The Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce is thrilled by the response to its Sarnia municipal election debates held at the Imperial Theatre last week.
CEO Carrie McEachran said the events were held in front of a live audience and live-streamed online last Tuesday and Wednesday, but were also posted online afterward, and people are still tuning in.
"We've actually been overwhelmed by the numbers," McEachran said. "The Tuesday night, that was the mayoral and the city/county [councillor debate], has had 3,000 views so far and then Wednesday, for city [council], was 1,800 [views] thus far."
McEachran said it shows people are taking this election seriously and they want to educate themselves.
"This is the first time we have done it in this format and that was a big part to do with the Imperial Theatre partnering with us on this and The Book Keeper as well. There's so much value. We had not just thousands of people watching from home, but had an almost full house on both nights within the theatre."
McEachran said they hope to host debates in this format again in the future.
"The chamber is non-partisan, but the chamber also really believes in ensuring that our members in the community educate themselves and they have the knowledge that they need to have to move forward and vote. So, this was really important to us."
McEachran said a majority of candidates participated, so it's a good chance to get to know who is running.
The videos will be posted until Sunday.
You can view them by clicking on the links below.
Online voting continues until the polls close at 8 p.m. Monday, October 24.
In-person voting will also be offered, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., at nine locations across the city on election day.