Luke Charbonneau, current Deputy Mayor of Saugeen Shores, filed his nomination papers for the mayor’s seat May 6.

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“I have a vision for Saugeen Shores,” said mayoral candidate Luke Charbonneau after he filed nomination papers May 6. “I’d like it to be the economic and cultural and residential hub of Bruce County and I think it’s on its way to becoming that and I think that with the right leadership we will get there.”

Charbooneau, who currently sits as Deputy Mayor of Saugeen Shores, has been a member of Saugeen Shores Council since 2006. In addition to his role on Council, the father of three has served as Chair of the Saugeen Shores Police Services Board since 2011 and as Chair of the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority since 2015. He is also the owner of local, fresh fruit and vegetable market Hi-Berry Farm.

“I think that if we build a community that works for people who already live here then we will also by necessity build a community that is attractive to new residents and new visitors and new investors and I think I can do that,” he said.

In a press release sent to media, Charbonneau expressed his vision for Saugeen Shores Council:

• A Council that is strategic and active in its efforts to leverage local benefit from the regionally significant investments being made by Bruce Power.

• A Council that ensures that our neighborhoods develop in a way that reflects the wishes of the people who actually live in them.

• A Council that stands up to protect vital local services by ensuring that they are well equipped, cost effective and, as much as possible, locally controlled.

• A Council that recognizes the importance of local businesses and that works to support the local people that they employ.

• A Council that proudly recognizes that Saugeen Shores is one of the best places to live in Canada and makes it its mission to ensure that this is a safe and healthy place for everyone.

Charbonneau stressed that keeping support services locally controlled is vital as it is “making sure we listen to and support local ideas from local people,” he said.

While Charbonneau wouldn’t say that Saugeen Shores Council hasn’t been locally focussed, he said, “we can do more and do better,” adding “We can do more for example in the way of planning for our community. We’ve seen some examples where we needed to do better in local perspective, making sure that neighbourhoods develop in a way that works for the people who actually live in them.”

The candidate said that he's ready to serve as Mayor, after learning the role and working closely with Mayor Mike Smith and members of the community and Council. “I’m ready... and have all the knowledge I need to lead the Council and the community,” said Charbonneau. “To get those things done that I want to see done and that I think are in the best interest of the community. You need to go to the people and ask them to let you lead them,” he added.

Questions for Charbonneau can be directed to luke.charbonneau@icloud.com or 519-386-9786.