Growth in Population with a 2.3% increase in population since 2016 census following years of suffering a decline in population.
Growth in Housing/Development with a record number of permits issued.
Growth in Business as evidenced by Business Park Sales and a significant increase in foreign direct investment inquiries.
Attracted new companies / large businesses (Cascades Casino, United Industries, Harbour Technologies, Dajcor (retention and growth) with more to come.
Sold Navistar property that is being redeveloped after being vacant for 10+ years.
Spurred growth in the number of Public / Private Partnerships.
Sold the WDC Rail Line.
Managed the successful recovery and management efforts through Covid re: Erie Shore Drive and Wheatley (secured $4.95 million for Wheatley recovery from Provincial government).
Renewed and improved our CIP (Community Improvement Program) that has spurred new development and investment in our communities.
Received numerous endorsements confirming that CK is now known as a great place to conduct business.
Established a more open and transparent government and have conducted a record number of community consultations on various issues.
Improved Chatham-Kent’s reputation (moved up to #27 in 2021 from #126 in 2019 on Macleans Magazine list of Best Communities in Canada).
The Next 4 Years
Invest in infrastructure necessary to upgrade our communities and to attract businesses.
Continue to eliminate practices that frustrate existing business and stifle new development.
Seek out and encourage more public private partnerships.
Complete downtown community revitalization plans.
Deliver enhanced and expanded Arts and Culture programs and amenities.
Upgrade and improve sports and recreation facilities and programs across CK.
Support new initiatives to tackle mental health and addiction.
Create more affordable housing that is one of the key components to resolving homelessness.
Continuing my long term commitment to promoting CK and enhancing the quality of life experiences for residents.
Representing All of Chatham-Kent
Always Accessible
Work History
Chatham-Kent’s Mayor from 2018 – 2022 (Current Position)
Director of Finance and CFO of Transform SSO
Controller – Greenfield Specialty Alcohols Inc.
Director of Planning and Forecasting, Union Gas
Director of Strategic Development, Union Gas
Manager of Taxation Services at KPMG
Accomplishments
Current Chair of Crowfest 2022
Reintroduced the very popular Festival of Nations
Introduced Positivity Day in CK in 2016 to engage our community in collectively working towards creating a more positive culture in Chatham-Kent
Introduced the ‘Festival of Giving’ to Chatham-Kent 17 years ago that has raised nearly $3,000,000 for local charities
Initiated ‘The Amazing Race Chatham-Kent’ in 2006 to kick off the annual United Way Campaign
Introduced The Decatholon and Hallowbash to raise funds for the Children’s Safety Village and the Acceptional Riders Program at TJ Stables
Funded and promoted nine concerts at the Capital Theatre dubbed ‘The Children’s Concert Series’ that raised over $75,000 in support of the Children’s Treatment Centre Foundation
Chatham-Kent Citizen of the Year in 2006
Experience
Mayor Of Chatham-Kent from 2018 – 2022
C-K Councilor for Ward 6 from 2014-2018
Current Chair of Crowfest 2022
Co-Chair of the 2018 International Plowing Match
Volunteer Chair of the ChathamKent’s Prosperity Roundtable
Director of the Foundation of The Children’s Treatment Centre
Board Chair of Mainstreet Credit Union
Past Chair of the Board of Directors of Entegrus
With his wife Christine, Darrin cochaired the United Way of ChathamKent’s 2006 fundraising campaign
Past member of the Board of Directors of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance
Key Voting Dates
Online Voting October 3rd – October 16th Advanced Poles Open October 13th – October 15th Election Day October 24th