the area, the tracks were removed and the beds were vacant and overgrown. According to the Rail Trail Association, a group of volunteers founded the group in 1990 and convinced Port Elgin, Southampton and Saugeen Township to acquire sections of the then unused rail bed. Over the years, the bed has been developed as trails for walking and cycling. The trail connects Southampton and Port Elgin. The trail also connects to the 80 kilometre long Bruce County Trail Network which leads to towns such as Paisley, Walkerton, Mildmay and Kincardine. The trailhead can be accessed at River Street in Port Elgin, a few blocks north of the town centre and east of Hwy 21. There are other access points in both towns, some with parking. The trail is not groomed for cross country skiing during the winter but is used frequently for that purpose. Maps of the trails are available on the web site of the Saugeen RailTrail Association. Health care The Town of Saugeen Shores has one hospital, Saugeen Memorial in Southampton. Many Port Elgin physicians' practices are at the Dr Earl Health Centre. The hospital is part of the Grey Bruce Health Services' network of hospitals in northern Bruce and in Grey County. According to the Health Care services, facilities include 16 beds, a 24-hour emergency department, surgery, acute medical care and outpatient services. Other facilities include: Chaplaincy Services Diagnostic Imaging Department including x-ray, ECG, Holter monitoring, ultrasound Inpatient Medical Care (Acute Care) Laboratory Services Physiotherapy Surgical Services The hospital also houses other community health providers. Day surgery services are offered and include ear, nose and throat surgery. Retirement and assisted living The town of Saugeen Shores has two retirement and assisted living facilities, and one nursing home. Long Term Care programs are also available to provide in-home support allowing elderly residents to live at home as long as possible. The Town of Saugeen Shores includes senior service groups and clubs as well as aid providers and senior homes that offer full services. Relevant providers include Home and Community Support Services Grey Bruce, two assisted living residences, the Hampton Court Retirement Lodge (Southampton) and Kingsway Arms at Elgin Lodge (Port Elgin) and Southampton Care Centre long term care home. Social and other services for seniors are available at PARC 55+ (Port Elgin) and Chantry Senior Centre (Southampton). As well, the Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce webpage offers a