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PAGE 2
Treatment, recovery at 110 Sandys
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
The Foundation of Hope Recovery Community is about to fill a critical gap in addiction treatment and re-
THE CHATHAM VOICE
covery within Chatham-Kent. And it will be taking place at 110 Sandys St. in Chatham, following a unanimous decision by Chatham-Kent council to donate the property for $1. Approved at the Aug. 10 meet-
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110 Sandys St., site of the former Meadow Park Nursing Home, will soon be in the hands of the Quiring Foundation, as the effort is underway to create an addiction treatment and recovery facility.
ing, the deal is expected to be completed later this fall. It will see the transfer of the former Meadow Park Nursing Home site to the charity, an arm of the Peter and Cathy Quiring Foundation. The municipality is purchasing the former longterm care home for $1.7 million and will turn it over to the foundation when the transaction is complete. Philanthropist Peter Quiring, himself a recovering addict, spoke to council about the foundation’s intent. As cofounder of the charity, he said the non-profit wants to
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offer hope. “I think we also recognize there are significant gaps in the medical system when it comes to addiction and recovery,” Quiring said in a deputation. “Our goal is really simple. When somebody is ready for recovery, we’re going to be there.” Staff and volunteers with lived experience are key to the organization’s approach, he told council. “It’s not easy to build trust with someone who’s been sidelined and marginalized in the throes of addiction,” Quiring explained. “One person in recovery speaking to one person with addiction is, I think, the most effective way to reach people out there.” Robert Sandwith, the foundation’s recovery care manager, also spoke to council, emphasizing the organization has a proven track record. “We don’t live in a fantasy that it might work. We don’t live in a capacity that we’re going to take a chance
at this. We don’t live in a world of maybes – we live in a factual world where recovery is possible. “As of right now, 110 Sandys is the front door to a brand-new life,” he stressed, adding the foundation will provide “immediate” help for folks seeking assistance. Part of the recovery circles in Windsor and Leamington for several years, the Foundation of Hope has set up shop at 52 Croydon St. in Chatham, offering hot meals, a food bank, free clothing and people willing to listen and give advice. According to a staff report to council, 110 Sandys St. will initially offer a stabilization and assessment program of up to 30 days, as well as a structured recovery and personal development program of up to 90 days. Long-term, the foundation plans to offer a seven-stage recovery model, including beds for transitional housing and reintegration, with a goal of life-long mentorship, allowing recovered people to give back to the community. Continued on page 5 Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9:15am - 3:30pm
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026
Hub stays on time, on budget
Civic Centre; the Chatham-Kent Museum and the Chatham branch of the Chatham-Kent Public The Chatham-Kent Library under one roof at Community Hub project 130 King St. in Chatham. In response to a queis on budget and on time. That’s according to an in- ry from Chatham Coun. formation report provid- Michael Bondy about the ed to council at the Aug. weight of books in the library, Soldo 10 meeting said extra by Edward “I know there’s a lot steel has Soldo, C-K’s on everyone’s plates been introhead of into frastructure right now, but I think it’s duced handle the and engi- important for folks to neering. see this information, so issue. “Through As of July I really appreciate the 21, the fact this came back so the design of the proj$53-million ect, you facility is quickly.” may recall 22 per cent - Coun. Alysson Storey we took complete, the report stated, with fi- into account the weight nal completion slated for of the books in the library, so we had to, through our early 2028. Approved in October of design, put reinforcing in 2025, the hub will consol- there,” Soldo said. Chatham Coun. Alysson idate the Chatham-Kent
THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 3
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Contributed image
A recent report to council indicates the Chatham-Kent Community Hub construction is on time and on budget.
Storey commended staff for compiling the report so quickly after the successful motion she put forward earlier this summer asking for quarterly updates. “I know there’s a lot on everyone’s plates right now, but I think it’s im-
portant for folks to see this information, so I really appreciate the fact this came back so quickly,” Storey said. Fortis Construction Group Inc. is the lead contractor on the build. Ongoing meetings on the project are held bi-weekly.
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PAGE 4
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026
Drug alley to be gated off
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
New security gates to block off a problem alley in Chatham’s downtown are being installed by the municipality. Following a motion from Chatham Coun. Conor Allin, the $14,000 project was approved by Chatham-Kent council at its Aug. 10 meeting. In asking for support from fellow councillors, Allin said the request initially came from the Historic Downtown Chatham BIA, following an emergency meeting of frustrated business owners earlier this year. According to Allin, 18 businesses in the corner block have been affected. “To me, it’s really show-
ing we want to invest in our downtown,” the councillor said of the gates. “I know it’s local businesses that own the property but to me it’s an easy ask and something I think we should do.” Chatham Coun. Brock McGregor expressed support for the measure despite the fact it’s on private property. “I think it’s important to note the traffic moving in and out of that area is coming from public property on both ends,” he said. “I think we have a responsibility, especially in a downtown BIA zone, to do our best to maintain those public areas.” Located between 202 King St. and 210 King St., the walkway is a known hotspot for drug sales and open-air drug use.
Flanked by The Daily Planet and Mahalo Liquidation, the alley backs onto a municipal parking lot due south that’s near Hope Haven. The request for the security gates came to council in May and was referred to administration to seek possible solutions. However, some members of council are worried that installing the gates sets a precedent. Chatham Coun. Alysson Storey said that’s her “main concern” with the idea. But she also acknowledged that Chatham’s downtown endures more disorder than other areas in C-K, adding the issues facing downtown Chatham business owners are “particularly acute.” The gates will be paid for through Chatham-Kent
Chatham Voice file photo
This downtown Chatham alley linking King Street West to parking lots just to the south, will soon be gated off after complaints of rampant drug use and sales in the alley in broad daylight.
