In a detailed 2022 quarterly Major Initiatives report to Council on Monday evening (Jan. 9/23), CAO Kara Van Myall explained that 2022 had been a “… very busy year … with 37 major initiatives” by the various town departments.
By year-end, 31 of the initiatives were complete (90 per cent) with others being considered multi-year projects. Among those completed were the Summerside Park Development Phase 2 (although part has been delayed for discussion with SON, Saugeen Ojibway Nation), the Review and update of Finance By-laws and Policies and pre-engineering data gathering for a McNabb-Hwy. 21 proposed roundabout.
One of the highlights also outlined by Van Myall was the Household Hazardous Waste Program that is conducted by the County for municipalities. Saugeen Shores hosts two events at the town’s Public Works yard in Southampton per year, one in May and one in October. In 2022, Saugeen Shores had 828 vehicles drop off hazardous waste over two days, accumulating a total of 30.98 tonnes.
She also pointed out that two major projects, Lamont Sports Park and the Aquatic and Wellness Centre were a major focus of 2022 and will be on-going.
When it comes to development, Saugeen Shores appears to remain as the fastest growing municipality in the region. In 2021, there were 207 single-family residential permits with a record-breaking value of $154million and 526 building permits overall. While the number dipped in 2022 to 173, commercial and institutional development actually increased.
According to Van Myall, it appears that 2023 will another busy year for Town staff.
