CENTRE WELLINGTON 2026 ELECTIONS – It was a full house at the Rural Engagement and Advocacy for Community Housing (R.E.A.C.H.) Wellington mayoral debate, hosted at the Jefferson Elora Community Centre on Sept. 23.
The debate format would give candidates a chance to answer each question individually within a standardized time limit and there was a mixture of premediated questions and questions from residents in attendance.
Moderator, Michael Ryan, said 10 questions from R.E.A.C.H. Wellington were sent to the candidates before the debate, with five to be selected at random for the debate itself.
Local resident writing down their question | Mik Horvath
Affordability
The first question, premediated, as said by Ryan; “Food banks are hearing more and more people who are struggling to afford their basic necessities like housing, food- transportation. What role do you think our municipality can play in helping make life more affordable for people living on a low income?”
With one minute 30 seconds to respond, current Ward 5 councillor, Bronwynne Wilton, was up first.
Next was former councillor Stephen Kitras who is campaigning for a one-year break on tax increases to review current spending and community outreach.
Following Kitras was former councillor and mayoral candidate, Neil Dunsmore, who is calling for a balanced economy in Centre Wellington.
Fourth was former mayor Kelly Linton, who pitched a multi-faceted approach including listening to direct community feedback.
The final candidate to speak on affordability in Centre Wellington is current mayor, Shawn Watters.
Housing
Centre Wellington’s mayoral candidates said affordability is directly linked to housing; Ryan’s question on the matter is as follows, “As the Township works on its new Housing Action Plan, will you champion a dedicated Community Housing Improvement Plan that offers direct grants, permit fee waivers and property tax incentives to developers and homeowners who build below-market rentals?”
Local residents packed the Jefferson Elora Community Centre | Mik Horvath
Dunsmore was selected first to respond and said affordable housing owned by not-for-profits should be built alongside typical housing units.
Second was Linton who wants to assemble a housing working group to encourage the construction of homes in-between the sizes of large detached properties and small apartments.
Next was Watters who would continue to support the current Community Improvement Plan.
Second-to-last on the matter was Wilton, who responded to the question with an “unequivocal yes.”
Last in the order for this question was Kitras.
Transit
As Centre Wellington is targeted to reach a population of nearly 60,000 by 2051, the Township endorsed a transit study which recognized a “growing case for transit in Centre Wellington.”
Ryan’s question regarding transit; “Centre Wellington has demonstrated that it can invest in transportation when tourism and summer activities create a need. Yet for residents who don’t drive transportation to groceries, work, healthcare and other essentials is a year-round challenge. If elected mayor, how would you ensure we invest in transportation that serves everyday needs to the people who live here throughout the year?”
Wilton was first yet again, and referred to the transit study’s findings.
Second on the matter was Kitras who calls for the County to assume financial responsibility of a transit system.
Next was Dunsmore, he said a transit system needs to be established before Centre Wellington hits 50,000 people.
Fourth in the rotation on public transit was Linton and is seeking a partnership with Guelph Transit to minimize financial risk.
Last in the order was Watters, he said transit can help to address Centre Wellington’s projected growth figures.
The mayoral debate lasted about three hours and covered other topics such as constructing dedicated rental units, how to address tourism, strong mayor powers and how AI data centres fit into the economic landscape of Centre Wellington.
While the entire debate could not be included in this article, please stay tuned with The Grand @ 101 for further 2026 municipal election coverage, including the candidate’s statements on AI data centres from this debate when council considers an interim control by-law on Sept. 28.
Residents, current council members and council candidates had full attention directed to the front stage | Mik Horvath
