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Home»Simcoe»Candidates Emerge in Norfolk County Mayoral Race
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Simcoe

Candidates Emerge in Norfolk County Mayoral Race

May 21, 20264 Mins Read
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Candidates Emerge in Norfolk County Mayoral Race
Municipal elections in Ontario will be held on Oct. 26, 2026. File
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A former mayor of Haldimand County, a previous Norfolk County councillor, and a current Norfolk County councillor are all aiming to take over from Mayor Amy Martin.

May 18, 2026  •  Last updated 2 days ago  • 

Municipal elections in Ontario will be held on Oct. 26, 2026. File

The race to become the next mayor of Norfolk County has drawn three candidates so far.

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Doug Brunton, Noel Haydt, and Ken Hewitt have submitted their nomination papers, bringing with them experience in municipal governance.

Currently, Brunton serves as a Norfolk County councillor representing Ward 5 after being elected in 2022. He also had a previous term on council from 2014 to 2018.

Haydt was the first person to submit nomination papers for the mayoral position; he served as the Ward 1 councillor for Port Rowan from 2014 to 2018. Hewitt brings a wealth of experience with his twelve years as mayor of Haldimand County.

“When I look at Norfolk’s financial position today, it’s much like Haldimand’s was when I first became mayor back in 2010,” Hewitt said. “I feel I have the experience because I managed to bring Haldimand’s financial situation back to a Double A credit rating and increase the reserves.”

At the same time, tax increases were kept to the rate of inflation or below, Hewitt said.

Ken HewittKen Hewitt is running for mayor of Norfolk County. Photo by Submitted

“I’m a resident of Norfolk and I want to bring back that kind of financial stewardship into local politics for those who live here now and those who will come in the future,” Hewitt said.

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The incoming mayor and council will need to closely examine what’s truly needed in Norfolk while ensuring taxpayers’ interests are protected, according to Hewitt.

Brunton has municipal experience as public works director in Norfolk and has served eight years as a county councillor.

“I’m looking at the (property) taxes and water rates,” Brunton said. “They’re out of control.”

The combined increases are tough for residents to handle; thus it’s essential for the next mayor and council to find ways to bring them under control again, according to Brunton.

Doug BruntonDoug Brunton is seeking to succeed Amy Martin as mayor of Norfolk County. jpg, TN

The county’s water and wastewater rates have jumped more than 37 percent since 2022, leading average users’ bills up to about $1,948 annually for services – making these rates some of the highest across Ontario.

Brunton mentioned he’ll also focus on two key local industries during his campaign: farming and tourism.

“I’m not sure if people realize how vital they are for Norfolk and how lucky we are having Long Point and Inner Bay,” Brunton said.

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Brunton expressed significant worries regarding how provincial plans might affect conservation authorities like Long Point due to amalgamation efforts.

Headshot of Noel HaydtNoel Haydt is a Norfolk mayoral candidate. File

Haydt stated that his return to politics stems from simple motivation.

“I care deeply about Norfolk County , and I believe we’re reaching a point where we need stronger execution , better financial discipline , and clearer long-term vision for growth , ” Haydt said. “I’ve spent several years managing businesses , overseeing real estate projects , handling infrastructure , financing , regulations , and experiencing firsthand what residents and businesses go through.”

“People are working hard but many feel like they’re falling behind as costs keep rising,” he added.

“Norfolk needs leadership that understands both sides-public sector realities along with private sector challenges-to effectively get things built.”

The race for mayorship is wide open since Martin has already declared she won’t run again.

Residents will vote on their new mayor and council on October 26. Candidates can file their nomination papers until August 21.

The list includes registered candidates such as; Ward 1 – Greg D’Hulster; Ward 2 – Linda Vandendriessche (incumbent); Ward 3 – Chris Gill & Hetty Verlinden; Ward4 – Chris Van Paassen (incumbent); Ward5 – Quentin Dixon.

< P As of May15 , there were no registered candidates from Wards6 or7.

< P Eva Dixonhas registeredasacandidateto representwards1 ,2 ,4 ,.5, and6on Grand Erie District School Board.

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