The following is a Synopsis of Candidates’ Opening Statements from the recent All-candidates meeting hosted by the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) at the Plex in Port Elgin on September 7th (2026).
Each includes from their statements, their history, what they stand for, what they propose and in part their priorities.
Port Elgin Ward:
Patricia Corrigan Frank – spearheaded formation of Port Elgin Beach preservers; followed council for past seven years and watched how decisions were made; concerned about CPPS changing character of downtowns; opposed to battery storage system, opposed to Bluewater housing development; will be a “strong independent voice for Port Elgin”
Jordan MacKinnon – born and raised in Port Elgin; 10 years as a broadcast journalist; coordinator for Port Elgin BIA; President of Winterhawks Sr. Men’s hockey; four children; approach capital planning given the proposed expansion to Bruce ‘C’ at Bruce Power; continue investing in the community; no burden on the taxpayer; favours a second ice at the Plex to draw tournaments for the economy
Tamara McDonald – Registered Massage Therapist (RMT); good at problem solving; cares about the community; wants to learn and make thoughtful decisions
Incumbent Rachel Stack – lawyer specializing in corporate/commercial/contract management law; learned what is involved in being a councillor during the first term; Chief Risk Officer (Bruce Power); understands risk and making sound decisions
Saugeen Ward:
Neil Sarginson – Sr. IT leader and procurement executive; platform is protecting farm lands; opposed to battery storage project; continue growth of affordable housing; control taxes; have meaningful on-going communications with residents.
Sterling Thiele – 39 years old – born and raised in Saugeen shores, 39 years old; carpenter and business owner; volunteer firefighter and with Pumpkinfest; common sense and practical decision making
Eric Tolton – 38 years in airport leadership; Director of Operations of Pearson in Toronto; family in Southampton since 1917; volunteerism – Marine Heritage Society; member of Airport Advisory Committee; Friends of the Flag Southampton; Bruce County Museum; priorities – responsible spending of tax dollars; planning carefully for growth including infrastructure and medical resources; protecting historic small town and rural character;
Southampton Ward:
Incumbent John Divinski – talk show host who tried to solve callers’ problems; listen, determine what the problems are and research solutions; cares about the town and citizens; sustainable tax vision; transit between Southampton and Port Elgin
Incumbent Cheryl Grace – counclllor for 12 years; serving is about having someone to call with questions or concerns; takes the time to listen, understand an issue and work to find an answer; worked with transportation concerns, housing, parentage, management and environment; completed Cottage Streets project; worked on affordable housing initiatives; infrastructure to meet community needs; pressures and changes from Province weekly are challenging; experience and steady leadership more important than ever
Harry Mazmanian – military veteran; three tours overseas, four years in the Arctic; priorities – protect downtown architectural heritage; two town-hall meetings per year; create media stream at inception of projects; opposed to CPPS; will work to find answers
Cathe McIntosh – Town poised for growth; affordable housing; past Councillor in another community; avid researcher; relies on statistics and data to make decisions; not a knee-jerk person; very action oriented; like to find solutions and move forward quickly
Brenda Reeves – leadership begins with listening and ends with action; lives in Saugeen Shores for many decades; health care, affordablity, accessibility, growth without losing character of the community; 33 years in education – listens carefully, handle difficult questions, considers different perspectives, makes thoughtful decisions; will listen, grow and deliver
