Business Resources and Social Responsibility

Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge

The Downtown Port Elgin BIA pledges to support our local entrepreneurs and our community by supporting our Municipal sustainable purchasing policy and any carbon-friendly transportation the Town of Saugeen Shores may have in place or plan to put in place.

The Downtown Port Elgin BIA has signed the Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge to demonstrate our commitment to improving the sustainability performance of our organisation between now and 2030.  The UN World Tourism Organisation defines sustainable tourism as “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry and the environment.

Each year, we commit to improving our sustainability performance in the following ways: encouraging our member businesses to address their packaging; encouraging our member businesses to be mindful of their energy output; encouraging our member businesses to make full use of the Municipality’s re-cycling programme

We believe that our Members and the community at large will stand to benefit on many fronts, from cost savings to enhanced customer loyalty and improved brand reputation. We believe that by prioritizing sustainability, we can boost employee satisfaction, attract high-yield travellers, and ensure the long-term success of our member business and the Municipality.

Further, we aim to ally the BIA with the Key Principles of the Bruce GreySimcoe Regional Tourism Organisation.  Some of these include:

1. Encouraging visitors to plan ahead in order to take the best advantage of our Town: book accommodation and dining ahead of time; check our websites for activities and events such as our weekly Farmers’ and Artisan Market, Art in the Alley event, Summer Dance Party Event and Christmas at the Shores;
2. Respect the environment and travel wisely: deposit waste in provided receptacles, don’t let vehicles idle, take advantage of our walking and cycling trails;
3. Support Local:  all of the businesses in our BIA are owned and operated by local entrepreneurs who have chosen to make their living and raise their families in our town.

The BIA is, and actively aims to, encourage the preservation of our region’s rich natural and cultural heritage.  We are actively working at building a welcoming environment where visitors and residents feel connected and valued through a calendar of promotions and events including outdoor art installations, a seasonal weekly Farmers’ and Artisans Market, open air music, and shoulder season events.

Here are a few tips to make your visit to Port Elgin amazing!

1. Please Plan Ahead when you visit our beautiful town.  Know where to park, and we encourage you to make reservations for dining and accommodations ahead of time.

2. Respect the Environment and stay safe!  Kindly make use of waste receptacles and please don’t leave your car to idle.  Heading to the beach?  “Pack-in-pack-out”  Be aware of safe swimming procedures and be kind to our beach - no open fires or closed tents.  Make use of the public washrooms.

3. Slow Down!  Take the time to enjoy our downtown with its variety of stores, restaurants and coffee shops.  Look for our public art installations (Hint:  Coulter Parkette and the alley beside Rosina’s Ristorante)

4. Support Local!  All of the businesses in the Downtown Port Elgin BIA are owned by entrepreneurs who depend on visitors and locals alike for their patronage.  When you shop local you’re keeping money in our community, supporting our economic development and contributing to the people and products that make our town unique!