Council candidates take the stand at mayoral debate

CENTRE WELLINGTON 2026 ELECTIONS – Community members and municipal candidates gathered at the Central Church in Elora for yet another mayoral debate, this time hosted by the church and the Centre Wellington Black Committee.

Moderated by Kerry Lee Crawford, this being Crawford’s fourth time moderating a debate, he said it’s a great opportunity for transparency and for local residents to seek accountability.

 

Council candidates were each given about one minute to respond to a question asked by Crawford and the topics ranged from growth to tourism, affordability to transportation and even touched on transparency and communications.

Candidates took to the stand based on alphabetical order of last name, but the Grand @ 101 is grouping candidates by ward.

 

Ward 1

First up was Lisa MacDonald; Crawford asked the currently elected councillor “What steps will you take to ensure new developments are supported by proper infrastructure and do not overwhelm existing communities?”

MacDonald’s response:

 

Second for Ward 1 was Erika Montero and was asked by Crawford, “Your priorities include housing and thoughtful growth, if elected, what is the single most important action you would take to advance these priorities for your community?”

Montero’s response:

 

The third candidate, Sophie Hogan, said on social media she was unable to attend the event.

 

Ward 2

First for the second ward was current councillor Kimberly Jefferson, her assigned question; “Looking back, what is one decision you believe had the greatest positive impact on residents and what is one area you feel Council should have done more?”

Jefferson’s response:

 

Second for Ward 2 was Darcy Saunders, his assigned question; “If elected as Ward 2 councillor, what is your plan to address Elora’s parking shortage and to ensure a reliable, well-managed parking system that serves both residents and visitors?”

Saunders’ response:

 

Ward 3

The third ward has the most candidates with four, but first was David DeWitt and was asked “Food banks are  seeing more residents struggling with basic needs, what role should councillors play in making life more affordable for low-income families?”

DeWitt’s response:

 

Next up was Robert Foster, a previous councillor, Crawford asked “You’ve stated that your priorities are managing growth while preserving heritage, preventing urban sprawl, maintaining Centre Wellington’s character and keeping housing affordable. If re-elected, what is the single most important action you would take on to deliver on this priority?”

Foster’s response:

 

Third in the Ward 3 discussion is current councillor Barbara Lustgarten-Evoy and was asked “If re-elected as Ward 3 councillor how will you work to improve transportation access to Groves Hospital for the residents who do not have vehicles and what solutions will you advocate for to ensure equitable access to healthcare services?”

Lustgarten-Evoy’s response:

 

Last but not least was Shivam Taneja, and was asked “What is your vision of an affordable, safe and reliable transportation service that would not only create jobs, support the reduction of individual vehicles on the road and a stronger link to communities into C-W, Centre Wellington?”

Taneja’s response:

 

Ward 4

First to speak on Ward 4’s concerns, and first candidate of the night to take the stand, current councillor Jennifer Adams was asked “You’ve listed your priorities as a safer, healthier, active Centre Wellington- a centre to live, work and play. Strong asset management, strong local and rural economies and strong collaborations.”

“As an incumbent, can you point to one concrete action you took in the last term that advanced that priority? Specifically the next step you would take, if re-elected, to continue delivering it?”

Adams’ response:

 

Next was Maddy Smith, and was asked “Your priorities are open dialogue, affordability and vibrant neighbours. If elected, what is the single most important action you would take to advance these priorities for Centre Wellington residents?”

Smith’s response:

 

Ward 5

First for Ward 5 was Julie Charbonneau, and was asked “If elected as Ward 5 councillor, what is your plan to ensure that new development is supported by proper infrastructure, local services and year-round accessibility- and moreso, how will you advocate for responsible growth that meets needs of existing residents while preparing the ward for future expansion?”

Charbonneau’s response:

 

Second in-line for Ward 5 was Matt LeBeau and was asked “Developers are proposing 446 homes on the former Fergus golf course and another 701 dwellings north of the Fergus urban boundary. What are your thoughts, or you can expand on them, about these proposed developments and how will you address the increased traffic pressure on the Grand River Crossing?”

LeBeau’s response:

 

Next was Elnor Walsh and she was asked “Several Fergus streets including St. George Street East, Cameron Street and Hillside Drive are in poor condition and need timely repairs- residents have been told St. George Street East may not be addressed for another 10 years.”

“If elected, how will you ensure these streets receive timely repairs and what steps will you take to improve overall road maintenance and pothole repair in Fergus.

Walsh’s response:

 

Ward 6

First for the sixth ward was Pamela Brown-Wass and was asked “If elected, what specific commitments will you make to ensure that Ward 6 receives fair investment, responsible growth management and protection of its rural character while still supporting community vitality and environmental sustainability?”

Brown-Wass’ response:

 

Second for Ward 6 was Matt Bunch, and he was asked “In 2025 Centre Wellington Council endorsed a settlement area boundary expansion of 364 hectares that some residents celebrated as necessary housing growth, while others condemn (them) as destroying farmland and natural habitat.”

“If you were on Council for that vote, how would you have voted, and why?”

“More importantly, when you face a Council vote where local business owners, environmental advocates and new families all want different things how will you go about deciding who’s interests come first and what process will you undertake to be transparent?”

Bunch’s response:

 

Finally, candidate Richard Pinder spoke on Centre Wellington Ward 6, he was asked “What specific actions will you take to ensure Ward 6 is no longer left behind in budgeting, infrastructure upgrades and service delivery and how will you improve communication so residents understand how and why these decisions affecting their ward are made?”

Pinder’s response:

 

County Ward 4

Three County wards touch on Centre Wellington, though two candidates have been acclaimed.

First to speak on County Ward 4 is current County councillor Steve O’Neill and was asked “As a County ward councillor, how would you ensure growth in Centre Wellington pays for itself so that existing taxpayers are not subsidizing infrastructure for new developments. What specific County capital investments would you champion for our community during your term?

O’Neill’s response:

 

The only other candidate for County Ward 4 was Allan Tota, and was asked “Would you commit to strengthening the County’s natural heritage system policies? Would you support Welington County partnering with Centre Wellington Township on a land conservation and swap program?”

Tota’s response:

 

Advanced voting has opened for the election and polls close on Oct. 26 at 8 p.m.