Thursday’s lively all-candidates debate on Cable 14 revealed that Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath sees her main rivals in the upcoming mayoral election as Keanin Loomis and Rob Cooper.
In both her opening and closing remarks during the 12-person debate, Horwath directed her focus toward Cooper and Loomis, labeling them as “the hatchet man” and “the nowhere man.” She criticized Cooper for promoting “yesterday’s politics” while claiming that Loomis “offers no direction.”
The two candidates pushed back, arguing that Horwath is steering the city in an unfavorable direction and overspending without providing quality public services.
Throughout this fall’s debates, including at Cable 14, Horwath defended her record. She highlighted how she has revitalized projects such as the light-rail transit line and TD Coliseum renovations while successfully advocating for funding in the city.
WATCH | Learn who’s running for mayor in Hamilton:
Get to know the 2026 Hamilton mayoral candidates
The stakes are high for incumbent mayor Andrea Horwath on October 26, as she prepares to face former Hamilton Chamber of Commerce head Keanin Loomis once more after narrowly winning by a margin of 1.7 percent in 2022. Here are some promises made by four out of the thirteen candidates vying for mayor in Hamilton.
Of the thirteen candidates running for mayor, only one was absent from Cable 14 on Thursday: David Harrison. CBC Hamilton took part in the debate along with other media outlets like The and CHCH News, posing questions to candidates.
Cooper faced criticism from Horwath, Loomis, and others throughout the evening.
Loomis confronted him regarding a freedom of information request reported by The Spectator, which indicated that Ward 8 councillor Cooper had spent around $14,000 on billboards, $10,000 on office furniture, and $6,000 on media training. According to Loomis, this demonstrated irresponsibility with public funds.
Twelve of Hamilton’s 13 mayoral candidates debated at Cable 14 on Oct. 8. (Cable 14/You Tube)
Debate Over Spending and Abortion Rights
Cooper defended his spending decisions by stating he needed to replace broken office furniture to make his workspace welcoming for residents visiting his office. He claimed billboard expenses were meant to engage with residents.
Cooper questioned Loomis about his plans regarding public spending; he suggested that if calculated correctly, Loomis’s policy commitments would result in a tax hike of fifty percent but did not clarify how he arrived at those figures.
While promising up to five thousand affordable housing units, Loomis didn’t provide a specific figure when asked by Cooper about potential property tax increases under his leadership. He simply stated he wouldn’t guarantee keeping property tax increases aligned with inflation rates like Cooper and Horwath do because it could lead to substantial cuts.
“If Keanin can’t give you a tax rate that’s because you need to buckle your seatbelts,” Cooper remarked.
WATCH | Cable 14 mayoral debate:
Horwath brought up Cooper’s stance on women’s reproductive rights. As noted by anti-abortion organization Campaign Life Coalition, Cooper indicated through a survey that he is anti-abortion and would oppose proposed “bubble zones” designed to keep protesters away from abortion clinics if it came down to a vote.
“As a Christian, this is a choice I make because of my faith,” Cooper explained while asserting that he believes Horwath discriminates against people who hold religious beliefs-a claim she firmly denied.
Later on during the discussion when candidate Erin Janus asked him if he opposes women’s reproductive rights outright, Cooper chose not to respond directly.
He accused other candidates of jumping to conclusions about him due solely to his Christian faith; moreover adding that “faith hate” has been prevalent throughout the city-an observation echoed by Hindu and Muslim residents alike. Addressing candidate Ejaz Butt specifically said: “You’ve seen this around; you know what I’m talking about.”
Butt was among those few visibly racialized candidates present who agreed with him. p>
CBC Hamilton pressed Loomis concerning how he would tackle hate incidents within the city amidst worries surrounding mayoral candidate Paul Fromm’s long-standing connections with white supremacist organizations.
In response , Loomis highlighted anti-immigration group Dominion Society of Canada-widely condemned by locals upon announcing its national conference planned near Hamilton last summer which ultimately took place across nearby Burlington instead.
“I will never attend any venue over my term as mayor hosting such groups,” asserted Loomis noting further that had Dominion Society held their event within Hamilton , he’d have attended their protest.
