High Street Project Recognized by Provincial BIA Association

The Town of Saugeen Shores and the Southampton Business Improvement Area (BIA) are proud to announce they have received a Certificate of Merit at the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA) Conference Awards Dinner on Monday, April 20, recognizing the success of Phase One of the High Street Reconstruction Project and the efforts that supported local businesses throughout construction. 

The Southampton BIA submitted the project to the OBIAA Awards this year under the Streetscaping & Public Realm Improvements category. The submission highlighted the strong collaboration between the Town and the BIA, ensuring that above-grade streetscape upgrades reflected several years of BIA-led planning and broad support from BIA members, as well as the efforts to support businesses through construction. 

“This recognition celebrates the significant investment that we are making on Southampton's High Street" said Luke Charbonneau, Mayor of Saugeen Shores. “In partnership with the BIA and the broader community, we are refreshing our downtown infrastructure, supporting our local businesses, and creating a more vibrant space for the community.” 

A key focus of the submission was the coordinated approach to communication, including regular weekly updates between the Town, the BIA, and High Street businesses. It also highlighted promotions and events hosted throughout the construction period like the Love Local campaign, free giveaways, radio ads and ‘Open for business’ signage. 

“Our goal was to make sure business owners felt supported and that residents continued to shop, dine, and explore downtown Southampton,” said Sara Porter, Chair of the Southampton Business Improvement Area. “This recognition isn’t just about the final streetscape, but the care, communication, and collaboration that went into getting us there. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when the Town and the BIA work side by side.” 

Phase One of the High Street Reconstruction project was a Major Initiative in the Saugeen Shores 2025 Business Plan (pg 54) which included essential underground infrastructure upgrades on High Street from Victoria Street to Grosvenor St, while enhancing the public realm of downtown Southampton.  

Phase Two of the project is now underway, focusing on improving infrastructure and enhancing the streetscape between Grosvenor Street and the Flag. Phase Two is identified as a Major Initiative in the 2026 Business Plan (pg 60).