Things got heated between Leamington’s mayoral candidates Tuesday, as incumbent Hilda MacDonald and challenger Cris Biron clashed over greenhouse lights, homelessness and municipal spending during a debate on AM800. Greenhouse debate gets heated One of the sharpest exchanges came over greenhouse light pollution, with MacDonald defending rules allowing growers to open their curtains overnight to release humidity. Biron wasn’t convinced, saying, “I don’t believe that they have to open the ceiling and take all the pollution.” “You’ve got to be kidding me,” MacDonald fired back, pointing to the involvement of those with agricultural knowhow in establishing the rules. “I call baloney on that. We are listening to experts. We have to rely on the experts.” Biron maintained stronger enforcement is needed, but the exchange turned personal when he referred to MacDonald as his friend, prompting her to respond, “I’m not your friend.” Homelessness and spending priorities The duo also disagreed on how Leamington spends some of its money, with Biron arguing the municipality should put more resources toward homelessness rather than beautification projects. “I think that before doing cosmetics in the city or town, we need to take serious care of the homeless,” he said. MacDonald defended the town’s housing initiatives and pushed back on the comparison. “There’s a difference. There’s operations and there’s capital projects,” she said, adding that the latest waterfront improvements were funded through interest earned on municipal reserves. A waterfront legacy? Biron repeatedly questioned whether the waterfront should be a priority when other infrastructure needs remain, suggesting the project has become personal for MacDonald. “I guess it’s going to be Miss MacDonald’s legacy,” he said. But MacDonald insisted the waterfront is about improving quality of life for residents, not building her own legacy. “This is not about the mayor. This is about the people that work together for that term of council,” she said. Different views on policing The candidates also disagreed over Leamington’s OPP service, with Biron calling for a more proactive approach to speeding and other concerns. “It is not necessary to have a police officer on every corner,” he said, suggesting officers could instead target problem areas. MacDonald defended the current service while acknowledging there’s room for improvement. “I believe we have a good police force,” she said. She’s also pushing for a dedicated traffic unit, although she warned rising policing costs could mean difficult budget decisions ahead. MacDonald is seeking a third term as mayor, with voters heading to the polls Monday, Oct. 26.
