More Than 250 Attendees Participate in Municipal Election Discussion Focused on Growth, Infrastructure and Economic Prosperity
The Municipal Candidate Open House hosted by the Chatham-Kent Growth Alliance on September 9 exceeded expectations, drawing more than 250 municipal election candidates, community stakeholders, business leaders, farmers, builders, property owners, and residents for an evening of dialogue focused on the future of Chatham-Kent. The event was held from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Chatham-Kent Armories and provided an opportunity for candidates seeking municipal office to engage directly with the sectors driving local economic growth and investment.
Representing agriculture, housing, real estate, business, and property rights organizations, the Chatham-Kent Growth Alliance (CKGA) organized the event to encourage meaningful discussion around the Alliance’s four core priorities: consultation and engagement, fiscal responsibility and transparency, investment in infrastructure, and fair and sustainable taxation.
The evening featured presentations from mayoral candidates, followed by networking opportunities and direct conversations between candidates and attendees. The enthusiastic turnout demonstrated the strong interest residents and stakeholders have in the future direction of municipal leadership and policy.
“The response to tonight’s event was nothing short of remarkable,” said Carson Warrener, Director and Government Relations Chair for the Chatham-Kent Association of REALTORS® and Director of the Chatham-Kent Home Builders Association. “Seeing more than 250 people come together to discuss the future of our municipality sends a clear message that our community wants to be engaged in the decisions that shape growth, housing, infrastructure, and economic opportunity. We were encouraged by the thoughtful participation from both candidates and attendees throughout the evening.”
Jim Brackett, President of the Kent Federation of Agriculture, said the turnout reinforces the importance of collaboration among community stakeholders and municipal leaders.
“The Chatham-Kent Growth Alliance was established to bring organizations together around shared priorities, and tonight demonstrated the strength of that collective voice,” said Brackett. “The conversations we heard were respectful, productive, and centered on building a stronger future for Chatham-Kent. The agricultural community, business sector, housing industry, and residents all share a common interest in responsible growth, and we appreciate the candidates who took the time to listen and engage.”
Alliance representatives noted that the strong attendance reflects growing public interest in municipal governance and the impact local decisions have on economic development, housing affordability, infrastructure investment, and quality of life.
The Chatham-Kent Growth Alliance extends its appreciation to all candidates, attendees, volunteers, and member organizations who contributed to the success of the event.
One Voice. Shared Priorities. Sustainable Growth for Chatham-Kent.
About the Chatham-Kent Growth Alliance
The Chatham-Kent Growth Alliance (CKGA) is a coalition of organizations representing agriculture, housing, real estate, business, and property rights interests across Chatham-Kent. Member organizations include:
• Kent Federation of Agriculture • Grain Farmers of Ontario District 2 • Chatham-Kent Essex Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario • Chatham-Kent Property Rights Association • Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers • Chatham-Kent Association of REALTORS® • Chatham-Kent Home Builders Association • Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce
Together, these organizations advocate for policies that support responsible growth, investment, housing development, economic prosperity, and long-term community sustainability throughout Chatham-Kent.
SOURCE, CKAR
To learn more, visit CKAR CHATHAM KENT ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
