Chatham-Kent Election: Michael Bondy Wins Mayoral Race
Bondy defeated incumbent Darrin Canniff by more than 4,300 votes in a contest that drew 36,410 ballots.
By Abigail Brooks ·
Michael Bondy has taken the top office in Chatham-Kent, unseating the incumbent mayor in a close municipal contest.
Unofficial results show Bondy secured 15,818 votes, while Darrin Canniff received 11,501. Bondy captured 43.4 percent of the total vote, compared to Canniff's 31.6 percent. The election saw 36,410 ballots cast, representing a voter turnout of 40.79 percent. Bondy, a council member since 2010, replaces Canniff, who served as mayor since 2018 following a single term as councillor.
The new mayor cited public feedback as a key driver of his campaign strategy. He noted that he altered his position on specific projects after hearing from residents. "Like The Hub for instance, I listened to the public and I changed my mind on that because I understood the public sentiment," Bondy stated. He referenced the Hub, Victoria Avenue, and the likelihood of a new arena being built during his term as examples of issues where he adjusted his stance.
Canniff accepted the result, attributing the shift to a desire for new leadership among voters. "So the people spoke and they want change, so they’re getting change," Canniff said. He added that he accepts the outcome and is ready to move forward, noting that when one door closes, more open.
The outgoing mayor expressed hope that the incoming council would maintain the momentum of the previous eight years. He urged the new administration to preserve the arts and culture initiatives that he believed benefited the community. "I want council to rally and keep the progress that we’ve made the last eight years going," Canniff said, adding that he wants to see those efforts continue.
Bondy will lead a council populated by a mix of returning and new members. In Ward 1, Mark Authier and Melissa Harrigan won their seats. Anthony Ceccacci and Albert Pilbeam secured the positions in Ward 2, while Emery Huszka took the lone seat in Ward 3. Rhonda Jubenville won in Ward 4. Jim Blake and Bill Wolsing claimed the two seats in Ward 5. Alysson Storey and F. Brian Machado won in Ward 6, and Steve Kenney and Amy Finn took the seats in Ward 7. Brock McGregor and Conor Allin won the two positions in Ward 8.
Source: CKLW
