Wanting to get to know Windsor’s municipal election candidates better? CTV asked them questions to give you some more insight into their platforms. Mayor Benjamin Danyluk CTV News is awaiting a response. Aaron Day Why are you running for Mayor of Windsor? I’m running for mayor because our Canadian Charter of Rights were violated and I wanted to campaign on a message of holding those accountable for violating our Charter of Rights. What do you believe is the most important issue facing the city and how will you address it? The most important issue is starting to be the drug epidemic. I would address it by introducing a framework called “The Clean Canada Act”. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? My three top priorities would be to hold those accountable who violated citizens’ Charter of Rights, addressing the housing crisis, and addressing the drug epidemic. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? I differ from other candidates because I’ve had experience leading people in the sports realm, as well as in the workforce. I have acquired a vast skillset as well as knowledge that would translate to any role. From the blueprints to the completed project, I not only know how to do the job, but I have done the job. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? One promise I can make to voters is I will protect their Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, regardless of situation or circumstance. You can hold me accountable for that not for four years, but forever. Drew Dilkens - Incumbent CTV News is awaiting a response. Fred Francis Why are you running for Mayor of Windsor? I am asking for your vote because it is time for change in Windsor. Here is the truth. 12 years is a long time. Long enough to see what a leader can do, and what they cannot. If it has not been done yet, another four years will not make a difference. The same leadership with the same approach will bring the same results. That is why Windsor needs change. This election is about priorities and putting you first. Mine are simple, basics before vanity and you before politics. My plan will: • Revitalize our downtown • Create real affordability with more jobs and less taxes • Make our streets and neighbourhoods safer • End Strong Mayor powers I will measure our success the way you do, by what gets done. Now picture Windsor with a downtown full of life. A city council that listens and decides together. Your tax dollars reflecting your priorities. That is change that works for you. What do you believe is the most important issue facing the city and how will you address it? This election is about priorities and putting the people of Windsor first. My plan will revitalize our downtown, create real affordability with more jobs and lower taxes, make our streets and neighbourhoods safer, and end Strong Mayor powers. I have an extensive plan to revitalize our downtown that will make our streets safer, focus on building more affordable permanent housing, coordinate support in our community for those experiencing homelessness, and invest in initiatives that will make our downtown more liveable and successful. With respect to making Windsor more affordable, we need to consider the full city bill residents and businesses are paying and put an end to out-of-control spending at City Hall. My plan puts residents first by investing in our priorities, reducing our debt, increasing our reserves, and spending your tax dollars responsibly. Windsor’s neighbourhoods belong to our residents. They deserve to be safe, welcoming, and attractive, with modern infrastructure and amenities that families and residents can enjoy and take pride in. My plan focuses on safety, security, and crime reduction in all Windsor neighbourhoods. On my first day as mayor, I will end Strong Mayor powers. Windsor City Hall should be open, accessible, and accountable to the people it serves. City councillors must be empowered and more involved in the decision-making process that governs our city. More action will be taken to ensure residents are informed and active participants in the decisions that affect them. Finally, members of the media must have fair and appropriate access to elected officials in order to hold them accountable for the decisions they make and help keep the public informed. Please read more about my detailed plan at francisformayor.ca. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? • End Strong Mayor Powers. • Make Windsor more affordable, strengthen our local economy, and create more jobs. • Revitalize our downtown. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? I bring political and real-world business experience to this mayoral race, and I am fully committed to the job. Having served three terms as a city councillor, I understand how City Hall works and where improvements are needed. I have extensive experience in both the for-profit and non-profit sector, including more role as executive director at the Multicultural Council of Windsor-Essex County. My expertise will allow me to hit the ground running on day one as mayor. I will not use Strong Mayor powers. My approach to leadership is collaborative, focused on building consensus, and grounded in working together to get things done. I have a clear plan to make positive change for Windsor. More details about my priorities and plan can be found at francisformayor.ca. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? To end the use of Strong Mayor Powers in the City of Windsor. Dylon Graves CTV News is awaiting a response. Tara Grayer CTV News is awaiting a response. Nick Kolasky CTV News is awaiting a response. Tristan Ty Morencie CTV News is awaiting a response. Kat Pasquach CTV News is awaiting a response. Patrick Sutherland CTV News is awaiting a response. Louis Vaupotic CTV News is awaiting a response. Ward 1 Councillor Henry De Cordova CTV News is awaiting a response. Geoffrey D Guttmann Why are you running for councillor of Ward 1 in Windsor? I am running for councillor of Ward 1 in Windsor as I am concerned about how our tax money is being appropriated. Recently, money (approximately $30 million) for capital projects has been spent on “vanity” projects such as the trolley and its building and a water spray pad in front of City Hall. The water spray pad can also be a small skating rink when the weather is cold enough, however that was only a few days this last winter season. The City of Windsor has much bigger issues to deal with such as homelessness, road repairs, and the necessity for traffic projects, such as traffic calming to protect pedestrians, drivers and their passengers, and those riding bicycles, e-scooters, and e-bikes. We have had a recent increase in motor vehicle accidents. Other big issues that the city needs to handle are the lack of maintenance for city owned and managed facilities. An example of the lack of maintenance is the Roseland Golf and Curling Club House. The City of Windsor abdicated taking care of the Roseland Golf and Curling Club House by tearing it down to put in a condominium building and a smaller golf clubhouse, which we are still waiting to see. I am running because I have the skills to communicate to the voters of Ward 1 and receive their feedback on what they think is important and what issues they would like the City of Windsor to prioritise to make their lives better. I have been a firefighter-EMT-P(aramedic) and I lived with what first responders deal with. I returned to university and graduated with a B.Sc. in four major areas, physics, chemistry, mathematics, and nuclear engineering. Then, I went to graduate school to get my Ph.D. in Medical Physics from the University of California, Berkeley. I did a postdoctoral fellowship at Los Alamos National Laboratory followed by another postdoctoral experience at the University of Michigan. I have been a faculty member (professor) at several universities such as: University of Saskatchewan, Peninsula Medical School in Plymouth, England, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and Texas Tech University Health Science Center El Paso. During my career, I have helped establish three new medical schools and one new dental school. I have also been a member of Faculty Senate and President of the Faculty Senate. I have been secretary-treasurer of an international professional association and Saskatoon Youth Soccer Inc. What do you believe is the most important issue facing your ward, and how would you address it? The most important issue facing Ward 1 is housing. Housing is really a complex issue involving several facets within the City of Windsor. One facet is the necessity of improving and enforcing the bylaws regarding monetary and performance requirements for developers to realize their projects or improvements to completion. In Ward 1, the intersection of North Talbot Road and Sixth Concession has two parcels of land that had been purchased and remained undeveloped for about 20 years. The land was once a wetland and has changed ownership a few times. In walking around Ward 1 and talking to the residents, they have mentioned some of the planning for new housing in their neighborhood does not fit within the profile of the neighbourhood. An example is placing an eight-plex within a neighbourhood of densely populated single family detached homes. The planning of housing should consider the fit of the proposed housing within the various neighborhoods. The other observation that residents have stated are that houses that are designed to be single-family homes have multiple units and renters and subtenants. The multiple units within a single-family home causes stress on the infrastructure and a huge parking issue among many other stresses on the neighbourhood. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? My three biggest priorities as a councillor will be to ensure safe commuting within the City of Windsor, have performance standards for real estate developers to help bring projects to completion, and support EMS by implementing a Mobile Stroke ICU. Safe commuting means having safety standards for residents who use bikes, e-bikes, e-scooters, or other modes of transportation to go to work, recreation, shopping, and return home. Those using e-bikes, e-scooters, and bikes should wear appropriate helmets and safety gear and be mindful of the rules of the road as stated in the Ontario Highway Traffic Act. Walkers and runners should feel safe sharing the roads with commuters. Our neighbourhoods are growing and changing faster than the City of Windsor has planned. This puts a strain on the housing market and creates a demand for affordable living space that hasn’t been realized. I have seen speculators buy plots of land and then leave the land empty for years or even decades. We need performance goals and standards to ensure safe, energy efficient, affordable homes for our growing Windsor community. Performance standards will include financial requirements to ensure timely project completion. We need to make sure new housing units fit in within the neighbourhood. Windsor has a large aging community, especially seniors or retirees, that may require an enlarged EMS fleet and staff to handle medical events rapidly and support residents in their time of need. A possible solution would be the implementation and inclusion of a specialized unit, a Mobile Stroke ICU. The Mobile Stroke ICU could respond quickly to patients who have severe head trauma, caused by falls, motor vehicle accidents, stroke, and sporting activities. The quicker a stroke patient receives diagnostic care in the field, the better the recovery. