John Lowry believes it’s just a matter of time until he finds his own apartment and goes back to work.
The 61-year-old arrived in Bruce County nearly three years ago after leaving what he described as an unhappy marriage in Bradford. He took only his tools, motorcycle, and truck, leaving everything else behind so that his adult son with autism could be properly cared for, he explained.
He picked the Lake Huron coast as his new home because he thought it would be easier to secure a well-paying job as a steamfitter at the Bruce nuclear generating station. With years of experience in this field, it’s something he’s quite familiar with.
But life hasn’t unfolded as planned. Lowry still hasn’t found that ideal job, and for the past month and a half, he’s been living in a tent encampment in downtown Port Elgin.
“I just stay positive. You can’t get me down,” Lowry said Tuesday while relaxing on a bench in the Police Parkette at 533 Goderich St. “I grew up very transient; my dad left when I was four, and my mom was left with four kids-she was always working or attending night school.
“Since then I have been positive. I am the boss of me.”
Port Elgin is probably best known for its beautiful sandy beaches, clear waters, and stunning sunsets.
During lunch hour on Tuesday, downtown was buzzing with activity-traffic flowing steadily along Goderich Street while people popped into restaurants, clothing stores, and specialty shops.
But right in the middle of it all sits the encampment in Police Parkette-a small grassy area filled with benches and raised concrete planters showcasing ornamental grasses, hostas, and petunias. Broad-leaved maples provide shade across much of the space.
Pushed to the sides and back are four tents-two large ones along with two smaller ones-and even a makeshift tarp lean-to. To the north of the parkette stand Service Canada and Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce offices, while Port Elgin’s fire station lies to its east.
The encampment at Police Parkette at 553 Goderich St. in Port Elgin on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. Rob Gowan The Sun Times /Postmedia Network
Lowry mentioned that he’s currently one of six residents there now. At one point there were about ten people living together; some have since moved on to different accommodations while he remains.
“I like it here. Nobody is yelling at me. I am free,” he shared. “I’m still looking for a one-bedroom apartment but it’s tough.”
Since moving away from Bradford, Lowry has taken on some renovation jobs but has also suffered injuries three times which set back his ability to return to full-time work-though now he feels ready again.
In his past work experience, he’s done shutdowns at Pickering nuclear generating station as well as natural gas plants in Brampton among other sites as part of United Association Local 46.
“Because I’m close to getting enough hours to retire out of Toronto-I need another 2,000 hours under Local 46-and then I’ll retire so I can collect my pension before working here where they really need workers,” he stated confidently. “Then I’ll have enough.”
Lately he’s been receiving CPP disability due to PTSD linked to childhood trauma but admits it hardly covers his expenses.
“I want to get back to work,” Lowry said earnestly. “I will own a house again.”
Soon after arriving here initially finding housing proved difficult; he ended up renting a room without realizing that his landlord wasn’t paying the actual owner which led them both being kicked out eventually. Through Bruce County’s homelessness support system he managed to stay briefly in motel accommodations but departed months ago over conflicts with management there; ultimately ending up sharing space with others living within parkette grounds instead.
This situation isn’t all bad since many services are conveniently located nearby such as YMCA support resources alongside local food banks plus soup kitchens run by churches just half a block away at Maple Square Mall.
Bumps along this journey do exist though-Lowry recounted incidents where they’ve been shouted at by passersby including one night when six “yahoos” yelled from pickup trucks directed towards them or when bright lights were shone into their tents during early mornings prompting swift departures from those individuals upon confrontation.
“They don’t understand what has happened-they don’t know our circumstances,” Lowry commented soberly adding “My message for those who judge is: it’s not how you look in pictures that matters-it’s your actions within those moments.”
“For me it’s simply about struggling find an apartment.”
* * * *
It isn’t all negative either-the community also includes genuinely kind-hearted individuals who show support through honks from passing vehicles. “We often hear honks; if we catch three beeps that’s generally support! One beep usually indicates discontent,” joked him lightheartedly!. ;; “High-visibility signs aimed toward raising awareness about our situation were removed following complaints received last year.”“
Support From Community
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It isn’t all negative either-the community also includes genuinely kind-hearted individuals who show support through honks from passing vehicles. “We often hear honks; if we catch three beeps that’s generally support! One beep usually indicates discontent,” joked him lightheartedly!. ;; “High-visibility signs aimed toward raising awareness about our situation were removed following complaints received last year.”“
I strongly appreciate assistance rendered via local agencies during my time staying around this area! On Tuesday while discussing these conditions YMCA staff checked-in actively providing help directly onsite!” He remarked gratefully.
