Council Highlights - October 13, 2026

Recognition of Ron Bruce 

Council heard a presentation from Bill Streeter and Barry Bruce on Ron Bruce. 

Perkins Street Petition for Storm Water Management Study 

Council heard a delegation from Bruce Mazer on the Perkins Street Petition for Storm Water Management Study. 

Council acknowledged receipt of the petition and referred the petition to Staff to report back with recommended next steps. 

Saugeen Shores Gymnastics Club - Building on a Legacy 

Council heard a presentation from Saugeen Shores Gymnastics Club Executive Committee members Patty Bowman, Alanna Davidson, and Erik Williamson on Saugeen Shores Gymnastics Club - Building a Legacy.   

Council referred the request to Staff to report back with information on the organizations request for the in-kind use of Rotary Hall A or B throughout Fall/Winter 2026–2027. 

2026 Major Initiatives, Division and Capital Highlights Quarter 3 Update 

The Major Initiatives, Division, and Capital Highlights from the annual Business Plan are reported every quarter to update Council and the public on the progress of the annual activities related to the Saugeen Shores Strategic Plan. This report includes the updates for Quarter 3, 2026 and details the 41 Major Initiatives as well as 93 Division Highlights and 27 Capital Highlights. The progress completion is also included as a live feed on the Town website. There are no significant issues being flagged with completing the work program as outlined. 

Council received the 2026 Major Initiatives, Division and Capital Highlights Quarter 3 Update for information.  

13 Grosvenor Street North Projecting Sign Agreement 

An encroachment agreement is recommended to allow a projecting wall sign to be installed on the wall of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 155 building. The projecting wall sign is proposed to overhang municipal property, being part of Grosvenor Street North, by 43 inches. 

Council adopted By-law 97-2026, a By-law to authorize the Director of Development Services to execute an encroachment agreement for a projecting sign at 13 Grosvenor Street North, Southampton. 

Striking Committee Resolution - Statutory Committee Mandate Review 

The Striking Committee brought forward a recommendation to approve the Accessibility Advisory Committee and Municipal Heritage Committee Mandates, as amended. 

Council approved the Accessibility Advisory Committee and Municipal Heritage Committee Mandates, as presented. 

2026 Campaigns to Support Downtowns Review 

The report provides Council with an overview of the Town's 2026 summer digital marketing campaigns promoting Downtown Southampton and Downtown Port Elgin, highlighting campaign performance outcomes, and identifying future tourism marketing initiatives. 

Council received the 2026 Campaigns to Support Downtowns Review report for information. 

Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund 

Applications for the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund are currently being accepted through two streams. Community Services intends to apply for both streams for the 2026 intake. 

Council received the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund report for information. 

Smart Beach Program – Year 2 Summary 

The Smart Beach Program is a collaborative initiative between the Town of Saugeen Shores, the University of Waterloo, and Georgian College focused on improving beach safety. This report provides a summary of activities completed in 2026 and identifies next steps as the program continues through Phases 4 to 6. 

Council received the Smart Beach Program - Year 2 Summary report for information. 

Southampton BIA Town Hall Office Space Lease - 1 Year Extension 

The Southampton Business Improvement Area (BIA) leases office and meeting space at Southampton Town Hall, 2-201 High Street. Its previous lease ran from April 1, 2021, to March 31, 2026. Staff recommend a new term from November 1, 2026, to December 31, 2027, followed by month-to-month occupancy. This provides continuity for the BIA while preserving Town flexibility as the Southampton Town Hall renovation, projected for 2028, advances. 

Council adopted By-law 98-2026, a By-law to authorize a lease with the Southampton BIA Office at Southampton Town Hall, from November 1, 2026, to December 31, 2027. 

International Plowing Match and Rural Expo Participation Update 

This report provides Council with an update on the Town of Saugeen Shores’ participation in the 2026 Bruce County International Plowing Match and Rural Expo, including attendance results, activity at the Bruce County Showcase and the Town exhibit’s contribution to destination promotion. 

Council received the 2026 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo Participation Update report for information. 

Social Media Policy 

The Town Social Media Policy was identified as part of the Strategic Initiatives’ 2026 Business Plan Division Highlights. The Policy has been updated to align with current requirements and best practices, strengthening governance, moderation, accessibility, privacy, and account management to support a consistent and transparent social media program.