The Empire Theatre in Belleville was the site of a municipal candidates’ forum on Tuesday, giving residents a chance to meet candidates for Ward 1 – Belleville and the mayoral race in the upcoming election.
The Belleville Chamber of Commerce and the Central Lakes Association of Realtors co-hosted the forum.
In the first part of the forum, all candidates for Ward 1 – Belleville were randomly assigned to different chairs, where each candidate had the opportunity to answer a randomly selected question from the moderator.
Each candidate would have two minutes to respond to the question.
Questions covered affordability, growth, housing, accountability and transparency, homelessness, the environment and public spaces, healthcare, and economic development.
After each candidate answered, the order would be reversed, with each candidate giving a closing statement on why the public should vote for them in the 2026 municipal election.
Cadi Pontinen was unable to attend due to illness.
A second event for Ward 2 candidates and trustees is being planned.
You can listen to the full forum involving the Ward 1 – Belleville candidates below:
All participating Ward 1 – Belleville candidates taking part in the Municipal Candidates Forum at the Empire Theatre in Belleville. September 29, 2026. (Photo: Zach McGibbon/Quinte News)
In the second portion of the forum, the mayoral candidates took part.
Each candidate first had the opportunity to provide a three-minute introduction of themselves and why they are running for Mayor of Belleville.
After the introductions, each candidate answered a question for two minutes, with the other candidates having the chance to respond for a minute, and the original questioner getting the final word.
Candidates then took part in a speed round in which each candidate had one minute to answer questions submitted by the audience.
The mayoral candidates’ portion wrapped up with each candidate giving two minutes of closing thoughts.
Don Metzger delivered his closing remarks first.
“I will be a mayor who fights for every neighbourhood, from the historical downtown to our railroads and our new subdivisions. I will protect your tax dollars by stacking senior government grants, ensuring that Belleville moves forward and moves forward together,” Metzger told the crowd in his closing address.
“I’m also donating 20% of my mayor’s base salary back to the community, either to the food bank, to the cemetery, or to whatever organization needs it.”
Belleville mayoral candidate Don Metzger speaking at the Municipal Candidates Forum hosted at the Empire Theatre. September 29, 2026. (Photo: Zach McGibbon/Quinte News)
Incumbent Neil Ellis emphasized his municipal politics experience in his closing statement, speaking to the number of contacts in politics he has.
“When I open my phone, I have 1,872 contacts. I carry a second phone with more than 200 additional contacts,” Ellis said during the forum.
“These contacts include past mayors, former premiers, federal MPs, cabinet ministers. One of the most important relationships I have had is with Premier Doug Ford. Municipalities are the creatures of the province. We operate under provincial legislation and have a direct line to Premier Ford.”
Incumbent Neil Ellis speaking at the Municipal Candidates Forum hosted at the Empire Theatre. September 29, 2026. (Photo: Zach McGibbon/Quinte News)
Paul Fleming was the last candidate to deliver his closing remarks during the forum,
“What does the incumbent want to do in the next four years that he hasn’t been able to do in the last 20? That would be my question for you to think about tonight,” Fleming told the crowd.
“Our vision was built on listening to you, real safety, real accountability, real transparency, smart growth, and a city that’s a destination where you come, stay, and play. Your expectations may have been lowered, but I’m asking you to raise them to demand more of me and elected officials in the city itself. The state of emergency did real damage, but it ends when we decide it ends. I want to build a state of amazing with all of you.”
Belleville mayoral candidate Paul Fleming speaking at the Municipal Candidates Forum hosted at the Empire Theatre. September 29, 2026. (Photo: Zach McGibbon/Quinte News)
You can listen to the full mayoral candidates portion of the forum below:
October 26 is the municipal election day.
