THANK YOU!
💜 From the bottom of my heart… THANK YOU! 💜
What an incredible journey this has been!
Over the past several months, I’ve knocked on your doors, shared conversations over tea & coffee, attended meetings, listened to your concerns, enjoyed plenty of laughter, and met some truly wonderful people along the way.
And through it all, I’ve been reminded of something very special — the heart of our community is its people.
To everyone who opened their door, shared their thoughts, offered encouragement, displayed a lawn sign, volunteered their time, helped behind the scenes, or simply stopped me on the street to wish me well — thank you. You may never know just how much those moments meant to me.
To everyone who placed their trust in me with their vote, I am deeply grateful. Your confidence and support are gifts I will never take for granted.
To my fellow candidates, thank you for having the courage to put your names forward. Running for public office requires commitment, hard work, vulnerability and a genuine desire to serve. Regardless of the outcome, every one of you deserves recognition and appreciation.
And to those elected to serve on Saugeen Shores Council, congratulations! I wish you wisdom, strength, compassion and success as you take on the important responsibility of representing our community.
💜And now, a very special thank you to my husband, Dennis.
Dennis, you have been beside me through every step of this adventure. Through the long days, late nights, endless conversations, moments of excitement and moments of uncertainty, you’ve been my steady hand, my sounding board, my biggest supporter and, when I needed it most, my reason to laugh.
You have given so much of yourself to help me pursue something that matters deeply to me. I couldn’t have done this without you, and I wouldn’t have wanted to. Thank you, Babes. 💜
As I reflect on this campaign, I realize that what I will treasure most isn’t the signs, the speeches or even election day. It’s the people. The stories you trusted me with. The friendships made and renewed. And the reminder of just how fortunate we are to call Saugeen Shores home.
And one thing I want you all to know — I’m not done yet!
My commitment to this community didn’t begin with an election campaign, and it certainly doesn’t end with one.
I’ll continue to listen, to ask questions, to speak up, to volunteer and to do my part to make our community an even better place for everyone.
I believe caring about your community isn’t something you do only when your name is on a ballot.
With a full heart and sincere gratitude, thank you for being part of this journey.
Brenda Reeves 💜
Listen. Grow. Deliver.
Thank you, Ashley!
My sincerest thank you to Ashley Wright, owner of RMT Lounge in Southampton, for her generous endorsement and kind words of support!
Ashley, your confidence in me means so much, especially coming from a local business owner who is invested in our community.
Throughout this campaign, I’ve been reminded time and again of the wonderful people who make Southampton so special.
Thank you, Ashley, for believing in me and for adding your voice to this journey. I’m truly grateful! 💜
My strong voice. Your voice. At the Council table.
Brenda Reeves
Southampton Ward Council Candidate
Have you heard my radio ad?
Have you heard my radio ad on 97.9 The Bruce yet?
As we head into the final days of this municipal election campaign, I wanted to share the message I’ve been bringing to the airwaves.
It’s a simple message, and one that comes straight from the heart. Here’s what I’m saying:
"Hello, I’m Brenda Reeves, and on October 26th, I’m asking for your vote for Southampton Ward Council.
"Over the past few months, I’ve knocked on doors, listened to your concerns, and heard what matters most to you: Affordable housing, responsible spending, protecting our community’s character, and making sure your voice is heard.
"I promise to listen, ask the critical questions, and work hard for you.
My strong voice. Your voice. At the Council table.”
"These past few months have been filled with wonderful conversations — on doorsteps, at all-candidates meetings, over coffee at Dizzy Bird, and wherever our paths have crossed.
"You’ve shared your concerns, your hopes, and your ideas for the future of Southampton. And I’ve listened.
"Now, I’m asking for the opportunity to take those conversations to the Council table.
"On October 26, I’d be grateful for your vote. Thank you for being part of this journey!"
Brenda Reeves
Candidate for Southampton Ward Councillor
Listen. Grow. Deliver.
