Couwenberg topples Palmer to become Norwich’s next mayor

Luke Edwards, Post Correspondent

A new, but familiar face will take the helm at Norwich Township for the next four years.

Adrian Couwenberg defeated incumbent Jim Palmer in the Oct. 26 municipal elections. He spent the previous four years as a Ward 4 councillor for the township.

He handily defeated Palmer, securing 2,732 votes compared to Palmer’s 1,114 votes.

Couwenberg called it a sense of relief when he saw the numbers coming in. While many around him had a sense of optimism, Couwenberg said he wasn’t going to take anything for granted and continued canvassing up until the last minute. The relatively-strong win and strong overall turnout of 43.5 per cent gave Couwenberg some confidence that his message of accountability, financial responsibility and transparency was well received.

“When you see that, you know the municipality is behind you. So that gives you a little bit of a vote of confidence,” he said.

Couwenberg said he wants to continue on the path of financial responsibility Norwich has charted in recent years, but also bring that mentality to Oxford County. He said he’s also focused on ensuring important infrastructure projects move forward. Finalizing the township’s Safe and Well Being Plan and getting up to speed on the proposed new medical centre are some of his other early priorities.

The switch in the mayor’s chair isn’t the only change around the council horseshoe. Marius Kerkhoff defeated Roy King in Ward 1, after incumbent Karl Toews ran in Ward 4. Kerkhoff received 595 votes, while King received 559.

Ward 2 was a nail-biter, with incumbent Lynne DePlancke narrowly winning re-election. Her 517 votes were just five more than challenger Tim Thompson’s 512.

Meanwhile, Toews’ move to Ward 4 proved successful, as he beat Lacey Hird 500 votes to 276.

Incumbent Shawn Gear returns as the Ward 3 councillor. No challengers put their name forward, meaning Gear was acclaimed.

Overall, voter turnout in the election was 43.5 per cent, with 3,905 votes being cast. One ballot was declined and 18 rejected.

The inaugural meeting of the new council is set for Nov. 17.