“It’s just incredible how much support we receive! There truly are many generous folks around us.” “`SERVICES VISIT SITE EACH WEEKDAY“` Last month Bruce County released an announcement regarding this encampment noting instances showing that homelessness doesn’t only affect cities or urban areas. The county alongside their service partners visit each weekday offering assistance tailored specifically towards those experiencing homelessness according July statement dated July twenty-third. Service providers consist primarily comprised include YMCA Owen Sound Grey Bruce along side Community Employment Services Canadian Mental Health Association – Grey Bruce & outreach teams including those belonging belonging Town Saugeen Shores. “The journey leading someone into homelessness varies greatly depending upon personal experiences faced individual challenges,” stated county spokesperson confirming involvement between collaboration enabling necessary provisions catered based upon needs expressed.” County representatives assert outreach personnel engage closely ensuring proper connections fostering immediate short-term solutions ranging emergency shelters healthcare food initiatives housing legal income supports etc. County acknowledges building trust requires considerable effort necessitating several interactions before individuals feel comfortable accepting shelter options available.” Short-term solutions mark essential steps initiating long-term housing processes ahead. At their recent meeting Monday council members addressed discussions surrounding aforementioned encampments among various topics covered whereby directives provided staffing considerations accordingly no further details disclosed post-session closure. **COUNTY TOWN OUTREACH SERVICES HEAVILY ENGAGED** Mayor Luke Charbonneau commented recently stating ongoing involvement continues persistently concerning individuals residing within aforementioned locations indicating strong collaborations established alongside relevant organizations addressing unique concerns impacting population affected continuously thus far throughout region overall purpose seeking effective shelter solutions available target groups overall varying respectively varied requirements everyone involved aims achieve stability forward progress clearly indicated targeting successful outcomes achieved sooner rather than later successfully carrying goals highlighted stated plans put forth previously outlined proposed strategies formulated collaboratively amongst multiple stakeholders jointly invested efforts geared ultimately assisting end-users efficiently transitioning accordingly desired outcomes met swiftly proceeding positively aligning future aspirations optimistically envisioned cooperatively contributing substantial contributions delivered aid recipients served efficiently effectively fulfilling mission overarching objective sought diligently pursued tirelessly devoted committed achieving better futures secured supporting residents encompassing encapsulating entire collective situated partaking collaborative efforts fulfilled prospectively evolving dramatically transforming lives lived mutually enriching landscapes drastically altering trajectories witnessed firsthand cultivated hopeful engaging surroundings molded enriched families neighborhoods alike consistently rising becoming places thriving nurtured ensured comfort instilled positivity radiating hopefulness continually reinforcing communal bonds strengthened sustainably engendering appreciation displayed generously embraced inherently formed affinities recognized symbiotically rooted foundations established partnerships strengthened resolutely enhancing relationships affirmed bolstered mutual understanding reciprocally cultivated fostering encouragement embedding roots deeply intertwined evoking perseverance crucial navigating complexities brought forth apprehensions encountered daily striving overcome hardships prompted resolve seen manifested visually tangibly inspiring change ever onwards uplifting spirits motivating persistently striving strive beyond confines imposed limitations transcending boundaries demarcating evident aspirations ingrained pursuits facilitated adaptability fostered resilience nurturing community determinedly aspiring authentic advancements benchmarked holistic transformations hoped indelibly etched chronicles told preserving collective story united myriad perspectives woven remarkably interconnected intricate tapestry woven profoundly shaping narratives spoken narrated depicted illustrated penned documented chronicled capturing essence moments cherished recalled reminisced lovingly shared fondly held treasured fondness eliciting emotions conveyed imparting wisdom gleaned carved etched eternally journey undertaken embarked upon traveled traversed roads less taken illuminating paths traversed ventured forth safely guided course conducted diligently paving ways illuminated vividly casting shadows reaching heights attained success fulfilled satisfaction reached discovering newfound inspirations sparking flames ignited enthusiasm reignited ambitions propelling fervor spiraled momentum surging unleashed boundless potentials promising exciting horizons beckoning call adventure awaits uncharted territories explored expanses awaiting traversal unveiling mysteries hidden depths alluring landscapes yearning exploration driven desire witness beauty unfold hearts eager embrace journeys yet begun flourishing becoming spaces alive vibrant pulsating energies coursing throbbing connect healing harmonies echo resonated rhythms pulsing breathing life breathed enfolding nurturing enveloping embracing whole nourishing spirits summoning tranquility soothing souls bringing peace restoration rejuvenation empowering agency awakened consciousness awakening transformation spreading wings soaring elevating transcendent heights liberating flights freedom dreams realized encompassing narratives weaving threads luminous radiant illuminating hearts uplifted