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The Grow Seeds Library returns to the Chatham-Kent Public Library this fall. Featuring fall native plants, the seed library opens Sept. 8 at all library branches across the munici-
pality. Libraries will have a small variety of native plant seeds available for check out. The seed library contains seeds for plants native to Ontario and Canada. Many are popular local plants including Butterfly Weed, Swamp and Common Milkweed.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 5
Councillors appreciate support “to take every opportunity he The foundation is also work- can get” to express his gratiing with local organizations, tude to the Quiring Foundaincluding the Chatham-Kent tion. Health Alliance, to align with “So, thank you, thank you, their withdrawal and recovery thank you,” Doyle added. “I treatment services. can’t say it enough.” In 2024, the municipality West Kent Coun. Lauren Anlearned Meadow derson said she Park was moving “So, thank you, thank too is supportive to a new location. you, thank you. I can’t of the foundaAdministration tion’s endeavr e c o m m e n d e d say it enough.” ours, noting the the municipality - Coun. Ryan Doyle effort will probuy the 100-bed vide a substantial facility from Jarlette Health “return on the investment by Services as a site for badly Chatham-Kent. needed affordable or support“As we see more people beive housing. coming healthier in recovery, In 2025, council directed ad- we will see far less demand on ministration to issue a request our emergency services,” Anfor proposal for the design for derson said. “For just shy of $2 a supportive housing complex. million, we are being given the But the plan was scuttled in greatest gift in Chatham-Kent, June of this year after the Quir- possibly ever.” ing Foundation came forward However, getting with the concept of establishing the new centre off a treatment/recovery home. the ground is no South Kent Coun. Ryan Doyle, small task, Quiring who has been working on the admitted, adding recovery issue, said he wants the building needs
Continued from page 2
a new roof and some windows. munity groups. “We can renovate little by lit“We just want to come along tle and grow into it because and help out,” he said. “Hope it’s a big undertaking,” he told is what we hope to provide at council, adding the agency 110 Sandys.” needs to hire and Safety for the train staff, as well “As we see more peo- centre’s clients as recruit more ple becoming healthier and the neighvolunteers. in recovery, we will see bourhood is also Quiring stressed paramount, Quirthat while the far less demand on our ing added, noting project faces “sig- emergency services. fencing will be nificant costs,” For just shy of $2 installed. there will be no million, we are being The meetfurther cost to ing also saw given the greatest gift Chatham-Kent discussion taxpayers. But he in Chatham-Kent, pos- around what noted the founda- sibly ever.” could happen tion is happy to - Coun. Lauren Anderson if the charitake donations. ty opts out of “We want this to be viewed as providing recovery services an initiative in Chatham by the at the site. community of Chatham-Kent,” According to chief adminhe said, adding the foundation istrative officer Michael Duhopes to work with other com- ben, Chatham-Kent will en-
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ter into an agreement with the foundation, stating ownership of the building will revert back to the municipality if the foundation withdraws. “It is our hope that won’t happen,” Duben said, however he noted the municipality’s interests will be covered. Both matters are expected to come back before council.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 6
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026
Opinion Welcome support
We have all very obviously seen there is not just a gap, but a chasm, for addiction treatment and recovery in Chatham-Kent. It’s a problem way beyond our municipal borders. But within them, the Peter and Cathy Quiring Foundation is seeking to fill in that chasm. It’s a bold plan, one supported by the municipality. The Quiring Foundation, utilizing its Foundation of Hope Recovery Community, is to take over 110 Sandys St. in Chatham from the municipality to at first run a stabilization and assessment program, followed by structured recovery and personal development programs. Long-term, the foundation plans to offer a seven-stage recovery model, including beds for transitional housing and reintegration, with a goal of life-long mentorship, allowing recovered people to give back to the community. Perhaps Peter Quiring, in speaking to council recently, summed it up best. “Our goal is really simple. When somebody is ready for recovery, we’re going to be there.” Too often, when someone is ready to embark on the rough road of recovery, they have to wait. And an addict forced to wait generally means a relapse. We applaud the Foundation of
Hope, the Quirings and everyone involved. It will take time, and there will be hiccups, but this endeavour should truly help a sector of our homeless to get clean and get back on their feet. It is interesting to note that the folks who purchased the former Victoria Park school property on Murray Street in Chatham and basically loaned it to the municipality for several years as an emergency shelter for the homeless – something they did not need to do as private developers – were essentially vilified for their philanthropic effort. Yes, it shifted a lot of our homeless out of the downtown corridor where a number of the Victoria Park Place owners had other property, but it gave the municipality a short-term option when there seemed to be little effort to find an alternative. These people were held in extreme disregard by some, and yet the Quirings – and we thank them for becoming so involved to help so many people in need in our communities – are being heralded as champions for the addicted. They are bringing proposed solutions with them, rather than the stopgap effort that once was Victoria Park Place. But in 2022, the emergency shelter was exactly what was needed then. Times have changed and we hope for great successes at 110 Sandys St.
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Harm reduction can’t go it alone Editor: I read recently that local substance-related emergency department visits and drug toxicity deaths continue to outpace the average provincial rates, driven by an increasingly volatile and toxic unregulated drug supply. There is insufficient evidence to conclude that local overdose deaths can be attributed solely to an unregulated tainted drug supply. While the unregulated drug supply is a significant contributor, the risk of overdose is also increased by easy access to drugs, the normalization of public drug use, mental health challenges, low drug prices, high drug dosages, fentanyl use, the mixing of multiple substances, reduced tolerance, and limited access to treatment and recovery services. It is therefore inaccurate to attribute higher overdose death rates to a toxic drug supply alone. Local opioid poisoning
deaths have continued to rise despite the widespread availability of naloxone kits and other harm-reduction initiatives. This does not mean harm reduction lacks value – naloxone reduces risks on a regular basis – but it does suggest that harm reduction alone has been insufficient to reverse the overall trend in overdose deaths. The Four Pillar Drug Strategy was designed to provide a balanced approach through prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery, and community inclusion and safety. In Chatham-Kent, however, treatment and recovery services have not expanded at the same pace as harm-reduction initiatives, leaving many residents with limited opportunities to break the cycle of addiction. At the same time, the continued lack of meaningful community
inclusion in housing and encampment decisions has placed a greater burden on police and neighbouring residents, who are increasingly left to manage the impacts of open drug use, public disorder, and related safety concerns. If Chatham-Kent is serious about reducing overdose deaths, the solution is not to rely more heavily on one pillar while neglecting the others. Harm reduction should complement – not replace – meaningful investments in prevention, treatment, recovery, and community inclusion and safety. Restoring balance across all four pillars offers the most balanced and evidence-informed approach to reducing preventable deaths, supporting long-term recovery, and building healthier, safer communities. Susan Simpson Chatham
THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026
PAGE 7
We all must think safety first and foremost Editor: I read with interest, Bruce Corcoran’s account of “Jay Walkers and Cyclists, oh my,” in the July 23 Chatham Voice. I would like to take that a few steps further. A couple of weeks ago, I witnessed a near fatality. I was waiting to make a left turn from St. George Street onto Park Avenue East. As I was waiting for traffic, a youth on a bicycle came zipping from St. George Street and crossed Park Avenue in front of the vehicle I was waiting for before safely making my turn. The driver, thank goodness, saw the bicyclist and stopped to avoid hitting the youth. The youth was not wearing a helmet and did not slow down before crossing. Did he look before making this rash decision? It’s anyone’s guess. Had there been another vehicle heading west on Park Avenue, or a vehicle heading east, the youth may not have made it safely across. As I continued once the way was clear, and still reeling from this near
catastrophe, I found myself in yet another near-miss situation, but this one involving myself. As I was travelling south on Peter Street, three youths on motorized scooters (two riding tandem on one) came barreling through the stop sign that THEY had ignored on St. Anthony Street. I slammed on my brakes and laid on the horn and I missed hitting them by a few feet. The youths kept cruising without a care in the world, while I sat in my vehicle, stunned by the enormity of what had almost happened had I not been paying attention and had quick reflexes. Again, no helmets were being worn. This past week while waiting at the light at Park Avenue and Queen Street, two girls on a motorized scooter (one sitting and one standing) crossed at the lights on the sidewalk, easily going as fast as all traffic, and again, no helmets. As Bruce referenced, “You may be safe
this time, but ….” I understand that in Ontario it is only mandatory to wear helmets if you under the age of 18. I can guarantee all of these youths were under 18. As a person who used to enjoy cycling, I also wanted to be safe – helmet worn, bright clothing and rules of the road usually followed. I may not have come to a full stop at a stop sign, but I slowed and looked both directions. If there was traffic coming, I stopped. I knew if I crossed a car, the car would win in any collision and I’d be the one to suffer; not to mention I had the stop sign. And this was on a normal pedal-style bike. I am amazed and appalled by the number of people who are on electric bikes, electric scooters, e-bikes, motorized wheelchairs, and accessibility vehicles and have no regard for traffic, or the rules of the
road. I understand some have purchased these “vehicles” because they have lost their licenses, or because they are more affordable. Any “vehicle” that has a motor should have to be licensed with appropriate age limits enforced and valid insurance and safety equipment worn.
