Election Day in Chatham-Kent is Monday, Oct. 26, with polls open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
More information is available at ckelection.ca.
The Sydenham Current has sent a series of questions to all mayoral, Ward 4 and Ward 5 candidates who have made their contact information publicly available. The responses from candidates who chose to participate are listed below.
The fourth question posed to candidates was focused on feedback they’ve heard during their campaigns:
After several weeks on the campaign trail, what are residents telling you they value most about their community, and what do they believe needs the most improvement? How would you work to address those concerns if elected?
MAYOR
Lauren Anderson
“Throughout this campaign, I’ve travelled across Chatham-Kent, and one message has been incredibly consistent.”
“People love their communities. They’re proud of where they come from. But they’re worried about where we’re going.”
“They’re concerned about rising taxes, deteriorating roads, public safety, homelessness, and whether their children will have opportunities to build a future here.”
“Our rural residents want to know they haven’t been forgotten. Our seniors are worried about affordability. Business owners want a municipality that helps them succeed rather than creating additional barriers.”
“And overwhelmingly, people want to feel heard.”
“What has struck me most is that residents aren’t asking for the impossible. They’re asking for responsible spending, safe communities, reliable infrastructure, and leadership they can trust.”
“As Mayor, I will bring those voices into the decision-making process, prioritize infrastructure based on actual needs, pursue investment that creates jobs and expands our tax base, and make municipal decisions and spending more transparent.”
“I’ve spent four years serving Ward 1, and this campaign has only strengthened my commitment to every corner of Chatham-Kent.”
“People aren’t asking for a perfect community. They’re asking for a better one. And they deserve leadership willing to do the work to get us there.”
Randy Hope
“Throughout the campaign, I’ve heard residents talk about the cost of living, property taxes, housing, homelessness, infrastructure and the need for good local jobs. People want to know that Chatham-Kent is moving forward, but they also want to know that their tax dollars are being spent responsibly.”
“I’ve also heard how much people value their communities—their neighbours, local businesses, volunteer organizations, recreation facilities and the character of the places they call home. Residents want to see that every community matters, not just the largest population centres.”
“If elected, I would focus on practical steps: attracting investment and employment, improving housing options, prioritizing infrastructure based on need and condition, and making municipal decisions easier to follow.”
“I would also push for better public reporting on major projects, including costs, timelines, responsibilities and results. When something isn’t working, residents deserve an honest explanation and a plan to address it.”
“I know there are different priorities across a municipality as large and diverse as Chatham-Kent. The Mayor’s job is to listen, bring people together and make decisions based on the needs of the whole municipality.”
“Residents aren’t asking for more promises. They’re asking for results, fairness and confidence that their voices are being heard.”
Darrin Canniff
“Residents confirmed that they value the continued availability of local services and amenities and the sense of community that exists across the municipality.”
“Dealing with the homeless crisis and related mental health and addiction issues along with the availability of affordable housing were two related items identified as priorities.”
“To deal effectively with these issues, we will need to:
– expand our investment in affordable housing
– pursue and secure subsidy financing from upper levels of government
– continue to work closely with community partners to offer services and supports to those experiencing addiction and homelessness
– seek out and implement best practices tested by other communities
– reduce or eliminate development charges to encourage developers to construct more affordable housing units”
Michael Bondy
“What I have heard over the last several months is that citizens are genuinely concerned about how the municipality responds to their concerns. The HUB for instance. There was tremendous pushback on this project, but we did it anyway. The average person feels that they are not heard and this is a prime example. The municipality tells people what they are doing, not what they SHOULD be doing. This is very important to me. Restoring trust in our local government. Tell the truth, give people time to think about decisions and speak in normal terms that people understand. This is the way I would have our municipality communicate with the citizens. Why wouldn’t we?”
WARD 5 – WALLACEBURG
Zac Nicholson
“Ward 5 residents are tough, resilient, and deeply proud of our tight-knit, hardworking community. Above all, they value our rich local heritage and the genuine spirit of neighbors supporting neighbors.”
“What residents overwhelmingly believe needs the most improvement, however, is municipal infrastructure, fiscal responsibility, economic development, and securing our fair share of municipal investment. There is widespread frustration over seeing hard-earned tax dollars leave our pockets while critical road maintenance, facility upgrades, and economic opportunities repeatedly bypass our ward.”
“If elected, I will bring courtroom advocacy and frontline discipline to Council to aggressively fight for Ward 5’s fair share of municipal funding. I will protect critical infrastructure such as the Wallaceburg Water Treatment Plant, enforce strict fiscal discipline on council budgets by prioritizing the “needs” over the “wants”, and ensure our community always has a strong, knowledgeable advocate at the decision-making table.”
Chris Young
“The three major concerns I hear continually is the fact that Infrastructure has been neglected and band-aid for so long, action is needed, that the money committed to the Hub was a horrible waste and that is money that would have been better spent on roads and bridges.”
