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Bookmark bayshorebroadcasting. ca to ensure you always have a direct connection to your trusted source for local news and information. Image of proposed development from staff report Oct. 14, 2025 The Saugeen Shores council has given the go-ahead for an affordable housing project in Port Elgin. According to a release from the Town, during the Council’s meeting on October 14th, they selected a group led by Tim Welch Consulting Inc.
to design and build at least 140 units of affordable housing along with a municipal park on the Town-owned Bluewater Lands, located at 374 Bruce Street, Port Elgin. The Town stated in their release, “This approval marks the first step of this important project, paving the way for the municipality and partners to improve affordability in Saugeen Shores.” Mayor Luke Charbonneu shared his thoughts, saying, “This is a transformation initiative for Saugeen Shores,” adding, “By moving forward with this project, we are demonstrating our commitment to innovative solutions for affordable and attainable housing, and to building a vibrant, inclusive community.” The development will include a combination of low-rise apartments and townhouses, with all units meeting affordability criteria for at least 50 years. The Town mentions that a new municipal park could feature amenities like a butterfly meadow, playground, outdoor ice pad, and community garden. This project is directly linked to the Town’s Affordable Housing on Town-Owned Lands Policy adopted in February 2024. They explain that this policy allows Saugeen Shores to actively work towards creating affordable housing options for moderate- and low-income families. The Bluewater Lands project is partially funded by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Housing Accelerator Fund and will be included in the upcoming 2026 town budget. Next steps involve declaring the residential part of the land as surplus, entering into a long-term lease with the developer, consulting with the community about initial designs including the park area, and securing zoning changes as well as site plan and building permit approvals. A staff report presented to council indicates that occupancy is expected around late 2027 or early 2028.
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