Beach Ambassadors are set to return to the Town of Saugeen Shores this summer. On Tuesday night (May 24), the Town’s Committee of the Whole approved the program’s second season.
The waterfront program features staff who monitor Town beaches on the weekends. The Town first introduced ambassadors in 2021 to support social distancing on beaches during the COVID-19 pandemic and was funded through the COVID-19 Funding received by the Province. In 2021, the Program was staffed mainly through the Police Services Special Constables and the Municipal By-law Enforcement Officer filled in when available.
This year however, the focus will shift to By-Law awareness and enforcement to promote waterfront education and etiquette.
Chief Building Official, Josh Planz, who is overseeing the program says that the Town’s approach is to create knowledge of the by-laws with the public before resorting to enforcement. “We will let people know about rules and restrictions with the goal of creating a positive beach experience for all. It is important people understand the rules around prohibitions on dogs, barbecues & fires, tents, and alcohol consumption.”
The budget for the Program would be for 16 hours total per week – consisting of two 8-hour patrol days per week. The patrols would take place on Saturday and Sunday during peak beach hours to be as effective as possible. The program would run from June 11th until September 11 th for a total of 39 patrol days.
The total cost of the program would be approximately $12,500.00 funded from the existing COVID-19 Funding received from the Province.
“Our beaches are the crown jewels of our community,” said Mayor Luke Charbonneau. “This program reassures both residents and visitors that we are maintaining a waterfront that is healthy, safe and clean and that everyone can enjoy.”
The program runs from June 11th until and including the Labour Day Weekend.