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? I have a varied background as I started my post-secondary work career as a firefighter-EMT-A, and then progressed to a firefighter-EMT-P(aramedic). Interestingly, I was trained just as the Paramedic program was just beginning in the State of Maryland. While working as a firefighter-EMT-P, I earned an associate’s degree in Fire Science. After being in the fire department in the Washington, DC area, I graduated with a B.Sc. and then went on to the University of California, Berkeley to graduate with a Ph.D. in Medical Physics. I have been an academic for my career. I have been a football (soccer) referee at the National level, and I have refereed at the international level and international tournaments. I have also been a football coach. So, what makes me different? I have had many different experiences and I have seen numerous ways of approaching a problem and providing the leadership to get team members to work together to achieve a goal. In being a councillor, I will work with the other councillors and the mayor to attain the best possible outcomes for the residents of Ward 1 and the City of Windsor. Let me be your councillor for Ward 1 and let’s put together a winning team to make Windsor a better place to live and work and retire. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? For me, I would consider my term to be successful when I see residents can travel safely on the roads within Ward 1. Traffic should be managed safely because we have traffic calming devices and increased awareness about bicycles, e-bikes, and e-scooters safety. I also see soccer fields with goalposts and nets being used by the community in the local parks. Shezi Jaffri CTV News is awaiting a response. Brenda Juarez CTV News is awaiting a response. Frank Providenti Why are you running for Councillor of Ward 1 in Windsor? I’m a lifelong Ward 1 resident, former Deputy Chief of Police in Windsor, proud husband and father, and someone who grew up in the ward and attended Massey High School. Ward 1 isn’t just where I live; it’s home. Throughout my career, I’ve dedicated myself to serving our community, solving problems, managing resources responsibly, and being accountable for results. I want to bring that same experience and commitment to City Hall. I believe Ward 1 deserves experienced, independent leadership that listens to residents, takes action, and delivers results. My priorities are affordability, neighbourhood safety, infrastructure investment, responsible growth, and quality of life. I understand the importance of building a safe, strong, and vibrant community where families can live, work, and thrive. I’m ready to put my decades of leadership, public service, and community involvement to work for Ward 1, bringing a community-first approach and always putting residents’ interests first. What do you believe is the most important issue facing your ward, and how would you address it? Affordability is the most important issue facing Ward 1. Families are dealing with rising costs for groceries, utilities, insurance, housing, and other essentials. City Hall must recognize these pressures and manage taxpayer dollars responsibly. If elected, I would work to: If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? 1. Keep Ward 1 affordable 2. Make neighbourhoods safer 3. Invest in essential infrastructure How do you differ from your fellow candidates? As a former Deputy Chief of Police in Windsor, I bring decades of leadership and public service experience to the table. I managed more than 600 employees, oversaw budgets exceeding $100 million, negotiated collective agreements, and worked collaboratively to address complex challenges while ensuring accountability and responsible use of public resources. I also helped implement innovative community-based initiatives, including the Nurse Police Team (NPT) and Crisis Response Team (CRT), strengthening partnerships and improving support for residents. My commitment to serving Windsor extends well beyond my professional career. Since 2019, I have volunteered on the Windsor Minor Hockey Association Board, and for the past four years, I have volunteered with the Holy Names Catholic High School hockey team. I believe strongly in investing in our youth, supporting local organizations, and building a stronger community. I have also spoken before the City Council on behalf of residents to advocate for the protection of the Par 3 course at Roseland Golf Course, demonstrating my willingness to stand up for our community, and the amenities that matter to residents. These experiences reflect the leadership, financial oversight, negotiation skills, community involvement, and commitment to accountability I would bring to the city council. I understand how to manage complex organizations, work with diverse stakeholders, make difficult decisions, and advocate for the people I serve. As Ward 1 councillor, I would bring that same practical experience, independent judgment, and community-first approach to representing residents and delivering results. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? I promise to be an independent, accessible, and accountable voice for the residents of Ward 1. I believe the people who live in our ward should matter, their concerns should be heard, and their voices should be represented in every decision made at City Hall. My responsibility as councillor would be to listen to residents, understand their priorities, ask the tough questions, and make decisions based on what is best for our community and city. I am entering this race as an independent voice, with no personal or other affiliations with any of the other candidates seeking election. My commitment is to the residents of Ward 1, and I will make my decisions based on the issues, the facts, and the needs of our community, not personal relationships or outside loyalties. Four years from now, residents should be able to look at my record and know that I listened, stood up for their concerns, acted with integrity, and remained accountable for my decisions. My promise is simple: Ward 1 residents will have a voice at City Hall, and I will work every day to make sure that voice is heard. Darcie Renaud Why are you running for councillor of Ward 1 in Windsor? I’ve spent years following Windsor City Council, reading agendas, examining budgets, and watching how decisions are made. As I follow those discussions, I see opportunities to bring different perspectives to the table, ask questions that haven’t been raised, and consider other approaches. I’ve spent much of my career working to improve public services, asking questions like: What are we trying to accomplish? Is it working? What are we getting for the money we’re spending? Is there a better way to do it? I genuinely enjoy digging into complicated issues, asking questions, and solving problems. When I worked for an MPP, helping constituents resolve issues was one of the most rewarding parts of my job. I want to bring that same approach to Windsor City Council, whether it’s dealing with the big decisions affecting our city or helping Ward 1 residents with the everyday issues that matter to them. I also believe it’s important for qualified women to step forward and run for elected office. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Ward 1 and how would you address it? I think affordability is one of the biggest challenges facing residents of Ward 1 and Windsor as a whole. And affordability is about more than property taxes. It’s also water and sewer charges, transit fares, recreation fees, and the other costs residents pay for city services. We need to look at the total cost of municipal government and make sure residents are getting good value for their money. I’ve spent years examining city budgets and how Windsor compares with other municipalities. I’d like to put that experience to work modernizing how city hall operates, managing costs, and making sure we’re delivering the services residents need at a price they can afford. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? First, smarter fiscal management. Modernizing how Windsor budgets and operates, with a focus on managing costs and delivering better value for public money. Second, safer, stronger neighbourhoods. Improving neighbourhood safety and preventing property crime, expanding traffic calming options, addressing excessive vehicle noise and street racing, strengthening bylaw enforcement, protecting homes from flooding and sewer backups, addressing transportation inequities facing Windsor high school students, and helping residents get neighbourhood improvements done. Third, a more open, accountable City Hall. Pushing for fewer decisions behind closed doors, more transparency in appointments to city boards and committees, and clearer information about how public money is spent. I also want residents to have a meaningful opportunity to weigh in before important decisions are made, not after. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? I can’t speak for the other candidates, but I can tell you what I would bring to council. I’ve spent my career working to improve public services, with a focus on evaluation, performance measurement, and accountability. I know how to dig into complex issues, understand the numbers, and ask whether government decisions are producing results. This is my third time running for Ward 1, but my involvement hasn’t been limited to election campaigns. I’ve stayed engaged, following council meetings, examining budgets, asking questions, and advocating for changes. Whether it’s fighting for fair transportation for Windsor high school students, pushing for greater fiscal responsibility and accountability, helping residents understand city budgets, or working alongside neighbours on petitions and local improvement projects, I’ve already been doing this work. In some cases, I’ve been following those neighbourhood issues and advocating for improvements for more than eight years. I also understand that having a good idea is only part of the job. I have a strong understanding of council’s procedural rules and the different ways a councillor can bring an issue or proposed solution forward. I know the importance of coming prepared with evidence, understanding the costs and financial implications, asking the right questions, anticipating obstacles, and building support around the council table. I know how to move an issue through the system, and that’s knowledge I’ll put to work for Ward 1 residents. