Mary Ellen Buhler will run for Mayor of Lake Country in the fall municipal election (Image Credit: Mary Ellen Buhler / website)

By Liam Verster

Election 2026

Newcomer enters race for Lake Country mayor role

Sep 14, 2026 | 2:57 PM

A new hat has been thrown into the ring to be the mayor of Lake Country.

Mary Ellen Buhler has entered the race with a campaign focused on responsible growth, infrastructure, financial accountability, and a District Council that would deliver results.

“Lake Country is an incredible place to live, and people care deeply about what happens here,” Buhler said in a release.

“We need to make sure infrastructure keeps pace with growth; taxpayers are getting value for their money and the decisions we make today protect what people love about Lake Country while preparing us for the future.”

If elected, Buhler said she would have three key priorities:

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Creating a City Hall Report Card that provides residents with an annual, straightforward account of what Council committed to, what was completed, and what was delayed and at what cost
Undertaking a Spending and Staffing Review that examines municipal operations, staffing, contracts and programs to identify duplications and unnecessary costs while supporting essential front-line services
Undertaking an Infrastructure First Plan to clearly identify priorities, timelines, and costs for roads, water, sewer, drainage, sidewalks, and other municipal assets

“We can welcome growth while protecting the quality of life that makes Lake Country special,” Buhler said.

“But that requires planning, financial discipline and a council that can work together around shared priorities.”

Listening to residents was another key piece to Buhler’s campaign, and she hosts virtual coffee chats where she and residents can speak directly about their needs and ideas through her website.

Buhler has not served any political position previously but said her experience from senior roles in retail and human resources, where she managed teams, operations and budgets, would be beneficial to the role as mayor.

“A mayor is one member of council. Good leadership means listening to and valuing the perspectives of the people residents have elected to represent them,” Buhler stated.

“Different opinions should be welcomed. My job as mayor would be to help bring those perspectives together, build consensus where we can and create a council culture focused on getting things done for Lake Country.”

Votes will be cast in the local general election Oct. 17.

by Liam Verster

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