​Bruce County council acclaims warden, deputy warden for second term

Thursday, at the inaugural Bruce County council meeting of the 2025-26 term, warden Luke Charbonneau, mayor of Saugeen Shores, and deputy warden Don Murray, mayor of Huron-Kinloss, were acclaimed to a second consecutive term.

Elected for a term as a councillor in the Town of Saugeen Shores in 2006, Charbonneau then served two terms as deputy mayor. He became mayor in 2018 and was re-elected in 2022, and was elected warden of Bruce County in December of 2024.

Murray spent three terms as councillor in Huron-Kinloss, following his election in 2006, and then another term as deputy mayor. He became mayor in the 2022 election and deputy warden in 2024.

The locally-elected mayors of the eight lower tier municipalities form the Bruce County council and together, they vote for who among them will serve as warden and deputy warden. Both candidates were unopposed in seeking re-election for the final year of the four-year term of council.

“Being appointed warden of Bruce County is the highest honour a person can achieve in municipal office,” said Charbonneau. “Thank you to my nominators, and to all of my colleagues for, once again, entrusting me with the honour of leading this council. 2025 was definitely a productive year, but make no mistake, there is still much for this council to do in the year to come.

“There has never been a better time to show the world all that Bruce County has to offer. We are rural, yes. But we are not small. We are bold. We are innovative. And we contribute mightily to the prosperity of this province and this nation.”

The warden’s complete address is available at www.brucecounty.on.ca/news/2025-dec-04/wardens-address or by viewing the recording of the meeting when it becomes available at www.brucecounty.on.ca/government/agendas-and-minutes.

Murray was equally grateful as he looks ahead to working with fellow councillors and staff.

“It’s been a truly rewarding experience to serve as the deputy warden and I look forward to continuing to learn under the leadership of warden Charbonneau,” he said. “The work that we do, does come back home. I’m interested in continuing to showcase Bruce County, specifically our agricultural strengths at both the 2026 International Plowing Match and through continued advocacy to extend processing capacity in the county.”

The warden chairs council meetings, represents the county at official functions, acts as an official spokesperson, and provides leadership while working collaboratively with staff, council, and community partners. The deputy warden supports these duties in the warden’s absence.

Bruce County clerk Linda White swore in both the warden and deputy warden to their renewed term. Joining them on 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, and Arran-Elderslie mayor Steve Hamell.

“On behalf of staff, I extend sincere congratulations to warden Charbonneau and deputy warden Murray,” said chief administrative officer Christine MacDonald. “Together, we anticipate an impactful year ahead as we continue to deliver excellent services, move forward with strategic initiatives, and plan for sustainable community and economic growth.”

Learn more about Bruce County council at www.brucecounty.on.ca/government/county-council.



Bruce County deputy warden Don Murray (left) and warden Luke Charbonneau have been acclaimed for a second term