Community Engages With Candidates At CVR Electoral Forum

From left, County of Vermilion River Candidates Darin Beckett, Leslie Cusack, Stacey Hryciuk, Vanessa Pare, Dale Swyripa. Photo Sonya Lee

On Wednesday, October 9, community members gathered at the Vermilion Public Library for the County of Vermilion River electoral forum, hosted by the Vermilion & District Chamber of Commerce. The event, which was also streamed live on Facebook, gave voters a valuable opportunity to hear directly from candidates ahead of the October 20 municipal election.

The forum followed a moderated question-and-answer format, allowing each candidate to make an opening statement, respond to questions submitted by residents both in advance and during the event, and deliver closing remarks. Attendees represented a broad cross-section of local neighborhoods, while the Facebook livestream extended access to those watching remotely.

Candidates running in Divisions 2, 3, and 7, where elections are being contested, participated in the forum:

Division 2: Dale Swyripa (incumbent) and Vanessa Pare

Division 3: Stacey Hryciuk (incumbent) and Darin Beckett

Division 7: Leslie Cusack (incumbent) and Grant West (absent from the forum)

Throughout the evening, candidates addressed several key issues important to residents across the county:

Infrastructure, inter-municipal relations, agriculture and its economic and environmental impacts, transparency in governance and community engagement

Each candidate delivered clear, thoughtful responses. A consistent message emerged: transparency and communication are essential, but so too is fiscal responsibility, candidates acknowledged that while they may support community initiatives in principle, budget realities must guide decision-making.

Candidates emphasized their commitment of the County of Vermilion River and its residents and openness to in-person conversations with residents and encouraged ongoing community engagement.

The forum, which remains available for viewing on the Chamber’s Facebook page, offered voters important insights into each candidate’s platform, priorities, and ability to respond under pressure. As the election approaches, these interactions may prove pivotal in shaping voter decisions in Divisions 2, 3, and 7.