Accessibility vehicles should have reflective slow-moving vehicle signs on them, and one of those tall orange flags. Today’s crowd of motorized enthusiasts seem to think they rule the road and are invincible. Gayle Shantz Chatham
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 8
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026
Four ball fields for Blenheim?
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
A new four-diamond baseball facility is on the horizon for South Kent. At its Aug. 10 meeting, Chatham-Kent council took a big step towards the $16.7-million devel-
opment by approving the $1.5-million purchase of 32 acres at 9267 Allison Line in Blenheim. The land acquisition by the municipality is being made in conjunction with the Chatham-Kent Public Utilities Commission. Plans are in the works by PUC to build a reservoir
at the site as part of an upgrade to supply water to Ridgetown and Highgate. A total of $1.4 million of the sale is being paid through the Hydro One Community Benefit Reserve, with around $147,000 of the cost coming from PUC coffers. The site will have a multi-
use designation, with 23.88 acres to be used for the ball diamonds and three to five acres for the reservoir. South Kent Coun. Anthony Ceccacci said the response to the South Kent Ball Diamond Complex proposal has been the “most positive” he’s re-
ceived regarding a largescale C-K project, since he was elected eight years ago. “In South Kent we have an amazing group of volunteers and coaches, of extremely dedicated corporate sponsors,” Ceccacci told council, adding that while there are a lot of strategic development needs in C-K, the new baseball complex is important. “We can’t pay for a lot of those things without growth and without investing in our community,” he said. “I hope council supports this as a whole because the community is really excited.” Ceccacci pointed out the need for new ball diamonds in Ward 2 has been conveyed to him by user groups ever since he was elected to council eight years ago. “It’s something I’ve come back to, to administration, year after year,” he explained. Fellow South Kent Coun. Ryan Doyle said the demand for more baseball diamonds is there. “It definitely something that’s needed and something the community is behind,” Doyle said, adding the site and design are “both great. I’m happy to put my support behind
this.” In December 2025, council adopted the 2025 Parks and Recreation Master Plan, which recommended the development of a new baseball complex in Chatham-Kent. At the time, council approved $2 million in funding, to be pulled from two different reserve funds, to undertake exploratory work as part of a feasibility study. To that end, a total of six potential properties were screened and assessed, with the Allison Line property coming out on top. The municipality is open to sponsorship and naming rights for the complex and will be applying for upper-level funding and grants for the project as they become available. In his comments, chief financial officer Gord Quinton said government funding is much more accessible to municipalities if projects are shovel ready. “You really need to have the land and design work done before you go to upper levels of government,” Quinton said. “Without having the land, you’re probably shifted to the other pile.” Around 40 deputations were put forward to council in support of the new baseball complex.
The Chatham Voice
Army Red Kettles will be used at both stores for monetary donations, and TAP will be available as well. The council leadership estimated they will need between 60 and 90 volunteers over the three-day period. The goal is to gather 10 tons of food and $8,000 in donations over the three days. Volunteers can contact Steve Brent at steve@ stevebrent.ca to confirm what time(s) and day(s) they can take part.
Volunteers wanted
A local Knights of Columbus council is gearing up for its semi-annual food drive and it needs volunteers. The Knight of Columbus Blessed Sacrament Council #1412 is running the drive Sept. 17-19 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Food Basics and the Real Canadian Superstore in Chatham, with non-perishables destined for the Salvation Army food bank. The familiar Salvation
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026
THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 9
THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 10
Hospitals are being short-changed: unions
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Eight years ago, Doug Ford promised to end hallway health care in Ontario. But that hasn’t happened, according to a new report from the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions (OCHU). Titled “Pushed Over the Brink: The Escalating Assault on Ontario’s Hospitals,” the analysis details the difficulties Ontarians face in accessing health care, why the problem continues to grow, and how the OCHU believes it can be solved. As part of a provincial tour to raise awareness about the issue, OCHU
president Michael Hurley and CUPE senior researcher Doug Allan recently met with reporters in Chatham. According to Hurley, a variety of factors are contributing to the fact that on any given day 2,000 Ontario resident patients are waiting on stretchers for a hospital bed to open up. Plus, he said, an estimated 200,000 people are waiting for surgery, with 75,000 of those exceeding the medically recommended time frame. “There’s incredible pressure on the hospitals and crowding,” Hurley told the media, noting aging baby boomers with complex care needs, advancements in care, rising costs
and inadequate government funding combine to make the problem worse. Allan, author of the report, said officials are calling on the province to restore funding back to levels it should be at a cost of $5 billion. “Funding increases are just a little over half of what is actually needed,” he added, noting provincial austerity measures “began to bite” in 2025. According to Allan, it’s a long-established fact that Ontario needs to increase hospital capacity, particularly as baby boomers age, with the province bearing the distinction of having the fewest beds-to-population ratio in Canada. “Right now, we’re in the thick of it,” Allan stated,
noting that 60 per cent of all hospital beds are taken by people aged 65 years or older. “We have seen significant increases in total length of stay,” he explained, noting that while people are being treated “more efficiently,” the need for hospital services continues to mount. At the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Allan said the hospital needs $32 million and more than 300 staff to bring it to an adequate standard. “That’s the bump we need to get it back to the Canada-wide average,” he said, adding most Ontario hospitals are in the same shape. In September 2025, the government forced all
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
A new report by the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions, an arm of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, is sounding the alarm about the increase of hallway health care in Ontario. OCHU president Michael Hurley and Doug Allan, a senior researcher with CUPE National, recently met with reporters in Chatham to discuss the problem.
