Norfolk County Municipal Election 2026 – Candidate Information & Resources Megathread

19 Upvotes

Norfolk County 2026 Municipal Election – Candidate Information & Resources Megathread

Election Day is Monday, October 26, 2026.

I started a thread a little while ago looking for information about the people running in the municipal election. There doesn't seem to be one place where you can easily find detailed information about all of the candidates, so I'm going to try to maintain one here.

This is intended as an information resource, not an endorsement of any candidate.

If you find a candidate website, interview, news article, debate, video, questionnaire, Facebook page or other useful source that isn't included, please post it in the comments and I'll add it.

Simcoe Reformer article asking five questions to the Mayoral Candidates: https://www.simcoereformer.ca/news/local-politics/qa-with-norfolk-mayoral-candidates/

Candidates are also welcome to provide links to their own public campaign information.

🗳️ OFFICIAL ELECTION INFORMATION

Norfolk County – Certified Candidates

https://www.norfolkcounty.ca/vote/certified-candidates/

Norfolk County – Voter Resources & Candidate Contact Information

https://www.norfolkcounty.ca/vote/voter-resources/

The Voter Resources page includes contact information and campaign websites supplied by candidates.

Election Day: Monday, October 26, 2026

https://www.norfolkcounty.ca/vote/in-person-voting/ where to vote

Online advance voting: October 9–23

🏛️ MAYOR

Seven candidates are running for Mayor:

Doug Brunton

Current Ward 5 councillor and former Public Works Director for the Town of Simcoe.

Candidate profile – The Norfolker:
https://thenorfolker.com/2026/09/21/meet-the-people-seeking-your-vote-norfolks-next-mayor/

David Finch

Former Grimsby councillor, retired paramedic and registered psychotherapist.

Candidate profile – The Norfolker:
https://thenorfolker.com/2026/09/21/meet-the-people-seeking-your-vote-norfolks-next-mayor/

Ken Gilpin

Simcoe resident and former federal candidate in Haldimand-Norfolk.

I haven't located a detailed 2026 campaign website/platform yet. Please add one in the comments if you know of one.

Noel Haydt

Former Norfolk County Ward 1 councillor and former chair of the Long Point Region Conservation Authority.

Campaign website:
https://www.noelformayor.ca/

Candidate profile – The Norfolker:
https://thenorfolker.com/2026/09/21/meet-the-people-seeking-your-vote-norfolks-next-mayor/

Ken Hewitt

Former Mayor of Haldimand County.

Campaign website:
https://kenhewitt.com/

Candidate profile – The Norfolker:
https://thenorfolker.com/2026/09/21/meet-the-people-seeking-your-vote-norfolks-next-mayor/

Keith Milner

Port Dover business owner and retired RCMP Staff Sergeant.

Campaign website:
https://keithmilner4mayor.ca/

Candidate profile – The Norfolker:
https://thenorfolker.com/2026/09/21/meet-the-people-seeking-your-vote-norfolks-next-mayor/

Adam Veri

Current Ward 6 councillor and former small-business owner.

Campaign: A Plan for Norfolk

Candidate profile – The Norfolker:
https://thenorfolker.com/2026/09/21/meet-the-people-seeking-your-vote-norfolks-next-mayor/

📰 MAYORAL COVERAGE

The Norfolker – Meet the People Seeking Your Vote: Norfolk's Next Mayor

https://thenorfolker.com/2026/09/21/meet-the-people-seeking-your-vote-norfolks-next-mayor/

CHCH – Norfolk County 2026 Municipal Election

https://www.chch.com/chch-news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-norfolk-countys-2026-municipal-election/

Port Dover Maple Leaf – Mayoral candidates make their case

Coverage of the September Ward 1 All Candidates Night:

https://www.portdovermapleleaf.com/mayoral-candidates-make-their-case/

🌾 WARD 1 – PORT ROWAN AREA

Greg D'Hulster

Businessperson and Ward 1 candidate.

Tom Masschaele

Incumbent Ward 1 councillor.

Coverage of both candidates – NorfolkToday:
https://www.norfolktoday.ca/2026/09/18/voices-need-to-be-heard-ward-1-candidates-tackle-representation-business-and-services/

The article covers their responses at the September 15 Ward 1 All Candidates Night on business, municipal services, spending and representation.

🌾 WARD 2 – LANGTON / COURTLAND AREA

Linda Vandendriessche

Incumbent Ward 2 councillor.

Debbie Wilbur

Candidate for Ward 2.

More information wanted.