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for? I promise that I’ll be responsive and follow through. If a resident contacts me with a concern, they’ll hear back from me. I won’t simply pass the issue along and consider my job done. If I don’t have an answer, I’ll work to find one and keep them updated. I can’t promise I’ll be able to solve every problem, but I can promise I’ll take their concerns seriously and do what I say I’m going to do. Linda Qin Why are you running for councillor of Ward 1 in Windsor? I am running for Windsor city councillor in Ward 1 because I care deeply about our community and want to continue serving the people who call it home. Ward 1 has been my home for the past 15 years. As a longtime resident, I understand the concerns of our neighbourhoods and want to help make our community a safer, stronger, and better place to live. Having served as a Public School Board Trustee for eight years, I have learned the importance of listening to residents, speaking up for their concerns, and standing up for what I believe is right, even when facing challenges. I believe public service requires courage, integrity, accountability, and a genuine commitment to the people we represent. My professional background as a business school professor and my experience in manufacturing management have strengthened my belief in responsible spending, effective management, and sound decision-making. I want to bring this experience to city council to help ensure taxpayers’ money is spent wisely and municipal services meet residents’ needs. My priorities include keeping property taxes affordable, improving municipal services, protecting established neighbourhoods, addressing traffic and road safety concerns, and supporting responsible development that benefits our community. Most importantly, I believe residents deserve a councillor who listens, cares, and is not afraid to speak up and stand up for them. I want to bring residents’ voices to City Council, ensure their concerns are heard, and work collaboratively to find practical solutions. Ward 1 is my home, and its residents are my neighbours. I am running because I want to continue making a positive difference in the community we share. What do you believe is the most important issue facing your ward and how would you address it? I believe one of the most important issues facing Ward 1 is balancing affordable property taxes with the need to maintain quality municipal services and protect our established neighbourhoods. With the rising cost of living, many families, seniors, and homeowners are concerned about their financial future. Residents deserve a city council that respects taxpayers’ hard-earned money, controls unnecessary spending, and makes responsible financial decisions. As a former business school professor with manufacturing management experience, I understand the importance of financial accountability, efficient operations, and responsible resource management. I believe the city should carefully examine its spending priorities and look for opportunities to improve efficiency before asking residents to pay more. If elected, I will carefully review municipal budgets, question unnecessary expenditures, advocate for greater transparency, and work to keep any required property tax increases below the rate of inflation. At the same time, I will support maintaining and improving essential municipal services, including road maintenance, public transportation, and neighbourhood safety. Responsible spending also means making development decisions that protect existing communities. I support responsible growth, but new developments should not compromise the safety, character, and quality of life of established neighbourhoods. I will advocate for meaningful consultation with affected residents and appropriate infrastructure improvements to address traffic, pedestrian safety, and other neighbourhood concerns. I will also seek greater provincial and federal financial support for infrastructure and transportation challenges, particularly those associated with international truck traffic along Huron Church Road, so local taxpayers are not left carrying an unfair share of the costs. My goal is simple: Protect taxpayers’ money, improve municipal services, and preserve the quality of life in our neighbourhoods. I believe responsible financial management and strong communities must go hand in hand. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? 1. Responsible spending and affordable property taxes My first priority is to protect taxpayers’ hard-earned money through responsible spending, greater transparency, and stronger financial accountability. I will carefully review municipal budgets, question unnecessary expenditures, and advocate for more efficient city operations. I will work to keep any required property tax increases below the rate of inflation while maintaining essential municipal services. Residents deserve better value for their tax dollars. 2. Protect established neighbourhoods and promote responsible development I believe we must protect the safety, character, and quality of life of our established neighbourhoods while supporting responsible development that benefits Windsor. I will carefully review development proposals, listen to affected residents, and advocate for meaningful public consultation. New developments should not compromise neighbourhood safety or place unreasonable pressure on existing infrastructure. Where development affects surrounding communities, I will advocate for fair community benefits, improved traffic and pedestrian safety, better infrastructure, and appropriate neighbourhood amenities. 3. Improve municipal services and address community challenges Residents deserve reliable, efficient, and responsive municipal services. I will advocate for better road maintenance, improved public transportation, safer streets, and stronger neighbourhood services. I will also work to address homelessness through compassionate but accountable solutions, including seeking additional provincial and federal funding so Windsor taxpayers are not left carrying the financial burden alone. For Huron Church Road, I will advocate for stronger enforcement of designated truck routes, improved traffic safety, noise reduction, and increased provincial and federal funding for road repairs and neighbourhood improvements. International trade should mean shared responsibility, not an unfair burden on Ward 1 residents. Throughout my first term, I will listen to residents, bring their concerns to city council, and stand up for their interests. My goal is to ensure Ward 1 remains a safe, affordable, and welcoming community where residents’ voices are heard and taxpayers’ money is respected. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? What distinguishes me is my unique combination of public service experience, professional management expertise, academic background, and a strong commitment to standing up for residents. I have served our community as a Public School Board Trustee for the past eight years. During that time, I have learned firsthand how public institutions operate, how decisions affect families, and how important it is to listen to residents and hold decision-makers accountable. I am not afraid to speak up and stand up for what I believe is right, even when doing so is difficult. My experience has taught me that public service requires courage, integrity, independence, and a willingness to ask tough questions. Professionally, I have eight years of manufacturing management experience and have taught management and administration courses as a business school professor. My educational background includes degrees in Management Engineering and Computer Software, and I am a Ph.D. candidate in Manufacturing Management. These experiences have given me a strong foundation in financial accountability, organizational efficiency, problem-solving, and responsible decision-making. I have also lived in Ward 1 for 15 years. I am not only seeking to represent this community; I am part of it. I understand the importance of protecting our established neighbourhoods, maintaining quality municipal services, and keeping property taxes affordable. I believe being a councillor is not simply about making promises. It is about listening carefully, asking difficult questions, making responsible decisions, and having the courage to stand up for residents. My approach is simple: I listen, I care, and I stand up for the people I represent. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? My promise is simple: I will always listen to residents, speak up for their concerns, and have the courage to stand up for what I believe is right, even when it is difficult. During my eight years as a Public School Board Trustee, I believe I have demonstrated that I am a responsible public official with integrity, courage, and strong principles. I have faced challenges for speaking up, but I have never given up on standing up for the people I represent. If elected, I will bring that same dedication to city council. I will listen carefully to residents, ask tough questions, make responsible decisions, and protect taxpayers’ hard-earned money. I will never forget that I am there to serve the people of Ward 1, not myself. I cannot promise that I will win every debate or achieve everything I fight for. But I can promise that I will never be afraid to speak up, never stop listening, and never compromise my integrity simply because standing up for what is right is difficult. Four years from now, residents can judge me by my actions, my voting record, and whether I have kept my commitment to them. I have spent eight years standing up for our community. My promise is that I will continue to do so with the same integrity, courage, and determination. Ward 2 Councillor Frazier Fathers - Incumbent Why are you running for councillor of Ward 2 in Windsor? After winning the 2025 Ward 2 by-election, I am fulfilling my promise to run for a full term. Less than a year simply isn’t enough time to move the needle on many of the critical issues facing Ward 2. Over the past year, I have been laying the groundwork: Building stronger community relationships, asking difficult questions at council, helping residents navigate City Hall, and learning where we can push the system to work better. Now, I want to build on that momentum. My focus is on the little things that matter in people’s everyday lives while advancing a longer-term vision of neighbourhood renewal for West Windsor. I want Ward 2 to be a place where families want to live, invest, work and play — and where residents know their councillor will show up, listen, and report back. What do you believe is the most important issue facing your ward and how would you address it? There isn’t one single issue facing Ward 2. Housing, property standards, infrastructure, traffic, affordability, and neighbourhood renewal are all interconnected. However, one issue that continues to have an outsized impact on West Windsor is the unresolved legacy of the Ambassador Bridge’s activities in West Windsor. There is no quick fix, but progress is possible. Boarded up homes are finally coming down, and I support strategically using tools, such as expropriation where necessary, to assemble properties and catalyze new housing and neighbourhood renewal. We also need a long-term solution for the Forster area, where housing, heritage, transportation, and neighbourhood challenges intersect. The steel currently stored along Indian Road should be relocated to an appropriate storage facility until the Ambassador Bridge has satisfied the requirements necessary to proceed with its plaza project. I have also filed a Freedom of Information request to the provincial government regarding CTC Concrete and its plans. That request has received initial approval, and I intend to publicly release the documents once they are received. Residents deserve transparency about decisions that could shape their neighbourhood. