Warden's Address

Bruce County, Ontario: Thank you to my nominators, and to all of my colleagues, for once again entrusting me with the honour of leading this Council. And thank you to my friends and family for being here today. Your support means more than you know.

Last December, I said that being appointed Warden of Bruce County is the highest honour a person can achieve in municipal office. Afte this past year, I believe that even more deeply. The pride I feel in serving this remarkable County only grows stronger.

Bruce County has an incredible story to tell.

It begins on the farm. We feed Ontario — producing 22% of the province’s beef. Nearly 2,000 farms, led by hardworking families, contribute more than a quarter-billion dollars to our economy. Agriculture isn’t just part of our identity; it’s our foundation.

Then there is energy — another pillar of our strength. Bruce County is an energy powerhouse, supplying 30% of Ontario’s electricity. And in the years ahead, we will play a defining role in powering this province and electrifying this country.

We are also a premier destination for millions of visitors each year. With two national parks and 850 kilometers of freshwater shoreline, we bring people — and economic opportunity — from across Canada and around the world.

And we are on the traditional territory of a strong and vibrant Indigenous nation, the descendants of ancestors who have lived on these lands since time immemorial. We are grateful for the friendship of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation and we commit ourselves to continuing the path forward with them that reflects the lessons we have learned from our past.

My friends, the 21st century belongs to Bruce County. And if we plan wisely and act boldly, our success will stretch well into the 22nd century.

Now, no story can be told without the people who make it possible. That’s why I want to thank the extraordinary staff of Bruce County.

From the teams in our long-term care homes to the paramedics answering every call; from those who support families, workers, and employers to those who manage our housing, libraries, archives, and roads — every one of you helps make this County a better place to live. And under the leadership of our CAO, Christine MacDonald, our administration has built a culture worth of recognition. Being named one of Southwestern Ontario’s Top Employers in 2025 wasn’t an accident — it was the result of dedication, values, and teamwork.

So please join me in thanking our more than 700 Bruce County employees for their outstanding service.

Together, Council and staff achieved a great deal in 2025.

• We launched the Bruce County Environmental Sustainability Action Plan.
• We fought for fair regional capacity funding for new energy infrastructure.
• We strengthened our partnership with Bruce Power and moved forward on the potential of the Bruce C clean energy project.
• We secured federal and provincial support for a unified regional transit system.
• We advanced real solutions to housing affordability, extending our ARU pilot, creating a new development toolkit, and bringing together municipalities, non-profits, and builders at a successful housing forum.
• We pushed for modern funding tools to meet rural housing targets and advanced the 10-year review of our Housing and Homelessness Plan.
• We advocated for an Agri-Food Innovation Program and positioned Bruce County as a natural pilot region.
• We began work toward age-friendly communities and supported Ontario’s long-term care transformation.
• We hosted the first-ever municipal forum for all eight local municipalities.
• And we continued our important journey of reconciliation, including our second joint Council meeting with Saugeen First Nation and Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, and the introduction of our new land acknowledgement.

It has definitely been a productive year. But make no mistake, there is still much more for this Council to do in the year to come.

Most importantly, we must complete the new Bruce County Official Plan before the end of this term of Council. I am the fifth Warden to hold office during this OP review. It has been delayed by a pandemic and reshaped by provincial changes. But the property owners, communities and local municipalities are waiting on us to establish a clear, modern plan for growth. We have to finish the job and adopt a new Official Plan in the year 2026.

This Council must also work to build the strongest possible case for new-build nuclear at Bruce Power. The opportunity before us — 4,800 megawatts of clean, reliable power — is transformational. But let’s be clear: Bruce C is not guaranteed. We need partnerships, unity and determination to win that project for our County. And everything I know tells me that 2026 will be a decisive year in that effort.

What’s more, 2026 brings an exciting chance to showcase our agricultural excellence to the world as we host the International Plowing Match. Working with agricultural organizations and community groups, I am confident that we will make this the greatest farm expo Bruce County has ever held.

There has never been a better time to show the world all that Bruce County has to offer. Our communities are growing. Our people are talented and diverse. Our families — young and old — bring energy and purpose to every corner of this County.

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 nation.

With all our advantages, and with the creativity and determination of our people, we can build a bright future for our children and grandchildren. All we need is the courage to keep moving forward — seizing the opportunities before us, standing together, and taking pride in this beautiful, remarkable County we call home.

Thank you.

To view the Warden giving this statement, watch the recording of the December 4, 2025 meeting of Council available at: https://www.brucecounty.on.ca/government/agendas-and-minutes.