Wilmot groups team up for municipal election debates

By Amanda Nelson

Local civic, environmental, agricultural and community organizations have come together to host the Wilmot Election Debate Series, giving residents a chance to hear directly from candidates seeking elected office in Wilmot Township.

Debates will take place in three different locations. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the debates will start promptly at 7 p.m. For dates and locactions, see the scheduled on page 3.

The series is hosted by Wilmot Civic Action Network, Vision Waterloo Region, Nith Valley Eco Boosters, Citizens for Safe Ground Water, Waterloo Federation of Agriculture, Fight for Farmland and the Grand River Environmental Network.

Betesy Daub, organizer, says the focus will be on environmental issues affecting Wilmot Township but will offer insight on all topics related to the upcoming election.

“A lot has changed in the last four years, such as land expropriation and water issues; council just wasn’t prepared for that,” said Daub. “We want whoever gets in to be prepared for these challenges, be able to talk about them intelligently and make decisions with the community in mind.”

The organizers say the goal is to provide residents with a fair, professional and accessible forum where candidates can discuss issues important to Wilmot residents and demonstrate how they think, respond and articulate their positions in real time.

“Voters deserve an opportunity to hear candidates answer important questions without knowing exactly what is coming,” said Daub. “Municipal elected officials regularly face unexpected issues and complex decisions in council chambers. The public should have an opportunity to see how candidates respond thoughtfully and respectfully in real time.”

A professional moderator will facilitate the debates. The moderator is well known for moderating federal and provincial election debates televised on Rogers TV, as well as major public debates. Their role will be to ensure the evenings are professional, balanced and respectful while giving candidates a meaningful opportunity to present their views.

Candidates will receive equal opportunities to respond, and the format allows residents to compare their positions and approaches to the issues facing Wilmot Township. The night will also include pre-submitted questions from residents that will be asked during the debate.

“We want people to be engaged so that they can make an informed decision and decide what kind of council they want,” said Daub. “We want a council that really considers the future of this community; that’s the most important part.”

All candidates have been invited to participate in the debates. One candidate from New Hamburg has declined.

“This election is about Wilmot's future. We want residents to have the opportunity to hear directly from the people asking for their vote,” said Daub.

For residents unable to attend in person, the debates will also be broadcast live on YouTube through the Wilmot Civic Action Network at www.youtube.com/@WilmotCAN.

Debate Schedule

Wards 3 and 4 (Baden & New Hamburg)

Sept. 28, 2026

New Hamburg Community Centre

251 Jacob St., New Hamburg

Wards 1 and 2 (New Dundee, Mannheim, St. Agatha & Petersburg)

Oct. 1, 2026

Wilmot Rod & Gun Club

2607 Bleams Rd., Wilmot

Mayor’s Debate

Oct. 7, 2026

New Hamburg Community Centre

251 Jacob St., New Hamburg