Saugeen Shores’ new municipal council held its inaugural meeting Tuesday night.
The meeting itself was light on other agenda items other than members of council making their declaration of office.
Following those declarations, the new council approved a land acknowledgement policy, officially recognizes its location on the traditional lands and treaty territory of Saugeen Ojibway Nation, and saying it will acknowledge that fact at any official meetings and events.
Mayor Luke Charbonneau noted at the meeting, “It’s been a tradition for a member of the clergy to offer a prayer after council members’ declaration of office here in the Town of Saugeen Shores. Because the Town of Saugeen Shores is becoming more diverse and because the Town has committed to acknowledging the Indigenous presence on the lands where we are fortunate to live, work and play, we’ve invited Jim and Lori Kewaquom to offer a blessing and a smudge.”
A smudge ceremony was then held outside, followed by a land acknowledgement when council returned to the table.
Mayor Luke Charbonneau begins his fifth term on council. He told council, “Having the opportunity to continue in this job that I love, serving the community that I love is a special privilege. I’m keenly aware that the mayor’s chair is the property of Saugeen Shores and with that in mind, I will do my best to fill it with honour, dignity respect and humility.”
Deputy Mayor Diane Huber starts her fourth term on council, going from councillor to deputy mayor. She says, “I’m incredible grateful to have been elected, to be back at the council table. I realize that it’s an honour bestowed on me by a community that cares very much about what has happened here and what will happen here, so I take that responsibility very seriously and will do my best to represent the interests of an incredibly diverse population and also a growing population.”
Newly elected Bud Halpin says he will focus on environmental issues, also saying, “Action on our housing crisis must be a priority for this council.”
Members thanked their constituents, families and staff for support. You can watch councillors’ statements, on Saugeen Shores’ You Tube Channel.
This term of council in Saugeen Shores consists of Charbonneau, Huber, returning Vice Deputy Mayor Mike Myatt, returning councillors John Divinski, Dave Myette and Cheryl Grace, as well as new this term, councillors Rachel Stack, Justin Duhaime and Bud Halpin.