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? 1. Strengthen neighbourhood standards and proactive enforcement. Move city services toward a more proactive model for bylaw, property standards, rental housing, dumping, rodents, overgrown properties, and other neighbourhood issues. Residents should not have to repeatedly complain before chronic problems receive attention. 2. Advance neighbourhood renewal across West Windsor. Build a coordinated vision for areas including Sandwich Town, the Ambassador Bridge properties, Huron Church Road, and the Benson neighbourhood. That means addressing boarded and derelict properties, protecting important heritage assets, investing in parks and infrastructure, and creating the conditions to attract families and new investment back into established neighbourhoods. 3. Make progress on housing, affordability, and homelessness. Windsor needs to invest more locally in affordable housing, homelessness prevention, and supportive housing while making better use of provincial and federal funding. I will continue pushing for practical tools that help non-profits build housing, keep people housed and increase the supply of affordable and accessible homes. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? Setting aside incumbency, I believe my track record in the community and my professional experience distinguish me. I led the community consultation that helped form the foundation of the Gordie Howe International Bridge Community Benefits Plan. I spent more than six years at United Way working directly on some of the most difficult social and economic challenges facing Windsor-Essex. Today, my work as an affordable housing and community development consultant takes me into municipalities and housing organizations across Ontario and Canada. That gives me the opportunity to see what other communities are doing, identify approaches that are working, and bring those ideas back to Windsor. I also understand that good municipal government must operate at two levels at once. We need to deal with the systemic issues housing, infrastructure, neighbourhood decline, and affordability while never losing sight of the little things that matter to residents on their street, in their park or next door to their home. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? My promise is that Ward 2 will have a more proactive approach to neighbourhood issues four years from now than it does today. Residents should see a city that identifies chronic problems earlier and acts on property standards, rental conditions, dumping, rodents, neighbourhood cleanliness, and other quality-of-life issues instead of relying almost entirely on complaints. There are many larger goals in my platform that will take partnerships, funding, and decisions by council as a whole. But voters can hold me accountable for whether I consistently pushed City Hall toward a more proactive neighbourhood-based approach, whether measurable progress was made, and whether I continued to show up and report honestly on what was and was not accomplished. Anthony Jabbour CTV News is awaiting a response. Nick Markham Why are you running for councillor of Ward 2 in Windsor? I am running for councillor of Ward 2 in Windsor because I’ve grown up here my entire life, and have become deeply concerned with how it has been neglected and ignored over the past 12 years. What do you believe is the most important issue facing your ward and how would you address it? I believe the most important issue facing Ward 2 is housing, in more ways than one. Lack of available housing due to increased international student enrollment (including cases where a house was occupied by more students than it had room to accommodate), derelict housing that has become a draw for homeless people, and otherwise perfectly good housing that sits unused for no reason. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? If elected, my top three priorities during my first term would be to table proposals to deal with absentee landlords, look into ways to provide improved access to public transit, and advocate for increased big box and small business investment in Ward 2. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? I know Frazier Fathers cares as much about the well-being and future of Ward 2 as I do. I don’t know enough about the other candidates to confidently say how I differ from them. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? The one promise I can make today is to keep an open dialogue with Ward 2 residents and, to the best of my ability, work towards making Ward 2 as safe and successful as possible. Cynthia Van Vrouwerff CTV News is awaiting a response. Ward 3 Councillor Renaldo Agostino – Incumbent CTV News is awaiting a response. Rabia Kirma CTV News is awaiting a response. Randal Saccucci CTV News is awaiting a response. Spiro S. Spiliadis CTV News is awaiting a response. Ward 4 Councillor Mike Burton CTV News is awaiting a response. Catherine Gariepy-Schulze Why are you running for councillor of Ward 4 in Windsor? I am a proud resident who loves this community and willing to work hard to protect its history, diversity, and vibrancy. Looking at this through a fresh lens, I look forward to addressing the opportunities and challenges we all face daily. I will continue listening and communicating with my neighbors in Walkerville. We all see the beauty within our neighbourhood, but also some of the challenging issues that need to be addressed. In an environment where politicians often disappoint, or seem unreachable and unresponsive, I understand your distrust in the system. I will do everything in my power to listen to and fix your concerns. Talk to me. I will always be available to you. I realized at a very early age that you can advocate and initiate change for the better through my passion and commitment simply using your voice. If you don’t speak out you will not be heard. I am here as your sounding board and will escalate your concerns as far up the political chain that I can. With my three decades of being on several levels of government consultation, I know policies are made at the top levels, but need to be introduced from the grassroots and pushed up through the chain. A flower, a tree, nor a policy can grow without a seed. What do you believe is the most important issue facing your ward and how would you address it? The most pressing issues that have been raised as I have walked and talked the streets of Walkerville predominantly have been safety. Many of our streets, alleys, and parks need more lighting and be cleaned up of the garbage that is consuming our neighbourhood. Homelessness and drug addiction, which go hand in hand, our transportation system barely has any ridership as it is too expensive and often have to deal will intoxicated riders, and vacant businesses and buildings which need to be utilized. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? Fiscal responsibility – your tax dollars need to be respected. We all work hard for our money. We are facing significant, increasing affordability challenges and are living in a very uncertain, economic climate. Every dollar will be spent wisely, with accountability and your input. I will work together with you to determine the ‘needs’ vs. ‘wants’ for our community and through consultation with Ward 4, we will find a way to ensure your priorities are represented. Safer neighbourhoods and strengthened cooperation between police and our court system – I understand the challenges that we all face in terms of safety on our streets, alleys, parks, properties, and the impact on our local businesses. These issues are larger than our policeforce who are working hard to address them. These major concerns (mental health, homelessness, drug abuse and resulting violence) require provincial and federal partnership and support. I will continue to seek input from residents and lobby for support to eradicate the catch and release systems in our overburdened courts. This ideology does NOT WORK. We need to speak up in order to resolve this issue. Realizing our potential – our streets and alleys are a major concern, and they should represent our community. Instead of the unsightly and frustrating amount of garbage that litter our streets and alleys, we have the opportunity to work together to make them a proud part representation of our neighborhood. We need to unlock our potential and create positive safe spaces that we can collectively enjoy as residence and proudly share with those who visit Walkerville. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? This is the commitment, tenacity, and determination I will apply to advocating for Ward 4. Chris Holt Why are you running for councillor of Ward 4 in Windsor? I still have the energy, connections and know how to accomplish some improvements to our community. What do you believe is the most important issue facing your ward and how would you address it? Traffic fatalities of vulnerable road users is the most pressing issue we’re facing today, and nobody is even mentioning it. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? Improvements to road safety through implementation of Vision Zero, affordability through changes to our transportation priorities and the way we develop our land, and more directly, restore alley garbage collection. Most of my priorities are high-level incremental policy changes that happen with every decision made at committee and council level. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? I have a record I can be judged on. