Chris Young, 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 to run comes from my deep commitment to this community that Ward 5 represents. My desire to continue a tradition of strong leadership, unwavering dedication, and experience to the Council Chambers. Wallaceburg and Area need a strong experienced voice as it prepares a new chapter in Chatham-Kent. I bring Solid leadership, and an assertive voice when tough decisions need to be made. I bring my knowledge and experience as a business professional in the private sector over the past 30 years. I know how to prioritize capital investment decisions, how to balance a budget and what factor certainty plays in influencing investments and economic growth. All of these qualities I pledge to bring with me to represent Ward 5.”
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 issue in Chatham Kent is the affordability crisis every family faces day in and day out within this community. The strain that this has on Wallaceburg and Area can be seen daily on the faces of residents. My plan to address this issue is to lead discussions in council Chambers , to bring forth ideas and explore the options the Municipality has to stimulate growth, to drive investment and development, to challenge business leaders to come up with the plans and to encourage municipal staff to innovate and collaborate to remove the barriers to development.”
“As a Councillor I will meet with investors and developers to find out what keeps them from investing, I will work to identify and find new entrepreneurs , I will meet with them and promote Wallaceburg and Chatham Kent to restore the certainty that financial decisions require to make dreams a reality.”
“At the end of the day there are only so many dollars to go around, and the community can no longer afford to have taxes raised year after year to cover shortfalls. Council must as a cohesive unit challenge one another to do better for our residents, our wards and for Chatham Kent.”
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 am a lifelong resident of Wallaceburg, I am proud to have called it home for 59 years. My wife and I decided when we were married that we would raise our family here. I am Graduate of the University of Windsor, Honours Bachelor of Commerce , I am a Professionally Designated Accountant – CPA-CGA. I have worked in the private Utility sector for the past 21 years and in the Chemical manufacturing sector for the 9 years before that. This work experience will be brought to the table on behalf of the citizens of this community. My job requires me to understand the issues, examine the opportunities, develop a plan and balance it with the challenges set forth by a financial plan. I solve problems and fix things with uniqueness and eye to all the parameters.”
“I was the Chair of the Wallaceburg Splashpad committee – that fundraised and built the Splash Pad in Colwell Park. I was President of Wallaceburg Minor Hockey for 8 seasons. I have worked in retail at a number of Wallaceburg Businesses, including Lozons Meats, Quinlan’s Shoe House, Wallaceburg Paint and Wallpaper, Leach Jewellers, The Zavitz Hardware Company, Gray Stationery, Strong Office Supply, and Splash Pools.”
“My Values are old Fashioned – Family First, Work Hard, Loyal to a fault, and above all treat every person with the respect and consideration that I expect in return.”
How can people connect with and learn more about you during your election campaign?
“I have a facebook page they can follow Chris Young – Ward 5 – Wallaceburg, Tupperville, and Area, email: young2026ward5@gmail.com.”
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.
