Heather Wright/The Independent

Lambton Shores Mayor Doug Cook is facing a challenge for the municipality’s top job from a two-time councillor.

On the last day of the Oct. 26 municipal nomination period, Jeff Wilcox, who has represented the Thedford area since 2018, has thrown his hat into the ring for the mayor’s position. Cook, who was first elected as a councillor in 2010, and served two terms as deputy mayor, is seeking his second term in the mayor’s chair.

There will also be a race for the deputy mayor’s seat. Incumbent deputy mayor Dan Sageman is facing a challenge from Marilyn Smith. She ran against Doug Cook in the last municipal election for the mayor’s position but has never served on council.

There will also be races in Ward 1 – with Chris Vanderydt, Sarah Nicholson, and Randy McClinchey in the race – Ward 4 (Forest) – with David McLean and David Pugh in the running – Ward 5 – with Suzanne Shea and Jim Hansen nominated – and Ward 7 with Jeffrey Girling and Randy Shaw up for election.

Three of the wards in Lambton Shores have just one candidate. While the results will be made official by the clerk of the municipality Monday, it appears Dave McGuire will serve the people of Ward 2 – from the edge of Grand Bend to Pinery Provincial Park along Highway 21 – for another four years. He has served continuously since 2010.

Shawn Dickey is the lone candidate for Ward 3 which includes Port Franks and Ipperwash. It was vacated by Lorie Scott who served the area since 2010. Dickey is active in the hockey community, coaching with the Southwest Bullets in the Glencoe/Bothwell area and was involved in setting up the Western Ontario Super League and the Alvinston Killer Bees.

Ward 6 incumbent Dave Marsh will serve another term on council. He’s the only person who filed his nomination papers for Thedford and southeastern portion of the municipality.