​Saugeen Shores mayor elected Bruce County warden; Huron-Kinloss mayor is deputy warden

Saugeen Shores mayor Luke Charbonneau (above, right) is the new Bruce County warden, and Huron-Kinloss mayor Don Murray (above, left) is the new deputy mayor.

They were elected Thursday (Dec. 5), at the inaugural county council meeting, for the 2024-25 term, held at the Walkerton Administration Centre.

This is Charbonneau’s first term as warden. He was elected to Saugeen Shores council in 2006, served one term as councillor, two terms as deputy mayor, and was acclaimed mayor in 2018 and 2022.

Murray was elected to Huron-Kinloss council in 2006, served three terms as councillor, one term as deputy mayor, and was elected mayor in 2022.

Charbonneau and Murray were sworn-in to their new roles by county clerk Linda White.

The position of warden is achieved through a vote of peers on county council which manage the affairs of the county’s shared community and resources. The warden chairs council meetings, represents the county at official functions, and acts as the county’s official spokesperson. The deputy warden supports the warden’s duties in his absence.

“I am humbled and honoured to carry the responsibilities of warden, and I pledge to do my best to try to live up to the example set by outgoing warden, Chris Peabody,” said Charbonneau. “It is a privilege to continue serving the residents and businesses of Bruce County.

“This county is a provincial and national leader in energy, agriculture, health care, and the fight against global climate change. We stand poised to be at the very heart of Ontario’s prosperity. County council strives to continue working with staff, key partners, neighbours, and as allies of the Saugeen Anishnaabek, to make life easier for young families and active seniors, and to deliver value for taxpayers with good planning, sound management, and affordable and reliable services.”

"Thank you for this opportunity to be the deputy warden of Bruce County,” said Murray. “I look forward to working with warden Charbonneau and all members of council to advance important growth and support initiatives, and to ensure that life in the county is better for all residents and the generations to come.”

“On behalf of Bruce County staff, I congratulate mayor Luke Charbonneau and mayor Don Murray on their election,” said chief administrative officer Christine MacDonald. “I look forward to the year ahead as we continue to make infrastructure and public service a priority, and plan for community and economic growth.”

Joining Charbonneau and Murray on county council are:
 

• Brockton mayor Chris Peabody
• South Bruce Peninsula mayor Jay Kirkland
• Kincardine mayor Kenneth Craig
• South Bruce mayor Mark Goetz
• Northern Bruce Peninsula mayor Milt McIver
• Arran-Elderslie mayor Steve Hamell

Discover more about Bruce County Council.