Aug 09, 2026 • Last updated 14 hours ago •
Municipal elections in Ontario will be held on Oct. 26, 2026. File
One candidate for mayor in Norfolk County has stepped back from the race, while several others, including a past mayor, are now looking to fill councillor positions as the registration deadline approaches.
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Rhys Reeves, a realtor from Simcoe, announced his withdrawal from the mayoral race on Aug. 5, explaining that he couldn’t dedicate “the time and commitment it deserves without taking away from my family.”
This leaves six candidates still in the running for mayor who have submitted their nomination papers. Current Mayor Amy Martin revealed in May that she wouldn’t pursue re-election. The candidates include incumbent councillors Doug Brunton and Adam Veri, former Norfolk Ward 1 councillor Noel Haydt, former Haldimand County mayor Ken Hewitt, retired RCMP staff sergeant Keith Milner, and Port Dover resident and ex-Grimsby councillor David Finch.
Dennis Travale has joined the race for councillor in Ward 5, which covers Simcoe; he previously served as mayor of Norfolk County from 2007 to 2014.
Ward 5 appears to have the most competition so far with seven candidates aiming for two councillor seats. This is unique as it’s the only ward with two representatives. Other candidates include incumbent Alan Duthie alongside Quentin Dixon, Kevin Allen, Princess Peace, Glenn Paquette and Bob Townsend.
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Debbie Wilbur is now running for Ward 2 which includes Langton and Courtland. Incumbent Linda Vandendriessche remains the sole other candidate at this point.
The seat for Ward 1 encompasses St. Williams, Walsingham and Port Rowan; Tom Masschaele currently holds it. He filed his nomination papers on Monday and will be joined by Greg D’Hulster on the ballot.
Ward 3 includes Delhi, La Salette and Teeterville and is open since longtime councillor Mike Columbus stated he won’t seek re-election. Registered candidates here are Chris Gill, Hetty Verlinden and Doug Moyaert.
In Ward 4-which consists of Vittoria, Turkey Point and Port Ryerse-incumbent Chris Van Paassen is currently unopposed as the only registered candidate.
The representation for Ward 6 includes Port Dover and Renton; there will also be a new representative here since incumbent Adam Veri is now running for mayor.
Zvonko Horvat-who retired as detachment commander for Norfolk County OPP-submitted his nomination papers on Aug. 5 alongside fellow candidate Pam Taylor.
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Zvonko’s platform focuses on supporting agriculture along with responsible economic growth development investments in infrastructure improvements promoting tourism while advocating public ownership of the Port Dover Marina.
The competition heats up in Ward Seven consisting of Waterford Boston Villa Nova where two candidates stand ready incumbent Kim Huffman alongside Warren Cummings!
Liz Whiton has also thrown her hat into ring seeking candidacy within Grand Erie District School Board representing various wards across regions comprising both numbers one two four five six (two being elected). Running alongside them are Eva Dixon John Harris! Meanwhile those aiming Wards three seven include incumbents Rita Collver Jason Gemmill each needing election wins (two also elected).
Candidates vying represent Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board (two chosen) include current trustees Carol Luciani Dennis Blake!
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Dorothee Petit-Pas remains single name listed trustee French language Catholic board while David Paradis stands alone entrusted trustee role French secular board!
Nominations opened officially May first close August twenty-first Election Day scheduled October twenty-sixth !
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