Port Elgin is part of the municipality of Saugeen Shores. It is situated on the shores of Lake Huron in Bruce County. Originally called Normantown, it was renamed in 1873 after the 8th Earl of Elgin, James Bruce, a former Governor General of Canada.
The harbour was constructed in 1857-58 as the village was the distribution centre for the areas’ agricultural region. In 1873, it was incorporated with the population of 941 people. For a number of years until roads were developed, the harbour and railway, transported goods to and from the Port Elgin area.
Since the early 1960’s, when Bruce Nuclear Generation Station was developed in nearby Tiverton, many of the employees are making Port Elgin their home. The economy of the area has been dominated by this enterprise with Bruce Power providing employment to many in the community.
Since the early 1900’s, when passenger boats brought cliental to Port Elgin, the harbour has developed into one of the attractive ports for the boating public with the marina. Port Elgin is known for their sandy beaches and beautiful sunsets which results in tourism adding to the local economy. There are 3 schools, several churches, a community complex, swimming pool, as well as several large stores to serve the area. Since the early 80’s, Pumpkinfest, is a community festival which draws spectators to see the large pumpkins and Classic Car Show from far and wide. 2012 saw the winning pumpkin from Quebec weighing in at 1753 lbs.
Curling is a popular winter activity with a long history in the community. In 1907 the two sheet facility on Goderich Street was built to accommodate the curlers of the community. By 1951 artificial ice was installed. Then in 1975, they had out grown this building and reorganized as the Port Elgin Curling Club and moved to their present location. Four sheets and club room allow the member owned and operated club to provide the sport of curling to the people of the area. Since 1982, the Original Super Spiel, running over 3 days, draws entrees from various Ontario locations as well as teams from Scotland, France and the United States. We have been well represented by local teams as they competing at the provincial level. In the off season our facility is utilized by groups for social events and community related activities.
Port Elgin Curling Club in 1983 was a host to the visiting Strathcona Cup participants and now welcomes them back to our club 30 years later.