hospitals to create threeyear hospital sector stabilization plans to come out of deficit. In order to meet the decree, the report indicates hospitals are cutting staff, with a loss of 1,300 jobs across the province in the last year. In 2021, Ontario hospitals had $2 billion in
working capital, but that’s now shrunk to a negative $280 million as of last December, the report said. Allan noted CKHA is operating with a deficit of $18 million in working capital. By law, hospitals aren’t allowed to run deficits. Continued on page 11
THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026
PAGE 11
Hot home sales for July The Chatham Voice
July was a sizzler of a month, and not just in terms of temperature. According to Chatham-Kent Association of Realtors (CKAR) numbers, home sales last month were up nearly 17 per cent from July of 25, and reached transaction numbers that realtors have not seen locally in half a decade. A total of 133 units changed hands in July. That’s 12 per cent above the five-year average and 2.2 per cent ahead of the 10-year average. Carrie Patrick, president
of CKAR, said the numbers were positive all around. “Sales activity was up on a year-over-year basis in July, while new listings remained historically elevated and notched the highest July on record. Overall inventories have generally been rising over the past four years, and our local market is recently more often in buyer’s territory than it is balanced,” she said in a media release. The July sales boost managed to help total sales over the first seven months of 2026 to keep pace with the same peri-
od last year. In terms of price per home sold, realtor numbers indicated the homes sold in July averaged $410,946, down 7.5 per cent from July 2025. However, looking at year-to-date figures, the average price was $439,878, a small gain of one per cent from the first seven months of 2025. As for new listings, the number was up by one home compared to July 2025. However, with 277 new residential listings in July, this was the largest number of new listings added in the month of July in history.
mance indicators are publicly reported and reflect the ongoing challenges facing our organization,” the statement read. “We continue to work closely with Ontario Health and the Ministry of Health to responsibly manage our resources while maintaining safe, high-quality care for our patients and community. Additional investments in hospital funding and health human resources remain important to ensuring hospitals can meet growing demand and continue providing timely access to care.” Increasing privatization is another tactic the gov-
ernment is taking, Allan noted, adding it isn’t helping. “Unfortunately, the government plans to expand that and there’s very solid evidence, that the wealthy are the ones who benefit from that privatization and everyone else is getting less,” Allan added. The need for more provincial support is also being felt by people waiting for surgeries, such as hip and knee replacements. In turn, that’s led to people seeking treatment at private surgery clinics, with some people taking out loans or a line of credit to get procedures done.
Hospital funding shortfall
Continued from page 10
Because that’s impossible, hospitals are forced to apply for “waivers” from Ontario Health. In response to a query about the report, the CKHA issued the following statement. “Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, like hospitals across Ontario, continues to experience financial and operational pressures driven by increasing patient demand, complex care, capacity challenges and rising costs. While we have not reviewed the CUPE’s report and cannot comment on its specific figures, our financial statements and perforThis stunning customdesigned ranch perfectly blends modern luxury with everyday functionality. Offering 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a seamless openconcept layout, this home is ideal for families, professionals, or those looking to downsize without compromising on quality. Book your personal viewing now!
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Golf courses come and go
THE CHATHAM VOICE
My Chatham Voice Athletic Grounds editor, Bruce Corcorwhich currently an, recently received accommodates Fergie a note from a reader Jenkins Field, Memowishing to confirm rial Arena, etc. that his home, on The Old AthletAlgonquian Drive, ic grounds were stands close to the bounded by Queen spot where the pro Street, Duluth Street shop of the old Chaand William Street tham Golf Club once but were exposed to John Rhodes stood. private development I compared his street in 1905. number with a current map and The aerial photo I have included an aerial photo, from the 1950s, faces north, with Indian Creek and the estimation is reasonably Road West running horizontally, accurate. across the bottom, and Lacroix The golf course was created in Street running vertically to the left 1919 on a tract of land bounded by of centre. Lacroix Street, Indian Creek Road Originally known as the ElWest, Queen Street, and the New mwood Golf Club, it was built
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026
Contributed image
The intersection of Lacroix Street and Indian Creek Road west. This photo faces north, circa mid-1950s.
on pasture land prone to flooding. Many years ago I had the privilege of interviewing the late William McKenzie Ross III, who lived to be 100 years old, regarding the property and he told me that the land was used for pasture as it
was too low and prone to flooding for development. Originally, the golf course functioned well as a ninehole format but after the Second World War, the mode was to expand to 18-hole operations and the Chatham club followed that pattern in the mid 1950s when it expanded, kiddy Notice is hereby given corner, to my grandfather’s farm at the that the southwest corner of InAnnual General Meeting of dian Creek Road West and Lacroix Street. Chatham Kent Women’s The course functioned well until the late 1950s Centre Inc. when the decision will be held on was made to sell the Wed., September 23rd, 2026 property and move the operation to a new at Links of Kent location in Harwich township where the 120 Indian Creek W, course would be called Chatham, ON. the Maple City Golf and Country Club. Attendance is by One unique factor invitation only concerning the Elm-
wood golf course was the premise that the holes had names; 1 was Bridge, 3 was Boulevard, 4 was Elms, 5 was Shady lane, 6 was Elbow, 7 was Lacroix, 8 was Faraway, and 9 was Home. I was not able to learn the name of hole 2. In the late 50s, the property was sold and the members built a new course in Chatham Township. There was an odd situation regarding the dispense of alcohol which required the club house to be in Chatham Township while the course was across the river in Harwich township, the two entities connected by an odd looking barrel-supported bridge. I should point out one oddity about the photo: The landscape, in the lower right corner, appears to be water, when it is actually wheat, ready for harvest in early July of that year.
