All aboard the S.S. Trolley

Chamber President, Pier Donnini (L) and Saugeen Shores Mayor, Mike Smith cut the ribbon to officially reveal the trolley's new logo and name, the S.S. Trolley.

Hub Staff

It’s official. The Saugeen Shores trolley has arrived and will commence service on June 29. A launch was held following the Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce’s Annual General Meeting luncheon at Lakeshore Recreation.

The “S.S. Trolley” will be offering daily service throughout July and August from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m., seven days a week, shuttling passengers along the shoreline, from one downtown to another and back again.

Through a GPS tracking system, people can keep tabs on the trolley's whereabouts live at www.sstrolley.ca.

“The name S.S. Trolley just felt right, and while it suits for our town name of Saugeen Shores, it also indicates our waterways and marine heritage ties. The route takes the Trolley along the waters of our shoreline,” said Joanne Robbins, General Manager, Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce. Robbins added that the trolley will give visitors a chance to experience Saugeen Shores in a new way, while “giving us the chance to share our culture, heritage and attraction information.”

Pier Donnini, Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce President, explained that the Chamber will lead on the trolley project. “[The Chamber wants] to encourage our tourists and beachgoers to visit our shops, dine at our restaurants, enjoy our attractions and extend their stay with our accommodators, while we give them an experience to remember.”

Scott Wark from Grey Bruce Airbus and Wark’s Transport was a necessary part of the process. He not only spearheaded tracking down the trolley, knowing what to ask and what to look for but he is also looking after arranging drivers for the trolley. Wark said he had taken the trolley out last week for a committee tour, planning all the trolley stops. “Everybody was stopping and staring,” he said. “It's neat, we get lots of looks. It's fun to be a part of. I'm pleased.”

Saugeen Shores Mayor, Mike Smith who, along with Donnini, officially unveiled the Trolley's name and logo said, “The idea started with our BIA and our Chamber, trying to add something to our waterfront and our community and I think today is a great day. We've been waiting for it to come, it's here and I'm sure it'll get lots of use,” said Smith, adding, “It's going to go along our waterfront, one of the most beautiful drives in our community back and forth between the two communities and I'm sure people will enjoy it. They're going to get the opportunity to see all of our businesses and our waterfront at the same time,” he said.

Other partners in the project included: Southampton and Port Elgin Business Improvement Areas, The Bruce County Museum, the Municipality of Saugeen Shores, the County of Bruce Spruce the Bruce program and the Regional Tourism Organization Experience Development program.

Janice Mewhinney, Business Manager Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre said, “When the museum was first approached with this idea, we were excited to take part as a stop, but further, by arranging for a summer student employee to act as the S.S. Tour Guide.” Mewhinney said that the student will work five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday, complimenting passengers' experience with local history, culture and attractions.

Les and Pat Virtue from Port Elgin, were two of the first to take a ride on the trolley. Les being one of the three drivers of the new trolley. “We're really excited,” said Pat. “We're looking forward to it. It's going to be a real benefit for the town,” she said.

(L-R) Saugeen Shores Mayor, Mike Smith watches Deputy Mayor, Luke Charbonneau as he breaks a bottle of champagne to officially christen the new Trolley, with Vice Deputy Mayor Diane Huber and Chamber President, Pier Donnini.

What will become a familiar scene this summer; media, Chamber board members and guests got a chance to ride the new trolley along Miramichi Bay Road from Port Elgin to Southampton.