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Turn the trickle of information from the Town into a reliable, continuous flow, and create real opportunities to be heard before decisions are made.
Saugeen Shores · Municipal Election 2026
Putman
For Mayor
Your voice deserves to be heard.
Sixty years in Southampton. Twenty years as a professional land‑use planner. A commitment to listening before decisions are made, and working with you, not around you.
Meet Brian
Experienced. Principled. Committed to Saugeen Shores.
Brian Putman has called Southampton home, or his home away from home, for more than 60 years, and has been engaged in local issues for nearly four decades.
A professional land‑use planner for 20 years, he brings experience in municipal finance, capital planning, health care, social services, construction and public policy. Brian believes good decisions begin with careful analysis, clear information and meaningful public involvement.
What sets Brian apart is his commitment to listening before decisions are made, and to working with residents rather than around them.
Priorities
Four commitments
Each one is set out in full, with the actions behind it, on the platform page.
Responsible growth
Respect the Official Plan. Put public safety first. Use brownfield and underused land before sacrificing more green space.
Housing that meets local needs
Co‑operative housing, community land trusts and shared‑equity models, with protections that keep homes affordable over the long term.
Strong financial stewardship
Every tax dollar tied to a clear purpose, a defensible assumption and a measurable result, reported in language residents can understand.
Did you know?
The strongest-performing communities combine…
- Preservation of character
- Moderate economic growth
- Infrastructure investment
- Housing diversity
- Strong public spaces
- Support for local businesses
Saugeen Shores can have all six. That is what a balanced, evidence‑based approach to planning is for.
Why I am running
Growth should not erase what makes this place worth calling home.
I am running for Mayor because Saugeen Shores needs a more open, careful and accountable approach to decision‑making. Growth should not come at the expense of public health, the environment or the distinct character of our communities.
Residents deserve timely information, responsible financial stewardship and a meaningful voice before decisions are made. I intend to work with you, not around you.
Saugeen Shores can grow without surrendering what makes Southampton, Port Elgin and the Saugeen Ward worth calling home. We can protect public health, heritage, culture and the environment while planning responsibly for the future. Most importantly, residents can once again have a meaningful voice in the decisions that affect them.
I am ready to listen, learn and lead.
First: check you can vote
If you are not registered you will not get a voting letter, and you will not be able to vote. Checking takes about two minutes.
Voting is October 19 to 26
Internet and telephone voting only. There are no paper ballots in Saugeen Shores this election.
Meet Brian in person
Brian is out in Southampton, Port Elgin and the Saugeen Ward throughout the campaign.
Ask a question, or donate
Questions and concerns are welcome by email, by phone, or in the Facebook group. Contributions help pay for signs, printing and advertising.