A section of the North Shore Trail was closed in April due to wave damage. Town of Saugeen Shores image. 

The Town of Saugeen Shores is seeking public input on ideas for the North Shore Trail during summer 2020. Temporary high water levels have damaged areas along the shoreline, resulting in closures on the trail.

See: North Shore Trail closure

See: Updates on Saugeen Shores waterfront

In a Town media release, the North Shore Trail averages 13,000 to 15,000 users each July alone. While this summer may look different due to COVID-19 precautions, Town staff have developed a temporary proposal while they continue to work out a permanent solution.

The proposal for Council and the public’s consideration is to change one of North Shore Road's traffic lanes into a trail for pedestrians and cyclists. In this proposal, a temporary measure for summer 2020 only, traffic would use one lane of the road and only travel in one direction from McVicar Street to Concession 10. Emergency response times to the properties in the area would be maintained.

“North Shore Trail is one of our community’s most popular attractions,” said Mayor Luke Charbonneau. “We are interested to hear from everyone as Council considers this proposal.”

The public can take the survey before Friday, June 5 at 12:00 pm (noon) by visiting the Town’s website at: saugeenshores.ca/northshoretrailsurvey.

Surveys and a letter were also mailed to residents in the affected area. As the municipal office is currently closed to the public, anyone looking to acquire a hard copy of the survey is encouraged to call (519) 832-2008 x125 to make arrangements.