Planning Studies and Guidelines
The Town of Saugeen Shores alongside the County of Bruce have prepared plans and by-laws to develop our community in a way that works for our residents, businesses and community partners.
Learn more about these plans and by-laws on how we develop our communities:
A Community Improvement Plan (CIP) is a planning and economic development tool that municipalities use to encourage the revitalization of the community. It does this through grants or loans to private property owners and tenants.
Housing Incentives Update- Community Improvement Plan (2026)
The Town received funding through the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) program to review its existing Community Improvement Plan (CIP) and identify and assess potential housing-related incentives that could further support local housing objectives. Opportunities have been identified to expand housing-related incentives, and a Draft Community Improvement Plan Amendment was presented for public input at an initial public meeting on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
Review the presentation from the May 19: Proposed CIP Amendment and Guide Overview Presentation
The CIP review process has evolved following Council direction at the June 8, 2026, Council meeting. At this time, direction was given to assess whether there were incentive gaps created from the removal of discretionary Development Charges. This review was presented and discussed at the August 24, 2026, Council meeting.
A CIP amendment has been drafted to include:
- Schedule E: Supplementary Housing Incentives Guide programs (HAF-funded Housing Incentives Guide).
- Schedule G: Core Commercial Incentive Program. This draft Schedule includes a program to capture the previously removed Development Charge incentives for commercial development within the Core Commercial areas.
The draft Community Improvement Plan Amendment can be viewed here: Community Improvement Plan. Comments may be directed to the Planning Team at planningteam@saugeenshores.ca.
This material will be presented at a Supplementary Public Meeting on Monday, September 21, 2026.
Community Improvement Plan Update (2024)
Saugeen Shores Shores' CIP is in place to support businesses and affordable housing. The plan also sets the framework for additional downtown improvements in both Southampton and Port Elgin. The Town has updated the CIP to support priority development and revitalization projects that align with many of the Town's, and the County of Bruce's, priorities, including:
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Revitalizing store fronts and streetscapes in our two downtowns (Port Elgin & Southampton)
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Reducing the number of vacant storefronts
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Increasing the number of affordable/attainable homes in Saugeen Shores
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Promoting the development of vacant or underutilized properties and encourage/attract investment
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Increasing projects that add value to the agricultural sector, promote agritourism, and improve facilities
The updated CIP also aligns with Bruce County’s recently enhanced Spruce the Bruce program.