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? I will get our garbage collection moved back into the alleys, rescuing our sidewalks from being overtaken by bins and unclogging our residential roads from garbage trucks. Xsander Moisenko CTV News is awaiting a response. Rasha Zaid CTV News is awaiting a response. Ward 5 Councillor Ken Acton CTV News is awaiting a response. Farah Ahmed CTV News is awaiting a response. Alessandro Didone CTV News is awaiting a response. Natasha Elizabeth Feghali CTV News is awaiting a response. Shane Potvin Why are you running for councillor of Ward 5 in Windsor? Running for Ward 5 councillor is the natural extension of the work I’ve already been doing. As Ford City BIA President, community ambassador, and business owner on Drouillard Road, I’ve spent nine years investing in this neighbourhood and its neighbours. I’ve seen what’s possible when you show up consistently, and I want to do that at a larger scale for all of Ward 5. What do you believe is the most important issue facing your ward and how would you address it? Safety and how we think about it. I want to audit Ward 5 lighting, expand environmental design approaches, invest roads and parks, and implement Vision Zero to protect pedestrians and cyclists. Real safety comes from built environments and supported people. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? 1. Invest more in transit and active transportation: Implement Vision Zero and push for a connected bike lane system. 2. Housing: Support gentle density and additional dwelling units by cutting red tape and streamlining city processes. 3. Accessibility: City processes and city council should be easier to navigate so residents be more informed and have a greater access to essential services. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? I’ve already been doing this work and have been training for this position. The BIA, organizing Dropped on Drouillard, operating my businesses, and my investments in Ward 5. I know what it takes to move a neighbourhood forward because I’ve done it one block at a time. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? I will show up. Office hours, town halls, accessible council meetings, one-on-one conversations. Ward 5 will always know where I stand and how I voted, and they’ll always be able to reach me. Ward 6 Councillor Nick Jirgens CTV News is awaiting a response. Denis Marier Why are you running for councillor of Ward 6 in Windsor? I grew up in Riverside. Some of my earliest lessons about community and service started here, and they stayed with me as I lived, learned, and worked in communities across Canada and around the world, including five international medical relief missions. After all that travel, I have never found the kind of community spirit we have in Windsor. When people here are hurting, whether through illness, hardship, or severe weather, neighbours rally around them. Riverside has always been home, and I came back. I’m running because I care deeply about this community, and I believe I have something useful to offer at City Hall. My background is in healthcare, education, governance, and community service. Municipal office would be new to me, but governance isn’t. I’ve served on regulatory and community boards where decisions require preparation, evidence and putting the public interest first. My approach is simple: Listen, collaborate and deliver. Good representation starts with hearing from the people who live here. A councillor can’t accomplish anything alone, so it means bringing residents, city staff, community groups, and other levels of government together around practical solutions. And all of that only matters if it leads to results. I won’t pretend one councillor can do everything. What I can promise is that I’ll show up, do my homework, ask the hard questions, and keep Riverside’s voice at the table. What do you believe is the most important issue facing your ward and how would you address it? In my view, the most important issue facing Ward 6 is helping seniors age at home, and making sure good resources are in place for the primary caregivers who make that possible. I recently walked both of my parents through their end-of-life experiences over 14 months, each in their own homes. I know how important this is to seniors themselves, and to the people caring for them. Riverside is home to many seniors who have lived here for 50 years or more. Some of them have been Riverside residents for so long, they almost qualify as seniors twice. Healthcare decisions belong to the provincial government, not City Hall. But that shouldn’t stop us from lobbying for grants for specific projects in our ward that support the health and wellbeing of our seniors. That means pursuing funding from the provincial and federal governments, as well as from private institutions such as the big banks and large insurance companies. This isn’t new territory for me. Between 2008 and 2011, I secured a grant from a large insurance company for a pilot project at the Hospice of Windsor and Essex County. It brought naturopathic services on site, along with visits to community hospice patients at the end of life. That work grew out of my master’s research on end-of-life care. It led me to found the Canadian Clinic for Integrated Medicine and to co-author a peer-reviewed research paper on integrative treatments for patients with cancer. So, I know these grants can be won, and I’m committed to winning them for Riverside. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? My platform is built around three promises for Riverside, each with five commitments. Those three promises are my priorities. First, Ward 6: A Community for Life. Live well. Age well. Belong. This means helping seniors stay independent in their own homes, supporting their caregivers, building a memory-supportive Riverside, and creating ways for neighbours, including young people, to help one another all year round. One idea I’m excited about is Safe Chairs: Easily recognizable royal blue (or green, or red) chairs at participating businesses and community spaces. Anyone who is feeling unwell, overwhelmed, lost, or unsafe would know they can sit down and ask for help, whether that’s a senior who has become disoriented, a parent at the end of their rope, or someone in sudden pain. Staff would be trained to help without rushing or embarrassing anyone. People should be able to stay part of their community with dignity. In my first term, I’d ask city staff to identify the practical barriers to aging at home in Ward 6, then pilot low-cost ideas like this with community partners. Second, Building a Resilient Riverside. Protect. Prepare. Preserve. Flooding remains a real concern here. I’ll press for clear priorities and timelines on sewer and stormwater work, with sustained attention to Little River and surrounding flood basins. This promise also covers safer, more walkable streets, understanding environmental impacts before major projects begin, better emergency preparedness after recent severe weather, and finding the right site for a Riverside dog park. Third, A Riverside voice at City Hall. History. Health. The Future. This means being accessible, knowing the files and explaining my votes. It also means supporting responsible growth that our infrastructure can handle, protecting Windsor’s heritage, demanding measurable results on housing and homelessness, and making sure major healthcare and infrastructure decisions serve Windsor for decades to come. One councillor can’t do all of this alone. But with residents, city staff and other levels of government at the table, these are priorities we can move forward together. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? Ward 6 has seven candidates this election, and we’re a remarkably diverse group. That matters because when you look around the table at Windsor City Hall, we definitely need more diversity. Part of me wishes several of us could serve together. I’ve met most of my fellow candidates, and I’ve been genuinely impressed by their dedication, their work ethic, and the time they’ve spent listening to residents. I wouldn’t even call this a race. It’s an election and a chance for voters to look at what each of us brings. What sets me apart is my governance experience. I got involved in student leadership as a teenager, and I always felt I would return to that kind of work. Since then, I’ve served for five years as a board member of the Sexual Assault Crisis Centre of Windsor, and for the past five years as a board member of the College of Naturopaths of Ontario, where I’ve held several governance committee positions, including the last three years on the Executive Committee. Regulatory governance means making decisions that protect the public, sometimes against the interests of my own profession. It requires preparation, evidence, respectful disagreement and putting the public interest ahead of personal preference. That’s exactly the discipline city council needs. For almost 30 years, I’ve also been a naturopathic doctor. My job has been to sit with people, listen to their stories, repeat them back to make sure I heard them correctly, and then find the root cause of what’s making them unwell, then help remove obstacles to cure, all while supporting their own innate ability to self-heal. That’s how I’d approach the problems facing Ward 6. Along the way, I’ve lived and worked well beyond Riverside. I studied at McMaster on a scholarship, trained as a teacher at the University of Windsor, taught high school in Tokyo, and have taught and supervised medical interns at colleges and universities in Canada and the U.S. I’ve done five international medical relief missions and spent a month volunteering at Mother Teresa’s Home for the Dying Destitute in Calcutta. I was born and raised in Riverside. After all those years and all those places, I could have lived anywhere, and I chose to come back. This is home, and this is where I want to be of service. I believe my whole life has been training me for this job. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? My promise is Safe Chairs. Within four years, I want to see easily recognizable royal blue – based on the easily recognizable handicapped parking colour, but they can be green or red chairs – at participating businesses and community spaces in Ward 6, where anyone who feels unwell, overwhelmed, lost, or unsafe knows they can sit down and ask for help. By the end of my first term, there will be at least 20 Safe Chairs in place across the ward. And I won’t bring this idea to City Council asking for money. I’ll bring it with the money to pay for it. The big banks and insurance companies in our region set aside funds every year for community investment. Why not have one of them sponsor Safe Chairs in Ward 6? I know how to make that case, because I’ve done it before. I secured funding from a large insurance company for a pilot project at the Hospice of Windsor and Essex County, and I can do it again. Ward 6 is the right place to start. A pilot here lets us test the idea, learn what works, and fix what doesn’t. If it succeeds, it can expand across Windsor, and from there to train stations, bus terminals, and transit hubs across the province and beyond. It’s a simple idea that can be reproduced almost anywhere, and if it makes a difference for even one person, it’s worth it. I’m so committed to this that I’ll keep working to make it happen whether I’m elected or not. Hold me to it. Hiral Munim Why are you running for councillor of Ward 6 in Windsor? Driven by a deep commitment to public service, I am running to champion the needs of Ward 6 through collaborative, transparent, and results-focused leadership. I believe the best solutions come from listening to residents and working together to get things done. What do you believe is the most important issue facing your ward and how would you address it? Neighborhood safety: Safe neighborhoods rely on visible streets and sensible traffic flow based on real resident input. I will work to install high-visibility flashing crosswalks near schools, shopping centers, and key intersections to safeguard school children, cyclists, and seniors. In sensitive areas, speed bumps must be installed, and/or auxiliary police foot patrolling is required. