BUD HALPIN
FOR VICE DEPUTY MAYOR
SAUGEEN SHORES
I’m Bud Halpin, and I’m running for Vice Deputy Mayor of Saugeen Shores. My life and career have been shaped by a wide range of experiences, but one thing has remained constant: a commitment to serving my community. From business and teaching to volunteering and municipal government, I’ve always believed in getting involved and getting things done. I believe that experience has prepared me to serve Saugeen Shores well as your next Vice Deputy Mayor.
LOOKING BACK
MY 2022 TERM
Over the past four years, I have worked cooperatively with Council, staff, and the community to move important priorities forward. I am proud of the progress we have made and the work that has been accomplished together. Here is a look back at some of the areas I focused on during my 2022–2026 term.
ENVIRONMENT
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Lots is said about protecting the heritage of Saugeen Shores. For years I havemade an impact in protecting the natural heritage of Saugeen Shores. My 2022 environmental platform set out specific goals for the environment, trees, Natural spaces, shorelines, trails, and parks, and I am pleased with the progress that has been made on many of those commitments.
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We went from planting about 150 trees a year to planting 1,000 trees a year,
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10,000 trees in 10 years is our new goal.
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We implemented an urban tree canopy bylaw to protect town owned trees,
prevent clear cutting before a plan of subdivision, and enhance and maintain our urban trees. -
We build resilience for climate change on our shoreline, through hard scapes and natural plantings, and dune grass restoration.
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I brought some concerned citizens to council that wanted to rejuvenate our
butterfly pods. The good work of the founders of the original butterfly pods have
been rejuvenated, and more have been added, we over 20 now and growing! Do
you have a butterfly garden, or do you want to have one? Visit
https://ssbutterflyway.ca, maybe I will see you at a volunteer event! -
Working co-operatively and collaboratively is a must to protect our environment.
I was approached by the Garlic Mustard Challenge of Saugeen Shores and
brought them to council to share their goals and help stop the spread of invasive species. -
The wildflower pilot project is another initiative I brought forward. The Town
cooperated by providing some work in kind and some seed money. It was a hard
thing to bring to fruition, but it is the hard work of 3 individuals that made it the
success it is. It is located at the west end of the field beside Nodwell park. Once
we master making these wildflower areas, the skill can be transferred to other parks and green areas in Saugeen Shores. -
No mow May was an idea I had but was not acceptable to the Town for parks and
green spaces. However, what was done, was less cutting. Examples are around Lamonts Sports Park, the rail trail, the waterfront bike trail, etc
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
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We now have Engage Saugeen Shores, flash surveys, online complaint forms, and more. Every major project this year had broad public engagement and input, including Northshore park, Jubilee Park, Helliwell Park, the cottages street study, High street revitalization, and the cenotaph. We have tailgate meetings before road construction. Council highlights are published after each meeting and quarterly updates are presented in council and put on the website.
Communication can always improve, but we have taken big steps!
Click here for more on Engagement
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
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I am excited about what we have done for affordable housing. 28 affordable units for ownership are starting soon, including 5 for habitat, 2 for Bruce County housing. The Bluewater lands will provide approximately 140 long term affordable rentals. This will be a game changer for people. We also help 30 families with rent subsidies.
I ran last term on the environment, housing, and youth engagement and retention. I believe I delivered on those, and I want to see them through.
My working career, along with my four years on Saugeen Shores Council, demonstrates an ability to be co-operative, to be innovative, and to be dedicated in serving the community.
If you wrote me, I wrote you back, I returned my phone calls, and went to meet you when you
had a concern.
I will continue to do that.
I am looking forward to running for Vice Deputy Mayor and continuing to serve the citizens and community of Saugeen Shores. I want to see our affordable housing to the finish line. Please take time to read my platforms and learn more about the work I have been doing over the past four years.
2026 AGENDA
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
I will continue to see the affordable housing to its completion. We have a housing crisis, and we have an obligation to do something about it.
DEVELOPING A NEW PARK
The new Park in the Bluewater Lands needs to be designed and built, through public engagement.
EXPAND OUR ACTIVE TRANSPORT LINKS
I want to continue to develop our active transport links. I want to explore new trails next to 21, north side, to link concession 10 to the rail trail. This is the idea of the retiring vice deputy mayor Mike Myatt.
HIGHWAY 21 CROSSING
Get a controlled crossing at the rail trail and highway 21.
FIX THE DRAINAGE IN SOUTH HAMPTON
Fix the drainage in Southampton - invested in the 2-zone flood plane, the master drainage plan, the studies of outlets 12, 13A, 13B, and 14.
The studies are done. Let’s find the grant money and continue the good work of this council and fix this missing infrastructure link that can provide for housing in our plan development area and protect the homes and beach from storm water. This is also building resilience to climate change.
CRAWFORD STREET (AND OTHER STREETS WITH DITCHES)
I want to advance the construction of Crawford Street in Port Elgin as it has still has ditches and drainage issues. This will also provide resilience to climate change.
TAXES
Last year we held the tax increase to 0.9%, less than inflation. I am committed to inflation only rate increases for the Town portion of taxes as much as is possible. Each budget last term I am on record calling for less increase, last year we achieved it. Lets work towards inflation only budget increases.
EXPLORE THE DETAILS
I want to continue to protect our environment, beach, and natural spaces. I invite you to learn more about my platforms, where I share my progress, priorities and plans for the future. Click on any of the topics here to explore the details.
From protecting our environment, to creating attainable housing, to keeping the lines of communication open — these are the issues I’m committed to, and I invite you to read more.