Tara Jeffrey/The Independent

It’s a damp and dreary Thursday morning in Petrolia, where George Vandenberg has joined a group of men who meet regularly at the Coffee Lodge.

“George and I go way back, like 50 years,” says John McCharles, the town’s former mayor who invited Vandenberg to talk with farmers, seniors, some new, and old familiar faces ahead of the April 28th election.

But he’s not handing out pamphlets or shaking hands; instead, Vandenberg spends the next hour or so sharing old stories, talking classic cars – namely, his beloved red, ’61 Chevelle – golf, and the weather.

At 71, Vandenberg is sharp, recounting details from his mother’s time under Nazi Germany occupation in the Netherlands during World War II, and recalling tales from his time as a police officer in Sarnia and Point Edward.

“I never thought at this stage of my life I’d go into federal politics,” says a relaxed Vandenberg, in his Vans sneakers and fitted blue jeans. “But this is a turning point here in Canada.

“I don’t want to say anything disrespectful of the Conservatives, but they’ve had 20 years here,” he adds “I think it’s time we went Liberal.”

Two days later, he’s in sunny Grand Bend for a Saturday afternoon meet-and-greet. Residents of Lambton Shores will be voting in the newly-established Sarnia-Lambton-Bkejwanong riding for the first time.

A steady stream of supporters drops by the event at Grand Bend Place, including several long-time Conservatives who say they’ll vote Liberal this time around.

Among the crowd is former Lambton County Warden, former Lambton Shores Mayor and retired dairy farmer Bill Weber, who says he’ll be putting a large red sign at the end of his laneway.

Local Liberal association chairperson Kim Fyfe says there’s a renewed energy for the party.

“This will be my fourth election and the enthusiasm for people wanting a strong and serious government, focused not just internally but internationally, is really incredible,” she says. “What’s astonishing is the number of volunteers we’re getting… the number of sign requests; we can hardly keep up…and we have more young people signed up to be Liberals than I have seen in a long time.”

Though he’s been active in the community for decades — including work with the Sarnia & District Humane Society, Bright’s Grove Optimist Club, John Howard Society, Sexual Assault Survivors’ Centre — Vandenberg, a licensed paralegal, developed an interest in running for office after helping his son Kerry’s 2015 bid for MP in the riding of Humber River–Black Creek, as a Conservative.

Kerry didn’t win, but George was motivated to join Sarnia city council he says, “because more civility and respect was needed.” He was elected in 2018 and 2022.

Then, earlier this year, Vandenberg approached the local Liberal association about running, after having first expressed interest back in 2021.

Several others came forward after Mark Carney called a snap election last month, but Vandenberg’s nomination package had already been approved, and the team agreed he was a great fit.

“He’s been here his whole life, he’s very down to earth, and he’s committed to the community,” Fyfe explains.

Unlike many politicians, Vandenberg is quiet and calm; he doesn’t take shots at his opponents, or seek attention on himself. 

“He cares about the right things — maybe not loudly — but he cares about the right things,” she adds.

After the crowd trickles out, Vandenberg takes a walk down the main strip, towards the picturesque beachfront. He walks every day, for at least an hour. 

“If you don’t walk through a neighbourhood, how are you going to know what’s going on?” he says. 

“I have a bad habit of talking,” he adds with a laugh. “I’ll be walking downtown Sarnia, and someone will go by, or I’ll see someone sitting, and we’ll just talk for a while. I think it’s important to be genuinely curious, and interested in other people.”

Vandenberg says his family supports him 100 per cent, including biggest fans, his grandkids ages 10, eight and five.

He stops to take in the view of Lake Huron, atop the observation deck. It’s a mild day, with visitors and residents already out and about at the popular Lambton County destination.

“This is a good place to live, you know?” he says. “A really good place to live.”