Current status

On February 25, 2026, the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks approved the terms of reference for the preparation of an environmental assessment for this project.

Get details on the notice of approval.

Project summary

The Town of Saugeen Shores’ existing Southampton landfill site is expected to reach its approved capacity between 2030 and 2032. The town is exploring options to meet the community’s future waste disposal needs over a 40-year planning period.

Several of the potential long-term solutions identified by the town require the completion of a comprehensive environmental assessment.

Learn more on the proponent's website.

Proponent

Town of Saugeen Shores

Location

Town of Saugeen Shores, Bruce County

Project type

Waste management

Reference number

24014

Contact

Antonia Testa, Environmental Assessment Branch

Project history

Terms of reference: approved
Date submitted: April 4, 2025
Expiry of public comment period: May 5, 2025
Decision date: February 25, 2026

Terms of reference

The purpose of the environmental assessment is to address the diminishing capacity at the Town of Saugeen Shores’ Southampton Landfill Site through the assessment and determination of a long-term solid waste management plan for the town.

The town submitted its proposed terms of reference for the Saugeen Shores waste management plan environmental assessment for approval by the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks on April 4, 2025. In response to comments received, the Town submitted an amended proposed terms of reference on November 13, 2025.

On February 25, 2026, the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks approved the terms of reference for this project, which is the first step in the environmental assessment process. The terms of reference sets out the Town’s work plan for addressing the Environmental Assessment Act requirements for the EA. 

Notice of Approval

Environmental Assessment Act subsection 17.4 (10) approval of terms of reference for the preparation of an environmental assessment.

Proponent: Town of Saugeen Shores
Project: Saugeen Shores Waste Management Plan Environmental Assessment
EA file no.: 03-08-02

As provided for by subsection 17.4(10) of the Environmental Assessment Act, the Terms of Reference, as submitted for approval to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks on April 4, 2025 and revised through the submission of an amended Terms of Reference by the Town of Saugeen Shores dated November 2025, to govern the preparation of an environmental assessment for the above-noted project, is hereby approved.

Pursuant to subsection 17.6 (1) of the Environmental Assessment Act, any environmental assessment for the above-noted project given to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks must be prepared in accordance with the Terms of Reference, as hereby approved.

Reasons

I am satisfied that an environmental assessment prepared in accordance with the amended Terms of Reference, will be consistent with the purpose of the Environmental Assessment Act and the public interest for the following reasons:

  1. The Terms of Reference provides that the environmental assessment will be completed using a comprehensive public, Indigenous and government agency consultation process that is open and transparent.
  2. The Terms of Reference provides an appropriate level of detail to confirm that the completed environmental assessment should contain a sufficient level of detail to accurately assess the environmental effects of alternative methods.
  3. The Terms of Reference sets out a planning process that will ensure the completed environmental assessment will be consistent with the purpose of the Environmental Assessment Act and the public interest.
  4. There are no outstanding issues that have not been incorporated into the Terms of Reference or that cannot be addressed during the preparation of the environmental assessment.

Dated the 25th day of February, 2026 at Toronto.

Original signed by: 
Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
777 Bay Street, 5th Floor
Toronto, Ontario
M7A 2J3