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026
More candidates pour forth
The Chatham Voice
Candidates continue to step forward to run in this fall’s municipal election. Since we last reported to our readers, 10 candidates filed their papers. They bring the total running for office in Chatham-Kent in the fall to 90. Of those, 76 are running for council or the mayor’s seat, while 14 seek a trustee position on a local school board. Ward 7 saw the most activity. Incumbent Marjorie Crew announced her intentions to run again, while Michael Gibbons, Karen Robinet and Dale VanDusen stepped forward as well. Ward 8 saw incumbent Conor Allin file his papers. So too did Cynthia Cote. Marc Westerman announced he is running in Ward 6. In Ward 5, Bill Arends and Dave Brundritt put their names into the hat. At the school boards level, David Pelgrims, Chris White and Jocelyn Young Cromier are now running for LKDSB trustee for wards 1-3. Barb Pelgrims seeks a seat for SCCDSB for Ward 3. ••• Mayor: West Kent Coun. Lauren Anderson, Chatham Coun. Michael Bondy, Nelson Burm, incumbent mayor Darrin Canniff, Ryan Gow and Randy Hope. Chatham Ward 6: Jeff
Comiskey, Ben Labadie, Brian Machado, Sheila Moir-Martin, Karen Montgomery and incumbent Alysson Storey. (Two seats.) Chatham Ward 7: Steve Adkins, incumbent Marjorie Crew, Michael Fife, incumbent Amy Finn, Dustin Gawne, Michael Gibbons, Larry Hutchins, Steve Kenney, Marc King, Jason Reynolds, Doug Robbins, Karen Robinet, Dustin Ryan and Dale VanDusen. (Two seats.) Chatham Ward 8: Sandra Dorner, Ryan Drouillard, John Duquette, Andy Fisher, Paul Graciano, Debbie Martin, incumbent Brock McGregor, Rick Nicholls, Stephani Shill, Scott Thompson and Luke Van Der Vliet. (Two seats.) South West Kent Ward 1: Tom Askew, Mark Authier, Michael Bond, incumbent Melissa Harrigan, Andrea Palmer and Gerhard Taves. (Two seats.) South East Kent Ward 2: Chad Carnie; incumbent Anthony Ceccacci, Matthew Giffin, Fred Hooper, Matt Lamarche, Denise Maynard, Albert Pilbeam, Brad Snobelen, Spencer Stinson and Hassan Tariq. (Two seats.) North East Kent Ward 3: Lauren Aziz, Kyle Carter, Cory Couture, Mark Huston, Emery Huszka, Matthew Pietens and James Plunkett. (One seat.) North West Kent Ward 4: John Cummings, Kirk Hooker and incumbent Rhonda Jubenville. (One
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seat.) Wallaceburg Ward 5: Bill Arends, Brendan Authier, Loree Bailey, Jim Blake, Steve Burritt, Mark Childs, Jay Debuck, Brent DeNure, Zac Nicholson, Dave Hyatt and Chris Young. (Two seats.) LKDSB Wards 1-3: Randy Campbell, David Pelgrims, Chris White and
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Jocelyn Young Cromier. (Two seats.) LKDSB Wards 4,5: Anna Cairns, Jason Nantais. (One seat.) LKDSB Wards 6-8: Tracy Bernicky, Ellen Sinclair. (Two seats.) SCCDSB Wards 1,2: Brenda Rumble. (One seat.) SCCDSB Ward 3: Barb
Pelgrims. (One seat.) SCCDSB Wards 4,5: John Van Heck. (One seat.) SCCDSB Wards 6-8: David Artenti. (One seat.) French Public: David Paradis. (One seat.) French Separate Ward 1: Doris Sauve. (One seat.) French Separate Wards 2-8: Robert Demers. (One seat.)
PAGE 13
Nominations are open until Friday. Anyone interested in running can access the necessary information on the Municipality of Chatham-Kent’s webpage. Editor’s note: This is the list of candidates available on the municipality’s webpage as of press time Aug. 14.
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PAGE 14
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026
Sass Road improvements coming
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
The intersection at Park Avenue East and Sass Road in Chatham is about to see significant improve-
ments. The work, approved by Chatham-Kent council Aug. 10, includes the installation of a new traffic light. Road widening for turn lanes, a new catch basin, concrete curbs and a
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was awarded to Sterling Ridge Infrastructure Inc. of LaSalle., with an additional $103,000 contract to R.V. Anderson Associates Ltd. for reviewing the intersection and making recommendations.
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026
PAGE 15
Boulder couple gets friendly ‘citation’ By Michael Bennett Local Journalism Initiative The Ridgetown Independent
Lynne and Daniel Froelich came to Ridgetown from Colorado recently to visit family. Little did they know they would wind up getting arrested. Fortunately, the couple from Boulder didn’t get thrown into jail to make little rocks out of big boulders. But they were ‘arrested’ as the first ‘Tourists of the Week’ by the Ridgetown Business Improvement
Association’s ‘sheriff’ Jim Brown and ‘deputy’ John Wright. “You have been duly charged with entering the friendliest town in Ontario, Canada – Ridgetown,” Brown said in reading the ‘citation’ to the Froelichs. “You have pleaded guilty to the charge, and we, the merchants, sentence you to sign our guest book,
be photographed for our files, accept these gifts on behalf of the merchants, and be our guest as the Ridgetown Tourists of the Week. We sincerely hope you enjoy your stay in our town, have a safe journey, and return to the ‘Friendliest Town in Ontario.’” East Kent Coun. John Wright and Brown, chair of the BIA, then presented the Froelichs with a basket full of goodies from Ridgetown merchants. “This is a beautiful town,” the Froelichs said. “We are so happy to be here.”
PARK PLACE CHATHAM
Image courtesy The Ridgetown Independent News
The first Tourists of the Week from Erie, Colorado, were “arrested” while downtown doing a little shopping. Pictured above, left to right, are Jim Brown, John Wright, Lynne Froelich, Daniel Froelich and Cheryl Thornton.
They were in town to visit Daniel’s sister, Cheryl Thornton, and brotherin-law, Matthew Giffin. The Ridgetown BIA resurrected the Tourist of the Week program in 2023 after it had been dormant
for 11 years. The late Doug Smith, the community’s recreation director, was instrumental in getting the Tourist of the Week program started in 1968, with assistance and co-operation
of Elsie Reynolds, Ridgetown’s event coordinator and Ridge House Museum curator, the Chamber of Commerce and the Ridgetown detachment of the OPP.
