Saugeen Shores Regular Council (Planning) — Monday, August 24, 2026
Chantry Crossing subdivision advances despite split council: Council approved Bylaws 83-2026 and 84-2026 — a Local Official Plan Amendment and Zoning Bylaw Amendment for SKG Holdings Inc.’s “Chantry Crossing” development — and endorsed in principle Draft Plan of Subdivision S-2025-004, which would create 33 single-detached lots and 18 townhouse units on extensions of Albert Street and Emerald Drive in Southampton. The vote followed nearly three hours of debate. A deferral motion by the Deputy Mayor — narrowed through amendment to focus on outstanding hydrogeological and geotechnical studies informing stormwater management — was defeated. Critics, including the Deputy Mayor and Councillor Dominsky, cited roughly 12 unresolved conditions and the town’s own peer-review engineer (Burnside) flagging insufficient information. Supporters argued the condition-of-approval framework, including a requirement that the developer bear all costs for downstream Catchment Drain 12 upgrades (a figure of $2.28 million was referenced), provides adequate municipal protection. Councillor Grace declared a conflict of interest on all related items and did not vote. The application now advances to Bruce County Council, which holds final approval authority for plans of subdivision.
Conservation authority overhaul draws sharp criticism: Council unanimously directed staff to submit formal objections to the province’s proposed Lake Huron Regional Conservation Authority, which would replace the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority. Under the proposal, Bruce County would receive only one seat on a 21-member board, eliminating Saugeen Shores’ direct representation entirely. Councillors called the restructuring “outrageous” and disproportionate given the SVCA’s landholdings. The Mayor reported personally lobbying the Minister of Natural Resources at the AMO conference; a council member confirmed the minister’s office indicated the boundary and representation model is final.
Highway 21 speed limit request approved: Council passed a motion — carried with Councillor Mayet opposed — directing staff to formally request the Ministry of Transportation reduce the posted speed on Highway 21 between Concession 10 (Port Elgin) and South Street (Southampton) from 80 km/h to 60 km/h, citing Saugeen Rail Trail crossing conflicts. The town has pursued this change since before 2013; MTO has rejected prior requests multiple times.
Development charges and CIP update received: A report from Sierra Planning and Management on the CIP Development Charges Review was received for information. Key gaps identified: no equivalent DC relief remains for industrial development outside Innovation Park or for commercial core projects following discretionary exemptions being removed from the DC by-law. A public meeting is scheduled for September 21.
Conflicts declared: Councillor Grace declared a conflict on the SKG Holdings items (property ownership across from the proposed development); the Mayor declared a pecuniary interest on the Highway 21 speed limit notice of motion (business shareholding along the corridor) and was absent for bylaw readings.