Screenshot: Norfolk County, YouTube
With the deadline for candidates to file their nomination papers for the upcoming municipal election officially one week away, we are taking a look at who has put their name down so far.
Additional candidates can still enter the races, meaning the current list is subject to change.
Here is where the races currently stand.
Six Candidates Currently Running for Norfolk County Mayor
The race for Norfolk County mayor currently has seven names on the list, including several familiar faces from local politics.
Former Norfolk County councillor Noel Haydt has entered the race, as has current Ward 5 councillor Doug Brunton.
Former Haldimand County mayor Ken Hewitt is also seeking the Norfolk County mayor’s seat, along with current Ward 6 councillor Adam Veri.
Also running are Keith Milner, a longtime Norfolk County resident and former RCMP staff sergeant, and David Finch, a former three-term councillor in Grimsby.
Milner describes himself as an entrepreneur and taxpayer advocate who is focused on transparent government and responsible leadership.
Finch brings municipal political experience from Grimsby, where he served as a councillor for three terms between 2000 and 2014. He also served on the Grimsby planning committee from 2014 to 2018.
Finch holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and Governance from Toronto Metropolitan University, formerly Ryerson University, as well as a master’s degree in Theology from Wilfrid Laurier University, majoring in Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy.
He grew up in Port Dover and moved back to the community in 2019. Finch currently works as a psychotherapist in Simcoe and is a member of the Port Dover Legion.
With the nomination deadline still ahead, the mayoral field could grow before the final list of candidates is confirmed.
Ward 1 Through Ward 7
Ward 1
Two candidates are currently registered for Ward 1 councillor:
- Greg D’Hulster
- Tom Masschaele
Ward 2
Two candidates are currently registered in Ward 2:
- Linda Vandendriessche
- Debbie Wilbur
Ward 3
Ward 3 currently has three candidates:
- Chris Gill
- Hetty Verlinden
- Doug Moyaert
Ward 4
There is currently one candidate registered in Ward 4:
- Chris Van Paassen
Ward 5
Seven candidates are currently registered for Ward 5:
- Quentin Dixon
- Kevin Allen
- Princess Peace
- Glenn Paquette
- Alan Duthie
- Bob Townsend
- Dennis Travale
Ward 6
Two candidates are currently registered for Ward 6:
- Pam Taylor
- Zvonko Horvat
Ward 7
Ward 7 currently has two candidates:
- Warren Cummings
- Kim Huffman
More Candidates Could Still Enter
While there are currently candidates registered in every Norfolk County mayoral and council race, the list is not yet final.
Candidates have until 4:30 p.m. on Friday, August 21st to file their nomination papers.
The final list will determine which races will be contested and which, if any, will have only one candidate.
The municipal election is scheduled for October 26th, 2026.
This story will be updated as the candidate list changes and as Norfolk County confirms the final slate following the nomination deadline.
