The Saugeen Shores BMX Track will see its new track operator make some big changes next spring as a risk of relocation looms.
The new operator is Callum Schaus (24) who wants to breathe life into the track that has sat idle for two seasons and is located next to the Plex in Port Elgin.
Schaus grew up in Walkerton and made the commute to Saugeen Shores when he was 10 to ride the track. From there he raced in the local series then moved onto Provincial, National and American races and attended the World Championships in B.C. in 2007 when he was 12.
“It propelled my training from then on,” says Schaus.
BMX became an Olympic Sport in 2008 which Schaus says it propelled interest in the sport and opened up funding for Athletes.
Schaus says the lack of volunteers and riders hit the brakes for activity at the track in Saugeen Shores.
“First thing I want to do is modify the track, I want to make it smaller and easier to maintain,” says Schaus.
He also wants to make it safer and more approachable for young riders.
“It's quite intimidating right now, we have one of the biggest start hills in the Province.”
The BMX-er wants to tame down the jumps and train new riders how to peddle the toned down track safely.
He also wants to build interested through community “Learn to Ride” nights.
Frank Burows – Parks Manager for the Town of Saugeen Shores believes its good news the track will be revitalized.
Schaus adds, “we're on the same page (with the Town) that it's likely they're going to re-purpose our lot… but that's several years down the roads.”
Burrows says the Town will try to work with the BMX group to see if there is municipal land that might be available for future use, if infrastructure development at the Plex takes over the current track location.
To his knowledge Schaus says the closest BMX track to Saugeen Shores is located in Milton.
During an August Council meeting Saugeen Shores councillors decided to defer a decision on the proposed pool location at the suggested east side of the Plex (BMX location) until they saw a business plan that may include the YMCA of Owen Sound operating the centre.