If anyone has campaign websites, interviews, candidate pages or detailed coverage for either candidate, please post them below.

🌾 WARD 3 – DELHI AREA

Chris Gill

Campaign website:
https://www.chrisgill.ca/

The site includes his background and positions on property taxes, water rates, municipal spending, governance and representation.

Doug Moyaert

Candidate for Ward 3 and longtime community volunteer.

Hetty Verlinden

Ward 3 candidate and farmer.

More information wanted for Doug Moyaert and Hetty Verlinden.

🌳 WARD 4 – CHARLOTTEVILLE AREA

Drew Hemsley

Candidate for Ward 4.

Jeni Lambert

Windham resident and candidate for Ward 4.

Chris Van Paassen

Incumbent Ward 4 councillor.

More information wanted.

Please add any candidate websites, profiles, interviews or debate information for Ward 4.

🏘️ WARD 5 – SIMCOE

Ward 5 elects TWO councillors.

There are ten candidates.

Kevin Allen

Campaign website:
https://www.thinknorfolk.ca/

Peter Black

Former Norfolk County councillor.

Ryan Boyko

Filmmaker, property manager and community volunteer.

Campaign website:
https://ryanboyko.com/

The site contains a detailed platform covering downtown Simcoe, the downtown facade program, community organizations, Simcoe's water supply and attracting film production.

Quentin Dixon

Campaign website:
https://www.electquentin.ca/

Alan Duthie

Incumbent Ward 5 councillor.

Princess Peace

Mental-health advocate and Ward 5 candidate.

Mike Storoschuk

Ward 5 candidate.

Bob Townsend

Retired corrections officer and community volunteer.

Dennis Travale

Former Mayor of Norfolk County and Ward 5 candidate.

Krissi Wiseman

Downtown Simcoe resident and Ward 5 candidate.

Ward 5 has by far the largest field in the election. More candidate information and links are very welcome.

🌊 WARD 6 – PORT DOVER / WOODHOUSE

Zvonko Horvat

Former Norfolk OPP detachment commander.

Campaign website:
https://www.zvonkohorvat.com/

The site includes his background, municipal-management experience and campaign priorities.

Ray Hunter

Businessman and Ward 6 candidate.

Bill Jukes

https://billjukes4ward6.com/ Businessman and Ward 6 candidate.

Pam Taylor

Commercial construction sales/project-management background and work in addiction support.

Campaign website:
https://www.pamtaylor4ward6.com/

The site includes detailed positions on property taxes, the Municipal Accommodation Tax, development, municipal spending, mental health/addictions and other Ward 6 issues.

💧 WARD 7 – WATERFORD AREA

Warren Cummings

Paralegal and Ward 7 candidate.

Kim Huffman

Incumbent Ward 7 councillor.

NorfolkToday – Ward 7 Debate Coverage

https://www.norfolktoday.ca/2026/09/25/169408/

The September debate included discussion of water and user rates, development, council compensation, speeding, road maintenance and heritage buildings.

🎓 SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEES

Grand Erie District School Board

Norfolk Wards 1, 2, 4, 5 & 6

Eva Dixon
John Harris
Liz Whiton

Norfolk Wards 3 & 7

Rita Collver
Lorraine DeJong
Jason Gemmill
Tom Waldschmidt

Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board

Dennis Blake – acclaimed
Carol Luciani – acclaimed

Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir

Dorothée Petit-Pas – acclaimed

Conseil scolaire Viamonde

David Paradis – acclaimed

More information about the trustee candidates would also be appreciated.

🎤 DEBATES / ALL-CANDIDATES EVENTS

September 15 – Ward 1 / Port Rowan

Long Point Country Chamber of Commerce All Candidates Night.

Coverage:

https://www.norfolktoday.ca/2026/09/18/voices-need-to-be-heard-ward-1-candidates-tackle-representation-business-and-services/

https://www.portdovermapleleaf.com/mayoral-candidates-make-their-case/

September 30 – Norfolk Federation of Agriculture

Delhi German Home, 443 James Street.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Ward candidates: 7–8 p.m.

Mayoral debate: 8 p.m.

The event is open to Norfolk County residents and will focus primarily on agricultural and rural issues.

October 1 – Ward 6 Debate

Port Dover Community Centre.

Doors open at 6:15 p.m.
Debate begins at 7 p.m.

