Meet city council candidates in person
Being informed about candidates isn’t a requirement for voting in an election, but it sure doesn’t hurt.
Several community groups in the coming days are holding debates and meet and greets for St. Catharines city council candidates to help residents brush up on facts before they cast their ballots.
“We want the people to be informed,” said Della Trojan, a member of Friends of Walker’s Creek, which is holding a candidates meeting for Grantham ward on Oct. 3.
“How can you complain during the term if you don’t know about the people?” she said jokingly. “If you want to do any complaining, you better find out what these candidates are all about.”
Friends of Walker’s Creek has held candidate nights for several municipal elections in a row, giving residents and candidates a chance to meet face to face.
Trojan said there’s no way for candidates to connect with every voter by going door to door. Residents sometimes get pamphlets, but they don’t always get a chance to talk with them like they can at a meeting.
“They can come out, listen to the questions that are going to be asked of the Grantham ward candidates and then speak to them afterwards if they have any concerns,” she said.
There are candidate nights scheduled for five of St. Catharines’ six wards so far:
MERRITTON Ward 1
Tuesday Oct. 2, 7 p.m.
Where: Merritton Community Centre, 7 Park Ave.
Details: Merritton Matters is hosting a city council debate for Merritton. Everyone is invited to come out and hear directly from the ward’s candidates.
Wednesday Oct. 3, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Connaught Public School, 28 Prince St.
Details: The Queenston Round Table has invited Merritton ward candidates to speak at its annual general meeting. A discussion with candidates about issues in and around Queenston Street will be led by a community member and there will be time for a meet and greet as well. Open to the public.
ST. GEORGE’S Ward 3
Monday Oct. 1, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Canadian Polish Society Hall, 43 Facer St.
Details: The Canadian Polish Society is hosting a St. George’s candidates night. Candidates will have a few minutes to speak and will then answer questions from the audience. Moderated by George Darte.
ST. PATRICK’S Ward 4
Thursday Sept. 20, 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Russell Avenue Community Centre
Details: Fitzgerald Neighbours are holding an informal meet and greet with all three St. Patrick’s ward candidates and some regional candidates following their annual general meeting. The event is open to the public.
Monday Oct. 1, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: The Film House in FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, 250 St. Paul St.
Details: The St. Catharines Downtown Association presents a debate between all three city council candidates for ward 4. Questions from the association will be followed by open audience questions. Moderated by Jennifer Wallace. Free admission and open to the public.
GRANTHAM Ward 5
Wednesday Oct. 3, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Grantham Lions Club, Niagara Street at Parnell Road
Details: Friends of Walker’s Creek is inviting the public to learn about the Grantham candidates. Ward candidates will be asked selected questions followed by a meet and greet. Candidates for mayor, regional council and boards of education have also been invited for the meet and greet portion.
PORT DALHOUSIE Ward 6
Thursday Sept. 27, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Port Church, 1 Lakeshore Rd.
Details: The Port Church is holding a meet and greet and public conversation with Port Dalhousie Ward 6 candidates. Everyone is invited.
If you know of an upcoming candidate information session not listed here, please contact karena.walter@niagaradailies.com with time, location and details.