As part of 90.5 myFM’s 2026 Election Coverage, myFM reached out to candidates in South Huron, Bluewater, Lambton Shores and Lucan-Biddulph to hear why they believe residents should vote for them on October 26th.
Here’s what Doug Cook, running for Mayor Lambton Shores had to say.
TRANSCRIBED AUDIO:
“Hello, my name is Doug Cook and I’m running for re-election as Mayor of Lambton Shores. I’ve been on council for the last 17 years, which includes two terms as Deputy Mayor and this last term as Mayor. My main focus during my time on council is to improve the quality of life for Lambton Shores residents and to make it an affordable place to live.
I’m proud to say that Lambton Shores has the second lowest property tax rate in Lambton County, and we have weighed development charges on new residential builds for the next three years. We have attracted developers and investors and as a result, have strong residential, retail and restaurant growth in Lambton Shores, making us the second fastest growing municipality in Lambton County. Over the last 17 years, I’ve had many meetings with provincial government ministries to secure millions of dollars in government funding towards infrastructure projects in Lambton Shores.
Our largest infrastructure project was the Highway 21 bridge reconstruction in Grand Bend. This $7.2 million project dramatically reduced wait times for local traffic and tourists traveling into Grand Bend. Originally, the province had granted $3 million, but we lobbied for more and were able to get that grant increased to $5 million. Soon we will have a brand new super school in Forrest. Many years ago, I was part of a local citizens group that traveled to Queens Park to present this project to the Minister of Education. It took some time, but the $66 million project is finally moving forward. This junior kindergarten to grade 12 school will certainly invite more residential growth to Lambton Shores, and I’m certain that we will see other growth spin-off as well.
Affordability is an ongoing issue for our community. The lingering effect of the COVID shutdown, inflation, shrinkflation, and now the tariff war has impacted our community, our province, and our country. One of my objectives for the next term as mayor is to work with local developers to create affordable housing opportunities. Agriculture is the number one industry in Lambton shores, but the ongoing tariff fight with the United States on more and more agricultural exports is seriously hurting farming operations.
I want the farming families in Lambton Shores to know that I stand in solidarity with them. Upcoming projects that will continue to enhance the community. First, we have a new community center coming to Grand Bend. Second, we’re working on the completion of the downtown Forest revitalization project. We are developing the 91-acre industrial park in Forest. We’ve also received new provincial funding to increase our sewage pumping capacity for future residential and commercial development in Grand Bend. And finally, we’re excited about the new super school in Forest.
I’m eager to serve my community as mayor for the next four years. To the residents of Lambton Shores, please vote for Doug Cook on October 26th.”