#BrendaReevesForCouncil #SouthamptonWard #SaugeenShores #MunicipalElection2026 #YourVoiceMatters #97.9 TheBruce
A sincere thank you to United Housing for All!
My warmest thanks to United Housing for All (UHFA) for organizing and hosting the Oct. 20 all-candidates meeting and for keeping the important issue of affordable and accessible housing front and centre in Saugeen Shores.
Thank you as well to my fellow candidates for sharing their thoughts and ideas, and to everyone from our community who came out, listened, asked thoughtful questions and contributed to the conversation.
Housing is about so much more than bricks and mortar. It’s about our young families, our workforce, our seniors, and ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to call Saugeen Shores home.
I particularly appreciate the dedication of UHFA’s volunteers, whose research and advocacy continue to shine a light on the challenges facing our community. Good conversations are important, but they must lead to concrete municipal action. We need to turn the ideas shared into practical policies, partnerships and decisions that help create more affordable and accessible housing in Saugeen Shores.
As a municipality, we have a responsibility to identify what we can do, set clear priorities and work collaboratively with community organizations, developers and all levels of government to move housing solutions forward. The discussion must continue at the council table —and it must result in measurable progress.
Thank you, everyone, for an engaging and worthwhile evening. I look forward to helping turn this important conversation into meaningful action for our community!
Brenda Reeves
Southampton Ward Council Candidate
Listen. Grow. Deliver. 💜
Below you will find my opening statement, some questions presented to all and my answers
as well as my closing remarks.
My opening remarks
Good evening, everyone. My sincere thanks to United Housing for All for bringing us together and for the important research that puts real numbers behind a very real problem in Saugeen Shores.
Let’s start this important conversation. When we talk about affordable housing, I think we need to ask a simple question: Affordable to whom? The young couple dreaming of their first home? The person working full-time who can’t afford the rent? Or the senior who’s lived here for 40 years and just wants to stay?
Generally, housing is considered affordable when shelter costs are no more than 30% of a household’s gross income. United Housing for All’s research identified one-bedroom
rents around $1,500 a month. Yet someone earning $40,000 a year can afford just $1,000 a
month under that benchmark. That’s a $500 gap. Every single month.
And Bruce County’s latest figures identify a need for 4,040 additional homes over the next ten years, across a range of housing needs.
But here’s what really brings this home for me.
While canvassing, I’ve sat with seniors worried about their future. I’ve chatted over coffee at Dizzy Bird with young families dreaming of home ownership. Behind every statistic is a person, a family, a story.
We need smaller homes, affordable rentals, creative partnerships and thoughtful growth that respects our neighbourhoods and taxpayers. And we must measure success by more than the number of houses built. We need homes people can actually afford. Because housing isn’t just about bricks and mortar. It’s about people, belonging, and having a place to call home.
I want Saugeen Shores to remain a community where young people can put down roots, our workforce can live where they work, and our seniors can stay in the place they love. That’s why I’m here — to listen, to work together, and to help turn good intentions into meaningful results.
Thank you.
Questions and my answers
1. What specific action would I support to alleviate Homelessness and Housing Insecurity?
Here’s a housing idea I think deserves a serious look — A Better Tent City, a model pioneered in Kitchener. It provides small, individual shelters, shared facilities and access to community supports for people experiencing homelessness.
It’s not a permanent housing solution, but it offers something important — safety, stability and dignity while people work toward permanent housing.
Could a similar model work in Saugeen Shores, in partnership with Bruce County, community organizations and service providers? I think it’s a conversation worth having. Everyone deserves a safe place to sleep and a chance to
move forward.
2. How would I close the gap between income and affordability costs?
We know there’s a gap between what people earn and what housing costs. So how do we close it? I think we need to work from both ends.
First, help people now. Working with Bruce County, we can explore expanding rent supplements for those who simply can’t keep up with today’s rents.
Second, create more housing choices — smaller homes, secondary suites and modest rental developments that cost less to build and maintain.
