(file photo) Saugeen Shores Municipal Office is About to See Some Demolition For new Aquatic & Wellness Centre
Plans are underway for the Town of Saugeen Shores to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the amalgamation of Southampton, Port Elgin, and Saugeen Township to form the municipality.
The town’s committee of the whole heard from Manager of Strategic Initiatives Jill Roote on the progress being made by the planning committee during a meeting on June 12.
The town approved receiving the report from Roote for information, as the town will mark its 25 year milestone on Jan. 5, 2024.
“The town was officially amalgamated on Jan. 1, 1999 and held its inaugural council meeting on Jan. 5, 2000. The planning committee was formed this year to act as the coordinating body to lead messaging, support grass roots recognition activities and plan town hosted celebratory events,” says Roote.
Members of the committee include Mayor Luke Charbonneau, two members of council, community members, town staff, rotary clubs, Southampton and Port Elgin Business Improvement Areas, the Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce, Summer Music, and the Marine Heritage Association.
So far, recognition events include a commemorative inaugural council meeting on Jan. 5, 2024, with local dignitaries invited including previous mayors and members of council, MP Alex Ruff, MPP Rick Byers, Saugeen First Nation Chief Conrad Ritchie, and Bruce County Warden Chris Peabody.
Additionally, the committee has also marked August 10 and 11, 2024 as a celebration weekend to promote signature events, and encourage others to create their own commemorative activities.
“As the details of events are confirmed, staff will provide additional information reports for council’s awareness,” says Roote.
Charbonneau says he is looking forward to seeing this project advance and hopes residents will start thinking of next year as a big celebration in the community.