2018 court locations at the Port Elgin Main Beach. The contract between the Town and Social Athletics Club takes the league to 2020. Image source: Town of Saugeen Shores
Hub Staff
The Town of Saugeen Shores and Social Athletics Club of Saugeen Shores (SASS) have come to an agreement that will not impact towel space on Port Elgin Main Beach. The Club will continue to use the Port Elgin beachfront, only using six courts (down from eight); four between the Main Beach washrooms and one between the boardwalk and dunes grass; while also using the two courts available at Boston Pizza on Goderich Street in Port Elgin.
The Club which has been hosting beach volleyball tournaments - Recreational, Intermediate and Competitive play - for the past six summers have entered into an agreement with the Town that will serve until the summer of 2020.
An additional day of volleyball will be held on Thursdays to accommodate the high number of participants, some of whom travel to Saugeen Shores from Kincardine, Cape Croker, Wiarton, Owen Sound, Tara, and Chesley to play in the beach leagues.
Social Athletics Club of Saugeen Shores representative Richard Harris said that the SASS executive is happy to have a three year agreement with the Town of Saugeen Shores. “We've always had a great working relationship with the Town,” he said. “The agreement sets expectations and guidelines moving forward so that's great for everyone involved.”
Harris added that the Club understands rising water levels and the need for more beach space. “Our courts are now off of the Main Beach areas. Boston Pizza Saugeen Shores is a great partner of ours. We’re able to use their courts when needed. Adding a fourth night also allows us to keep our league numbers up. Our mandate is to get as many people as we can active and enjoying our town’s best asset, the beach,” he said.
A staff report presented to Council May 14 by Director of Community Services Jayne Jagelewski detailed an increase in costs to use the beach from $3,200 to $4,320 “to better recognize the value of this public space.” The fee paid by SASS will go towards the Waterfront Reserves.