He added Fromm should never have been allowed into participating during this debate at Cable 14.
Fromm labeled these comments self-righteous claiming it showcased Loomiss failure understanding free speech concepts.
Candidate Scarlett Gillespie pointed out there are legal limitations surrounding free speech stating those protesting against Dominion Society acted democratically further declaring “I believe all individuals including Black, racialized , Indigenous communities shouldn’t encounter rhetoric suggesting they don’t belong.” p >
H or w ath reinforced policies exist prohibiting discrimination within municipal properties emphasizing success encouraging venues avoid booking events hosted by dominion society thus ensuring their gathering didn’t take place within hamilton.
“Cuba north,” Fromm reacted.
Discussions About Housing Sparked During Debate
This latest Ca ble 1 4 Deba te represents one among several happening leading up towards Octo ber 26 municipal voting day ; others hosted various commun ity organ izations having fewer candid tes invited participate. P >
Candidates recently exchanged words over topics ranging housing downtow n safety accountability city hall. P >
Recently Gilles pie , Loomi s, and Ho rw ath debated affordable housing approaches alongside ‘Hamilton Is Home’ coalition forming various nonprofit providers attending The Westdale Theatre event organized.
During October sixths program, Hor w ath emphasized past achievements made by herself council highlighting renoviction bylaws housing secretariat suggesting voters ought re-elect her carry forth initiatives rather than halting progress inexperienced individuals.
Lo om is aimed streamlining approval processes establishing wrap-around support systems bringing different stakeholders together build five thousand affordable homes end first term if elected also mentioning collaborating entities hospitals Mc Master University businesses assist mental health challenges.
Critiquing outdoor shelter project located northern area deemed lacking accountability oversight control mechanisms according Office Auditor General assessment identifying significant issues impacting effectiveness. Loomi s described it complete missed opportunity potentially aiding numerous homeless persons provided better management practices were employed considering outdoor shelter accommodates eighty residents alongside pets..
“I acknowledge issues emerged hence people fired overall responsibility falls local administration”, H or w ath affirmed. WATCH | Debate Addressing Housing Homelessness Issues :
Gi ll espie argued owing unique perspective gained experiencing homelessness herself serves tenancy currently City Housing Hamilton supporting argument stressing necessity preserving rent-controlled units enforcing standards protecting tenants cases involving pests mold pledging support tenant protections advocated ACORN.
Defending mayors use provincial strong powers facilitate af fordable project parking lot Stoney Creek situation arose where loom i s declared would reverse decision emphasizing need appropriate site selection consulting community support expressed concerns surrounding parking loss neighborhood must come first priority given challenges affordability confronting every resident statewide..
Nevertheless.“ An afford able home trumps car needs,”Ho rw ath emphasized continually addressing opposing views inevitable wherever new developments arise insisting effective leadership crucial resolving current crises faced our cities future !
Security Concerns Dominate Conversations At Chamber Discussions
Concerns raised surrounding downtown security remain pivotal aspect this election cycle evident discussions held September twenty second comprising members chamber commerce included coope r loomis horvaths notion improvement essential enhance atmospherics encouraging investment.
BG-XHD HTML PA R AG RA PH “>Event broadcasted Public Record Youtube channel featured engaged audiences alike.
BGA HDHTML PAGRAPH” Statistical data July indicates crime rates encountered consistently below averages province nation previous five years though cooper contended attracting companies reliant altering circumstances.
BGXHDHTML PAGRAPH ” He pledged eliminate homelessness four-year goal established enhancing current preventive methods inadequate yielding necessary results toward achieving successful outcomes achievable state objectives prioritizing homelessness eradication…<P CLASS=”PARAGRAPHS-G A B HDHTM L PAGRAPH ” Horwa th countered acknowledging pandemic effects increasing visible homeless populations confirming existing investments progressing downtown citing significant renovation projects impact economic measures previously undertaken illustrating mutual influence required recognizing tangible actions taken place alongside verbal proclamations issued reiterated dismissive outlook associated contenders.<C BC HA M ILTON provides comprehensive listings each candidate includes additional insights here
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