OUT and ABOUT with Seeker Chick Mai-Liis and Julia: attended the Cornwall & Area Chamber of Commerce / yourTV Candidate Night & Mayoral Debate that was held at the Best Western Parkway Inn & Conference Centre on Wednesday, October 14th.
This was the third in a series of four events designed to help us get to know the candidates running for Cornwall City Council and Mayor of Cornwall as we approach Election Day on October 26th.
At The Seeker, we have interviewed the candidates by asking them all the same 10 questions, giving voters an opportunity to compare their answers. You can read their responses on our website at: theseeker dot ca. However, attending these in-person events offers something extra. We get to see the candidates speak, hear their ideas firsthand, and learn a little more about the people hoping to represent our community.
All 26 candidates running for Cornwall City Council were invited to attend or submit a video presentation. Twenty-two candidates attended in person, and no videos were submitted. All four Mayoral candidates were present!
The evening began at 5:00 p.m. with a Meet and Greet, giving everyone an opportunity to speak with the candidates and following this, Nick Seebruck and Jacob Pilon welcomed everyone and reviewed the housekeeping rules. This event was sponsored by the Cornwall And District Real Estate Board, and President Derek McEwen spoke about the organization before wishing all the candidates the best of luck.
Each City Council candidate was then introduced and given two minutes to tell us about themselves, explain why they were running, and highlight their platforms.
I decided that rather than photographing each candidate while speaking, I would take photos of them with their election signs or campaign literature. You’ll therefore see the candidates pictured in the order in which they spoke.
The speaking order had been determined earlier in the evening by random draw and was as follows:
Lisa Olmstead, Carol Boileau, Jason Riley, Todd Lalonde, Jody Mitic, Jeremy Rose, Tobias LeGros, Vamini Mohonathas, Dan Beaudin, Jason Mousseau, John Cameron, Mary Jane Proulx, Claude Poirier, Dean Hollingsworth, Elaine MacDonald, Tyler Hudon, Joanne Parker, Todd Bennett, Denis Sabourin, Shozib Haroon, Fred Ngoundjo, and Joel Côté.
It was an opportunity for voters to hear directly from the people seeking one of the eight available City Council seats. With a smaller council table in this election, (8 members instead of 10), every vote matters when deciding who will help guide Cornwall over the next four years.
At 7:30 p.m., it was time for the Mayoral Debate, and I was happy to see all four candidates ready to participate: incumbent Mayor Justin Towndale, Sarah Good, Art Levert, and Nicole Spahich.
Hosted by yourTV in partnership with the Cornwall & Area Chamber of Commerce, the debate gave the candidates an opportunity to discuss their visions for Cornwall, explain their positions, and respond to questions on issues affecting our city.
Some of the major issues facing Cornwall and its next municipal council include property taxes and affordability, housing and homelessness, economic development, infrastructure, transparency and accountability at City Hall, and the delivery of municipal services. These are important considerations for residents as they decide which candidates best reflect their priorities.
The discussion also provided an opportunity to consider how Cornwall can support local businesses, encourage growth, and remain a welcoming and affordable community for residents of all ages. With concerns about the cost of living and the need for essential services continuing to affect families, seniors, and individuals throughout our community, voters have plenty to think about before casting their ballots.
For those who couldn’t attend in person, YourTV Cornwall livestreamed this debate and you can watch it at: https://www.youtube.com/live/_QrkHou4aRE?si=ctT1tciS83t2yLCc
As we continue meeting candidates and listening to their ideas, one thing is clear: municipal elections are about more than campaign signs and promises. They are about the decisions that affect our everyday lives, from the taxes we pay and the roads we travel to the services available to our families and the future we want for Cornwall.
At The Seeker, we believe that giving every candidate an opportunity to share their views helps residents make more informed decisions. Reading their answers, attending public forums, and watching debates all provide different perspectives that can help us decide who deserves our support.
With Election Day fast approaching, I encourage everyone to take some time to learn about the candidates before heading to the polls. You don’t have to agree with every position a candidate takes, but it is important to understand their priorities and consider whether they align with your own.
A big thank you to the Cornwall & Area Chamber of Commerce, yourTV Cornwall, the Cornwall and District Real Estate Board, and everyone involved in organizing this election event. And kudos to all the candidates who took the time to participate and share their ideas with the public.
After all, our community’s future is shaped by the people we choose to represent us!
If you would like to hear more from the Candidates, tonight, Thursday October 15th, The Seeker livestreamed the fourth debate, Cornwall and District Labour Council Debate that was held at the Benson Centre in Cornwall. Check it out here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Ep9nABE1d/
Make your voice heard and remember to vote.
You have many options.
Online voting is open til Monday, October 26 at 8 pm.
In person Advance Voting at Cornwall Square starts October 21 til October 23 from 8 am to 7 pm.
Election Day is Monday, October 26, 2026 with in person polls open from 10 am to 8 am.
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