The University of Guelph’s Rural Planning & Development program is set to engage students in a critical project in Saugeen Shores. As part of their curriculum, the project will enable students to apply their knowledge in a real-world context while collaborating with Town staff.
Student Project Overview
Commencing in Fall 2025, the project selected for the Winter 2026 semester is titled “Settlement Area Expansion: Town of Saugeen Shores Community Needs Assessment.” Aimed at assessing the community’s requirements, this initiative focuses on various key areas.
Key Objectives of the Project
- Evaluate community strengths and weaknesses.
- Analyze demographic trends and housing affordability.
- Assess access to essential services like education and healthcare.
- Identify gaps in current conditions versus desired outcomes.
Following this assessment, students will provide strategic recommendations for incorporating their findings into future development applications. The primary aim is to align proposed expansions with the long-term vision for sustainable growth in Saugeen Shores.
Collaboration with Town Staff
Town Staff have actively engaged with the student group. They reviewed the project proposal, offered additional context, and helped identify relevant data sources. This collaboration is pivotal for ensuring that student research is well-informed and applicable.
Future Development Considerations
Upon project completion, students will have the chance to monitor the development process independently. This observation will determine whether the proposed recommendations are integrated into the town’s planning efforts.
Presentation to Town Council
In Spring 2026, students will present their findings and recommendations to the Town and Council. This presentation is part of a larger context, which includes updates to the Bruce County Official Plan.
Landowner Requests and Community Growth
The Town has received several Landowner Requests for expanding the settlement area boundaries of Port Elgin and Southampton. As these requests advance, there will be an opportunity for Town staff to collaborate with developers. This collaboration aims to ensure the needs of the growing community are effectively met.
The insights gained from the students’ assessment will provide valuable direction as Saugeen Shores continues to evolve and expand in response to its rapidly growing population.
