Norfolk County’s Ward 3 will have a new councillor following this month’s municipal election, and the three candidates hoping to fill the seat are laying out their priorities.
Chris Gill, Doug Moyaert and Hetty Verlinden took part in a candidates debate at the Delhi German Home, alongside candidates running in Wards 2 and 4.
The winner will replace longtime councillor Michael Columbus, who chose not to seek another term. Columbus has represented the Delhi area since Norfolk County council was first formed and said he felt it was the right time to step away, while thanking the community for its support over the years.
One of the biggest topics at the debate was growth, as Norfolk faces major infrastructure costs in the years ahead.
Gill said he supports development, but believes it needs to benefit existing residents while protecting farmland.
Moyaert said Delhi already has several residential developments approved and would rather see controlled growth that creates local jobs; using Bluegrass Estates as an example.
Verlinden also favoured commercial and industrial development, particularly food processing and light industry that can strengthen Norfolk’s agricultural economy. She had this to say on residential growth.
Candidates were also asked how Norfolk can balance growth with protecting agricultural land.
Gill said productive farmland should not simply become land for future development.
Moyaert pointed to recent infrastructure investments in Delhi and opportunities for agriculture-related businesses on appropriately zoned land.
Verlinden said Norfolk should first look within existing communities for housing and business growth.
The future of downtown Delhi was another major topic, with candidates asked how they would address vacant storefronts and strengthen the retail sector.
Gill said the goal should be creating a downtown where people want to stop, spend time and support local businesses.
Moyaert said Delhi already has community events and organizations drawing people downtown, but businesses also need help dealing with costs.
Verlinden said the county can help entrepreneurs through grants, flexible retail opportunities and improvements that make the downtown more inviting.
The candidates also found common ground when discussing the future of rural arenas, community centres and other recreational facilities.
Gill cautioned against moving too many recreational services into larger communities such as Simcoe.
He added there may be a cost to keeping those facilities open, but to him it’s worth the cost to invest in.
Moyaert said he opposes closing recreational facilities and suggested corporate naming rights as one way to generate additional money for upgrades.
Verlinden described rural recreation facilities as an important part of Norfolk’s social infrastructure.
With Columbus stepping away after decades at the council table, Ward 3 voters will now decide which of the three candidates will represent Delhi and the surrounding area during Norfolk County’s next term of council.
Written by Jeremy Hall
