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Norfolk County’s Ward 4 candidates shared their views on development, protecting farmland, downtown businesses and rural recreation facilities during a candidates debate in Delhi.
Drew Hemsley, Jeni Lambert and incumbent councillor Chris Van Paassen took part in the debate at the Delhi German Home on Tuesday, September 29. The event brought together candidates running in Wards 2, 3 and 4.
With Norfolk facing major infrastructure costs in the years ahead, candidates were first asked whether they support more residential, commercial and industrial development.
Hemsley said growth needs to be carefully planned rather than simply pursued for the sake of expanding the tax base.
Lambert agreed responsible development is needed, saying Norfolk should first look at land already available within its urban boundaries while also attracting new industry.
Van Paassen placed a strong focus on commercial and industrial growth, particularly opportunities connected to food processing and value-added agriculture. Saying that Norfolk has placed too much emphasis on tourism.
The candidates were also asked how Norfolk can balance growth with protecting its agricultural land.
Hemsley said productive farmland should remain protected, but argued some parcels designated as prime agricultural land have little farming value and could potentially be put to other uses.
Lambert said Norfolk needs flexibility while recognizing farmland as one of the county’s greatest assets. She pointed to secondary homes for farming families and more accessory dwelling units as possible options.
Van Paassen said decisions should look more closely at whether individual properties can actually be farmed instead of applying the same designation across large areas of the county.
Vacant storefronts in Delhi and other Norfolk communities were another focus of the debate.
Hemsley said changing shopping habits have made life difficult for small businesses, meaning downtown areas need to become destinations that offer people an experience they cannot get online.
Lambert, who owns a business with her husband in Simcoe, said she understands firsthand the challenges facing brick-and-mortar businesses. She said the county can help through efficient permits, available grants and a willingness to work with businesses.
Van Paassen tied downtown revitalization back to employment, saying more good-paying jobs would give residents more money to support local businesses.
The candidates were also asked about the future of Norfolk’s rural arenas and sporting facilities amid discussion about investing more heavily in centralized facilities.
Hemsley said those facilities have created generations of memories, friendships and community connections that cannot simply be measured on a balance sheet.
Lambert said she does not want to see rural arenas close, but believes the county needs to find more efficient ways of using them.
Van Paassen also backed keeping recreational facilities spread throughout Norfolk rather than concentrating them in one community.
The Ward 4 race gives voters three different choices, but the debate also highlighted areas of common ground, particularly around responsible growth, protecting productive farmland and maintaining the community facilities that help connect Norfolk’s towns and rural areas.
Written by Jeremy Hall