Continued on page 17
PAGE 16
THE CHATHAM VOICE
Community Events
Thursday, August 20, 2026: • Join us every Thursday afternoon from 1:00-4:00pm at the Merlin Legion for an Open Jam Session. Bring your instrument, voice or just pop in to enjoy the great music! Bar Open 2:30pm. Kitchen Open 4:00pm. Panzerotti Night & Full Menu available! • Fundraiser BBQ. Join CK Pride at Fuel 4 You (80 William St. Chatham) beginning at 11:30am for a barbecue supporting Pride programming. • Join us at The Chatham Legion, 39 William St. N. Chatham. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11am1:30pm with some of your favourites! Euchre at 1pm. Swanky Dawgs Food Truck will be on site 4:30pm-8:30pm. Members & non-members welcome. • The Chatham-Kent Quilters’ Guild meeting at St. Paul’s Congregational Church, 450 Park Ave W, Chatham. Doors open at 6:00. Meeting starts at 7:00 pm. Everyone is welcome to join us, the fee for non-members is $10. Come and enjoy our presentations, guest speakers and all of the other fun at our meeting. Our membership fee is $50. You are welcome to contact us through our Facebook page or our website at www.ckquiltguild.com for more information. • Lunch at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 11am1:30pm. Daily specials and menu items available Friday, August 21, 2026: • Queer Portraits Exhibit Opening. Visit the Capitol Theatre for the opening of this special exhibition celebrating 2SLGBTQIA+ community members. https://www.tagartspace. com/queer-portraits. • Join us at The Chatham Legion, 39 William St. N. Chatham 11am9:30pm. Kitchen is open for lunch 11am-1:30pm. Tonight’s Dinner Specials from 4pm-5:15pm are Fish & Chips or Ham & Scalloped Potatoes. $15(HST included) No orders after 5:30pm. Take out available by calling 519-351-8733 or 519-351-5639. Members & non-members welcome. • Merlin Legion famous Perch & Chicken Dinner! $22.50 for 5 piece perch or combo. $16.50 for 3 piece broasted chicken. All Friday night meals include sides and dessert! Served 4:30-7:00pm at Merlin Legion. Call 519-689-4884 after 3:00pm on Fridays for take-out.
• Lunch at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 11am - 1:30pm. Daily specials and menu items available. Friday night supper is a Shepherds Pie dinner with vegetables, salad and a bun. Dine ins $14 and pickups $15. All meals are served at 6pm. Please call 519-352-8291 to order.
• Pride Pub Night. Meet friends old and new at Glasstown Brewing Company (331 James St. Wallaceburg) beginning at 6:30pm. Saturday, August 22, 2026: • CK Pride Parade. Beginning at 11am along King Street in downtown Chatham. Individuals are welcome to join the Rainbow Marchers behind the CK Pride float. No registration is required. Arrive 10-10:30am. • CK PrideFest. Celebrate from 12 noon-4pm at Harvey and Centre Streets with entertainment by Captain Finn & the Salty Sea Dogs, info booths, street vendor fair, the all inclusive Norsefolk Viking Re-enactment Zone, and a 36-foot inflatable rainbow waterslide. Free entry! • 3rd Annual LipsynCK Slaytacular. Cheer on drag performers from 1-3 pm at Harvey and Centre Streets during this high-energy lip sync competition at PrideFest. Free entry! • Join us at The Chatham Legion, 39 William St.N. Chatham 11am-9:30pm. Line Dancing 11am-12pm. Kitchen is open 3pm-5:15pm. The Meat Draws are 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30 plus a 50/50 draw. On Stage is “The All Nighters” from 4:30-9:30pm. Members & non-members welcome. • Merlin Legion Classic Country Jamboree with the Marquis. Join us for an afternoon of great music, great company, dancing, meat draw, 50/50 and great food! Doors open at 1:00pm. $5 entry. Musicians and singers enter for free! Sparerib Dinner with sides and dessert served at 5:30pm. $15.00. Sunday, August 23, 2026: • Two Creeks welcomes The Ashley Lynn Experience to its Weil Amphitheatre Stage on Sunday, August 23 at 6pm. This high energy good time band brings country, rock and R&B party music to its delighted audiences Food and drink by the Scouts. No admission, but we do pass the hat. Lots of parking. www.twocreeks.ca.
• Breakfast at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond from 9am until Noon. All meals are cooked to order.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026
Fun Stuff
Tuesday, August 25, 2026: • Are you looking for a place that leads children to contemplation, wonder, and joy? The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a time-tested approach to Christian faith formation. It feeds the deepest needs of children, allowing each one to know God personally. Through hand-made materials and an environment prepared for them. Our atrium (program) takes place on Tuesdays, 4:30-5:30pm, for children 3-6 years old. St. James the Apostle Anglican, 707 James Street, Wallaceburg. For more info, call: (647)781-6142. • Join us at The Chatham Legion, 39 William St. N. Chatham 11am9:30pm. Kitchen open to serve lunch 11am-1:30pm. It’s Spaghetti with Meat Sauce Tuesday! Euchre starts at 1pm and at 6:30pm. Darts and Shuffleboard at 7pm. Members & non-members welcome.
CLUES ACROSS 1. Microgram 4. Fixed charge 7. Each 8. Feeling of humiliation 10. Coat with sticky Wednesday, August 26, 2026: substance • Join us at The Chatham Legion, 39 12. Powerful William St.N. Chatham 11am-9:30pm “Severance” family Kitchen is open to serve lunch 11am13. Japanese city 1:30pm. It’s Meatloaf Wednesday! 14. “Pulp Fiction” Fun Darts at 7pm. Members & actress Thurman non-members welcome. 16. Hat • National Dog Day! Chatham Retire- 17. Place where rockers work ment Resort is opening our doors to 19. Psyche the community at 1:30pm. Guests 20. Snakelike fishes can enjoy: A Puppy Tricks & Train21. Where people live ing Demonstration. A presentation 25. Body part from Chatham-Kent Animal Rescue 26. Old towel and a visit from one of their rescue dogs. A Donation Drive in support of 27. One’s essential being Chatham-Kent Animal Rescue. A Dog Photo Booth. Our “Meet Our Resident 29. Japanese alcoholic beverage Dogs” display featuring photos and 30. Boxing’s GOAT stories of our residents, staff, and 31. Wet muddy their beloved pet. This event is a wonground derful opportunity to bring together our residents and the community while supporting a fantastic local organization dedicated to helping animals in need.
Are you affected by someone else’s drinking? Al-anon can help! Call 1-888-425-2666 or Al-Anon.org Alcoholics Anonymous Chatham-Kent. Call or Text 519-360-5246 or see our website aachathamkent.com. Adult Children of Alcoholics & Dysfunctial Families (ACoA). Visit www.adultchildren.org. acachatham@yahoo.com.
32. Christian Laettner is one 39. A place to store lawn tools 41. Large tub for liquid 42. Old World lizard 43. One-time European member group 44. Healing student 45. Nuclear weapon 46. “Kiss of the Spider Woman” actress Sonia 48. Silk garment 49. About some Norse poems 50. Woman religious community member 51. Congressman (abbr.) 52. Two-year-old sheep CLUES DOWN 1. An insane person 2. “Homeland” actress Danes
3. Buttock muscles 4. US federal agency 5. Birds of prey 6. Electronic communication 8. Ocean 9. Terminates 11. Low-pitched sound from a bell 14. Exclamation: yuck! 15. A place to attach a boat 18. Exclamation of surprise 19. Make a mistake 20. Border line 22. Have religious faith 23. Klutz 24. Large tree 27. House of __ rulers 28. Red deer 29. Small coin (French) 31. Popular sandwich 32. 10-year period 33. Not good 34. Government lawyer 35. Egypt’s intelligence agency 36. Without an occupant or incumbent 37. Stain with one’s hands 38. Crippling 39. One point east of southeast 40. Large, united groups 44. __ and cheese 47. Alcoholic beverage
THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026
PAGE 17
Wrestling fundraiser Aug. 29
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
A group of grapplers will gain entrance to Erickson Arena later this month in a suplex of a fundraiser.
