The three Windsor mayoral candidates invited to the Windsor Essex Chamber of Commerce's mayoral debate offered three distinct choices to the voters of the city.
The debate between incumbent Drew Dilkens, Fred Francis, and Kat Pasquach focused on economic diversity during a trade war, housing, downtown revitalization and planning for population growth in the city. But ultimately, the debate came down to leadership styles and governance.
Dilkens told voters the city needs stability to navigate all of those issues. With at least four new councillors coming to City Hall, DIlkens urged residents to stay the course.
"Now is the time for stability at the top. For proven leadership with the ability to get things done. Projects like Sandwich South which will be an economic driver of success and a job creator for our entire region for the next 50 years. In me you have a person who has been driving this development, pushing for the necessary investments on a schedule and in a way that is smart, sensible, and financially responsible," said Dilkens.
Francis told the audience its time for a change. He says Dilkens has had 12 years at City Hall and if things have not been accomplished in that time another four years will not make a difference.
"The same approach will bring about the same results, that is why Windsor needs change. I know how City Hall works and where it is not working. This election is not about experience it is about priorities and about putting people first," said Francis.
The third candidate Pasquach offered to be the voice of the people. To make change by listening to the collective ideas of the community and fostering partnerships.
"Working with other community members, other organizations, other levels of governments is something that I'm more than willing to take on and not be stubborn in the approach that I bring forward. I am so happy to move forward with collective ideas and uplift other voices and ideas at the table," said Pasquach.
During the 45 minute debate, Francis and Dilkens challenged each others' records and ideas seeming to forget there was a woman on stage with them. Pasquach even lost track of the topic at hand at one point as she listened to the other candidates trade jabs.
"I guess I just kind of got stuck on some of the points, hearing so much back and forth between egos on the stage," quipped Pasquach. "It's the reality that we face. I really want to be able to bring back a voice to the residents that are in our community."
Throughout the debate, Dilkens spoke to his ongoing efforts at city hall, particularly focusing on his plan for the development of the Sandwich South lands.
"This is where the future of Windsor is, we need to get that land ready," said Dilkens. "I want to get that ready, I want to work on the health R&D park making sure that we're not leaving anything on the table."
Francis noted one of his top priorities for revitalizing downtown is establishing a permanent location for the Central Library Branch.
"This is something that all modern cities have a downtown central library meeting space, that's permanent," said Francis. "We're going to find a new permanent location for a downtown library for young people, seniors, and community to actually enjoy, meet, and provide the leadership within the downtown communities that we're all looking for."
Pasquach indicated she wants to see a greater focus on transit and active transportation connecting to the new Gordie Howe International Bridge.
"Knowing that there was a bridge coming into our city and that bike lanes would be a part of that plan, that people would be able to walk over to our community where has the capacity built up? A part of my plan is to build a connected Windsor and have bike infrastructure across our city," said Pasquach.
The full debate will be available on the YourTV Windsor YouTube channel by Wednesday at 8 p.m.
Also running for mayor this election are Benjamin Danyluk, Aaron Day, Dylon Graves, Tara Grayer, Nick Kolasky, Tristan Ty Morencie, Patrick Sutherland, and Louis Vautopic.
The Windsor Essex Chamber of Commerce stated it invited these three candidates to the debate after polling their members.
The election is October 26, 2026.