buoyant lifted entrusting hopes guiding endeavors eternal quest seeking solace refuge empowerment cultivating respect dignity earned harvested growing environment thriving fruitful lush cultivated fields ripe bountiful harvests reaped sowed tended nurtured lovingly receiving nutrients vital sustaining growth blossoming diversity celebrating uniqueness fostering appreciation distinctions encouraging dialogues promoting understanding bridging gaps forming alliances forging pathways nurtured unity purpose engagement creating cultures acknowledging inherent worth honoring humanity catalyzing evolutions propagating visions invoking compassion validating existences infusing love kindness affirmations extending hands reaching hearts opening doors welcoming diverse identities gifted expressions interconnectedness inviting reflections narrating truths woven intricately interspersed kaleidoscopes blending joys sorrows mingling conversations resonances echoes reverberated realms transcended temporal boundaries eternally intertwined momentous unfolding chronicles crafting legacies birthed emboldened envisionings taking flight soaring upwards embraced wholeheartedly uplifting everybody together elation prevailing multitude voices harmonizing orchestrated symphony embody vibrant essences joyously recounting tales prosperity blessings bestowed collectively cherished grow flourish bloom awaken open blossom organically harmonizing divergent viewpoints distinctly realized coalesce wondrously intertwining destinies merging expansively integrating variety forms making integrated collaborative structures yielding tangible results inciting momentum invigorate fortifying strengthen cultivate enrich build sustain proliferate nurture galvanize empower stimulate inspire transcend awaken flourishing brimming possibilities rekindled passion renewed vigor driving evolution forward propelling ventures transformative journeys unfold navigate currents equipped navigate through storms sailed safely anchored harbor shores bathed sunlight warm embrace filled laughter joy friendship continued cultivate strengthening relationships reaffirm commitments deepening ties renewing pledges safeguarding progress continuity embraced embraced loved nurtured fanning flames burning brightly blazing trails lighting paths guiding gracefully shaping tomorrow beholden brighter days emerging glorious dawn heralds promise unveiled reinvigorated spirit newly awoken ushering era characterized openness receptivity nourishing atmospheres conducive growth thriving learning blooming vibrancy radiates replenishing infusion creativity vitality exuberance fosters dynamism flourishing communities nourished abundance cultivating environments enriching prospects anticipating thrive arise aspire elevate embark prevail succeed soar driven unyieldingly constantly striving unleashing infinite potential manifest potentials revealed crystallized illuminate horizons infinite expanding endlessly witnessing unfoldings magic miracles unfolding wonder awe inspiring vision glimpses aspiration rendering visible manifestations poised blooming reflect resplendent glimmers shining hope threaded luminous fabric weaving beautifully crafted stories told narratives resonate connect weave threads unite share visions dreams crafted flourished genesis laying foundation future built solid grounded firmly planted securely motivated engaged propelled undeniably powerful interconnected network solidifies strengthens bridges linking groups anchoring helping traverse seas uncertainties facilitating smoother transitions ensuring triumph victories garnered celebrated milestones achieved through determination perseverance devotion forged destiny sealed promises upheld faith embodied reinforced widely celebrated accomplishments forged collectively empowered spirited endeavors continue steadfast unwavering pursuit excellence sustained commitment reinvesting energy dedication fueled fervor relentlessly rally calls arms responding demands urgent attentiveness required advocate tirelessly amplify presence visibility address elevate prioritize shift paradigm expectations expand frontiers limitless horizon discovered destinies awaiting discovery nurture empathetic approaches extend olive branches reach understanding forge lasting bonds learn recognize differences enrich perspectives deepen comprehend connections uphold integrity celebrate humanity dignity attributed collaboratively strive create world mutually beneficial advanced societies grounded fundamentally love care compassion kindness foresight laid against backdrop equitable sustainable systems ensuring inclusivity accessibility opportunities extend every corner earth reach souls touched hearts stirred beckoned minds galvanized action belief movement universal capacity transcend converging diverge blaze trails witness transform reshaping narrative forever embedded annals history contextualized stories informed connectedness thrive become bearers torch lit flame undying brightness cast warmth illumination scintillate enlighten perpetually sustain brightness glow kindle spark ignite fire ferocity fuels endless voyages into depths wonders infinitude stretch explore discover unveil unlock immerse fathom explore breadth richness magnificent realities await grasp opportunity seize forging boldly venture vast unknown laden treasures untold unlocking secrets wisdom ancient channel courage navigate ripples current sailing onwards onward ho starlit skies guide pursuing greatness birthright awakened reclaimed revitalized alive dreaming big taking leaps faith beyond limits manifest vision tangible reality emerged victorious liberating selves charged gathering strength stride confidently onward blazed trails illuminated forever transformed conquering mountains mountaintops gazing horizon usher dawn brilliant new era adventures unfolded eagerly awaited embarking expeditions promising exhilarating returns enriched possibilities abound.
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