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%20explains%20regulations%20to%20participants%20Lorne%20Shantz(L),%20Chris%20Huges%20of%20Tourism,%20Joanne%20Robbins%20of%20the%20Chamber%20Commerce%20and%20Architect%20Charles%20Hazel.jpg)
County Planner (C) explains regulations to participants Lorne Shantz
(L), Chris Hughes of Tourism, Joanne Robbins of the Chamber Commerce and
Architect Charles Hazel Bill Hollo, (William
S. Hollo, MCIP, RPP Deputy Director, Planning and Economic Development
Department, County of Bruce), hosted a design meeting on Wednesday, July 30th in the Rotary
Hall at The Plex in Port Elgin.
Approximately 50 representatives, from Bruce County Planning, Saugeen
Shores Town Council, local business, building developers and residents,
attended the full-day session to try and determine what design elements
are needed in the community as it moves forward, particularly with
respect to the Highway 21 corridor that links Southampton and Port
Elgin.
Hollo pointed out that the discussions were being held in order to
arrive at potential solutions from a broad range of questions and
possible recommendations that could be presented to the County in order
to establish possible design guidelines.
"There is no doubt that guidelines are needed," said one of the County
Planners. "There isn't a community in the Province that isn't
considering design today when it comes to what they are trying to have
their communities represent. Each community is unique and, if you don't
retain that difference, a community can fall by the wayside when it
comes to attracting tourism and possible business entities."
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(continued)
Many issues were raised surrounding the issue of design but, one of
the most prevalent was that of traffic control. The majority of those
attending recognized that traffic has become a major issue in the region
of Saugeen Shores and several attendees had both questions and possible
solutions to the many traffic problems that have developed within a
short period of time.
Hollo pointed out that the process of design is meant to be "... a
transparent, open process where everyone has input." The Planning Act
has now allowed communities and counties to establish their own design
requirement in order to enhance their unique diversity. Anyone wanting
to make suggestions as to changes or recommendations regarding design
can contact
www.brucecounty.on.ca/saugeenshoresdesign.
It is anticipated that several public meetings will be held in the near
future in order to reach a design plan by year end. "If we don't arrive
at a consensus by December or January," says Hollo, "then we are will
extend the time period because we are not going to rush through this
process. It is simply too important to the future of the community and
the region as a whole."
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