Coulter "Plaza" in Port Elgin already acts as a hub for an array of community events for various businesses and organizations in Saugeen Shores. With the proposed facelift and new events in the works, it would become even moreso.

Hub Staff

Coulter Parkette could be getting a facelift in 2017. In a recent Business Improvement Area (BIA) update to Saugeen Shores Council December 12, BIA President Jeff Carver said there is a “thrust” to “create space that better serves the businesses that exist in the downtown, as well as providing entertainment and activity for the folks that live and visit here.”

During recent Capital Budget talks, Coulter Parkette was listed as a long term capital project. The idea, currently making its way through the budgeting process, would see the removal of existing interlocking brick, gardens, and signage; replacing it with poured, decorative concrete and street furniture, helping to upkeep the aesthetic of the well-used area. The project is estimated at $145,000 which will come from reserves.

Carver referred to the downtown hub as Coulter Plaza in his delegation to council and admitted that the space’s true potential has not even been “close to witness”.

Members of the BiA and Town of Saugeen Shores Community Services have met and exchanged photos, visions and rough sketches of what opportunities could be made in the downtown location. Carver said there could be a great future in the park that would feature movie nights, buskers, farmers’ markets, a skating rink and continuing the Farm to Table Dinner experience. He also announced that during Cananda’s 150th celebration in July, the downtown park will be host to PoutineFest, which will also be licensed.

“Any successful downtown has a central area, a gathering place and spot to host events, and I guess, entertain,” said Carver who hopes that the “Coulter Plaza” facelift would be finished in the spring, in-time for the summer of 2017.