The ever-popular cardboard boat races remain a big draw for the annual Marine Heritage Festival, one of the many activities for the Marine Heritage Society, as presented to Council July 8.
Hub photo
Jane Glenn | 11 June 2026
On Monday night Saugeen Shores Council heard all about the tours, restoration projects, markets and the upcoming 15th anniversary of the Marine Heritage Festival. Members of the Marine Heritage Society (MHS) gave an update on their activities and highlighted plans for the event in July.
The MHS is a volunteer led, non-profit organization focused on preserving important marine heritage sites, explained volunteer John Matlock, “while also helping showcase Saugeen Shores through tourism and community events.”
Since the 1990s, Matlock said MHS has helped lead the restoration and stewardship efforts involving the Keeper’s cottage, the General Hunter excavation and construction of a replica of it in the museum as well as refurbishment of the front and rear range lights, creating replica storm baskets and maintenance of the Boathouse. All were completed to a high level of craftsmanship and with little cost to the Town.
Matlock said the 2026 Chantry Island tour season is off to a strong start. The rescue boat is operational, tour facilities have been refreshed and more than 100 tickets were sold in the first week of online booking. "Our captains, crew and guides are trained and ready to welcome the world once again," he said, adding that they are also preparing for upcoming Transport Canada safety requirements.
Festival Co-Chair Deb Kaufman told council that the Friday Artisans and Tastes Market continues to grow as both a community gathering place and an economic driver. She said the market helps connect residents and visitors with local makers, food producers and non-profit groups while drawing more people into the downtown.
"It provides a sense of vitality and social connection," Kaufman said. "It’s shaping up to be another exciting season that reflects the creativity, agriculture, food and craftsmanship that make Bruce County special."
Kaufman said the market also supports community organizations by giving them a visible place to meet the public, raise awareness and collect donations. Vendor fees and MHS craft sales also help fund restoration work and events.
"The market is not only about visitor experience and quality of life," she said, "it also helps sustain the restorations and events that showcase Saugeen Shores as a destination."
‘Captain Wayne Sparrow,’ appearing in full pirate attire, outlined plans for the 15th anniversary of the Marine Heritage Festival, set for July. He said the free event will expand to about 30 activities after drawing more than 7,000 attendees across 25 activities last year. Highlights this summer will include the cardboard boat races, a children’s bike rally, historical walks, a tall ship visit with deck tours and public sailings and the return of the Chantry Time Trek Adventure.
Captain Sparrow said the festival benefits Saugeen Shores in several ways, from giving community groups opportunities to raise their profiles and fundraise, to offering family-friendly programming that often brings together several generations. He added that nearly 200 volunteers help make the event possible and said the festival continues to strengthen the community’s identity as a place to live, work, play and visit.
Dozens of volunteers will be needed for the event in a wide range of roles. Secondary students who volunteer can count those hours towards their graduation requirement. Anyone interested can email volunteers@chantryisland.com.
Several members of council praised the Society’s work. Vice-Deputy Mayor Mike Myatt noted the group came to council about a decade ago to ask for a loan. They were given $125,000 and 10 years to re-pay it, but did so in just three years, well ahead of the 10-year timeline, saying it was "quite remarkable" and a sign of the organization’s strong volunteer commitment.
Deputy Mayor Diane Huber wanted to emphasize that the festival remains fully free for families. "You see these families come in and enjoying the whole day and there’s no charge for them to get in," Huber said. "It’s really wonderful for that reason."
The 15th anniversary of the Marine Heritage Festival is set for Friday, July 24 to Sunday, July 26. For details and a list of events, visit chantryisland.com/marine-heritage-festival.