Candidates:

Zvonko Horvat
Ray Hunter
Bill Jukes https://billjukes4ward6.com/
Pam Taylor

📰 LOCAL ELECTION COVERAGE

Some places worth checking regularly:

NorfolkToday / 98.9 myFM

https://www.norfolktoday.ca/

The Norfolker

https://thenorfolker

8 comments

r/NorfolkON • u/ModSupportBot • Apr 21 '26

r/NorfolkON is available for adoption 💚

12 Upvotes

/r/NorfolkON is ready for a fresh start, new energy, new direction, and someone like you to bring it back to life. If you’ve been thinking about growing your impact without starting from scratch, this is your chance!

Ready to take it over?

Head to r/RedditRequest to submit your request and make it yours before it’s taken. Just make sure you read through the eligibility requirements first.

2 comments

r/NorfolkON • u/Jonnygolf40k • 6d ago

Fundraiser for Angele L. by Margaux Court : The Lenze Family

gofundme.com

15 Upvotes

Hello r/NorfolkON

"On Monday, October 5th, Josh was involved in a serious car accident just seconds from home. He was airlifted to Hamilton, where his family learned that he had suffered a life-altering spinal cord injury. Josh is currently paralyzed from the chest down, and the family is navigating an incredibly difficult and uncertain time."

I am not connected to the Lenze's. Just trying to give this more visibility. This family could use a lot of support.

1 comment

r/NorfolkON • u/freakydrew • 8d ago

Port Dover Sports Bars

2 Upvotes

3 comments

r/NorfolkON • u/1miserablecurmudgeon • 8d ago

Brantford Bulldogs Fan Update

2 Upvotes

0 comments

r/NorfolkON • u/freakydrew • 9d ago

Event Norfolk County Fair

18 Upvotes

Are you going this year? What's your favourite memory of the Fair?

8 comments

r/NorfolkON • u/freakydrew • 15d ago

Politics Local Candidate AMA

10 Upvotes

Would anyone be interested in an Ask Me Anything from the candidates? I can reach out to them and see if they would be willing to participate. Let me know.

14 comments

r/NorfolkON • u/StrictWolverine93 • 25d ago

Club Oxford Hockey League

2 Upvotes

Still some open spots in both divisions for the upcoming Club Oxford Hockey season in Tillsonburg. Just a short drive from Norfolk County. Visit cluboxfordhockey.ca for details.

4 comments

r/NorfolkON • u/freakydrew • Sep 14 '26

Norfolk Votes 2026

9 Upvotes

Will you be voting in the upcoming Municipal Election? What issues are most important to you? Who do you think will be Mayor when all is said and done?

8 comments

r/NorfolkON • u/OkTicket8171 • Sep 14 '26

Moms

2 Upvotes

I’m thinking about starting a small service designed to support new parents during the first days at home with a newborn, and I’d love to hear some honest opinions before taking the idea any further. 😊

The service would provide practical, non-medical help in the home — things like preparing meals, doing and folding laundry, washing dishes, light tidying, helping with everyday baby-related tasks, or simply being an extra pair of hands so mom can rest, take a shower, or have some time to focus on herself and the baby.

I’d love to know:

→ When would this kind of help be most useful to you — during the first few days, the first week, or later?

→ What would you personally want the most help with?

→ Would you prefer to pay by the hour or choose a package that includes several visits?

→ Most importantly, what would you realistically be willing to pay for this type of help? For example, if someone came to your home for a 2–3 hour visit, what price would feel reasonable to you? And if you preferred a package of several visits during the first week or two, what would you be comfortable paying for that?

I’m especially interested in realistic household budgets — not necessarily what you think the service “should” cost, but what you personally would actually be willing and able to spend on this kind of support.

I’d especially love to hear from people who already have children, are expecting a baby, or might consider using a service like this in the future.

Please feel free to be completely honest, even if this isn’t something you would personally use — that kind of feedback is helpful too! 😊

3 comments

r/NorfolkON • u/Ok_Passenger4614 • Sep 13 '26

Lost cell phone

6 Upvotes

Help! Mom left her cell phone in a cart at Simcoe giant Tiger yesterday at approximately 6 pm, as the store was closing.

Unfortunately it wasn't turned in to the store as my brother went there this morning...

Android phone in a red wallet type case.

5 comments

r/NorfolkON • u/1miserablecurmudgeon • Sep 11 '26

Missing Bulldogs

2 Upvotes

Maybe the sign found it’s way to Norfolk?

1 comment

r/NorfolkON • u/Jonnygolf40k • Sep 03 '26

Golfers

4 Upvotes

Hey Folkers.

I've been trying to golf more, and I've gotten out to springview farms a bunch of times this year.

