Windsor’s municipal election is nearing its final week for candidates to submit their paperwork. The current list of nominations indicates that two wards in the city may see uncontested wins. Ward 1 and Ward 9 currently have only one candidate each on the ballot. If no additional candidates emerge by the end of Friday, Darcie Renaud in Ward 1 and Kieran McKenzie in Ward 9 will secure their council seats without a contest.
It has been over three decades since Windsor City Hall last had a city councillor acclaimed. This upcoming election day on Oct. 26 might witness two candidates being acclaimed. Ward 9, with the city’s second-largest voter group, encompasses the Roseland area in the west to the airport region and beyond in the east. Notably, Ward 9 is also home to the planned mega-hospital site.
Kieran McKenzie, seeking his third term as Ward 9 councillor, stresses that despite running unopposed, his campaign strategy remains unchanged. He emphasizes the significance of managing growth in Ward 9, which plays a pivotal role in the community’s planning and development across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.
In Ward 1, Fred Francis has been the councillor since 2014, representing most of South Windsor. Following his decision to run for mayor after serving three terms in Ward 1, Darcie Renaud is the sole candidate declared for the Ward 1 seat. Renaud, despite the possibility of winning uncontested, remains committed to actively campaigning and engaging with residents.
While Wards 1 and 9 face potential uncontested wins, the other eight wards in the city offer voters more choices. Ward 5 and Ward 6 have five candidates each, excluding incumbents Ed Sleiman and Jo-Anne Gignac, who have opted not to seek re-election. The mayoral race is the most competitive, with seven candidates vying for the position, including Fred Francis.
Mayor Drew Dilkens, yet to disclose his intentions, has observed a lower candidate turnout compared to previous elections. He emphasizes the importance of encouraging more individuals to run for office to ensure a healthy city functioning. The nomination deadline is set for 2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21.
