The Town of Saugeen Shores has officially begun updating its Water and Wastewater Servicing Master Plan to address the growing needs of Port Elgin and Southampton.
The plan, last revised in 2020, requires an update due to significant residential and non-residential growth in the area.
The town’s water system also services the Saugeen Ojibway First Nation (SON), and the update will review the current water treatment, distribution, and storage infrastructure. Additionally, it will assess sanitary sewage collection and treatment capacity. The study will examine growth forecasts and project future servicing needs through 2044, ensuring the long-term sustainability of essential water and wastewater services.
In a statement, the municipality said the updated Master Plan will serve as a strategic guide for the ongoing development of infrastructure in alignment with broader municipal planning, development, and financial policies. It will also outline proposed projects and estimated timelines or key triggers for implementation.
The update follows the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) process, which has been in place since 2000 and has undergone several revisions. The Master Plan study will incorporate Phases 1 and 2 of the MCEA process, ensuring comprehensive public consultation with residents, community stakeholders, government agencies, and Indigenous communities.
Public feedback is a critical part of the study. Residents are encouraged to submit comments through the project website at www.engage.saugeenshores.ca/WWSMP. Additionally, a public information meeting will be held during the study to provide further details and gather input. Information about this meeting will be released at a later date on the project website.