Council

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Included in the draft budget presented to Saugeen Shores Town Council was the annual report for the Parks and Recreation Department.

"After reviewing our program delivery," said Director of Community Services, Jayne Jagelewski, "we have decided to refocus our efforts on promoting active lifestyle through the use of our many parks and trails."

One of the areas being eliminated, are the summer day camps.  According to Jagelewski, it is an area where private providers are offering the same services.  "We were lucky to get 12 to 15 kids out and the services we had are being offered by other community organizations.  We will still offer some 'day programs' on a contract basis."

She also said that the department is looking at waterfront programs to identify needs that will fill the void left by beach carnivals being cancelled.

When looking at waterfront activities, seasonal harbour rates are also going up from $48.00 per ft. to $49.00 per ft. along with transient rates going up.  "We are also looking at a four-year dock replacement program to begin in the fall," she added.

Jagelewski point out that it is "... desirable to have a (harbour) business plan for the next 10 years that includes operations and infrastructure improvements.  We had  a survey completed and we are now analyzing that."

"Aside from the budget," said Deputy Mayor Luke Charbonneau, "we have a group of customers (boaters) at the harbour and we need to keep them happy to keep it viable."

"We will have a business plan for the Harbour in the spring," replied Jagelewski.  "Gas sales were up despite our transient numbers being down.  This was one of our better years at approximately 80 to 85% capacity in the harbour.  We had a good year as did our neighbours."

Jagelewski also pointed out that provision had been made in the budget for Port Elgin beach washroom upgrades.  "We are looking at renovating the inside to comply with the new accessible legislation and the washrooms are tired."

"There have been concerns raised by the Beachers' Association," pointed out Councilor Diane Huber, "that the upgrading is premature.  We should wait and, instead of spending $45,000 now, spend $75,000 down the road to do the entire building, inside and out.  There have been instances where we have things done and then we have to go back and re-do them because they weren't done right in the first place  Also, these building improvements should be part of the Waterfront Master Plan."

Huber also pointed out that Southampton also has a major beach and that the washrooms (at Gerry's Fries) are " ...dismal."

"I agree with Councilor Huber," said Councilor Taun Frosst.  "Port Elgin is not the only part of Saugeen Shores." 

"This doesn't mean we have freeze all expenditures," said Deputy Mayor Charbonneau.  "I suggest our Director of Community Services consult with the community and gather ideas in order to proceed with these budget matters.  We should do what the public wants.  Go to the Waterfront Committee and ask them what they want."

"I agree," added Councilor Thead Seaman.  "Leave the money in the budget and don't proceed until we have a formal Waterfront Master Plan Committee and look at what it wants."

While the harbour has issues, Jagelewski also pointed out that, in the budget, the Tourist Camps are also undergoing changes.  Seasonal rates are increasing again this year from $1,999 per site to $2,040.   In addition,  hydro meters for each site will be installed beginning this fall.

"The emphasis this year," explained Jagelewski, "is to build a strong seasonal pool of staff to work effectively between the two municipal tourist camps.  We feel that by having one staff covering the two camps, we can allow for staff flexiblity."

The bottom line is ... summer rates are going up.

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Wednesday, January 25, 2012