And third, partner with non-profit housing providers to make sure some of those homes remain affordable for years to come.
We can’t expect local taxpayers to shoulder this alone. We need provincial and federal funding, private-sector partnerships and measurable results. Because the goal isn’t simply to build more homes. It’s to close the gap between what people earn and what
they can afford.
3. What specific action would I take to supply affordable and accessible housing for all Seniors?
Our seniors have spent years building and contributing to this community. They deserve the opportunity to stay here, comfortably and affordably. While canvassing, I’ve met seniors worried about maintaining their homes, rising costs and losing their independence.
I’d like to see more affordable, accessible, single-level homes, smaller rental options and partnerships that support aging in place. And let’s not forget transportation and access to services. Growing older shouldn’t mean having to leave the community you’ve spent a lifetime calling home.
My closing remarks:
We’ve talked a lot tonight about the need for affordable housing. And I think we all recognize the problem. But here’s what I’d really like us to start talking about. How do we actually get those homes built?
What if we brought the Town, Bruce County, United Housing for All, local builders and non-profit housing organizations together around one table, with one specific
goal?
Identify a suitable piece of land, develop a financially responsible plan, and create homes that local people can genuinely afford.
Perhaps it’s a small development of modest rental homes, designed for seniors wanting to downsize, young people starting out, or workers who keep our community running.
The Town could explore land and planning opportunities. Bruce County could bring housing expertise. Builders and non-profits could help turn the idea into reality. And we could pursue provincial and federal funding rather than relying solely on local taxpayers.
I’m not suggesting it’s simple. It isn’t. But I am suggesting that we start with one achievable
project, clear responsibilities and measurable results. Because wouldn’t it be wonderful if, four years from now, we weren’t just talking about affordable housing? We were handing someone the keys.
I’m Brenda Reeves. I’d be honoured and humbled to receive your vote for Southampton
Councillor.
Time to Vote
The polls are officially open, and your voice matters!
After weeks of knocking on doors, meeting neighbours, listening to concerns and sharing ideas, we’ve arrived at the
most important part of this election — your vote!
WHEN CAN YOU VOTE?
Voting is open NOW until Monday, October 26 at 8:00 p.m.
HOW DO YOU VOTE?
It’s easy! Vote online or by telephone, 24 hours a day during the voting period, from the comfort of your own home or wherever you happen to be!
Have your Voter Information Letter and PIN handy.
NEED A LITTLE HELP?
Visit the Voting Assistance Centre at the Pryde Aquatic & Wellness Centre, 600 Tomlinson Drive, Port Elgin.
Assistance Centre Hours:
- Monday, Oct. 19: 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Tuesday–Friday, Oct. 20–23: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 24–25: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Monday, Oct. 26: 8:30 a.m.–8 p.m.
Missing your voting letter? Call 519-832-2008 ext. 100.
More information: www.saugeenshores.ca/Elections
A PERSONAL REQUEST …
If our conversations, my commitment to listening, and my determination to bring thoughtful, practical decision-making
to Council have resonated with you, I’d be honoured to earn your vote for Southampton Ward Councillor.
I’ve said from the beginning that this campaign is about Listen. Grow. Deliver. And I mean every word.
Please take a few minutes to vote, encourage a neighbour or friend to do the same, and help shape the next four years in
Saugeen Shores.
Vote BRENDA REEVES for Southampton Ward Councillor!
With sincere thanks for your encouragement, kindness and
support along the way,
Brenda
#VoteBrendaReeves #SouthamptonWard
#SaugeenShoresVotes #ListenGrowDeliver
#MunicipalElection2026
Letters of Endorsement for Brenda Reeves
By Michele Campbell, Southampton
For over 12 years I have resided on a beautiful 🌷lakeside quaint Nantucket street 🏡splashed with colour's 🎨reflecting serenity🌈in Saugeen Shores just houses down from Brenda Reeves - and this is why I think she deserves your vote in our upcoming election for council, October 19 to 26, 2026.
