Financial accountability
Every tax dollar should have a clear purpose.
Review staffing, contracts, programs and operating costs while protecting front-line services and prioritizing long-term financial sustainability.
Elected Mayor of Lake Country
Thank you, Lake Country.
“On Saturday evening, the people of Lake Country chose a new Mayor, and I am deeply honoured by the trust you have placed in me.”
A practical voice for Lake Country.
Leadership that listens
A message from Mary Ellen
A letter of thanks
On Saturday evening, the people of Lake Country chose a new Mayor, and I am deeply honoured by the trust you have placed in me.
This campaign was built on a simple belief: Lake Country deserves leadership that listens, makes practical decisions and remains accountable to the people it serves. I heard that clearly at doorsteps, community events and conversations across our municipality.
I am also deeply conscious of the significance of becoming Lake Country’s first woman Mayor. I accept that milestone with pride, gratitude and a strong sense of responsibility. I hope it reminds every girl and young woman in our community that leadership belongs to them too.
But this is not only about making history. It is about the work ahead and the responsibility to serve every resident of Lake Country with integrity, good judgment and respect.
Thank you to everyone who voted, volunteered, displayed a sign, shared your ideas, asked hard questions and encouraged me throughout this campaign. I am especially grateful to my family, friends and campaign team for their steady support.
To those who did not vote for me, I want you to know that I will work just as hard to earn your confidence. Being Mayor means representing the entire community, listening carefully to different perspectives and helping Council make thoughtful decisions for Lake Country’s future.
We have important work ahead: managing growth responsibly, protecting what makes Lake Country special, strengthening transparency and ensuring residents see real value from their local government. I look forward to working with Council, District staff, local businesses, community organizations and residents to move Lake Country forward.
Today, we get to work.
Thank you, Lake Country.
— Mary Ellen Buhler
Mayor-elect, Lake Country
The vision · 2030
“A community where growth is well planned, infrastructure keeps pace, residents can trust how decisions are made, and tax dollars are spent responsibly.”
Meet Mary Ellen
A fresh voice for Lake Country.
Practical leadership, independent perspective, and a clear focus on accountability, infrastructure and responsible growth.
I bring leadership and management experience from senior roles in retail and human resources, where I oversaw large teams, significant budgets and complex operations. Today, I work as an Education Assistant in Lake Country, supporting children and families and advocating for vulnerable students.
As a strata president, I have direct experience with governance, budgets, infrastructure, planning and residents’ everyday concerns. I’m running for Mayor because Lake Country is at an important point in its growth—and we need practical decisions that serve the community over the long term.
Leadership & management
Education & advocacy
Governance & budgets
The platform
Six priorities for Lake Country
Clear goals, practical municipal action and measurable results—not promises without a plan.
Infrastructure & water security
Plan ahead and put essential infrastructure first.
Set clear priorities for roads, water, sewer, drainage and municipal assets, with published timelines, funding strategies and measurable progress. Review the capital cost of every planned project to make sure it is practical and necessary — not fancy.
Community-first growth
Make growth work for the people who live here.
Support housing choices while ensuring development accounts for transportation, parking, servicing capacity and neighbourhood character.
Transparent government
Make decisions and results easier to understand.
Improve access to budgets, project updates and Council decisions, with clear public reporting on spending and strategic commitments.
Safe & resilient communities
Prepare Lake Country for the challenges ahead.
Plan responsibly for fire protection, emergency response, wildfire mitigation, policing and regional partnerships as the community grows.
Support local business
Remove barriers so local businesses can grow.
Streamline permits, reduce red tape and make it easier for small businesses, wineries, farm-gate sales and agri-tourism operators to invest and create jobs in Lake Country.
Measurable action
Three commitments to restore confidence
Each commitment is within municipal authority, financially responsible and designed to produce results residents can track.
City Hall Report Card
A clear annual report showing what Council promised, what was completed, what was delayed and what it cost.
Spending & Staffing Review
A comprehensive review to identify duplication, unnecessary costs and opportunities to focus resources on core services.
Infrastructure First Plan
A public priority plan for roads, water, sewer, drainage, sidewalks and asset replacement, including costs and timelines.
Build Lake Country’s future together