While election campaigns are full of signs, websites, social media management and carefully prepared messages, few things underscore the democratic process quite like good old-fashioned political debates, an opportunity to hear directly from, and put questions before, those seeking your vote.

We have been informed that, once again, Grimsby voters will have the opportunity to hear from municipal candidates in early October through a series of public debates organized by Grimsby Votes, an independent ad hoc group of local residents.

Dates & Location

The following debates are scheduled:

Monday, October 5 — Mayoral Debate
Wednesday, October 7 — Ward 3 Councillor Debate
Thursday, October 8 — Wards 1, 2 & 4 Councillor Debate

All debates will be held at the Grimsby Legion on Clarke Street (click for map) and will run from 7:00 p.m. to approximately 8:30 p.m.

The Mayoral Debate will be held upstairs, with seating for approximately 190 people. The Ward Councillor debates will be held downstairs, with seating for approximately 140.

Debate Format

Each debate will be moderated by an independent professional moderator, with candidates answering the same questions under the same time limits. Time permitting, the format may also include candidate-to-candidate questions.

The format will include opening and closing statements, questions gathered from the public beforehand, and a rapid-fire YES/NO round.

Among the areas expected to be covered are governance, taxes and municipal finances, infrastructure, transit, economic development and Regional matters.

Free to Attend / Help GBF

There is no admission fee, but organizers are encouraging residents to bring a food donation for GBF Community Services.

Watch for Updates

For Grimsby voters, the debates offer a chance to see the candidates together, responding directly to the issues and questions being raised by the community.

Once the final list of participating candidates is available, we will publish an update with the full roster.

Feel free to pass this information along to friends, neighbours and family who may not otherwise hear about the debates, so as many Grimsby residents as possible have the opportunity to attend.