B: stands for Building. Brenda is committed to building a brighter, stronger future for Saugeen Shores.
R: stands for Responsive. As a neighbor, she is always the first to answer a call or help out. On council, she will bring that same responsiveness to every single resident, making sure your concerns are never ignored.
E: stands for Engaged. Brenda is deeply rooted in our community. She doesn't just live here; she actively participates in making our neighbourhoods safer, cleaner, and more welcoming.
N: stands for Neighbourly. she embodies the true spirit of small-town hospitality. She treats everyone with kindness, brings people together, and leads with unity instead of division.
D: stands for Dedicated. When Brenda takes on a project, she sees it through to the end. She has the work ethic and the drive needed to deliver real, tangible results at the council table.
A: stands for Approachable. You can always count on Brenda for an honest conversation. She is accessible, open-minded, and ready to listen to your ideas, your criticisms, and your hopes for our town. But her commitment doesn't stop there.
The second half of her name speaks directly to how she will govern.
R: stands for Reliable. In unpredictable times, we need stable, dependable leadership. Brenda is someone whose word you can trust and whose actions back up her promises.
E: stands for Experienced. She brings practical, common-sense experience to complex local issues, ensuring our hard-earned tax dollars are managed wisely.
E: stands for Energetic. She has the enthusiasm and the tireless energy required to champion the needs of local families, seniors, and small businesses alike.
V: stands for Voice. Brenda will be your voice. She will bring absolute transparency, accountability, and strong advocacy to the council chambers so that everyday citizens are heard.
E: stands for Effective. She doesn't just talk about problems; she focuses on solutions. Her leadership style is collaborative, practical, and highly effective.
S: stands for Saugeen Shores first. At the end of the day, her loyalty is entirely to this municipality and the people who call it home.Brenda Reeves is more than just a fantastic neighbour—she is exactly the kind of dedicated, forward-thinking leader our community needs right now.
Let’s bring real representation to our town council. On election day, vote for progress, vote for integrity, and vote for Brenda Reeves.
I endorse Brenda Reeves.
Marking Truth and Reconciliation Day
Today, I was honoured to gather with members of our community on the Zgaa-biig-ni-gan Bridge — “we are connected” — to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
it is a meaningful place to come together. The bridge physically and symbolically connects Southampton and Saugeen First Nation, reminding us that reconciliation begins with listening, learning and understanding — and continues through the relationships we build with one another.
Today was a time to reflect, remember and acknowledge the painful history and lasting impact of Canada’s residential school system.
Thank you to everyone who gathered, and especially to those who shared their voices, stories and teachings. I was grateful to be there, to listen and to learn. 🧡
Today, I chose to wear red. I wore it personally as a colour of strength, remembrance and respect - while recognizing that orange holds a special and important meaning on this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
#NationalDayForTruthAndReconciliation #EveryChildMatters #WeAreConnected #SaugeenShores
Keep the focus on good Town planning
We have a lot to be proud of in Saugeen Shores, and our new Strategic Plan Progress Report reflects just how much has already been accomplished — while setting an ambitious and thoughtful course for what comes next.
I’m encouraged by the focus on responsible growth, strong services, a vibrant local economy and protecting the character of the communities we call home.
Congratulations to Council, Town staff and everyone who contributed to this work. Good planning matters — but so does building on what’s already working, listening to our community and turning good ideas into results.
Saugeen Shores has great momentum. Let’s keep building on it, together.
Read the Strategic Plan Progress Report at this link: Strategic Plan Report Highlights Progress on Council Priorities | Town of Saugeen Shores
Celebrating the arts, with gratitude
What a lovely evening at the Southampton Arts Centre Gratitude Gala! 💜
There’s something pretty special about being in a room filled with people who care so much about the arts—and about our community.
A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful sponsors, supporters, volunteers and everyone who came out to celebrate with us. Your generosity, enthusiasm and continued support are what make the Southampton Arts Centre such a special part of our town.
