Question: What do you feel is the most pressing issue facing Norfolk County?
Six of the seven candidates running for mayor of Norfolk County responded to a set of questions from the . Candidate Ken Gilpin did not take part in the Q& A. SUBMITTED PHOTOS
Name: Doug Brunton
Occupation: Retired director of public works for the Town of Simcoe
Political experience: Two-term councillor for Norfolk County
Residence: Simcoe
Answer: Finances, taxes, water bills, cost of living.
Name: David Finch
Age: 69
Occupation: Registered Psychotherapist (qualifying)
Political experience: Alderman three terms for Grimsby Town Council, 2000-2006 and 2010-2014; appointed member of Grimsby Planning and Development Committee 2014-2018
Residence: Port Dover
Answer: I believe that our biggest challenge is getting our finances in order. We need to cut waste and avoid duplicating services between departments. It’s also essential to explore if departments can share staff and equipment when they have similar needs.
Name: Noel Haydt
Age: 58
Occupation: Real estate investor/property manager
Political Experience: Former Norfolk County councillor; former chair of the Long Point Region Conservation Authority
Residence: Walsingham
Answer: The main issue in Norfolk is figuring out how we can afford and effectively deliver what we plan.
We have plenty of plans, projects, and good ideas. The problem is that we keep piling them on without always having enough money or staff to make them happen. This leads to rising taxes and increasing rates for water and wastewater services, along with a capital plan that’s hard to manage.
We need realistic priorities-knowing what we can actually afford-and then ensuring we follow through on those plans. It’s not that Norfolk lacks vision; it has trouble executing it.
Name: Ken Hewitt
Age: 59
Occupation: Benefits consultant
Political experience: Mayor of Haldimand County for 12 years
Residence: Turkey Point
Answer: Affordability is key among my priorities for Norfolk County, especially regarding rising property taxes as well as water and wastewater rates.
The budget for 2026 shows an average residential tax increase of 5.5 percent while average water and wastewater bills went up by 10.1 percent.
My goal is to keep tax increases linked to inflation or lower when possible while still protecting vital services and meeting our infrastructure commitments.
This means looking closely at departmental spending, identifying ongoing efficiencies, prioritizing capital projects, and enhancing service delivery across the county.
It also involves growing our industrial and commercial tax base so current residents aren’t bearing all new financial burdens.
With my background as Mayor in Haldimand County for twelve years, I know how crucial long-term budgeting, reserves, and capital planning are-principles I’d apply here in Norfolk.
Name: Keith Milner
Age: 71
Occupation: Retired RCMP/CSIS officer and current owner of Bronte Shore Yacht Sales
Political experience: Five years with Canada’s intelligence services focusing on counter subversion, counter terrorism, and counter espionage.
Residence : Port Dover
Answer : Right now , one major issue facing Norfolk is the costs related to water and wastewater infrastructure , along with the constant rate hikes that taxpayers deal with year after year. I think it’s pretty close with tax increases , but since I had to choose just one!
Name : Adam Veri
Age : 45
Occupation : Ward 6 councillor
Political experience : Four years as Ward 6 councillor , including six months as deputy mayor ; OPP Detachment board member ; chairperson for Norfolk County Public Library Board ; Simcoe BIA board member ; Economic Development Advisory Committee member ; Committee of Adjustment member
Residence : Port Dover
Answer : Finances. We’ve made some real progress in rebuilding county reserves over the last four years. Sadly , though , Norfolk County still lacks enough reserve funds necessary to maintain or replace aging assets like buildings , facilities , roads , parking lots , fleet vehicles , parks , and stormwater systems.
A lot of assets owned by Norfolk County are either in poor condition or very poor shape overall. Their expected lifespan has already ended. In ten years’ time , projected costs needed just for infrastructure replacement will exceed county reserve funds by about $33 million dollars. By2035, both municipal water&wastewater repairs plus upgrades will require another $416.89 million dollars.
These capital expenses don’t even include any tax or rate increases due simply inflation!
Residents could help minimize future tax hikes by suggesting acceptable cuts on certain services or pointing out assets which could be disposed off eliminating maintenance costs altogether ! If service reductions aren’t agreeable among citizens, taxes will keep going up! p >
Coming Friday : If we received $10 million from the county budget towards expenditures required which would utilize its intended purpose correctly ? As mayor what would your proposal entail ? p >
Editor ’ s note : Candidate Ken Gilpin chose not participate. Some answers were shortened slightly fo r clarity purposes. p>
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