Port Elgin Beach Preservers button.

Hub Staff

The Port Elgin Beach Preservers (PEBP) once again shared their voice in response to the Port Elgin Main Beach revitalization project when, on January 13, a presentation delivered to Saugeen Shores Council by PEBP member Neil Aitchison spurred remarks from members of council and Saugeen Shores CAO David Smith.

The PEBP had compiled alternate design plans and included them in their presentation. Their vision suggested rotating the village 90 degrees, amending the market space and kids’ zone into one structure and combining the restaurant and event hall into a second building, allowing for one kitchen and shared services. The proposed marine tuck shop was also envisioned as part of the restaurant building.

Aitchison claimed the altered design provides the same amenities as the current design but with additional benefits including better views, improved access to neighbouring businesses, reduced plowing requirements and better flood protection.

Aitchison requested all interested parties conduct a brainstorming session.

“There are many people in our community and beyond who have creative ideas for a vision of our waterfront,” declared Aitchison. "This is just one idea."

Councillor Cheryl Grace was the first to weigh in and shared her appreciation for all their contributions and her desire to discuss their ideas further.

Vice Deputy Mayor Mike Myatt confessed he was “blown away” with the amount of work that had gone into the presentation.

“I do appreciate the passion, the interest you people have shown,” stated Myatt. “You’ve put a whole lot of work into this and a lot of thought into it and I basically just want to thank you for your efforts, a lot of good information in here,” he said.

Councillor Kristan Shrider directed her comment to CAO David Smith, questioning how to move forward from here. “There were a lot of great ideas in that presentation," Shrider said.

The CAO said some of these concepts had been previously reviewed and discounted during the project's evolution but said some of the items could be considered. “Council will be approving the final design as you know and we’re working closely with the proponent and continue to work closely with the proponent to come up with a final design," said Smith.

To see the alternate plans as presented by the PEBP, click here.