A three-hectare parcel in north Port Elgin will soon host a new $17.9 million elementary school in the Summerside subdivision.
Feb 19, 2025 • Last updated Feb 20, 2025 •
This aerial photo shows the final phases of the Summerside subdivision in Port Elgin, located west of Highway 21 on the south side of Concession 10, which now includes an elementary school site at the northeast corner. Photo by SUPPLIED PHOTO/Town of Saugeen Shores T
Port Elgin’s upcoming $17.9 million public elementary school will be built on a three-hectare plot in the last phase of the Summerside subdivision, situated west of Highway 21 on the south side of Concession 10 near a future extension of Waterloo St.
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The announcement that Lord Elgin Estates Developments Limited had finalized “an agreement of purchase and sale” for the school site with the Bluewater District School Board was made public by Dave Aston, the developer’s agent during the Town council meeting on Feb. 18.
The agenda included a public forum to discuss a planning report concerning Lord Elgin’s requests for significant changes to its subdivision draft plan for the school site, including adjustments to a stormwater facility and an updated street layout aimed at increasing density.
Aston mentioned that they signed a purchase and sale agreement with the school last week; however, in a Feb. 20 email, a spokesperson from Bluewater District School Board stated it is “preliminary” to conclude that everything is finalized just yet.
“A purchase and sale agreement has been reached; however, several conditions still need to be fulfilled. (The developer) does state that an agreement was reached which may have been misinterpreted as it being final,” explained Communications officer Jamie Pettit.
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Aston added that alongside the school site, other modifications reflect updates since approval was given for this subdivision back in 2011 to provide a “different mix” of housing options. This includes rezonings for an apartment block off Waterloo St. and along Devonshire Road.
“There’s another block proposed for multiple residential units which will likely look more like cluster townhouses instead of what used to be planned as a ‘lifestyle condominium’ block,” Aston stated. He also noted that these revisions allow some lots to be slightly smaller than others nearby to adapt to market needs and complete development.
A three-hectare area within the Summerside subdivision in north Port Elgin – Phase 11 – has been designated as the location for this new $17.9 million public elementary school on the south side of Concession 10 at an upcoming extension of Waterloo St.
Anne Howatt, who lives nearby in a freehold townhouse on Waterloo St., voiced concerns about road safety during the public meeting while focusing on plans regarding student drop-off zones, crosswalks, crossing guards, signage for schools and speed bumps now that houses won’t be constructed on that block.
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“Are you considering all parents who’ll line up before and after school…” Howatt remarked while emphasizing how snow buildup on “narrow” Waterloo St. makes it hazardous when people try pulling out from their driveways.
“For us-the children-the parents-and then with this huge construction happening right behind me now-I’m uncertain if there’s enough room on this street for everything going on here or whether all this has been accounted for,” Howatt expressed. p >
Bruce County planner Coreena Smith clarified that this site is slightly larger than what is required by provincial education ministry guidelines for accommodating a school with up to 409 pupils; she pointed out that it’s up to the school board to ensure sufficient off-street parking is provided.
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Agent Aston confirmed there are plans for sidewalks along both sides of Waterloo St., designated as a collector road extending towards Concession 10 , along with Bruce St., during future developments. He indicated construction timelines regarding both completion plans related around building work haven’t been shared just yet.
Councillor Bud Halpin expressed satisfaction over updates made within drafts submitted about subdivisions ; however he felt “disappointed” regarding increased bus traffic expected due schools set up here because he believed decision-makers overlooked exploring other options such as locating near existing high schools or parks rather than taking five acres from prime residential land.
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< br></td></tr></tbody></table> < p align=" center"> Contributed
< p> Editor' s Note: Comments from @Bluewater District School Board about status surrounding establishing new sites inside northern Port Elgin were incorporated into stories after initial distribution.< br> This paragraph offers information collected related directly connected educational institutions where decisions are being pursued relative issues emerging through every step taken ahead. Share news articles over social platforms
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