Zac Nicholson, Candidate for Councillor, Ward 5 – Wallaceburg
What motivated you to run in the 2026 municipal election, and what do you believe you can bring to Chatham-Kent council that is needed right now?
“My motivation comes from a desire to serve and to be an advocate for the residents of Ward 5. Right now, there is a critical gap between decisions at city hall and the daily realities facing Ward 5. Residents are frustrated watching major investments in housing, infrastructure, and economic development bypass our area. I am running to ensure Ward 5 gets its fair share. I also want to be a strong voice and representative for our younger generation, who have been historically underrepresented at city hall. They are the future of our municipality and it’s time that they get a seat at the table.”
“What I bring to council is a unique blend of frontline perspective and boardroom capability. Having operated my own paralegal practice in Chatham-Kent for over six years, I understand advocacy and how to dissect complex municipal issues to find practical solutions. Combined with my background in uniform, I bring the discipline, accountability, and grit needed at the council table right now. I am ready to ask the tough questions at budget time to ensure that you’re getting the most out of your hard-earned tax dollars.”
What are the biggest issues facing residents in your ward and across Chatham-Kent, and how would you work to address them if elected?
“The biggest challenges are investment inequality, fiscal responsibility, and the preservation of our economic backbone.”
“First, we need to bring investments directly home to our ward from both the public and private sectors. I will work with all levels of government to ensure we aren’t just growing centrally, but that our rural communities get their fair share of investments in infrastructure, economic development, and housing.”
“Second, our agricultural community—the true economic engine of Chatham-Kent—needs stronger protection. I will fight to protect farmland, support local agri-businesses, and ensure vital rural infrastructure like roads and drainage systems are never treated as an afterthought.”
“Finally, we must address fiscal responsibility. I view fiscal responsibility as the cornerstone of good governance. At budget time, I will ensure your tax dollars work just as hard for you as you did to earn them, keeping a watchful eye on spending so we can fund essential services—like backing our frontline first responders—without overburdening the taxpayer.”
What would you like voters to know about you personally — including your background, experience, and values — as they decide who to support in this election?
“I want voters to know that my life has been defined by duty, hard work, and a commitment to helping others. I spent a good portion of my life in service, both in the Canadian Armed Forces and as a local volunteer firefighter. Those roles instilled in me a deep sense of discipline, teamwork, and an understanding of what it takes to keep a community safe. Professionally, as a Licensed Paralegal and owner of Nicholson Paralegal, I spend every day standing up for people’s rights and navigating their legal issues. I know what it means to work under pressure, advocate for people, and find practical solutions to complex problems.”
“My core values are rooted in fiscal responsibility, integrity, and community. Ward 5 is a vibrant mix of generational farms, young families, and hard-working residents. As someone who understands the challenges of running a business but also sees our neighborhoods’ daily realities firsthand, I have the right experience to put to work for you.”
How can people connect with and learn more about you during your election campaign?
“I invite voters to connect with me directly on my official Facebook page, Zac Nicholson for Ward 5, to share the issues that matter most to them.”
Editor’s Note: The same questions are being sent to each Mayoral, Ward 4 and Ward 5 candidate in the 2026 Chatham-Kent Municipal Election. The questions and candidates responses are above. Watch for more Q&A’s being posted from candidates who choose to participate.
