University of Guelph Students Tackle Real-World Planning Challenges in Saugeen Shores
Students from the University of Guelph’s Rural Planning & Development program are gaining invaluable hands-on experience through a collaborative project with the Town of Saugeen Shores. This initiative moves learning beyond the classroom, immersing students in a real-world scenario and allowing them to contribute directly to community development.
Project Overview: Settlement Area Expansion & Community Needs
In Fall 2025, the University of Guelph submitted a proposal for student engagement opportunities with Saugeen Shores. Four proposals were received, and the selected project, ‘Settlement Area Expansion: Town of Saugeen Shores Community Needs Assessment,’ promises to be particularly impactful. This project, part of the Winter 2026 semester for masters-level students, focuses on the unique challenges and opportunities within “rural and remote communities.”
Key Project Goals
The project aims to:
- Identify and analyze the strengths, weaknesses, needs, and resources of Saugeen Shores.
- Examine demographic trends, housing affordability, and access to essential services like education and healthcare.
- Bridge the gap between current conditions and desired community outcomes.
- Provide data-driven recommendations for future development applications.
Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that any proposed expansion of settlement areas aligns with a long-term vision for sustainable growth and effectively addresses the evolving needs of residents, businesses, and all community stakeholders. This aligns with broader planning principles discussed by organizations like the Canadian Institute of Planners.
Collaboration and Implementation
Town staff have already engaged with the student group, reviewing the project proposal, providing crucial context, and identifying relevant data sources to support their research. This collaborative approach ensures the project is grounded in local realities and benefits from the expertise of both the students and town officials.
A unique aspect of this project is the opportunity for students to follow the development process independently after project completion. This will allow them to observe whether their recommendations are implemented and to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of urban and rural planning. The students’ findings will be presented to the Town and Council in the Spring.
Context: Broader Planning Initiatives
The project coincides with ongoing discussions regarding settlement area expansion in Saugeen Shores. A recent report to Town Council, also informing the Bruce County Official Plan Update, revealed several landowner requests for expansion to the settlement area boundaries of Port Elgin and Southampton, currently under County consideration. As these requests progress, the Town will have further opportunities to collaborate with developers and advocate for community needs.
This University of Guelph project represents a valuable partnership, fostering the next generation of planning professionals and contributing to the sustainable development of Saugeen Shores.
