Election debates set in Niagara Falls, Fort Erie

Council candidates will also get a chance to meet-and-greet voters

Several debates are coming up for mayoral candidates in Niagara Falls and Fort Erie, in the lead-up to the Oct. 22 municipal election.

The South Niagara Chambers of Commerce are hosting a series of election showdowns across the southern end of the region.

In Niagara Falls, two events have been set up.

The first is Sept. 26 at the Cogeco studios in Niagara Falls, from 7 to 8 p.m., co-sponsored by the Niagara Falls Review and Niagara’s daily and Metroland newspapers.

All four Falls candidates for mayor – incumbent Jim Diodati, Councillor Kim Craitor, Kip Finn and Dinah Mansour – are expected to attend. The studio isn’t open to the public, but voters can watch the debate live on Cogeco TV.

Those four, as well as the 32 candidates for Niagara Falls city council, will have another chance to spread their message Oct. 9 during a meet-and-greet at the Gale Centre on Thorold Stone Road, in the Memorial Room.

That event runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m. For more information visit NiagaraFallsChamber.com/ events.

Fort Erie’s three candidates for mayor – incumbent Wayne Redekop, Councillor Stephen Passero and George Jardine – will meet Oct. 2 at the Leisureplex.

That event includes a meetand-greet from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. followed by a debate from 7 to 9 p.m.

The night is co-sponsored by the Fort Erie Chamber of Commerce, the Niagara Falls Review and Star Metroland’s other daily and weekly Niagara newspapers.

Also in Fort Erie, candidates in the town’s west end will debate seniors’ issues on Sept. 29, at an event organized by the Beachcombers Seniors Club at their building on Ridge Road.

It will include candidates for mayor and regional council and wards 4, 5 and 6 on town council.

Tickets are limited and cost $5, to cover organizational costs, and are available at the Beachcombers’ hall or Lakeside Books and Art on Ridge Road.

They’re also available by phoning 289-402-5181 or 905-382-6112.