Former World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) wrestler Rhino is leading the charge on behalf of Independent Pro Wrestling (IPW). He and the others take to the squared circle
‘The Friendliest Town in Ontario’
Continued from page 15
OPP officers would ‘pull over and arrest’ random drivers with out-of-town identification stickers or out-of-province and American license plates. Instead of being hauled into the police station, the arrested parties would be escorted to a predetermined location where they were greeted by a welcoming committee and showered with gifts from several businesses in the ‘Friendliest Town In Ontario.’ The promotion drew national and international attention, including a mention in Reader’s Digest magazine. The OPP continued to pull people over every week – in a respectful manner so they wouldn’t be alarmed – for another 30 years. Things, however, changed with amalgamation in 1998, and the Chatham-Kent Police Service was contracted to provide law enforcement for the entire municipality, including communities such as Ridgetown, which used to be under OPP jurisdiction. Many CKPS officers were reluctant to participate in the promotion, and even the ones who were interested often got called away for duty just as town officials were prepared to conduct the promotion. “It got to the point where we couldn’t do it when we wanted because there was no guarantee
we would have an officer available,” Brown said. The Chamber of Commerce and local merchants tried to keep the promotion going, but it was eventually ceased around 2012. Brown and Wright were instrumental in bringing the tradition back in 2023, as the BIA and local merchants showered the weekly ‘arrested parties’ with gifts on behalf of ‘The Friendliest Town in Ontario.’ Signed, sealed and delivered
Health-care workers at St. Andrew’s Residence in Chatham unanimously ratified a three-year collective agreement delivering wage increases, improved benefits, and enhanced workplace premiums. The employees are represented by Southwestern Ontario Health Care and Service Workers Union, CLAC Local 303, which has represented the organization’s workforce since 2002. The 42-member group, including unregulated care providers (UCPs), personal support workers (PSWs), health care aides, dietary staff, housekeeping and laundry aides, cooks, and maintenance staff, secured wage increases of 3.5 per cent in each of the first two years and three per cent in the third year of the agreement, which runs to March 31, 2028
Aug. 29. banks, kids sports and the Proceeds stay in Cha- cadets.” tham-Kent, as the event is The goal is to entertain being co-orpeople of all dinated by “It’s a family event, all ages. the Cha- ages. There will be no “It’s a famtham Kins- vulgar language. We’re ily event, men. all ages,” “All the trying to keep it like Hughes money we that.” said. “There make goes - Kinsmen’s Bob Hughes will be no back into vulgar lanthe community,” Bob guage. We’re trying to Hughes of the Kinsmen keep it like that.” Club said. “The money’s Ring time is at 7 p.m. going back to the school There will be six bouts, break programs, Elmer with Rhino featured in the Safety Elephant, food the main event.
Hughes said he is looking forward to the event and the smiling faces of the spectators. “It should be quite interesting,” Hughes said. “It’s looking pretty good.” There’s also a meet and greet in advance. For those who buy that level of access, this begins at 5 p.m. “You can meet Rhino. He’s always willing to sign autographs. He’s a very friendly guy,” Hughes said. Tickets are available at
Giant Tiger and GME. Members of the Kinsmen will also be at Erickson Arena Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons selling them as well. Tickets are $25 for seating in the stands, $30 for floor seats and $50 for the meet-and-greet level access, which also includes preferred seating up close to the ring. The meet and greet starts at 5 p.m. Doors open to the public at 6:15 p.m. and the first bell is slated for 7 p.m.
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459 St.Clair St., Chatham • 519-351-2040 76 Main St. E., Ridgetown • 519-674-3141 141 Park St., Blenheim • 519-676-3451
60 Stanley Street, Blenheim (519) 676 – 9200 blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com
245 Wellington St. W., Chatham 519-352-2710
See full obituaries at chathamvoice.com/obituaries
www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com A Part of Wallaceburg since 1943.
lifetransitions.ca • 519-351-4444
519.627.2861 ericnichollsfuneralhome.com
THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 18
Obituary Surrounded by his loving family, it is with sadness that we announce the passing of
Joshua Davis (Cookson)
on August 12, 2026 at the Chatham Kent Health Alliance at the age of 40, following a courageous and lifelong battle with lung disease. Born in Chatham, Ontario on October 21, 1985, the loved son, raised single-handedly by his devoted mother, Tina Davis. A kind, caring and devoted father, Josh leaves behind his three cherished children, Royal, Eddy and Abby whom he loved with all his heart. Along with his Mom and children, also grieving are his brother, Aaron and sisters Rebecca, Kendra and Bre. Josh was also loved by several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of dear friends – all who were very special to him - Josh enjoyed unique relationships with many of them. Josh was a self-taught computer wizard who assisted many by repairing glitches in their computers and devices with his innate intelligence and technical skills. Always ready to help, but was also always eager to barter in exchange for his services - he especially enjoyed those arrangements. Josh was a one-of-a-kind guy who surely will be deeply missed by ALL his family and friends. His dark sense of humour was famous amongst those who knew him well. It was his request that there will be no service and that his remains be cremated and interred with his Grandpa Lowell. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at Life Transitions Burial and Cremation Service Inc. Anyone who wishes to make a memorial donation, are asked to please consider donating funds to benefit his children. The family expresses their gratitude to the medical team at Chatham Kent Health Alliance ICU, in particular Dr. Maria, Dr. Tran and Nurse Mike for their kindness and compassionate care shown towards Joshua and his immediate family during his hospitalization. Special thanks to the Poppies, Cousin Brenda and Cousin John for being our emotional support. You made a very difficult time more bearable. Arrangements entrusted to Life Transitions Burial and Cremation Service Inc.
