Amherstburg Voters Deliver 644-Vote Defeat to Eight-Year Mayor

A margin of 644 votes determined the leadership of the Town of Amherstburg in Monday’s election, ending an eight-year tenure for the incumbent mayor. Unofficial results show Chris Gibb winning the top office with 3,928 ballots. He defeated challenger Bill Fryer, who received 3,284 votes, and incumbent Michael Prue, who garnered 1,704 votes.

Gibb, who served as deputy mayor during the previous term, will now lead the municipal government. He will join a largely refreshed council table for the next four years. The victory marks a distinct shift from the administration that has governed the town since 2018. Gibb spent the night following the vote at The O, surrounded by family and supporters.

Speaking to the crowd, Gibb described his reaction to the results. “Very excited, very excited, humbled, a little overwhelmed, but I’m ready to get started,” he said. He emphasized his intent to begin working with the new council immediately. “When you’re elected mayor, I truly believe you’re the mayor for everybody, the ones who voted for you and the ones who didn't,” he added.

Prue held a smaller gathering at Artisan Grill to mark his departure from the role he has held since 2018. He stated that he plans to retire and travel with his wife. He also expressed a view on the political direction chosen by voters. “I’m not sure what that direction is because it’s very difficult for me to understand how they would pick a mayor and a deputy mayor who are so diametrically opposed.. but that is what the town has just chosen,” Prue said.

The election also determined the new deputy mayor. Bill Petruniak secured the position with 5,146 votes, outpacing Linden Crain, who received 3,590 votes. Two incumbents on council retained their seats. Molly Allaire won re-election with 5,226 votes, and Peter Courtney received 3,813 votes.

Three new members joined the council. Jen DeLuca led the group of new arrivals with 5,597 votes. Keith Boussey received 2,896 ballots, and Wes Ewer garnered 3,370 votes. The town’s election officials are scheduled to release the certified results on Tuesday, Oct. 27.

Gibb said his immediate focus will be implementing plans developed over the past four years. He aims to move the town in the direction desired by the new council. The transition of power completes a cycle that began with Gibb’s appointment as deputy mayor during the final years of Prue’s first term.