide regular updates to the community via our website and social media platforms regarding Town services and programming.

If you need assistance during the pandemic, the United Way encourages you to submit a request to TheDo.ca. 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.

There is a Provincial Order in place, effective October 9, 2020, mandating the use of face coverings in all public indoor settings across the province, such as businesses, facilities and workplaces, with limited exemptions. 

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: 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.

Impact on Town services

Declaring a state of emergency means that the municipality can access additional resources and expertise throughout this period. Essential services will focus on the following: policing, fire and emergency response; water supply and waste water treatment; emergency infrastructure repair; winter control; and supporting other essential services as identified by the province. 

The Town of Saugeen Shores has developed a Corporate Wide Framework to guide the Corporate response to the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Provincial Response Framework. Saugeen Shores staff are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation in Ontario, and will continue to reassess the situation and keep the public informed. 

Please follow @SaugeenShoresON on Facebook and Twitter for real-time updates and contact us for any questions or concerns.

Facilities and amenities
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and in consultation with public health officials, the Town of Saugeen Shores may close or make adjustments to operations at recreational and leisure facilities. Municipal facilities and amenities closed to the public:
  • Public Works facilities (339 Concession 6, Port Elgin and 429 Peel St., Southampton)
  • Saugeen Shores Fire Department (612 Emma St., Port Elgin and 50 Victoria St. S, Southampton)
  • Saugeen Shores Police Service (1240 MacKenzie Rd., Port Elgin)
  • Community halls and meeting rooms (i.e. Rotary Hall, Green Room, Southampton Town Hall auditorium)
Winter trails and amenities update:

Saugeen Shores has enhanced its outdoor offerings to provide more opportunities and amenities. Winter trail grooming and expanded year-round washrooms and garbage collection are in place. While enjoying our trails please follow all posted signs, share the trail, respect other users and adhere to COVID-19 guidelines.

Centennial Pool update:

Recreational pool programs at the Centennial Pool resumed Wednesday, February 17 including lane swim, aquafit and parent and tot swim. Patrons are required to pre-book their timeslot. Registered programs will be phased-in during the next two weeks and participants will be contacted directly by email. Visit our Pool page for more information. 

Arena update:

The Coliseum and the Plex have reopened (Tuesday February 16) and are following a phased-in approach. Minor sports and regular season ice users resumed on Tuesday. Private ice rentals will be available beginning Monday, February 22. 

  • Adult Beginner Hockey will resume on Sunday, February 21. Participants will be contacted directly
  • For skating club or minor hockey program information, please contact the Skating Club or Minor Hockey directly

Visit our Arenas page for more information.

Recreation programs

Watch our social media channels @SaugeenShoresON, website and e-newsletter for information.

Refunds and account credits have been processed for all cancelled programs and rentals. Email Recreation with any questions.

Building services
Building permits
  • Accepted electronically by applying online at ca.cloudpermit.com. 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
Staff and Council are limiting in-person meetings. Stay up to date by regularly checking SaugeenShores.ca/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 and payment by debit tap only.

Blue Box, composter and green cone sales

These items are currently not available for sale.

 

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

 

 Infrastructure and Development (Public Works)
 Services requiring payment
Call 519-832-2008 x130 to process credit card payments. Payment by cheque can be processed through the drop box at the Municipal Office, and a receipt will be emailed or mailed to you. Invoices will be emailed along with permit forms.

A list of applicable services are:

  • Moving Permit
  • Road Occupancy Permit  
  • Water meter repair/replacement
  • Curbstop (water service) turn on/off 
  • Site Plan Applications
  • Consent Applications
  • Engineering Review Fees
Services not available at this time:
  • Pool Filling Permit
  • Sandpoint Permit
  • Hydrant use Permit
  • Bulk Water (Fill Station) Permit
Municipal consents
Cemetery plot sales and burial costs
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
 Please call 519-832-2008 x100 for an appointment or 
email Clerks.

Paying your bills
Property Taxes

For questions about your account, please email us

  or call 519-832-2008 x128
  • 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

or call 519-832-2008 x113
  • 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.

Information for businesses

The COVID-19 pandemic has put stress on our local business community. To find business supports during this difficult time, please visit our Business Support page. 

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.

The Mayor’s Task Force on Economic Recovery is currently underway, working to support businesses in our community. Read more about recovery efforts happening in Saugeen Shores. The Mayor chairs the group and members will include representatives from each industry in the community, elected officials, regional and provincial government representatives, and employment/labour market specialists.

Essential business hotline

For any businesses in Saugeen Shores unsure of whether they are deemed essential by the Province of Ontario, the Stop the Spread hotline is available to answer these questions. Anyone with questions or concerns can call the province’s Stop the Spread hotline at 1-888-444-3659 or Saugeen Shores Police Services at 519-832-2500.

Public Notices