Classifieds
Noel Andre Loyson
Wanted
In Memoriam
In Memoriam
Patrick McGivern
In Loving Memory of Michael Pilon
(March 12, 1942 - August 23,2023)
Husband in Heaven: Today, like so many days, I find myself thinking of you with love. I talk to you more often than anyone knows, finding comfort in believing that somehow you’re still listening. Though I can’t see you, you remain a part of my every day. My love for you lives on, and so do the memories we shared. Love Leona
August 24, 2024
To my husband, my lover, my best friend. There will never be another you. I miss you so much. Love Glenda
Event
Yard Sale
For Sale
GOLD Silver
‘Cookbook’ Yard Sale Sat. Aug. 22, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 112 John St., Chatham HUGE collection of books and magazines, from easy to gourmet. Rain date Aug. 23
Spray booth for sale. Factory made. 1984 Jeep for sale. Full garage of items 8871 Doyle Line 519-354-4490.
ALL COINS
BUYING
Canada, USA World Coins for Sale? FREE ESTIMATES
Tuesday, August 18 • 9am-4pm
Active Lifestyle Centre
20 Merrit Ave, ChathamThursday,
passed away on August 5, 2026 at the age of 75 years. Born in Belgium to the late Andre (1985) & Josephine (2024) Loyson, Noel came to Canada in 1957 at the age of six. He is survived by his wife Marnie, sister Lisa Gehl, sister-in-law Beth Lachine, nephews Joshua Gehl, Robert McLaughlin and Kevin McLauclin, niece Alisha Lachine, step-sons Sean Lamb (Liz) and Jason Lamb (Jen), grandchildren Owen and Avery Lamb and his step-grandchild Peyton Slaughter. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins in Europe. Noel worked in tobacco at an early age as well as in many factories in Chatham until his retirement in 2021. His greatest passion in life was training and practicing karate. He shared his skills with many children who he taught over the years. Noel’s wish was for his family to remember him privately. Friends and family wishing to remember him with a memorial donation are asked to consider the C-K Hospice or the C-K Animal Rescue. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026
Saturday, August 22 • 9am-4pm
Blenheim Legion
34 Catherine St., Blenheim
ALWAYS PAYING MORE THAN THE BROCHURE FROM QUEBEC
BEST TO DEAL LOCAL!
TOP PRICES PAID
Appointments available
GOLD SILVER ALL COINS House calls available.
Dan Jones B.A.B.Ed
519-818-1805 Announcement
Chatham Baptist Chapel “Come out, All Are Welcome” Sunday Services 11am and 7pm Wednesday Bible Study 7pm Go to www.chathambaptistchapel. com to watch sermons.
Free FREE used engine oil 519-401-7188.
Services
House For Sale
WE BUY GOLD! Best prices paid. Call for Free Estimates 519-4367229. Wanted to Buy: Antiques, costume jewellery, gold, silver, coins, military, furniture, tools. We Buy All - Paid Cash. 519-7278894. WANTED : Will pay $50.00 Photo of the Chatham Armoury under construction . Built in 1905, the armoury would have been a big construction project at that time. Looking for any photos that show the armoury being built. Text Dan at 519809-1217
Mortgages
House for sale. Contains new appliSilk Cemetery Mortgage Money ances, 5+ bedrooms, recently rebuilt, Saddle ArrangeAvailable large fenced backyard with tool shed. ments. Everyday/ Private lender Must be seen to be appreciated. 171 Holidays. Readyoffering private Edgar St, Chatham. For info call John to-go. Many mortgages at rea519-360-1312. colours available. sonable rates. Call to Services For more info call $40. 519-354place your ad 519-436-7229. 3411 519-397-2020 Handyman Services. EavesLoans trough cleaning & repair. Junk removal, grass cutting & CONSOLIDATE DEBTS WE ALSO ARRANGE other small jobs. LOWER YOUR PAYMENTS UNSECURED LINES Call 519-352Difficult Situations Accepted OF CREDIT/LOANS 5414 or 226-627Whether you are looking to Borrow 5414. purchase a home, refinance your
MORTGAGES / LOANS
For Rent
St. Andrew’s Terrace 2 bedroom condo in mint condition. 55+ building. Furnished or unfurnished. Enclosed parking. Available immediately. Phone 519-4367229.
$50,000 for $237.48/mth $100,000 for $474.95/mth $200,000 for $949.91/mth $300,000 for $1424.86/mth $400,000 for $1899.81/mth
mortgage, or consolidate debt, it’s important that you are making an educated decision and receiving professional unbiased advice.
For qualified borrowers. First mortgage based on 3.99%/yr fixed rate, 5 yr term, 30 yr amortization. On approved credit, & subject to borrower qualification. Rates & terms subject to change without notice.
Call John at 519-259-8209 - 24 hours or email john@uccmortgageco.com UNIMOR CAPITAL CORPORATION Brokerage Lic.#10675
Here Comes the Green Machine! Green
Deep steam carpet cleaning, area rugs, and upholstery. Spotless Call Alec - 25+ Years Experience. 226-229-0451. FREE ESTIMATES greenandspotless@gmail.com. ~ GROUT CLEANING ALSO ~
THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026
my plan calls for me to redirect the flood water out of the city’s core...
by tony gray
i’m doing it! but just barely. i wish i could be impressed but i need to move about sixteen times this weight for my plan to work.
...all sixteen billion pounds of it!
synopsis: ‘Gunner’ Menard along with his cohort, ‘Cigarette’ Mousseau, of the thames gang, have flooded chatham in their effort to extort the city into turning over a vintage 1928 cadillac once owned by prohibition-era mobster, al pachismo.
PAGE 19
i guess i should have had a bigger breakfast.
Maria Pasqua, the conduit’s confidant, has made him aware that his current power level is unable to clear the flood waters. The conduit has found a lake along the 401 highway to test his current capacity and to determine what kind of a power boost he will need to thwart the Thames gang’s nefarious plan.
it’s not right for 1920’s style gangsters to be driving in a 1968 sports car.
i’ll let you do the talking. i love when you speak the classic chicago mobster slang with your french accent!
i’ll bet you, if al pachismo was driving a ‘68 sports car back in 1928, he’d never have been caught!
BOARD GAME CAFE AND INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE
Tur&nS Tales
what!?! never mind. just remember to talk like a prohibitionera gangster when we get there.
for ! Fun yone r eve at the festival site the water is rising faster than the temperature!
213 KING ST WEST CHATHAM, ON WWW.TURNSANDTALES.COM
ATTENTION LOCAL BUSINESSES we are here to pick up our car! i hope the air conditioner is working!
Do you want to be part of The Incredible Conduit? NEXT WEEK: THE INCREDIBLE CONDUIT™ and all characters©2026 by Tony Gray and GlassMonkey Studios
it’s time for the conduit to get a serious upgrade!
Reach out to your Chatham Voice ad rep, or call 519-397-2020 to learn more.
PAGE 20
THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026
A SAFER ONTARIO MEANS
BUILDING NEW JAILS Learn how we’re protecting the province at ontario.ca/SaferOntario Paid for by the Government of Ontario