The upcoming municipal election in Windsor is approaching its final week for candidates to submit their nomination papers. Current records indicate that Ward 1 and Ward 9 may have uncontested victories, as each ward has only one candidate on the ballot as of Monday.
If no additional nominations are received by the end of the week, Darcie Renaud in Ward 1 and Kieran McKenzie in Ward 9 will secure their council seats uncontested, marking the first time in over 30 years for Windsor City Hall to witness acclaimed city councillors.
Ward 9, with one of the city’s largest voter populations, encompasses areas from Roseland to the airport region, including the future site of the mega-hospital. Kieran McKenzie, seeking his third term as Ward 9 councillor, emphasizes the importance of managing growth across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors in the region.
In Ward 1, Fred Francis, who has served as councillor since 2014, has announced his candidacy for mayor after three terms representing South Windsor. Darcie Renaud, the sole candidate for Ward 1, aims to earn her council seat despite the possibility of an uncontested win.
While Wards 1 and 9 face uncontested scenarios, the other eight wards boast multiple candidates. Ward 5 and 6 have five contenders each, excluding incumbents Ed Sleiman and Jo-Anne Gignac, who are not seeking re-election. The mayoral race is also competitive, with seven candidates vying for the position.
Incumbent Mayor Drew Dilkens has not disclosed his re-election intentions, noting a lower candidate turnout compared to previous elections. With nominations closing on Friday, Aug. 21, the city hopes for increased participation to ensure a robust democratic process.
