Darrin Canniff has not kept his intention to seek re-election as mayor of Chatham-Kent a secret, but now it’s official.
Darrin Canniff hasn’t kept his plans to seek re-election as mayor of Chatham-Kent a secret, but now it’s official.
Canniff, 56, filed his nomination papers on Tuesday.
First elected to council in 2014 as a councilor in Chatham’s Ward 6, Canniff was elected as mayor in 2018, capturing 56 per cent of the vote.
Canniff said his reason for seeking re-election is to continue building on what he described as positive momentum in Chatham-Kent.
“There are a lot of great things going ahead in the community, and I want to be a part of it,” Canniff said.
He pointed to the growth Chatham-Kent has enjoyed in recent years by attracting new residents and businesses.
Canniff cited the number new subdivisions being built in communities across the Chatham-Kent region, as well as the new businesses coming here. He also pointed to recent sales of lots in the Bloomfield Business Park, as well as the new presence of auto parts giant Magna International.
Canniff has also been at the helm through some turbulent times, including persistent flooding problems along both the shoreline of Lake Erie and the Thames River, as well as the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
While unsure what the future holds – and wary of a possible recession – Canniff said Chatham-Kent has still been “established … as an attractive location for many people.”
Canniff pointed to the potential investment in downtown Chatham that could see a new city hall, cultural centre, museum and library located at the Downtown Chatham Center site, along with a new entertainment/arena complex and more retail stores.
“That is one of those game-changers that will attract people, as well as keep people in the community, because there will be so much to do,” he said.
He also noted the municipality is just getting started with such initiatives as a focus on public art to help revitalize culture in the community.
“We’re heading in the right direction,” Canniff said. “We just have to keep making it easy for business to do business here, and we need to create an environment for people to want to live here and have things to do.”
As for being the right person to continue in the job, Canniff said he brings 30 years of business experience, adding he has made a lot of connections and knows the ropes of the position.
“There are a lot of things in motion now I can certainly see through,” he said.