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? Smart Infrastructure and timely completion of the Riverside Vista Project: There are many bylaws which are obsolete about how much space around houses, corner lots, and fencing. As new technology and equipment evolve, assessments should be done on a one-on-one basis to assess underground utilities regarding how much space can be given back to the residents. The assessments can be optional and generate revenue to fund further initiatives. The Riverside Vista Project is currently pending and requires continued advocacy to be completed. Supporting local businesses, arts, cultural and community events: Many public spaces can be used for arts, culture, community events and farmers markets, such as the WFCU Centre parking lot and many parks in our Ward 6. This can be done in collaboration with the Olde Riverside Business Improvement Association and local vendors, including youth, to help empower them and boost our local economy. Pedestrian safety and street lighting: Safe neighborhoods rely on visible streets and sensible traffic flow based on real resident input. I will work to install high-visibility flashing crosswalks near schools, shopping centres, and key intersections to safeguard school children, cyclists, and seniors. In sensitive areas, speed bumps must be installed, and/or auxiliary police foot patrolling is required. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? After studying Electronics Engineering in India, I moved to Canada two decades ago working from entry-level jobs to different positions in different organizations. After, I have led several ventures in different provinces in Canada before moving to Windsor. My journey gives me an edge in analytical skills, adaptability, people skills, as well as to lead for the causes our community believes in. Living and working in different sizes of cities has shaped my perspective on how strong communities are built through collaboration and shared purpose. My experience across multiple industries has equipped me with the analytical thinking, financial understanding, and real-world business experience needed to serve on City Council. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? I am committed to being accessible, transparent, and accountable, working closely with residents to deliver practical solutions. I will be a responsive representative who returns your calls, listens to your concerns, and holds regular ward meetings. Your voice matters, and it will be my responsibility to ensure it is taken seriously. Wendi Nicholson CTV News is awaiting a response. Jeremy Renaud Why are you running for Councillor of Ward 6 in Windsor? I am running because: • Riverside needs new leadership; someone who has been a resident, that has grown with the community, and understands the foundation of its tradition; • Someone who has been tried, tested, and true to his principles and the community that has demonstrated experience not only living within it but working towards its vibrancy i.e. where that has been the case in (for eg.) I, as the Coordinator for the Olde Riverside Business Association (BIA) through to advocating for Farrow Riverside Miracle Park and so much more (for more information, visit votejeremyrenaud.ca); • Someone who is running to give his dad hope as well as community while creating a long-term vision for the development of Riverside over a 20-year period to ensure residents of today and tomorrow have complete pathways to work, rest, learn, and play. Quite simply, I am running to represent Riverside because our community deserves proactive, accountable, and accessible leadership at City Hall — a councillor who listens, acts, and gets real results for our ward. Secondly, Windsor is at a critical turning point. As our city grows, Riverside needs a strong voice to ensure that growth is managed responsibly and that our local neighborhood priorities aren’t left behind. My decision to run is rooted in a deep commitment to service and a vision built around key community priorities: • Protecting our neighborhoods and infrastructure: Upgrading our storm and wastewater systems to mitigate flooding risks, ensuring safe streets through traffic calming, and fixing crumbling roads and sidewalks. • Investments in parks and public spaces: Enhancing our community parks, and trails so families, youth, and seniors have vibrant, safe places to gather and stay active • Fiscal responsibility and smart growth: Ensuring every tax dollar is spent wisely, focusing investment where it matters most, and supporting sustainable economic development that creates good jobs while preserving the residential character of our ward. • Strong, accessible leadership: Being a visible, hands-on representative who is directly available to residents, advocates tirelessly for community concerns, and brings people together to solve problems. Riverside (Ward 6) is where we live, learn, work, rest, and play while raising our families. I am running to deliver transparent governance, champion our neighborhood’s fair share of municipal investments, and ensure our voice is heard loud and clear at council. What do you believe is the most important issue facing your ward and how would you address it? Safety & Infrastructure: Roads through to Flood Mitigation – in terms of the former, I look forward to creating a specific project plan as part of the greater Vision Zero initiative in Windsor; specifically for Ward 6 by seeking a provincial grant to support road safety while working in collaboration with council, city staff (engineers), community partners, BIAs, school boards, and residents towards developing a Vision Zero Riverside Road Safety Strategy (inclusive of a school safety strategy). The strategy will yield traffic calming measures that we can utilize to identify tactics that can be implemented towards ensuring safety of our residents along a number of streets including not limited to (for eg.) Wyandotte Street (Pilette to Riverdale) through the Olde Riverside BIA and towards a newly proposed BIA (see details within this questionnaire further below); on key residentials streets (eg. Janisse and Raymond), near schools (eg. backside of Suzuki from Jefferson to Janisse along Raymond or Pilette through Ontario via Raymo Road ‘The RAYMO RUSH’) or arterial roads (eg. St. Rose and Lauzon) into the resident ones that pass through Laporte to the backside of Riverside to name but just a few. With regards to the latter, I am committed to keeping projects on track towards the delivery of St. Rose and St. Paul Pumping Stations with continued work on our dikes. Vision: Proactively develop a Long-Term 20-year Strategic Plan in collaboration with residents, businesses/BIAs, community organizations, and school boards to enable pathways to success for our community leading into and through 2046. I’m deeply interested in developing a vision for our community to ensure health and vibrancy of all residents; both new and existing. Collaboration: Execution of the long-term 20-year strategic plan through the introduction and development of the Riverside Community Collaborative, which supports a new Ward model (Ward Advisory Committee) envisioned through a ward-specific non-profit organization that is governed by a Board of Directors (Ward Advisory Committee) and driven by working committees, with a simple vision of ‘Advancing Riverside’. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? Safety and Infrastructure (Roads to Flood Mitigation): • Completion of St. Rose and St. Paul Pumping Stations (2026) plus Riverside Vista Improvement Project (2027) alongside continued improvements to dikes, while addressing issues of the 1984 Little River Drain project • Stage #1/4: Project funding and support towards the proposed development of the Vision Zero Riverside Road Safety Strategy while championing Vision Zero throughout the municipality; Our Shared Responsibility. Vision and Collaboration: • Phase #1/4: Development of Riverside Long-Term Strategic Plan; that will be executed through the delivery and introduction of the Riverside Community Collaborative. • Collaboration: Steering committee formation of the Riverside Community Collaborative Business Development & Growth: • Steering committee formation of the East Riverside BIA ‘Crossroads’. • Special Note: Name is subject to change and is to be considered a placeholder for communications purposes only until such time that a steering committee can review and have it reviewed, modified, or approved in collaboration with the city and local business community. Geographic boundaries to be determined through the initial stages of its development but am personally hoping that we can capture Janisse to Riverdale along Wyandotte and Riverside to Tranby along Lauzon; hence ‘Crossroads’. