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Cedar Crescent Village

Cedar Crescent Village (CCV) is a facility that will serve as a premier year-round destination at Port Elgin Beach for visitors to eat, rest and shop. The CCV is the result of a unique partnership that developed from several years of public consultation.    

In 2013, the Town conducted extensive public consultations and sought out expert recommendations to create its Waterfront Master Plan, as well undertaking a  Waterfront Design Study.  One of those recommendations was to develop the beach as a unique visitor destination, with amenities to serve both residents and visitors. The CCV and surrounding land will serve as an anchor for The Town's Waterfront Master Plan, emphasizing pedestrian and active movement.   

Amenities 

Cedar Crescent Village (CCV) is a facility that will serve as a premier year-round destination at Port Elgin Beach for visitors to eat, rest and shop. The plans for the facility include a restaurant, game-space, market hall, ice cream shop and other amenities.   

Location 

The CCV will be located on Harbour Street near the Port Elgin Main Beach, in the area previously occupied by “The Station”, mini-putt and summer market. 

Construction Timeline 

  • The North Building has an anticipated completion date of February 2, 2026.

  • The South Building has an anticipated completion date of May 18, 2026. 

  • Total completion of the project is scheduled for September 14, 2026 

An amending agreement was approved by Saugeen Shores Council on February 24, 2025, extending to the dates listed above. 

February 25, 2025 Council approves Amending Agreement to move Cedar Crescent Village forward

February 20, 2025 Town Statement regarding Cedar Crescent Village Report

December 20th, 2024 Town issues statement on construction of Cedar Crescent Village

August 3rd, 2023 Town Issues Building Permit for CCV South Phase

March 29th, 2023 Town Issues Building Permit for CCV Project

September 27th, 2022 Public Notice to Declare Land Surplus for Lease

September 26th, 2022 Council Gives Notice to Support Lease Registration

September 12th, 2022 Update to Council

Frequently Asked Questions

In 2013, the Town conducted extensive public consultations and sought out expert recommendations to create its Waterfront Master Plan, as well undertaking a Waterfront Design Study.  One of those recommendations was to develop the beach as a unique visitor destination, with amenities to serve both residents and visitors.  

As our Town has grown, so has the attention on our already-famous waterfront and beaches.  However, those seeking food and entertainment at the main Port Elgin beach have always had few options.  The Town recognizes a more fulfilling visitor experience is needed for its future economic success as a tourism destination. 

For generations past, the site provided entertainment and memories with the well-loved tourist train, a candy shop and the Cedar Crescent Casino.  The new Cedar Crescent Village will support beach visitors with seating, shade, food and beverages.  

 

We understand that our beaches are our “crown jewels” and their protection is always at the forefront of all our decisions concerning the waterfront. The current project site was chosen to avoid impacting the natural beach environment and is located on the former site of the train station, which was already disturbed. 

The Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority has confirmed this project lies outside any of its areas of concern along the waterfront, and did not require an Environmental Impact Study. However, the developer has prepared a Sediment and Erosion Control Plan for the portion they are building on. 

When the Town advances work on adjacent lands, it will require appropriate erosion and sediment control to ensure stormwater quality and protection of fish habitat, and will engage the appropriate authorities. The Town has also followed guidelines outlined in its Waterfront Best Management Principles. 

The issue of parking and pedestrian traffic has been a consistent concern on the Port Elgin beach for several years. The CCV is the beginning of a larger opportunity to reorganize the space, so we can designate land use, transportation, and parking to be more efficient and more accessible.  

 

No, the facility will be located across the parking lot from the beach in the area previously occupied by “The Station”, mini-putt and summer market.    

The development is still subject to all necessary permits, by-laws, as well as federal and provincial laws.  Those include noise and light restrictions, potential liquor license requirements, etc.  Enforcement of those laws is a priority for the Town.  The developer has also agreed its businesses will close by midnight.  

The CCV is an example of a partnership where the Town retains ownership of the land, which is then leased by the private developer. 

The municipality remains in control of things like: 

 

  • The project’s overall character and quality 

  • Integrating the project into the overall design of the waterfront 

  • The development’s impact on parking and pedestrian traffic 

  • Access for all pedestrians and visitors 

  • Fulfilling the requirements of any other authorities that have jurisdiction over the project 

 

With CCV moving ahead, there is an opportunity to implement recommendations from the Waterfront Master Plan and Port Elgin Waterfront Design Concept. These recommendations are focused on reorganizing the area for more efficient parking and traffic flow, creating improved resident and visitor experiences, and creating a safer and more accessible destination. This project will build on the existing Waterfront Design Concept to develop a detailed design for the Port Elgin waterfront.

Contact Us

Town of Saugeen Shores
600 Tomlinson Drive, P.O. Box 820
Port Elgin, ON N0H 2C0
Phone 519-832-2008
Toll Free 1-866-832-2008
Fax 519-832-2140