Bruce County council is sticking with Saugeen Shores Mayor Luke Charbonneau as Warden for a second consecutive year.
The only nomination for Warden for the next calendar year was for Charbonneau to continue in the role, as put forth by former Warden Chris Peabody.
The nomination was seconded by Don Murray, who will continue for another year as Deputy Warden after also being acclaimed.
In his inaugural speech, Charbonneau took the time to thank his family, friends, and colleagues from Saugeen Shores.
“Last December, I said that being appointed the Warden of the County of Bruce is the highest honour that a person can achieve in municipal office, and after this past year, I believe that even more deeply,” Charbonneau started.
He continued to talk about the importance of the agricultural sector that makes up the fabric of the county, in producing 22% of the province’s beef, and overall contributing more than a quarter of a billion dollars toward the economy.
Charbonneau also made mention of the energy sector, and the importance of energy production, in addition to the innovations and growth with medical isotopes.
He also outlined the work to be completed by Bruce County for the last year of the current council term.
“It has definitely been a productive year, but make no mistake, there is still much more for this council to do in the year to come. Most importantly, we must complete a new Bruce County Official Plan before the end of the is term of council,” he said. “I am the fifth Warden to hold office during this OP review. It has been delayed by a pandemic, and reshaped by provincial changes. But property owners, communities, and local municipalities are waiting on us to establish a clear, modern plan for growth in Bruce County. We have to finish the job and adopt a new Official Plan in the year 2026.”
During his own speech after being acclaimed Deputy Warden for a second one-year term, Murray said he’s looking forward to the upcoming 2026 International Plowing Match.
“It’ll be nice to showcase our agriculture,” he said. “I want to be part of extending some more processing capacity, hopefully, in the next year in Bruce County, and just working with my fellow councillors and staff.”