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Norfolk County residents will have several opportunities to hear from candidates and ask questions ahead of the 2026 municipal election.
A number of all-candidates events and debates have been scheduled across the county in September and October, covering the mayoral race as well as individual ward contests.
Here is a look at the debates and candidate events currently scheduled, in chronological order.
September 15 — Port Rowan All Candidates Night
The Long Point Country Chamber of Commerce will host an All Candidates Night on Tuesday, September 15, at the Port Rowan Community Centre.
Doors open at 6 p.m., with the event beginning at 7 p.m.
Candidates for Mayor, Ward 1 Councillor and Grand Erie District School Board Trustee for Ward 1 are expected to answer questions submitted by community members.
The Chamber accepted questions from residents ahead of the event, with the focus on issues, priorities and concerns affecting the community.
The Port Rowan Community Centre is located at 14 College Avenue.
September 30 — Norfolk Federation of Agriculture All Candidates Event
The Norfolk Federation of Agriculture will host an all-candidates event Wednesday, September 30, at the Delhi German Home.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with residents able to meet their ward candidates from 7 to 8 p.m.
A mayoral candidates’ debate will begin at 8 p.m.
The event is open to all Norfolk County residents, although the discussions and debate will focus primarily on agriculture and rural issues.
The Delhi German Home is located at 443 James Street.
October 1 — Ward 2, 3 and 4 Debate
The Delhi and District Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Ward 2, 3 and 4 candidates’ debate on Thursday, October 1.
The event was moved to October 1 because of a scheduling conflict.
The debate will run from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Delhi German Home, with all confirmed candidates from Wards 2, 3 and 4 invited to participate.
The Chamber says the event is an opportunity for residents to hear candidates’ priorities, ask questions and make an informed decision ahead of voting.
October 1 — Ward 6 Debate
Also on October 1, the Port Dover Board of Trade will host a moderated debate for candidates running for councillor in Ward 6.
The debate will begin at 7 p.m. at the Port Dover Community Centre, with doors opening at 6:15 p.m.
Candidates Zvonko Horvat, Ray Hunter, Bill Jukes and Pamela Taylor are listed for the event.
The Board of Trade is accepting questions for consideration by email ahead of the debate.
The Port Dover Community Centre is located at 801 St. George Street.
October 13 — Mayoral Candidate Debate
A separate mayoral candidate debate is scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, at the Port Dover Community Centre.
The event will run from 7 to 9 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.
The debate is being presented by the Cornerstone Association of REALTORS®, the Delhi, Port Dover and Waterford Chambers of Commerce, the Port Dover Board of Trade and Entente Education Canada.
The event will give voters another opportunity to hear directly from the people seeking the mayor’s position.
October 15 — Ward 5 Debate
The final event currently scheduled is a Ward 5 Candidates Debate Night on Thursday, October 15.
The debate will take place at the Simcoe Legion at 200 West Street in Simcoe.
The event runs from 7 to 9 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.
It is being organized by the Simcoe and District Chamber of Commerce.
With multiple debates scheduled across Norfolk County, voters will have opportunities throughout September and October to hear candidates discuss their priorities and respond to questions before casting their ballots in the municipal election.
Ward 7 debate
At this time there is no scheduled debate. When a debate is scheduled, when will update this page.
