The Town has made history by becoming Canada’s first Rainbow-Registered municipality. The accreditation means the Town has met a set of standards that ensure 2SLGBTQI+ customers feel safe, welcomed, and accepted.
Those standards are set by Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC), which advocates for over 100,000 2SLGBTQI+ owned and operated businesses in Canada. The designation allows the municipality to use the program’s prestigious Rainbow Registered designation mark. The Town joins the Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce, which also received its accreditation.
“This designation shows that as we grow in diversity, we grow in strength,” said Mayor Luke Charbonneau. “I could not be prouder of our Council and our staff. I also want to congratulate the Chamber for their accreditation and the leadership they’ve shown on behalf of the Town’s business community.”
Council members identified and supported this initiative in May after receiving the Welcoming Communities Action Plan from the Town’s Economic Development office. The goal of that plan is to ensure people from a wide range of groups feel a sense of belonging in Saugeen Shores.
The Welcome Communities Action Plan is a Major Initiative in the Office of the CAO presented in the 2023 Business Plan and approved by Council (p.11).
