Dianne "Mini" Jacques is the new Port Elgin Ward Councillor for Saugeen Shores following a March 23 vote in Council Chambers.

On Wednesday, March 23, Saugeen Shores Council appointed Dianne “Mini” Jacques as the new Port Elgin Ward Councillor. Jacques signed the Declaration of Office at the Municipal Office on March 25, read a recent media release from the town.

“I welcome Mini to Town Council and I look forward to working with her,” said Luke Charbonneau, Mayor for the Town of Saugeen Shores. “She knows our community well through her long history of civic involvement. My colleagues on Council and I are confident that her skills, background and community spirit will make her a strong representative for the people of Port Elgin. She will be a positive addition as Council works to position itself for growth and to be future ready.”

Jacques has been a full-time resident in Port Elgin since 1989 when she returned to her hometown after having a successful career in public and media relations in Toronto. Now semi-retired, Jacques brings a wealth of experience to her new role after having served on various community committees over the past 36 years including the Attainable Housing Task Force, the Waterfront Committee, the Economic Development Committee and the Accessibility Committee.

“My goal - both personally and professionally since returning to my hometown is to help our residents and visitors have a great place to live, work and play,” said Jacques. "Being a Councillor for the Port Elgin ward and part of the Saugeen Shores Council allows me to continue with that goal. I am blessed to live here.”

Jacques was appointed from a selection of eight candidates. Prior to the meeting, each candidate submitted to Council written answers to a list of questions, then at the March 23 meeting each presented their opening statements and responded to one of those questions. An open vote resulted in Jacques receiving six out of a possible eight votes.