Bud Halpin
Aug 14, 2026
A look back at my 2022 environmental commitments. What was accomplished, what remains, and what comes next.
HOW DID I DO AT FOLLOWING THROUGH?
Part one, environmental issues.
My environmental platform had 4 planks. I invite you to go to Environmental Platform | Bud Halpin, read my 2022 environmental platform, and then read my review below of what I accomplished. You can be the judge of how well I did.
PLANK 1 HAS 5 POINTS
TREES
The annual tree sale increased from about 140 trees a year to over 500. It now includes smaller, less expensive trees, more varieties, all native species, and even has fruit trees!
The Town has adopted a new program, “10,000 trees in 10 years” This includes the tree sale.
The Town is including some of the 1,000 trees in road construction. Street trees have been added along the south business area of Goderich street, Ivings drive, along the newly paved section of highway 21 in Southampton.
Some of the 1,000 trees per year have been added to our parks, including Nodwell, Northshore, Jubilee and some trees will be added to Helliwell as well, although it is first and foremost soccer pitches.
Trees were added to the new trail network in the Summerside subdivision.
NATURALIZED AREAS
I sponsored the new Saugeen Shores Butterfly Way group https://ssbutterflyway.ca/ to come to council, their goal was to revive the wonderful work put into our butterfly pods several years ago. While some pods were maintained, many fell to disrepair. Through the hard work of Terry Wilson, Nancie Darlington Smith and other volunteers, in co-operation of the Town, 22 butterfly pods are revived and thriving in Saugeen Shores. This is done in cooperation with the Town of Saugeen Shores, the https://davidsuzuki.org/story/the-butterflyway-story/ and the Saugeen Shores Butterfly Way group https://ssbutterflyway.ca/ People in Saugeen Shores are willing volunteers. I love to work with groups, connect groups, and work co-operatively with the Town.
A wildflower pilot project was an initiative I took to council. A onetime grant of $5,000 was provided. The plot is the field next to Nodwell Park. It has been a challenging task, and so far we have had only moderate success. The project is maintained by volunteers and we continue to nurture the plot. Success will come, we will learn, and we will then replicate. Again, the wildflower project will be an important habitat and food source for pollinators and birds.
SHORELINE REHABILATION
The shoreline bike / walking trail was badly damaged by the high water event of 2020-21. Part of the reason was lack of vegetation on our shores. This term the Town got a grant to repair the trail and to build resilience for climate change. Part of this was using rip rap (stone) , a natural material. In areas where suitable, shrubs and small trees were planted, along Maramashi and Horse Bay. The idea was supported by the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, and native plants were used. These shrubs flower and provide habitat and food for bees, butterflies, insects and small birds.
We all love our beaches. I continue to volunteer and work with the Town’s Environmental Stewardship student, weeding the dunes and building new dunes. More importantly, the Town continues to look after the health of our beaches, resulting in retained sand, less wind erosion, and nice sandy beaches! These dunes also provide habitat and food for pollinators and migratory birds and butterflies.
NO MOW MAY
The Town was not willing to commit to not mowing in May, however they wait as long as they can. One thing that has happened, less areas are being mowed. A couple of examples are Lamont Sports Park and the lakeshore trail. You can clearly see how the non mowed areas are rich with flowers, adding beauty and of course Habitat and food sources for pollinators, insects, and birds.
PLANK 2
The Linear Park
My idea was to make the trail into a permanent park. Especially along Shipley, this trail goes through private property. The Town had previous agreements, Vice Deputy Mayor Mike Myatt has championed this cause. Agreements have been updated, and improvements for part of Shipley trail are slated. There is lots to learn when you join the council. I did not realize that our trail isn’t all on our property, limiting what we can do with it. This likely won’t change.
PLANK 3
Follow the Official Plan
One thing that I influenced is the 2022 new Town Vision and Mission Statement.Added was “Enhancing the natural heritage and beauty of the Town’s environment” And Town staff take these things seriously.
Environmental Ad Hoc Committee. I had the pleasure of serving on the Environment AD Hoc Committee, and our major task was developing the Urban Tree Canopy Bylaw. It is available to view here https://www.saugeenshores.ca/news-and-notices/posts/new-by-laws-protect-trees-in-saugeen-shores/ This bylaw prevents clear cutting before development, more protection for town owned trees, and more.
PLANK 4
Grow 2 New Parks
One down, one to go! Summerside Park is completed, and the Bluewater Lands park has been defined as a 3.7 acre neighbourhood park, the largest neighbourhood park in Saugeen Shores. Public consultation and input will be sought as this park is developed. I am excited to see this park develop!
OTHER THINGS
As part of the approval for the AWC, the Aquatic and Wellness Centre, staff are working on solar panels for the roof, to make it a “net zero” building. Net zero means it makes as much energy as it uses. Of course, this saves money also!
I set out an environmental plan, plank by plank. I worked with volunteer groups, concerned citizens, joined committees, and worked hard to “Enhancing the natural heritage and beauty of the Town’s environment” and “built natural resilience to climate change” on our beaches and shorelines. I want to complete everything I set out to do. I am also crafting my next set of environmental goals. If you care about the environment, I have proven to be a strong voice for the environment on this council. I will continue to do so, with your support in the coming election.
