The Town of Saugeen Shores is notifying the public of provincial orders released April 4, 2020 prohibiting short-term rentals. In an April 9 update, anyone who owns a cottage is not to rent out their accommodations either privately or through a third-party broker such as VRBO, Airbnb or other cottage rental companies.

The only exception to this order is if cottages and short-term rentals are being provided to individuals who are in need of housing during the emergency period.

Saugeen Shores Police Services are monitoring that these and the other provincial orders announced are upheld. The Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act carries heavy fines for anyone who violates a provincial order: fines range from maximum of $100,000 for an individual, $500,000 for a director or officer of a corporation and $10,000,000 for a corporation.

“These further provincial orders will help discourage people from travelling into and out of our community during this pandemic emergency,” said Mayor Luke Charbonneau. “This is not the time to rent out your cottage in Saugeen Shores."

PORT ELGIN AIRPORT UPDATE

The Port Elgin Airport will remain closed until June 30, 2020. NAV Canada, which owns and operates Canada’s civil air navigation service, has closed the airport and issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) with this information.

PORT ELGIN MAIN BEACH ACCESS

Vehicle access to the Port Elgin Main Beach has been restricted at the Green and Elgin Street entrances to prevent vehicles and people from congregating in the parking area. The public can walk through the area to access tHe Waterfront Promenade while keeping good physical distance of two metres from others.