Media Release
Bruce County, Ontario: At the inaugural council meeting of the 2025-2026 Bruce County Council term on Thursday, December 4th, 2025, Council acclaimed both Saugeen Shores Mayor Luke Charbonneau and Huron-Kinloss Mayor Don Murray to a second consecutive term in their roles as Warden and Deputy Warden, respectively.
Elected for a term as a councillor in the Town of Saugeen Shores in 2006, Warden Charbonneau then served two terms as Deputy Mayor. He became Mayor in both 2018 and 2022, and Warden of Bruce County in December of 2024.
Deputy Warden Murray spent three terms as councillor in the Township of Huron-Kinloss following his election in 2006, and then another term as Deputy Mayor. He became Mayor following the 2022 election and Bruce County 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 reelection to their roles as Warden and Deputy Warden for the final year of the four-year term of council.
The Warden chairs council meetings, represents Bruce 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.
“Being appointed Warden of Bruce County is the highest honour a person can achieve in municipal office,” said Warden 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 https://www.brucecounty.on.ca/news/2025-dec-04/wardens-address or by viewing the recording of the meeting when it becomes available at https://www.brucecounty.on.ca/government/agendas-and-minutes.
Deputy Warden Murray was equally grateful as he looks ahead to working with fellow councillors and staff, commenting, “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. 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.”
Bruce County’s Legislative Services Manager/Clerk Linda White swore in both the Warden and Deputy Warden to their renewed term, confirming the 2025-2026 term of Council as:
Warden – Luke Charbonneau, Mayor of the Town of Saugeen Shores
Deputy Warden – Don Murray, Mayor of the Township of Huron-Kinloss
Councillors – Chris Peabody, Mayor of the Municipality of Brockton,
Jay Kirkland, Mayor of the Town of South Bruce Peninsula,
Kenneth Craig, Municipality of Kincardine,
Mark Goetz, Municipality of South Bruce,
Milt McIver, Municipality of North Bruce Peninsula,
Steve Hamell, Municipality of Arran-Elderslie,
“On behalf of Staff, I extend sincere congratulations to Warden Charbonneau and Deputy Warden Murray. 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,” commented Chief Administrative Officer Christine McDonald.
Learn more about Bruce County Council at https://www.brucecounty.on.ca/government/county-council.