“Next the homeless, Mental health ,and addiction epidemic is next on most people’s minds. It is time to stop the blame game and take solid steps towards providing Shelter, Addiction and treatment services, as well as recovery and retraining. “
“I have spoken to many, people do not choose this way of life, due to circumstances they cannot control, traumatic events, conditions left untreated due to chronically underfunded and understaffing issues. This is the result. We cannot turn back the clock. We need to move forward together as a community and take a path to recovery, safety, and security of food and home.”
Loree Bailey
“One of the things I appreciate most about Wallaceburg is its strong sense of community.”
“People care about their neighbours, support local businesses and take pride in where they live.”
“I’ve experienced that generosity firsthand through more than a decade of volunteer involvement in Wallaceburg.”
“At the beginning of my campaign, I asked residents what mattered most to them. Community safety, housing and homelessness, and revitalization were among the concerns that helped shape my three campaign priorities.”
“I’ve also heard frustration about municipal spending and a feeling that Wallaceburg has been overlooked when it comes to investment and development.”
“Residents want to feel safe in their neighbourhoods. They want a thriving downtown, opportunities for their families and confidence that their tax dollars are being spent responsibly.”
“I understand those concerns.”
“I believe we need to take a serious look at what is making people feel unsafe, evaluate the effectiveness of existing initiatives and identify practical, affordable improvements.”
“I would also advocate for greater attention to Wallaceburg’s economic development and infrastructure needs.”
“Most importantly, I would remain accessible to residents throughout the council term.”
“I don’t believe anyone running for council should promise to have all the answers. What I can promise is to listen, do my homework and work hard to ensure Wallaceburg’s concerns are represented when decisions are being made.”
Steven Burritt
“Almost everybody I talk to says infrastructure! They want the roads and bridges fixed. They want the hospital to get better funded and tired of going to Chatham for their appointments. We are tired of our tax dollars going to Chatham while our bridges go underfunded and not maintained to the point, they are closed for weeks if not months. They see their roads, sidewalks, and curbs being neglected and unsafe to use and want to know why? and when they will be fixed. They ask why their taxes are so high if their services never seem to improve or in some cases get worse. I tell them I will do my very best to make sure the services we have in Wallaceburg stay in Wallaceburg and get the funding we deserve. The default position cannot be just go to Chatham. I will represent all communities and work to make us all stronger together but I am representing first and foremost Wallaceburg!”
Jim Blake
“People value living in a community where we take care of each other individually, and they wonder why, despite ever increasing taxation we continue to see so many continue to fall through what are terms the “cracks” of social policy. The common theme I hear is that people want a community where they have the chance to live and raise their families in safety and prosperity. They want municipal government that will respond to their concerns. They remember when that was the norm and are disheartened that it isn’t the case now. They tell me we need a change in our approach. I tell them I’ll do what I can and hope others join me.”
Victoria Stewart
“One thing that has stood out throughout this campaign is how much people care about their communities. Residents value their neighbours, local businesses, volunteers, service clubs, and the organizations that make Wallaceburg and the surrounding area feel like home.”
“But I’ve also heard considerable frustration, particularly about property taxes, deteriorating roads and infrastructure, homelessness, and community safety.”
“I think part of that frustration comes from seeing problems continue without understanding why they aren’t being resolved.”
“Infrastructure is one example. Residents see roads and bridges needing attention while property taxes continue to rise. What many may not realize is that Chatham-Kent faces a significant provincial funding problem. Under the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund, the Province’s formula calculates approximately $29 million for Chatham-Kent, but a $10 million cap leaves an approximately $19 million annual gap. That doesn’t excuse Council from scrutinizing spending, but residents deserve to understand the financial pressures behind the decisions being made.”
“Homelessness is another major concern, and one where the barriers are particularly complicated. Residents want safe neighbourhoods and public spaces, and those concerns deserve to be taken seriously. But we also have a shortage of appropriate housing options for people trying to leave homelessness.”
“A municipal housing assessment presented earlier this year identified a need for approximately 50 emergency shelter spaces, 73 transitional housing units, and 139 supportive housing units, with those needs projected to grow significantly over the following five years. These are different types of housing serving different purposes, and simply adding emergency shelter spaces will not resolve the shortage of transitional, affordable, and supportive housing.”
“There are also challenges involving access to mental health and addiction treatment, adequate income supports, and the ongoing funding needed to provide services. Some of these responsibilities fall primarily to the Province, but their absence creates very real problems locally.”
“I support appropriate enforcement to protect public safety, but we also need to address the housing and service gaps that contribute to the problem. Otherwise, we risk spending more money responding to the same situations without making lasting progress.”
“I don’t think residents expect councillors to solve every problem overnight. They do expect us to listen, investigate, explain the challenges honestly, and follow through on what we say we’re going to do.”