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? Candidate Differentiation: I have 25 years experience in the public, private, and non-profit sectors as well as 16 years board governance experience. From helping under-resourced children, through to youth with physical and intellectual disabilities, post-secondary students, adults suffering from addiction on the road to lifelong recovery, through to seniors, I am a dedicated community leader, non-profit professional, and lifelong community advocate with a deep, proven track record of bringing people together not only in Windsor but throughout the nation and beyond. My career has been defined by service, executive leadership, and community development and along the way I have managed projects as a small as $5 million though the introduction and daily operation of the Novelletto Rosati Sports & Recreation Complex at Mic Mac Park to direct oversight of a national sport organization (NSO); a $17.5 million responsibility. I have even led national teams to the highest apex of the medals podium at the World Championships in 2022 having managed Dodgeball Canada. Through these experiences my transferable skills included governance, key partnership/stakeholder management, and a direct-centered focus towards enabling the communities that I have served. I have represented my schools and my country, I am ready to represent my backyard and the community I love, Riverside. Through the introduction of the Riverside Community Collaborative, my promise to residents, community organizations, businesses/BIAs, and school boards that reside and/or operate within Ward 6 is that you will have a fully transparent and authentic community voice with direct input into decision-making process that will drive engagement, collaboration, mobilization, and activation of our community, Together, we will be realize the long-term development of a 20-year strategic plan, which enhances quality of life for new and existing residents both today and tomorrow for years to come. Khassan Saka CTV News is awaiting a response. Owen Smith CTV News is awaiting a response. Ward 7 Councillor Angelo Marignani – Incumbent CTV News is awaiting a response. Beth Ann Prince Why are you running for councillor of Ward 7 in Windsor? I’m running because Ward 7 deserves strong, experienced representation and a councillor who listens to residents, communicates with them, and gets things done. Over the past several months, I’ve spoken with residents throughout Ward 7, and I consistently hear concerns about affordability, neighbourhood safety, aging infrastructure, traffic, the condition of our parks, and the future of important community assets such as Sandpoint and Stop 26. Ward 7 is one of the fastest-growing areas of Windsor, and I believe we need to make sure our infrastructure, services and neighbourhood amenities keep pace with that growth. I bring nearly 30 years of experience building partnerships, managing projects, working with large budgets, and serving on community and governance boards. I understand how to bring people together, ask the right questions and move projects from discussion to results. Most importantly, I believe a councillor should be accessible and accountable throughout the entire four-year term — not just during an election. I’m running because I have listened to Ward 7 residents, I know we can do better, and I’m ready to be a strong voice for our community at City Hall. What do you believe is the most important issue facing your ward and how would you address it? The biggest issue is making sure Ward 7 receives the attention and investment it needs and deserves, as our community continues to grow. That affects almost everything residents talk to me about — roads, traffic, flooding, parks, neighbourhood safety, and infrastructure. Growth cannot simply mean more homes and more residents. The infrastructure and services supporting those neighbourhoods have to grow as well. As councillor, I would push for Ward 7 to receive a fair share of infrastructure investment based on population growth, road conditions, safety needs, and future development. I would work with administration to identify priorities early rather than waiting until problems become urgent. I would also communicate those priorities clearly to residents. People should know what projects are planned, when they are expected to happen and where Ward 7 stands in the City’s capital budget. This is ultimately about planning ahead. Ward 7 residents pay property taxes like everyone else in Windsor, and they deserve safe roads, well-maintained parks, reliable infrastructure and neighbourhood services that reflect the needs of a growing community. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? My first priority is affordability and responsible spending. Residents are facing increasing costs everywhere — property taxes, water and wastewater, utilities, transportation, and recreation. I will scrutinize spending, look for efficiencies, and work to keep municipal tax increases at or below the rate of inflation. My second priority is safer neighbourhoods and stronger infrastructure. That means addressing speeding and traffic concerns, improving lighting and safety in parks and trails, advocating for appropriate policing resources, and making sure Ward 7 receives its fair share of investment in roads, sidewalks, drainage, and other infrastructure. My third priority is accountability and communication. Residents should not have to wonder what their councillor is doing or whether their concerns have been forgotten. I will hold regular Ward 7 town halls, provide consistent updates, and introduce a system to track resident concerns from the day they are received until they are addressed. I also want to see real progress at Sandpoint and Stop 26. Residents have waited long enough. We need a clear plan, funding strategy, timeline, and measurable results. Those priorities all come back to one thing: making sure Ward 7 residents are heard, respected and represented every day at City Hall. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? I believe the clearest difference is the experience and approach I would bring to the council table. My background is not simply about politics. For nearly 30 years, I have worked with community organizations, financial institutions, hospital leadership, and major governance boards. I have experience understanding budgets, building partnerships, raising funds, managing projects, and bringing different groups together to achieve results. I also believe strongly that being a councillor is about more than attending council meetings. It is about being present in the community, listening to residents, and following through when someone raises a concern. Throughout this campaign, I have spent a great deal of time at residents’ doors and attending community meetings. Those conversations have shaped my priorities. I’m not running to tell residents what they should care about. I’m running because I have listened to what they already care about — affordability, safe neighbourhoods, infrastructure, parks, Sandpoint, and having a councillor who is accessible and accountable. Residents have a clear choice in this election. I am offering experience, a detailed plan, and a commitment to actively represent Ward 7 rather than simply occupying the council chamber seat. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? My promise is that Ward 7 residents will always know where I stand, what I am working on and what progress is being made. If elected, I will create a much more consistent system of communication and accountability for the ward. That includes regular Ward 7 town halls, monthly updates on council decisions and neighbourhood projects, ongoing use of social media and resident surveys, and a constituent management system to track concerns and follow them through to resolution. At the end of four years, residents should be able to look back and clearly see what issues were raised, what I advocated for, what investments came to Ward 7, and what was accomplished. Not every issue can be solved overnight, and no councillor can promise that every vote will go their way. But I can promise to show up, do the work, keep residents informed, and fight for Ward 7 every day. That is a commitment voters can measure — and one they should hold me accountable for. Victoria Soulade CTV News is awaiting a response. Ward 8 Councillor Gary Kaschak – Incumbent CTV News is awaiting a response. Kevin Racine Why are you running for councillor of Ward 8 in Windsor? I have lived in Ward 8 for 48 years. I have worked at WF Herman Secondary as a Youth Worker, working directly with youth and their families in very difficult situations. I was eligible for early retirement in March of 2026. Being elected as a city councillor would be a natural transition, letting me continue the work I love on a larger scale and help the entire city through Ward 8 as a full-time councillor. If you ask me whether I’ll retire to become a full-time city councillor, the answer is yes. I will need a little time to tie up loose ends and make sure my students get the transition they deserve, not an abrupt departure, as teens often have that in their daily lives, and I will not do that to them. I’m running for councillor because Ward 8 deserves strong, accessible leadership focused on practical results. I care deeply about our community and want to ensure residents feel safe, heard, and confident that City Hall is addressing the concerns I bring forward. My priorities include safer neighbourhoods, responsible development, improved roads and traffic enforcement, and reliable city services that deliver value for taxpayers. I also want to bring residents, Windsor Police, school boards, healthcare providers, local businesses, and community organizations together to create a satellite hub in Ward 8 to address challenges before they become crises — especially those affecting youth violence. Some services are already available; collectively, we need a united front among all stakeholders to implement programs for our youth, seniors, and others. Community centres fall short of providing real services. Ward 8 needs and deserves a community hub, like the Youth Wellness Hub, right in our neighbourhood to build a stronger, safer, more engaged community across Ward 8. What do you believe is the most important issue facing your ward and how would you address it? The most important issue facing Ward 8 is neighbourhood safety. At the doors, residents are concerned about speeding, dangerous driving, property crime, and violence involving young people. Many have also raised concerns that the new Transit Windsor bus terminal on Tecumseh and Lauzon Parkway left seniors and people with mobility issues as an after thought, with little regard for their safety planning. They must cross a six-lane street to access the mall. Windsor police have deemed this intersection one of the most dangerous east-end intersections. We need to do better for our seniors and people with mobility issues. The Seniors of Fontaine Bleau Towers 2455 also have many concerns that I will address as your Ward 8 city councillor. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their home, on their street, and in local parks. I would address this by advocating for stronger traffic enforcement, targeted road-safety improvements, and a visible, responsive police presence in areas experiencing repeated problems. Many traffic calming signs are just warnings without proper enforcement. If you have ever gotten a speeding ticket, you remember exactly where it was because enforcement creates long-lasting behavioural change; signs have minimal effect, are costly, and don’t deliver the safety we need and deserve in all the neighbourhoods of Ward 8. I will also address street safety concerns by installing more appropriate solar lights on streets and in parks as a cost-effective solution. I will also bring Windsor Police, school boards, healthcare providers, probation services, community organizations, parents, and young people together to improve prevention and early intervention. Enforcement is necessary, but lasting safety also requires addressing problems before they escalate, keeping residents informed, and ensuring City Hall promptly follows up on their concerns. My approach would combine accountability with prevention. