Town of Saugeen Shores representatives returned from Ottawa following productive meetings with Provincial and Federal officials while attending the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference from August 16-19 (2026).
Mayor Luke Charbonneau, Councillor Bud Halpin, Chief Administrative Officer Kara Van Myall, and Manager of Strategic Initiatives Jill Roote met with officials to advocate for local priorities.
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Ministry of Energy and Mines (Ontario)
Topic: Framework and funding to enable host municipalities to participate in community benefit agreement discussions for large-scale energy projects. -
Office of the Minister of Fisheries (Federal)
Topic: Lease adjustments to access funding for Chantry Island Lighthouse and Port Elgin Harbour capital improvements. -
Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities (Federal) Topic: Advocacy for support of the Town’s Build Communities Strong Fund applications to advance Bruce Street and water and wastewater infrastructure improvements needed to accommodate future growth.
(L-R) Kara Van Myall, Saugeen Shores CAO; Ryan Spero, Senior Special Assistant – Regional Advisor, Ontario; Saugeen Shores Councillor Bud Halpin
“From supporting responsible growth and infrastructure investment to protecting our historic lighthouse, these discussions help position Saugeen Shores for long-term success,” said Mayor Luke Charbonneau. “We appreciate the willingness of Provincial and Federal partners to engage in these conversations and look forward to continuing to work together to support sustainable growth, protect important community assets, and ensure Saugeen Shores remains a vibrant place to live, work, and invest.”
The annual AMO Conference brings together municipal and provincial leaders to discuss issues facing Ontario communities and to collaborate on solutions that support sustainable growth, community well-being, and long-term prosperity.
Advocacy Implementation is a Major Initiative for the Office of the CAO in the Saugeen Shores 2026 Business Plan (pg. 14).
