It’s Election 2026 time and, in Saugeen Shores, there have now been four all-candidates public meetings to date.
Surprisingly, or not, many of the topics asked of candidates at each meeting focused on the same subjects:
- Affordable Housing
- Health Care
- Accessibility
- Supporting local businesses
- Recreational facilities
- Taxes, Water & Sewer
- Council responsibility and transparency
The first was hosted by the Southampton Residents’ Association (SRA), the second by the Southampton and Port Elgin Business Improvement Associations (BIAs), the third by Elgin Lodge Retirement Home and the fourth hosted by the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) Southport at the Plex in Port Elgin.
The SRA meeting held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church Bevan Hall in Southampton was filled to standing-room capacity with more than 200 in attendance. All but one candidate attended the crowded facility answering questions that pertained primarily to Southampton Ward.
The second public meeting was hosted by the Southampton and Port Elgin Business Improvement Associations (BIAs) at Southampton Town Hall on Monday, October 5th (2026) with Sarah Porter (chair of Southampton BIA) and Pier Donnini (chair of Port Elgin BIA) facilitating. Perhaps, because the meeting was advertised as one where questions would be specific to business and the downtown cores of each community in Saugeen Shores, the attendance was not as expected. In addition, few local business owners were also able to attend.
Given the number of candidates (15) attending, answers by each had to be strictly timed with a ‘rapid fire’ and ‘multiple choice’ style. Unfortunately, it gave those in attendance little chance to interpret the candidates’ platforms regarding the variety of subjects raised.
During the ‘Rapid Fire’ section of the meeting, questions asked of candidates required a 30 second answer from each.
The primary question was asked of candidates as to what they saw as economic development over the future four-year term of Council and each could only respond during the short 30 seconds.
The majority of candidates agreed that growth was inevitable in Saugeen Shores given the proposed Bruce ‘C’ project, the impact it would have on the local community, affordable housing, and the possibility of having year-round tourism.
Incumbent Mayor Luke Charbonneau said that “The next four years will be critical for the economy of Saugeen Shores for future generations with the possibility of the Bruce ‘C’ expansion project. We have been planning for the growth and have a 10-year plan.”
The third candidates meeting was hosted by Elgin Lodge Retirement Home on Tuesday, October 6th, with Mayoral, Deputy-Mayor and Vice-deputy Mayor candidates.
Senior residents of Elgin Lodge were very interested and are of the demographic that participates most in elections. Their questions of the candidates proved to be thoughtful with many focusing on accessibility issues.
They asked candidates their views on transportation and what may appear to be small things to someone who is not mobility challenged. One resident explained that the entrances from sidewalks to street do not accommodate a wheelchair and that those in mobility devices had little to no access to local businesses due to store-front accesses.
Incumbent Mayor Luke Charbonneau explained that, unfortunately, some heritage buidindgs are ‘grandfathered’ and were built at a time when accessibility issues were not a thing.
Incumbent Deputy-mayor Diane Huber and Chair of the Accessibility Committee said that she hoped those who dealt with daily accessibility access would consider putting their names forward to sit on the upcoming committee following the Election to offer first-hand accessibility experiences with a view to improvement.
One of the on-going questions raised was the Highway 21 crossing at Hi-berry Farms and the Saugeen Shores Rail Trail. Once again, it was explained that the section of highway involved is entirely under the Provincial Ministry of Transportation (MTO) and, therefore, the Municipality cannot make any changes or improvements.
The fourth, but not the last, candidates meeting on Wednesday October 7th, was held at the Rotary Hall at the Plex in Port Elgin.
Approximately 300 plus people filled the hall to attend the All-candidates meeting hosted by Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) Southport and emceed by Daiene Vernile and televised through Eastlink.
The pre-amble allowed each of the candidates a two-minute introduction that was followed up by pre-submitted questions directed to either specific candidates or the whole.
Again, the subjects revolved around similar topics of concerns raised at previous all-candidates meetings.
- Affordable Housing
- Health Care
- Accessibility
- Supporting local businesses
- Recreational facilities
- Taxes, Water & Sewer
- Council responsibility and transparency
- Conservation
Unfortunately, not all residents appear to understand the ramifications involved when it comes to dealing with various levels or tiers of government. Municipalities are losing more jurisdiction than ever before.
Incumbent Mayor Luke Charbonneau said that the municipality is in a consequential period that will shape the community for decades to come. “We developed a 10-year plan that saw the completion of the Aquatic and Wellness Centre, Lamont Sports Park, man infrastructure projects and that will include a revisiting of the Southampton Town Hall improvements, a new Port Elgin firehall, the planting of 10,000 trees and building 200 affordable housing units.”
Mayoral candidate Jeff James said that it is important to treat each ward as being distinct. “I think every taxpayer should be treated equal. This is a very prosperous community that deserves nice things.”
Mayoral candidate Brian Putman said that his priorities are different and based on safety. “I also want to make sure the town is affordable with stable financial management. A priority is to clean up the Port Elgin beach and to properly focus on physician recruitment.”
When it came to the position of Deputy Mayor, new candidate Odette Barnicki, explained that she had a Masters degree in Education and had held several senior leadership positions. “I have sat on several boards and having lived in two wards and will be moving to the Southampton ward, I understand how each is unique. I’ve previously held a position of Deputy Mayor, have been involved with Big Sisters and Victim Services and on two Environmental committees. Saugeen Shores is my forever home and I want it to flourish for my children and grandchildren.”
Incumbent Deputy Mayor, Diane Huber, said she had previously held positions of Councillor and vice-Deputy Mayor. “Voters expected me to show up, engage properly and be prepared. I always did all those things. I know what’s necessary to make decisions at the Council table. I’ve researched, listened and questioned. I know that decisions made impact daily life, the tax rate and the future of our community. I believe voters should elect a candidate and not a platform.”
There are two candidates for the position of vice-Deputy Mayor, Bud Halpin and Don Matheson with both having been on Council previously.
Halpin said that he was passionate about the community and education. “Our growing community needs experienced leadership. I have one term here, one term in Chesley and a term in Arran Elderslie PUC looking after water and electrical infrastructure. Being a teacher for 22 years means I am innovative and I can have a positive impact on our youth. Also, as a carpenter, I had a home-building business for 15 years so know how to work with rules a regulations. and am involved with Habitat for Humanity, so I understand affordable housing. I also owned two cottage parks for several years so that I understand tourism and its importance. My expierance in education, municipal government and small business makes me a good candidate for Saugeen Shores.”
Matheson, also have been on Council in the past, said that infrastructure is vital for growth. “I know how to bring people together and I’ve done the work before.”
Among the many questions raised was why Saugeen Shores needs the position of vice-Deputy Mayor when no other municipality holds that title.
Both Halpin and Matheson explained that other municipalities simply call the seat, Councillor at Large rather than vice-Deputy Mayor. “There has to be a ninth vote at the table in the event there is a tie vote with the other eight members. It doesn’t matter what you call it, in Saugeen Shores we just happen to title it vice-Deputy Mayor.”
There is still another All-candidates meeting to be held on October 20th at Port Elgin United Church on Bruce Street. The meeting will focus on the ever-important topic of affordable housing and will be hosted by the Affordable Housing for All group at 7:00 p.m.
