Notice of Study Commencement: Drinking Water System Storage Environmental Assessment

Project Information:

The Town of Saugeen Shores is undertaking a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) focused on examining alternatives for increasing available water storage within the Saugeen Shores Drinking Water System.

The Drinking Water System sources water from Lake Huron and distributes water to Port Elgin, Southampton, MacGregor Point Provincial Park and Saugeen First Nation #29. The distribution system has two separate pressure zones and serves a population of over 11,000. A Water and Wastewater Master Plan Update was completed in 2025. The Master Plan identified that additional water storage capacity is needed for the existing population and to service future growth. This MCEA project was identified in the Master Plan update as a priority recommended project (Master Plan project ID W2), requiring a Schedule B MCEA to complete further evaluations.

Environmental Assessment Process:

This MCEA is being conducted under Schedule B in accordance with the requirements of the Municipal Class EA document, dated October 2000, as amended in 2007, 2011, 2015, 2023 and 2024, under the Environmental Assessment Act.

This MCEA process will include confirming the problem or opportunity (Phase 1), identifying alternatives and completing an analysis of alternatives (Phase 2), consultation with the general public, community partners, government review agencies, and Indigenous communities throughout, and completing a final report. Alternative solutions to be considered include a new storage facility, modifying existing facilities, and a combination of both.

Public Involvement:

Public consultation is a key component of this study and there will be several opportunities for public input and involvement. For the initial phase of the program, public input into the planning of this study will be accepted until August 18, 2026. Project updates and information will be posted to the Engage Saugeen Shores website: www.engage.saugeenshores.ca/WaterStorage

For more information about this Municipal Class Environmental Assessment project or process, please contact Rachel White, Environmental Planner at B. M. Ross and Associates (rwhite@bmross.net or 1-888-524-2641). Any personal information submitted in this process will form part of the public record and may be disclosed under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the Environmental Assessment Act, if requested, to any person.

Colin Saunders
Project Manager, Development Services           

Notice issued: July 28, 2026