Strong turnout to candidates gathering

By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Taxes, Chatham-Kent’s infrastructure gap, public consultation, and the need to attract people and industry were among the subjects discussed at last week’s municipal candidate’s open house.

Put on by the Chatham-Kent Growth Alliance (CKGA) at the Chatham Armoury, the forum attracted a crowd of 250 people eager to hear what prospective council members had to say in the run-up to the Oct. 26 municipal election.

Moderated by CKGA members Carson Warrener and Jim Brackett, five mayoral candidates answered four questions they were given ahead of time. Stressing that the event was not held to endorse any of the candidates, Brackett told the crowd it was an opportunity to “put the candidates in front of the people.”

West Kent Coun. Lauren Anderson, Chatham Coun. Michael Bondy, incumbent Mayor Darrin Canniff, newcomer Ryan Gow and former mayor Randy Hope all spoke in a fireside chat segment. Candidates Nelson Burm and April Colby did not attend.

Anderson, said the municipality needs to stick to its strategic plan when it comes to budgets, infrastructure spending and taxation.

“Investing in infrastructure isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity,” she said. “We’re in an infrastructure deficit because we haven’t done that.”

That has led to taxpayers paying more for projects, she said, noting other streams of funding must be found.

A registered nurse for 16 years, Anderson pointed out she’s not a career politician, adding that if elected mayor, she would devise a “care plan” for Chatham-Kent.

“I know how to pull it off and that includes you too,” Anderson told the crowd.

In his comments, Bondy said “infrastructure is clearly the biggest need” in Chatham-Kent, noting the money should be borrowed to complete critical projects.

“The next council and mayor has to decide if infrastructure is more important than the nice-to-do’s,” he added, noting “it’s not an easy sell.”

Bondy also stated C-K needs to “look at itself” to cut costs and the municipality needs to reexamine its complicated budget process.

He also said Chatham-Kent must work to restore public trust.

“I’m a regular working guy,” Bondy told participants, adding he raised his kids in Chatham and wants Chatham-Kent to be a place where young people want to stay.

“They have to trust their local government,” he said, adding this year marks a “pivotal” election. “They have to know we’re upfront and transparent.”

In his comments, Canniff said it comes down to “affordability” and going forward Chatham-Kent must continue working to attract new residents and business.

That’s been done with some success, he added, as C-K’s population grew by 1.2 per cent in 2025 – more than London, Sarnia or Windsor.

As for budgets, the mayor said Chatham-Kent’s budget process that has won awards nationwide, adding C-K is in good financial shape with low debt.

But he acknowledged the property tax system is “broken” across Ontario, as the province continues to download services and responsibilities onto individual municipalities – services which should be paid through income tax.

“As we move forward, we are very lucky here we’re in great financial shape,” the mayor said, noting C-K has “almost zero debt and strong reserves.”

Gow, a newcomer who works in supply chain management, emphasized the need to address Chatham-Kent’s infrastructure deficit.

“Infrastructure has been the most important piece of my campaign,” he said, noting Chatham-Kent needs to “play to our strengths” to attract new businesses and people.

He pointed out that C-K has all the expertise it needs, and information can be gleaned through consultation which needs to happen before projects go forward.

“I’m not a farmer,” he said. “If I want to know something about farming, I go ask a farmer. Same for a builder or whatever you need to know.”

Hope stressed effective leadership is needed.

“We need a strong leader who understands the responsibilities of government,” the former mayor said, adding he’s had the luxury of working with provincial and federal governments earlier in his career.

“It’s important that we have collaboration with other (levels of) governments,” he said, noting a stronger voice is needed to address upper-tier government funding shortfalls.

“It’s so important that council sets the priorities to make sure our projects get done,” he explained, adding it’s not going to be easy going forward thanks to what’s happening “south of the border.”

Hope also said the average net disposal income of C-K residents needs to rise in order to grow the tax base.

When it came to the ideas around supporting and growing local agriculture and agri-business, all candidates were on the same page, stating that more investment in the sector is necessary.

Following the mayoral question and answer, the crowd was abuzz. Tables for each ward were set up in the rear of the venue, allowing participants to speak to directly to their candidates.

Warrener, who serves as the government relations chair for the Chatham-Kent Association of Realtors, called the turnout at the meeting “nothing short of remarkable.

“Seeing more than 250 people come together to discuss the future of our municipality sends a clear message that our community wants to be engaged in the decisions that shape growth, housing, infrastructure, and economic opportunity,” Warrener said.” We were encouraged by the thoughtful participation from both candidates and attendees throughout the evening.”

Representing agriculture, housing, real estate, business, and property rights organizations, the CKGA organized the event to encourage meaningful discussion around the Alliance’s four core priorities: consultation and engagement, fiscal responsibility and transparency, investment in infrastructure, and fair and sustainable taxation.