The Huron Chamber of Commerce has announced the first two events in a planned series of Candidate Conversations taking place across Huron County during the 2026 municipal election campaign.
The first event will be held Wednesday, September 9 in the evening at the Kingsbridge Centre in Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh. The second will take place Sunday, September 13 in the afternoon evening at The Livery in Goderich. Additional Candidate Conversations events are being planned in communities across Huron County and will be announced as arrangements are confirmed.
Information about the events, along with other election-related resources, including up-to-date lists of nominees, will be available through the Municipal Election Hub on the Huron Chamber website. Residents can check the hub for confirmed dates, locations, times and other election information as it becomes available.
Candidate Conversations: Electing the Next Huron County Council will use a moderated, conversation-style format to help residents learn more about the people seeking senior municipal leadership positions. The formal discussion at each event will feature candidates for mayor or reeve and deputy mayor or deputy reeve, depending on the titles used by the municipality, with questions divided equally between issues facing the local municipality and matters that will come before Huron County Council.
The conversations will not be limited to business or economic development. Candidates will be invited to address the full range of municipal responsibilities and community priorities, including local services, infrastructure, housing, planning, recreation, taxation, governance and other issues likely to come before local and county councils.
“Municipal leaders make decisions that shape the communities where people live, work, raise families and operate businesses,” said Colin Carmichael, Executive Director of the Huron Chamber of Commerce. “These conversations will give residents an opportunity to hear how candidates understand both the priorities of their municipality and the broader responsibilities that come with serving on Huron County Council.”
Each event will also include Candidate Connections, an informal meet-and-greet open to all candidates seeking election to municipal council. Candidate Connections will give residents an opportunity to speak directly with candidates for councillor and other municipal positions who are not participating in the moderated discussion.
“The moderated discussion is designed to help voters compare candidates for the communities’ senior leadership positions, while Candidate Connections ensures every council candidate has an opportunity to meet residents and discuss the issues that matter most to them,” Carmichael said.
The events will be open to the public, with no registration required.
As an independent, community-based organization serving businesses and communities across Huron County, the Chamber sees informed civic participation as part of its broader role. Candidate Conversations are intended to create accessible opportunities for residents to engage with local candidates, better understand the responsibilities of municipal government and participate more fully in the decisions that shape their communities.
The Huron Chamber of Commerce is one of Canada’s fastest growing Chambers, connecting community leaders since 1990. Representing businesses across Huron County, the Chamber focuses on growing the local economy, supporting business success, and strengthening our towns and villages. As an independent, non-profit organization, the Chamber advocates for business and community interests, facilitates collaboration, and convenes stakeholders to develop and support a vibrant and thriving county.
