Michael Bondy wins Chatham-Kent mayoral race with 15,818 votes

Michael Bondy became the new mayor of Chatham-Kent after winning the municipal election on Monday. Unofficial results place him ahead of incumbent Darrin Canniff, ending Canniff's tenure that began in 2018.

Bondy received 15,818 votes, accounting for 43.4 percent of the total. Canniff finished second with 11,501 votes, or 31.6 percent. A total of 36,410 votes were cast in the race. The victory marks a shift in leadership for the municipality.

Bondy first joined the Chatham-Kent council in 2010. Canniff served as a councillor for one term before winning the mayoral seat in 2018. Both candidates campaigned on their records and visions for the region's future.

In his first comments, Bondy emphasized the role of public feedback in his decision-making. He cited the Hub project as an example where he adjusted his position after listening to residents. Bondy also referenced the Victoria Avenue corridor and the potential construction of a new arena during his term.

Canniff accepted the outcome, stating that the voters requested change. He said he wanted the new council to maintain the progress achieved over the past eight years. He specifically mentioned preserving the arts and culture initiatives that he believed benefited the community.

The election also resulted in new representatives for all eight wards. In Ward 1, Mark Authier and Melissa Harrigan won their seats. Ward 2 saw Anthony Ceccacci and Albert Pilbeam elected. Emery Huszka secured the sole seat in Ward 3, while Rhonda Jubenville won in Ward 4.

Ward 5 was won by Jim Blake and Bill Wolsing. Alysson Storey and F. Brian Machado took the seats in Ward 6. Steve Kenney and Amy Finn won in Ward 7. Brock McGregor and Conor Allin claimed the two seats in Ward 8. Based on the unofficial count, overall voter turnout was 40.79 percent.