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? How do you differ from your fellow candidates? What sets me apart and how I differ is my deep community involvement for over 30 years at WF Herman Secondary as a youth worker, a frontline staff member doing the real work, directly with positive, life-changing results, working with thousands of families right here in this community, including many of your own grandchildren, you, and your own children. I am very well known and respected by the community as Mr. Racine. I work out of room 116. I pride myself on always standing up for my community, and now they are standing up for me. The community knows what I stand for and has seen it with their own eyes, and that has brought excitement to this election in our community. I am known for getting things done through passion, compassion, and determination like no one else when it comes to helping people. My real world experience with some of the most troubling situations youth and their families face has prepared me to make a direct impact from day one as your Ward 8 city councillor and will eventually benefit the entire city. I have worked directly with the unhoused, those experiencing drug addiction and substance abuse, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and repeat offenders. I have created and delivered conflict resolution and mediation programs, breakfast and lunch programs, and food and clothing drives to meet the needs of our community, your neighbours. I have lived in Ward 8 for 48 years. I understand our neighbourhood, and I know how important early intervention, collaboration, and consistent follow-through are. This has been my life’s work long before it was ever a campaign. I am prepared to transition to full-time city councillor, accessible, visible, and responsive. I’ll deliver practical results on neighbourhood safety, traffic enforcement, responsible development, infrastructure, and reliable city services. I will do my best to improve our community. I will get back to residents quickly and effectively. I will bring the same commitment I’ve shown in the community for the last 30 years. I promise that my brand is Windsor, Ont. Ward 8 city councillor fighting for you. If you stand up for me and vote Kevin Racine, I will keep standing up for you. I will not seek higher office or run for MPP while I am your seated Ward 8 city councillor, which could leave residents with no voice at City Hall. Ward 9 Councillor Kieran McKenzie – Incumbent CTV News is awaiting a response. Soham Patel Why are you running for councillor of Ward 9 in Windsor? I am running because I believe Ward 9 deserves a councillor who is accessible, accountable, and focused on getting practical things done. As a Windsor resident, realtor, and Canadian Armed Forces Naval Reservist, I have learned the importance of service, teamwork, responsibility, and listening to the people I represent. Those are the same principles I want to bring to City Hall. Ward 9 is growing, and that growth brings opportunities, but it also creates responsibilities. Residents should not have to choose between growth and the quality of their neighbourhoods. We need infrastructure, transportation, roads, sidewalks, parks, and community amenities to keep pace with development. I am running to be a strong voice for residents while also working collaboratively with council, city staff, and the community to find practical solutions. Most importantly, I want residents to feel that their councillor is someone they can reach, someone who listens before making decisions, and someone who follows through after making commitments. One thing I have heard repeatedly during my communication with the residents that they see their councillor only before each election, and I promise I won’t be that one. What do you believe is the most important issue facing your ward and how would you address it? I believe the biggest issue facing Ward 9 is making sure infrastructure and transportation keep pace with growth. Ward 9 is experiencing significant development, and that growth needs to be matched with the roads, drainage, sidewalks, pedestrian connections, traffic management, transit, and community amenities residents need. My approach would be to focus on planning infrastructure before problems become emergencies. That means stronger long-term transportation planning, better coordination between development and infrastructure, and clear timelines for projects. I also want to improve connectivity within the ward. Residents should be able to safely walk, cycle, drive, or take transit to the places they need to go. Areas such as 6th Concession and other growing neighbourhoods need safe and connected pedestrian infrastructure. I would also make resident consultation a regular part of the process. People living in a neighbourhood often know exactly where the problems are. City hall should be listening to them before decisions are made, not only after problems occur. Growth can be positive for Windsor, but it has to be managed responsibly and accompanied by the infrastructure needed to support it. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? My three priorities would be: 1. Infrastructure and transportation that keep pace with growth. I would focus on roads, drainage, sidewalks, pedestrian safety, traffic management, and long-term transportation planning so that infrastructure does not fall behind development. 2. Better connectivity and accessible community services. I want Ward 9 residents to have reliable transportation options and safe access to parks, recreation, community facilities, and neighbourhood amenities. I would also advocate for better transit frequency and stronger connections across Windsor-Essex. 3. Accountability and meaningful resident engagement. Residents should know what their councillor is working on, what progress has been made, and where projects stand. I would prioritize regular communication and consultation, particularly on major developments and infrastructure decisions. My goal would not simply be to announce priorities. It would be to establish measurable objectives, communicate progress, and remain accountable to residents throughout the four-year term as resident’s concerns may change. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? Every candidate brings different experiences and perspectives to an election, and I respect everyone who puts their name forward to serve the community. What I bring is a combination of community perspective, private-sector experience, and a background in military service. My experience as a Canadian Armed Forces Naval Reservist taught me the value of discipline, teamwork, preparation, and service. My work as a realtor has given me a close understanding of housing, development, neighbourhood growth, and the decisions that affect homeowners and families. I also bring a fresh perspective as a younger Windsor resident. I am not running simply to criticize what has been done before. I want to listen to residents; understand the challenges they are experiencing and work with council and city staff to find practical solutions. For me, representation means being accessible, explaining decisions clearly and following through on commitments. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? My promise is that residents will always know what I am working on and where I stand. If elected, I will establish clear priorities for Ward 9 and regularly report back to residents on the progress being made, including what has been completed, what is still underway, and where there are delays or challenges. I also want residents to have meaningful opportunities to provide input before major decisions affecting their neighbourhoods are made. Four years from now, I want voters to be able to look at my record and judge me based on results, not promises. If I cannot deliver something because of a decision outside the councillor’s authority, budget limitations, or another legitimate constraint, I will explain that honestly rather than make excuses or disappear. My commitment is simple: Listen, communicate, work collaboratively, and be accountable for the issues I have committed to addressing. Ward 10 Councillor Wally Chafchak CTV News is awaiting a response. Adam Ibrahim CTV News is awaiting a response. Mark Masanovich CTV News is awaiting a response. Jim Morrison – Incumbent Why are you running for councillor of Ward 10 in Windsor? I have represented Ward 10 residents for the last eight years. I’m very proud of the accomplishments we have made. These include extensive work on Dominion Boulevard and $3.3 million investment on local roadways this year. We have installed new playgrounds and have six more planned for next year. We have built some beautiful trails in the ward and are just starting a scenic trail around South Cameron Woodlot. In the city, I have been a strong voice on council making decisions like approving a record $317 million in infrastructure this year and approving thousands of new housing units. But there is still so much more to do. I love my job making the City of Windsor a much better place to live, work, and play. We are a growing city, due to decisions that have helped us attract new good paying jobs like the NextStar Battery Plant and suppliers like Minth. A new acute care hospital is coming, we need more industrial land, and we need to build the infrastructure to support these projects as well as planning for 5,000 new houses in the near future. I want to be at the table planning for what is coming. What do you believe is the most important issue facing your ward and how would you address it? Ward 10 is in the center of the city touching six different wards. We don’t have any available land like in the east and the south. However, we do have the South Cameron woodlot and wetlands. I will continue to monitor this beautiful and sensitive land to safeguard it from development. I am the vice chair of ERCA and chair the Development Standing Committee, so I am well positioned to ensure that we retain this jewel, the heart of our city. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? We have city owned land that could be sold to developers at below market prices and the homes on Indian Road could be turned over to Habitat for Humanity. We can help lower housing costs by reducing the development charges by 70 per cent, something we are pursuing, with the builder passing along the savings. And as previously mentioned, continue to keep tax increases low. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? I am the only candidate that has watched over and contributed to eight budget cycles. You can trust me to be fiscally responsible, making tough decisions, and using common sense. We don’t know what 4 new councillors will want to spend money on and some will have expensive ideas they advocate for. I will use my vote to make sure everything is reasonable. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? The bottom line is managing your tax dollars wisely. I’ve already said that I will keep any increases very reasonable. We need to spend record amounts on infrastructure because we are a growing city. I have the financial background to manage these costs in a way that does not put the costs on your tax bill. In four years, you can trust me to say again, that we have held tax increases below that of other Ontario cities.