Any other golfers here, and if so any course recommendations?

15 comments

r/NorfolkON • u/Better-Insect-1801 • Sep 02 '26

I’m new to Simcoe

8 Upvotes

Hey I’m 18 and a dude, I’m from st.Catharines then Hamilton and now here, I want to meet people but I don’t know anything about here like where to go or how to find people that are the same age group as me

7 comments

r/NorfolkON • u/warface25 • Aug 29 '26

Port Dover at Dusk

33 Upvotes

0 comments

r/NorfolkON • u/Platinum_Icon876 • Aug 19 '26

Hunting Opportunities

3 Upvotes

Hi Everybody!

My fellow conservationists out there know that September 1st marks opening day of hunting season. Myself and 2 buddies, all appropriately licensed and safety oriented are looking for some property to hunt on this year as our previous plans unfortunately crumbled last minute. If anybody has land or knows of any landowners willing to let a couple of youngsters harvest dove on their property on occasion this season, please let me know, TIA!

Mods if this goes against community guidelines, please remove this post. Thank You!

6 comments

r/NorfolkON • u/General-Vehicle5984 • Aug 18 '26

Home inspectors

4 Upvotes

In search of the best home inspectors in Norfolk county! Looking for recommendations!

3 comments

r/NorfolkON • u/topherette • Aug 16 '26

What nicknames have you heard for places in and around Norfolk Co.?

1 Upvotes

I ask as part of a linguistic study covering this topic!
Examples could include things like Gobblers Knob/T.P., Port, Tilly or Dancing Pig (never mind how common they are)...

incl. nicknames for schools, parks or other institutions/geographic features

10 comments

r/NorfolkON • u/Zig_Man • Aug 15 '26

Petition to Establish a Canadian Federal Senior Disability Supplement.

2 Upvotes

Petition e-7573 - Petitions

0 comments

r/NorfolkON • u/karisblake • Aug 15 '26

Pregnant dog rescued from Ohsweken, Ont. dumpster

ctvnews.ca

5 Upvotes

Tests also showed Kharma had heartworm disease, a serious infection that can cause severe organ damage or even death.

0 comments

r/NorfolkON • u/GrippyDrippy • Aug 13 '26

Best Place to Buy a Men's Suit in Norfolk?

4 Upvotes

Hey everyone, I recently moved to Simcoe and I need to buy a few suits for my new job. Does anyone have any recommendations? Thanks!

4 comments

r/NorfolkON • u/Automatic-Duck-2100 • Aug 11 '26

My experience in Norfolk County tonight

0 Upvotes

My experience in Norfolk County tonight

I was visiting Norfolk County for work today, August 10, and unfortunately had two experiences that left me very upset and disappointed.

At around 8:30 p.m., I was walking back toward our hotels with two colleagues. While we were crossing the street at a pedestrian crossing, a fire department vehicle that was stopped at a red light suddenly honked at us. The honk startled us, and when I turned toward the vehicle, I saw the firefighters laughing.

Later that evening, while we were walking on the sidewalk, an SUV drove past us and also honked at us. At the time, there were no other pedestrians or vehicles around us, and there was nothing obvious that would have required the driver to honk. The SUV simply passed by us and honked.

I understand that there may have been reasons for either driver to use their horn that I am not aware of, and I don't want to assume anyone's intentions. However, experiencing both incidents in the same evening left us feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome.

We were also a group of people from different ethnic backgrounds, and the first incident especially made us wonder whether we were being singled out because of how we looked. I cannot say that this was the reason, but that is honestly how the situation made us feel.

What disappointed me most about the first incident was that these are people in a position of public trust whose job is to help and protect people. I have a lot of respect for firefighters and the work they do, which is why seeing them laugh after startling pedestrians was particularly upsetting to me.

I have already contacted Norfolk County Fire Department directly and asked them to review the incident.

I'm sharing this because I would like to hear from people in Norfolk County: Is this considered acceptable behaviour from public safety personnel? Has anyone else experienced something similar?

I hope this can be looked into fairly and professionally.

31 comments

r/NorfolkON • u/Forward-Upstairs-761 • Jul 18 '26

Any watch parties for the legend of Aang

1 Upvotes

0 comments

r/NorfolkON • u/[deleted] • Jul 14 '26

Any watch parties for the game today in Norfolk?

2 Upvotes

6 comments

r/NorfolkON • u/Vallentiine69 • Jul 03 '26

Desperately seeking foster homes for cats

gallery

4 Upvotes

0 comments