It was also wonderful to have Mayor Luke Charbonneau join us, along with fellow candidates Jeff James and Brian Putman. Thank you for taking the time to share in the evening and show your support for our arts community.
As a Director on the Board of the Arts Centre, I feel very fortunate to be part of an organization that brings people together in so many different ways. Art may bring us through the door, but it’s the friendships, conversations and sense of community that keep us coming back.
To everyone who helped make the Gratitude Gala such a warm and memorable evening—thank you. I left feeling very grateful indeed.
Thank you, friends and neighbours
I’ve come home from canvassing these past few days with a very full heart.
There’s something pretty special about knocking on a door and, instead of just having a quick chat on the doorstep, being invited in to sit awhile, share a story or two, and talk about the community we all care so much about.
To everyone who has opened a door, offered a chair, shared a concern, had a laugh with me, or simply said, “Keep going” — thank you. Those moments mean more to me than you know.
And a special heartfelt thank you to Kent, Lisa and Charles, Sam and Phil. Your kindness, encouragement and incredible support these past few days gave me just the boost I needed.
Campaigning can make for some long days and tired feet, but you’ve reminded me that the best part of this whole experience is the people.
I’m grateful. I’m energized. And I’ll keep knocking on doors and listening.
Thank you, neighbours. 💜
On the road with Lucy
Every campaign needs a good running mate — meet Lucy! 💜🚗
My favourite little car and I are hitting the road, meeting neighbours and talking about the future of Southampton.
A familiar face, a favourite car, and a fresh voice for Council.
Let's vote for Respect
Feeling a little disappointed today ... but still positive.
I've learned that a number of my election signs have disappeared from places where they were put up with permission.
Now, I know election signs aren't everyone's favourite part of election season. And I certainly don't expect everyone in Saugeen Shores to agree with me or vote for me.
But I do hope we can agree on something more important: Respect.
Ontario law and our local municipal rules set out where election signs can be placed, and my campaign takes those rules seriously. When a sign has been legally placed on a property with permission, please leave it there.
And that goes for every candidate's signs – not just mine.
Behind every one of those signs is someone who's paid for it, a volunteer who took the time to put it up, and often a neighbour who has simply chosen to say, “This is the person I support. "
That choice deserves respect, whether we agree with it or not.
One of the things I love most about Southampton and Saugeen Shores is that we can disagree, ask tough questions, have lively conversations – and still stop and chat when we see each other downtown.
That's the kind of election campaign I want to be part of.
So, please, let's leave everyone's signs where they belong and settle our differences the old-fashioned way with conversation, debate and, ultimately, our votes. Because when all the signs come down and the election is over, we're still neighbours. And that matters. 💜
Thank you to everyone who has called or messaged to tell me a sign is missing – and especially to the people who have offered their lawns, their time and their encouragement.
It means more than you know.
Great gathering!
A big thank you to the Southampton Residents Association for organizing the August 31 All-Candidates Meeting.
And thanks to everyone who came out to Bevan Hall or joined us online, and to my fellow candidates for taking part in such an important community conversation.
I believe good decisions start with listening. As your councillor, I’ll listen carefully, ask the tough questions, get the facts, and take the time to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
Most of all, I’ll keep listening to the conversations, experiences and concerns of people across Saugeen Shores. Your voices matter, and they deserve to be heard and respected at the council table.
Thanks again for your questions, your thoughtful participation and the care you show for our community.
Please stay in touch, and follow this site for more about me and my campaign.
Campaign signs and materials
Just in time for a new voice on Council
Sometimes, timing is everything.
Standing beside the Just-N-Time, I couldn’t help but smile at the reminder that perhaps Saugeen Shores is just in time for a strong, fresh voice on Council.
A voice that listens first, asks thoughtful questions, values respectful conversation, and works hard to represent the people of our community.
I’m Brenda Reeves, and I’m proud to be a candidate for Southampton Ward Council.
#BrendaReeves
#StrongFreshVoice
#SaugeenShores
#SouthamptonOntario
#MunicipalElection
