On October 20th (2026), an all-candidates meeting was held in Port Elgin United Church and was hosted by the group ‘United Housing for All’ with Chair Mini Jacques as Moderator. The sole subject for discussion was centred around housing with a focus on affordable.
(L-R) Incumbent Mayor Luke Charbonneau, Mayoral candidate Brian Putman, Incumbent Deputy Mayor Diane Huber, Deputy Mayor candidate Odette Bartnicki; Vice-deputy Mayor (incumbent Councillor) Bud Halpin, Vice-deputy Mayor Don Matheson; Port Elgin Ward candidates Jordan MacKinnon, Patricia Corrigan-Frank & incumbent Rachel Stack; Southampton Ward candidates Brenda Reeves, incumbent Cheryl Grace, Cathe McIntosh & John Divinski; Saugeen Ward candidates Neil Sarginson & Eric Tolton; Southampton Ward candidate Harry Mazmanian and United Housing for All Moderator Mini Jacques (Absent Saugeen Ward candidate Sterling Thiele & Mayoral candidate Jeff James) … for larger view, click on image.
Many of the questions asked of the large contingency had been pre-submitted and each candidate had 30 seconds in which to reply. Overall, they agreed that affordable housing in Saugeen Shores, Bruce County and the province in general, is in crisis.
The full meeting has been recorded.
Moderator Mini Jacques said that she appreciates that Port Elgin United Church recorded the meeting. “This is an opportunity to learn about each of the candidate’s views when it comes to affordable housing and the crisis we are in. Candidates answered pre-submitted questions in addition to those from the floor.”
“We thank all of the candidates for a civilized and considered meeting and discussion of the issues,” she added. “Please get out and vote. This is your democratic right and your democratic responsibility.”
