In the realm of local politics, where dedication meets eccentricity, Ernie ‘the Bacon Man’ Lamont stands as a distinctive figure. Although the next municipal election isn’t until October 2026, Lamont, despite being in the twilight of his life at Hospice Windsor, is making one last campaign pitch, proving that his passion for the city knows no bounds.
“I’m the guy that’s willing to go the nine yards,” asserted Lamont during an interview with CTV News, his determination undiminished even as he sat in his bed at Hospice Windsor. Lamont, a long-time entrepreneur, has left an indelible mark on local politics by running for Windsor’s top job five times.
His active presence in the political arena has made him a recognizable and sometimes polarizing figure, known for his spirited debates with current Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens on the city council floor.
Dilkens, recognizing Lamont’s commitment to public service, remarked, “If we don’t agree on anything else, we agree on the fact that we want our city to be better. We want it to succeed.
And I wanted to recognize his contribution and his dialogue throughout the years and go visit him in his final days.” Lamont, who received a cancer diagnosis in 2022 with a prognosis of one to three months to live, is using his remaining time to advocate for a cause close to his heart.
In a poignant final request, Lamont expressed his desire to be transported, on a stretcher, to Windsor City Hall to make one last pitch for a vision he believes will benefit the city: bringing a second casino across from the new mega hospital.
According to Lamont, this ambitious proposal would generate 10,000 jobs year-round. His vision includes not only the casino but also an attached aquarium, convention center, and indoor amusement park.
