Community · 4 min read · October 3, 2026 · By Clayton Hartford

Windsor election 2026: why Distillery Homes supports Chris Holt, Drew Dilkens and Renaldo Agostino

Windsor votes on Monday, October 26, 2026. As a family business that has hosted visitors in Walkerville for about seven years, we want to share who we're supporting, and why.

Chris Holt for Ward 4

Walkerville is our home and the reason our guests come to Windsor, and Chris Holt understands what makes it special. He served two terms as Ward 4 councillor from 2014 to 2022 and is running for his old seat. His priorities line up with what we see every day on our street:

• Protect Walkerville’s heritage and future. Supporting growth while keeping the character that draws visitors here.
• Safer streets. Championing Vision Zero to reduce traffic injuries and deaths, which matters on busy, walkable streets like ours.
• Better transit. Making it easier for residents and visitors to get around without a car.
• More housing, smarter growth. Building more homes responsibly.
• Cleaner, more liveable neighbourhoods, and a stronger voice for residents at City Hall.

Renaldo Agostino for Ward 3

We also support Renaldo Agostino for Ward 3, which includes downtown Windsor. A strong downtown matters to every visitor who comes through our doors, and to the businesses they visit during their stay.

Downtown has real challenges, and Renaldo has been willing to take them on directly. His priorities include filling vacant buildings with new businesses, bringing more events downtown, and advocating for people experiencing homelessness while pushing for changes that make the core safer for everyone. He has also looked beyond Windsor for answers, touring Avivo Village in Minneapolis with Mayor Dilkens, an indoor village of private dwellings for people experiencing homelessness, to learn what has worked in other North American cities facing similar challenges. We appreciate a councillor who does the homework.

Drew Dilkens for mayor

Mayor Dilkens is seeking a fourth term, and he has said that if he’s re-elected, it will be his last. He faces Ward 1 councillor Fred Francis in the race. Over his time in office, Dilkens has focused on Windsor’s biggest challenges, including downtown homelessness and addiction, where he has looked to other cities for solutions, touring Avivo Village in Minneapolis with Councillor Agostino.

As short-term rental hosts, we support Drew Dilkens. He has a plan for one of the most challenging jobs in the region, and we support his approach to short-term rentals. That includes Windsor’s 6% Municipal Accommodation Tax on short stays. Half of that tax goes to Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island, and half stays with the City for tourism projects. We believe that’s a positive for Walkerville.

If other candidates share their views on short-term rentals and Airbnb, we’ll consider their platforms. For now, we support the Dilkens approach to well-maintained short-term rentals in Windsor.

Why tourism matters to Walkerville

Our homes welcome travellers from around the world, from neighbours across the river in Michigan and Ohio to guests from the UK, Germany, Korea and China. They eat at our restaurants, drink at our breweries and shop on Wyandotte Street. Smart tourism policy keeps those visitors coming, and keeps Walkerville thriving. We screen every guest carefully, and we’re proud of the respectful visitors we bring to the neighbourhood.

Get out and vote

Whoever you support, please vote on October 26. Check the City of Windsor for voting locations and details.

Common questions

When is the 2026 Windsor municipal election?

Election day is Monday, October 26, 2026.

Who does Distillery Homes support for Windsor City Council?

We support Chris Holt for Ward 4, which includes Walkerville, and Renaldo Agostino for Ward 3, which includes downtown.

Who does Distillery Homes support for mayor of Windsor?

We support Mayor Drew Dilkens, who is seeking a fourth term.

What is Windsor’s Municipal Accommodation Tax?

Windsor charges a 6% Municipal Accommodation Tax on stays of 30 days or less, including short-term rentals. Half goes to Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island and half stays with the City for tourism projects.

These are the views of Distillery Homes as a local business.

Related: The history of Walkerville · Walkerville is rising

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