The results are in for Municipal Election 2022 and, in Saugeen Shores, there were some surprises.
Incumbent Deputy Mayor, Don Matheson lost to candidate Diane Huber by 854 votes with 1577 to Huber’s 2431 and with candidate Matt Carr coming in third with 1185 votes.
In Port Elgin Ward, retired teacher Bud Halpin came in on top with 1485 votes followed by Rachel Stack second with 1002 votes. Incumbent Dianne ‘Mini’ Jacques came in a close third and lost by only 47 votes (955), with newcomer Katie Rice at 769.
In Saugeen Township Ward, the numbers were very close. It was head to head as incumbent Dave Myette (772) and newcomer Justin Duhaime (787) were separated by only 15 votes followed by Kimberley Innis-Petersen in third with 730.
Mayor Luke Charbonneau, who was acclaimed, said that all the candidates had done a great thing in putting their names forward. “I hope they will all continue to be involved in the community going forward.”
He added that he had worked with the new Deputy Mayor, Diane Huber, for 12 years previously on Council. “Diane was on the Striking Committee so that’s familiar territory and the town has also worked with Bud Halpin extensively over the years. We’ll have a strategic planning session and we’ll take everything in stride. It can be difficult in municipal politics because it’s your name that’s out there. You don’t have a political party and it’s just your name so it’s hard not to take it as a personal judgement.”
Port Elgin Ward Councillor Mini Jacques said that she would continue to be involved when it came to issues such as affordable housing and accessibility. “I learned a lot sitting on Council and I’m pleased with the two new Councillors who are going in.”
Newly elected Port Elgin Councillor, Rachel Stack, said she is excited and nervous as she didn’t know what to expect going in. “I’ve worked at the Provincial level of politics but I know it’s going to be a big learning curve and a lot of work. One thing I enjoyed was knocking on doors and talking with people. I got a lot of feedback and I look forward to focusing on issues like accessibility, events and making the community even better.”
With Huber and Stack joining Councillor Cheryl Grace on Council, it brings the number to three women
Both Southampton Ward Councillors, Cheryl Grace and John Divinski, were acclaimed as was Vice-deputy Mayor Mike Myatt and Mayor Luke Charbonneau.
At the time of printing, the school board trustee results were not yet in.
