— Re-Elect
DarrinCANNIFF
for Mayor · 2026
Let’s keep growing — together. Re-elect Darrin Canniff as Mayor of Chatham-Kent and keep our communities moving forward.

Welcome
A Message from Darrin
Over the past eight years, I’ve worked hard with Council to change the conversation around Chatham-Kent. We’ve focused on growth, positivity, strategic investment and creation of opportunities for individuals and families to build their future right here in our community. We’ve made significant progress in reducing our debt load, increasing our population, improving infrastructure across all areas of Chatham-Kent, building much needed affordable housing units, improving our downtowns and supporting local businesses.
There is still a great deal more to be accomplished. I would like to apply the experience gained as mayor over the past eight years to ensure that we continue the progress and momentum that has been building across Chatham-Kent.
A vote for me as your Mayor, is a vote to continue to move forward – “Let’s Keep Growing”.
The Results
Four Years of Progress
Real outcomes for Chatham-Kent, delivered through focused leadership.
Economic Development
- Growth in Housing/Development with a record number of permits issued
- Spurred growth in the number of public/private partnerships
- Navistar property sold and being redeveloped after being vacant for 10+ years
- Increased Business Park Sales
- Attracted new companies / large businesses
- Significant increase in foreign direct investment inquiries
- Received numerous endorsements confirming that CK is now known as a great place to conduct business
Community Development and Promotion
- Growth in Population with a ……. increase in population since 2016 census following years of suffering a decline in population
- Renewed and improved our CIP (Community Improvement Program) that has spurred new development and investment in communities across the municipality
- Initiated the Ward Funding Program to support all areas of Chatham-Kent
- Initiated the downtown mural and woodcarving programs
- Instrumental in the development of the Bear Line Community Park in partnership with St. Clair College with support from Tennis Canada and Rogers Communication
- Instrumental in bringing the Chatham-Kent Barnstormers baseball franchise to our community
Fiscal Responsibility
- Paid down over $100 million debt
- 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)
Community Engagement
- Established a more open and transparent government
- Conducted a record number of community consultations
- Initiated the Community Awards Program for Volunteers and Youth
The Plan
The Next Four Years
- Keep property taxes affordable and predictable
- Invest in roads, water, and core infrastructure
- Build more attainable housing across the municipality
- Attract good-paying jobs and new investment
- Support local farmers and our agri-business sector
- Revitalize downtown cores in every community
- Expand recreation, trails, and community spaces
- Deliver transparent, responsible budgeting
Be Ready
Key Voting Dates
Internet Voting
October 8th – October 16th
Opens: Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 10:00 am.
Closes: Friday, October 16, 2026, at 4:00 pm.
Advanced poles open
October 15th – October 17th
Thursday, October 15, from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Friday, October 16, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Saturday, October 17, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Election Day
October 26, 2026
Monday, October 26, from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.
About Darrin
Qualifications & Experience
A record of leadership, service, and results for Chatham-Kent.
Qualifications & Experience
Mayor of Chatham-Kent from 2018 – 2026
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
Mayor Of Chatham-Kent from 2018 – 2026
C-K Councilor for Ward 6 from 2014-2018
Co-Chair of the 2018 International Plowing Match
Co-chaired the United Way of CK’s fundraising campaign in 2006 with his wife Christine
Past Volunteer Chair of Chatham-Kent’s Prosperity Roundtable
Past Director of the Foundation of The Children’s Treatment Centre
Past Board Chair of Mainstreet Credit Union
Past Chair of the Board of Directors of Entegrus
Past member of the Board of Directors of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance
Past Chair of Crowfest
Reintroduced the very popular Festival of Nations/Taste Of CK (TOCK)
Introduced Positivity Day in CK to engage our community in collectively working towards creating a more positive culture in Chatham-Kent
Introduced the ‘Festival of Giving’ to Chatham-Kent 21 years ago that has raised more than $3,000,000 for local charities
Initiated ‘The Amazing Race Chatham-Kent’ in 2006 to kick off the annual United Way Campaign
Introduced The Decathlon and Hallowbash events 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
Stay Connected
@darrincanniff