Residents flock to public information session on proposed High St. revitalization

By
Sandy Lindsay
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According to Saugeen Shores Town website, “As part of a community-driven effort to update Southampton’s High Street, the Town is refining design improvements to the streetscape.  These architectural and engineering designs build on a concept created through public engagement conducted by the Southampton BIA.”

On July 4th, a public information centre (PIC) was held at the Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre and it would appear that Southampton residents are very interested in the “community-driven” aspect as they filled the Museum’s upper gallery to capacity.

For larger view, Click on Image

The Town of Saugeen Shores has engaged R.J. Burnside & Associates Limited to consult on the refined design this year (2024) as the Town moves forward in planning a three-year phased construction implementation plan: 

  • Phase 1 (2025) – High Street from Dominion Lookout Point to Grosvenor Street    
  • Phase 2 (2026) – High Street from Grosvenor Street to Albert Street (Hwy 21)
  • Phase 3 (2027) – High Street from Albert Street (Hwy 21) to Victoria Street  
A major concern expressed by many people at the public session was the proposed removal of 63 per cent (63%) of the parking spaces on High Street for a total of – North side 98 down to 69 and South side 109 to 73.
  • From Victoria St. to Albert (Hwy 21) 65 spaces down to 34
  • From Albert St. to Grosvenor St. 61 spaces down to 27
              For larger view, click on image

It has also been proposed to add a total of 12 scooter/motorcycle spaces.

According to a local business owner, the engineering plans have split these numbers up into North side and South side of these blocks (shown in chart) which is a lot more than just a 30-33% loss. “The total percentage loss shown in the chart however, includes the blocks west of the Post Office (from Grosvenor to Dominion Lookout/Lake Huron) where there is little to no change in parking spaces. The block losing the most parking is the one with the most businesses. (56% loss).”

The other block with Offshore bakery, Home Hardware, Little Black Dog, Library, Martin’s bike shop, Armen’s Cafe, Town Hall, Southampton Arts, and two churches, are losing 48% of their parking spaces.
“I don’t know how anyone can think this is good for the survival of the downtown core,” says the owner. “They want to promote walking, but people coming to Southampton still need a place to park.”
Following the public information session, business owners have expressed considerable concern to the point that a recent petition has been started.
In a presentation at the Southampton Business Improvement Association (SBIA) AGM in November, 2022, design principles were proposed to:
  • Enhance existing conditions and retain community character
  • Improve the pedestrian experience, and accessibility, especially during Visitor Season
  • Balance vehicular access and parking with streetscape amenity
  • Create a clear parking strategy for Southampton Beach and visitor parking Appropriate          parking configurations by season
  • Create an overall rhythm of Placemaking within the Street
  • Provide opportunities for partnerships and events
  • Increase safety through traffic calming
  • Provide Sustainable Solutions that Enhance our Environment
  • Introduce Shade through Proper Installation and Rhythm of Trees

At that time, a Parking Strategy was also part of the presentation that proposed

  • Enhancing parking options, so that High Street works flexibly: creating a more active pedestrian streetscape during Visitor Season while having convenient parking that expands during Winter Season
  • Retain Angled Parking
  • One Lane Each Way, Reduced Centre Loading Space
  • Identify Available Parking spaces throughout the core (Paint Lines and increase adjacent parking)
  • Create an Overall net gain in parking spaces. High Street and Victoria Parking Count Existing 343 spaces: Identified 172. Un-identified 171. Proposed Off-season, 346 spaces: Minor reduction in Visitor Season for patios and events
Many issues were raised at the public session, including the addition of more bump-outs, reducing space for delivery trucks and the proposed Cenotaph area revitalization.
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