“That is the kind of councillor I would want representing me, and that’s the kind of councillor I will be for you.”
Bill Wolsing
“The conversations I’ve experienced with residents/business owners have a general concern about investment for jobs, public safety, and a tax increase every year, progress in our Ward 5 area seems to be stale while observing multi million dollar investments in other towns within CK . As an elected council representative, I would advocate and explore any possible common sense options to work with council on improving our Ward 5 area.”
Brendan Authier
“After speaking with many residents both in person and online since August, several clear themes have emerged. Here are the five biggest areas of concern I have heard consistently across Ward 5 and beyond.
1. Tax Increases
Taxes remain a top concern. Recent increases have been well above inflation and higher than necessary with tighter scrutiny and more careful spending. The cumulative change to property tax bills over the past decade has been significant. We need councillors who carefully examine every budget, work constructively with the budget committee and staff, and push for leaner drafts. It is possible to be fiscally responsible while still protecting essential local services.
2. Local Autonomy and Engagement
A common sentiment is that Wallaceburg is treated as an afterthought within Chatham-Kent, while Chatham receives the bulk of attention and investment. I share that concern. Wallaceburg lost its municipal status in 1998. While we cannot reverse amalgamation, we must work deliberately to close the gap that still exists nearly 30 years later. I support establishing volunteer-run community councils in our wards, as other municipalities have done. These could serve in an advisory role or carry limited powers — that decision should be shaped by public feedback. Such bodies would benefit not only Wallaceburg but other smaller communities and even Chatham itself. I would also hold regular monthly community engagement sessions and send annual updates by mail, paid for by me, so residents who are not online remain informed. Constituents deserve timely responses to their concerns, whether by phone, email, or in-person meeting.
3. Homelessness and Public Safety
The homelessness crisis affects housing, public safety, environmental conditions, and municipal spending. Many residents have noticed the change in recent years and now avoid evening walks in downtown areas because of increased activity. We need both pathways to productivity and clear standards. I support increased police presence at night in downtown Wallaceburg and other communities facing similar pressures. We have reached the point where the combined cost of policing, by-law enforcement, and various forms of social assistance likely exceeds the cost of establishing a proper shelter. With the homeless population in Chatham-Kent now in the hundreds, we need solutions that match the scale of the problem. I support a high-occupancy, safe, and properly guarded shelter near the outskirts of Chatham that includes skill-building and job-search supports. Site selection must involve meaningful public feedback and keep the facility well beyond the current 25-metre setback from nearby homes.
4. Aging Infrastructure
Basic infrastructure and utilities should be among our highest spending priorities. Anyone who regularly drives Forhan Street, for example, can see and feel the problem. Two major bridge closures in the past two months have also underscored the issue in Ward 5. Investing in long-term infrastructure that reduces future costs is money well spent, particularly with our bridges. The Lord Selkirk Bridge is not designed for the volume of heavy truck traffic it currently carries, and taxpayers are paying the price. The next council should seriously examine options, including replacement, long-term reinforcement, or a designated and enforced alternate route such as Arnold Street or Arnold Road. We should also increase collaboration with local businesses on infrastructure work and do a better job publicizing tender opportunities so local firms can compete. I am pleased with the progress being made on paving unused railway crossings in Ward 5 and would like to see that work continue promptly. Councillors should actively catalogue infrastructure complaints and bring forward specific motions rather than simply directing residents to call 311. Community feedback, alongside expert advice, should play a larger role in setting priorities for repairs and upgrades.
5. Jobs and Economic Opportunity
Chatham-Kent, and Wallaceburg in particular, continues to struggle with unemployment. While some claim that “people don’t want to work,” the official unemployment rate only counts those who are actively looking for work, and that rate remains high. The upcoming 2026 census figures will be instructive. I want to see a more even distribution of investment across the municipality, with a stronger emphasis on job creation — particularly in manufacturing and in entry-level positions that offer longer-term opportunity.
To end on a positive note, one asset that nearly everyone in Ward 5 values is our water. We have significant untapped potential in our waterways, our proximity to an international border, and the opportunity for partnership with nearby communities, especially Walpole Island First Nation. Chief Leela Thomas has expressed openness to exploring a joint, mutually beneficial tourism partnership. That is an opportunity I would actively work to advance if elected.”
NOTE: Mayoral candidates April Colby and Ryan Gow did not send answers to our questions. Contact information was not available for Nelson Burm.
Ward 5 – Wallaceburg candidates Dave Brunditt, Jason Debuck, Brent DeNure and David Hyatt did not send answers to our questions. Contact information was not available for William Arends. Mark Childs responded by reiterating he is “no longer running” (more details, here.)
Ward 4 – North West Kent candidates John Cummings, Kirk Hooker and Rhonda Jubenville did not send answers to our questions.
