We asked the candidates running for mayor in Norfolk County a set of six questions about the community. Here’s what they had to say.
DOUG BRUNTON
Age: Born in 1949
Occupation: Retired public works director for the Town of Simcoe
Political experience: Served two terms as councillor for Norfolk County
Residence: Simcoe
Question: What do you think is the biggest challenge facing Norfolk County?
Finances, taxes, water bills, and cost of living.
Question: If the county received $10 million to use, how would you allocate it as mayor?
If I had $10 million at my disposal as mayor, I’d probably prioritize paying down our debt. While there are other options, that seems like the most sensible approach.
Question: With rising homelessness rates in Norfolk, what solutions would you propose?
Many communities across Ontario are dealing with homelessness. It’s crucial we keep receiving provincial support. In 2026, we allocated $4 million, with $3.6 million from the province and $400,000 shared between Norfolk and Haldimand. I don’t have all the answers regarding homelessness but securing ongoing provincial funding is vital.
Question: Given that Norfolk has some of the highest water rates in Ontario and needs system upgrades, what’s your plan?
Water rates here are indeed steep. Over the last three years, we’ve seen around a 10 percent increase each year which isn’t acceptable. A lot of this stems from a proposal to connect all urban areas to Lake Erie water from Nanticoke at an estimated cost of $550 million.
Norfolk County is situated on a sand plain with plenty of groundwater available.
Unfortunately, neither provincial nor federal governments have funded this project so far; I suspect they don’t support it either. I agree it’s not a sensible idea.
It’s estimated that our sand plain regenerates over 400 million cubic meters of water every year while total usage from urban and rural areas sits around 31 million cubic meters annually-just about eight to ten percent.
Port Dover and Port Rowan still source their water directly from Lake Erie.
Question: How would you attract more industrial/commercial/residential development to Norfolk County if elected?
Bringing in new industrial and commercial developments is tough.
On the residential front, we’re actually doing well with over 6,000 units planned plus another six to seven hundred ready to go.
While we have designated land for commercial and industrial uses, being largely agricultural makes it tricky. Many view Norfolk as a bedroom community for Brantford and Brant County when it comes to jobs and housing growth.
Question: How should Norfolk County handle its recreation needs alongside aging facilities like pools and arenas? Also how will ice time be managed?
Answer : We’re currently either upgrading or completing upgrades on all our arenas and swimming pools. p >
DAVID FINCH p >
Age : 69 p >
Occupation : Registered psychotherapist (qualifying). p >
Political experience : Three terms as alderman on Grimsby town council , served from 2000-2006 then again in2010-2014 ; appointed member of Grimsby planning committee (2014-2018). p >
Residence : Port Dover. p >
Question : What do you think is currently the biggest issue facing Norfolk County ? p >
I believe getting our finances sorted out tops everything else right now. We must eliminate waste along with duplicate services among departments. It’s essential departments can share staff resources where possible too. p >
Question : If awarded$10million by county funds , how wouldyou spendthat moneyif elected mayor ? QUESTION MARKS! Copying tokens < p>& nbsp;</i>
