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THURSDAY, AUGUST 27,2026
Mark Ribble/Southpoint Sun
The Port of Cleveland and Milo Habour Inc. of Wheatley recently entered into a memorandum of understanding to run a truck ferry service between the two locations across Lake Erie. Local MP Dave Epp said until they have customs officials on both sides of the border on side, there’s not much to discuss. However, Chatham-Kent politicians are excited, and some residents are concerned about the potential traffic at the harbour and on area roads if the project is approved.
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The idea of a truck ferry from Cleveland to Wheatley surfaced recently, but local officials are saying there are more questions than answers at this time. The Port of Cleveland stated it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Milo Harbour Inc. of Wheatley to “initiate a new cross-lake truck ferry service between Northeast Ohio and Southern Ontario. Expected to launch in early 2028, the service will create a direct maritime cargo connection across Lake Erie, providing manufacturers, shippers, trucking companies, and logis-
tics partners with a reliable alternative to one of North America’s busiest and most congested border crossings while strengthening regional supply chain resilience and cross-border trade.” That proposal would see up to 300 tractor trailers head in each direction daily. The trucks would drop the trailers off at the ferry in one port, with different trucks picking them off at the other once they clear customs, according to the Port of Cleveland’s press release. And the customs issue is what is sticking with Chatham-Kent–Leamington MP Dave Epp. With the hope from the Port of Cleveland that the operation would be
up and running in less than two years, Epp is left scratching his head. “They have not approached my office,” he said. “But the number one starting point – does Milo have an agreement with CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) to staff and put the capital into the port? Everything else is moot.” CBSA has just staffed the freshly opened Gordie Howe bridge. Epp wonders how intent the border teams would be to have to staff another entry point nearby. “Three hundred trucks a day. Canada has a huge problem with guns coming into the country,” Epp said. Continued on page 3
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Epp skeptical ferry project will proceed Continued from page 2
He also pointed to Picton in Prince Edward County near Belleville. A similar effort took place there, but Epp said the CBSA refused to staff it. Pelee Island is also a port of entry for aircraft and watercraft into Canada and is staffed by CBSA personnel. Combined with the two bridges and tunnel in Windsor, that is four existing crossing points in the area. Detroit and Windsor shared a truck ferry in the past. It ran from 1990 to 2023 and dealt largely with the transport of hazardous materials. This ferry service shut down due to a reported lack of public funding to support the operation. CBSA officials did not get back to us by press time on the matter. The same goes for the Port of Cleveland. Milo Harbour Inc.’s Kieran Stewart said the com-
pany sees it as a win-win concept for all involved. “This project represents a strategic opportunity for Wheatley, as well as the Province of Ontario and all of Canada,” Stewart, the project director, said in a media release. “The team at Milo Harbour Inc. are committed to supporting Ontario and Canada’s plan to diversify trade and ensure our supply chains are stronger than ever.” Should the CBSA approve the Cleveland-Wheatley concept, and should their sister organization in the U.S. agree, Epp said there’d need to be significant improvements made in Wheatley harbour, such as dredging, to support the effort. And through it all, the commercial fishing industry has to be respected. “It’s a commercial fishing port. That has to be maintained,” Epp said.
THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 3
Mark Ribble/Southpoint Sun
Commercial fishing vessels sit moored in Wheatley harbour. If the Cleveland-to-Wheatley truck ferry project were to become a reality, what impact would it have on the community and local infrastructure?
“We can’t interrupt the commercial fishing operations.” Stuart McFadden, director of economic development with the municipality, said he’s aware of the MOU. “Milo owns property on both sides of the harbour in Wheatley. We have been in casual conversation with Milo about this project probably for the past decade,” he said. “It was a concept. They knew they had lots of work that needed to be done to validate the project. We look
forward to sitting down with the Milo group to better understand the project and understand the role the municipality has so we can ask questions in regard to local impact.” That local impact would involve the truck traffic to and from the harbour. “We will obviously have a lot of questions to ask on how it might impact the community and what answers will come,” McFadden said. The proposed project has the Wheatley community
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‘Fertilized with love’
PAGE 4
By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com
At this time of the year, the Chatham-Kent countryside is dotted with roadside vegetable stands featuring some of Ontario’s finest produce. Julia Van Dellen’s Old Time Chuck Wagon Garden Market might just be unique. Not only does the Grade 8 student sell produce at her stand on the former Highway 78 between Wallaceburg and Dresden, but she has also planted, weeded and picked every one of the more than one dozen crops she’ll sell this year.
THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27,2026
Julia, who is entering École secondaire de Pain Court this fall, farms 3.5 acres of the family farm on her own (with some help on machinery from her dad, Todd) and field work from her younger brothers, Kylijah and K.J. After operating a small stand last year, Julia decided to expand things for 2026. “The more we talked, the more she wanted to try,” said Todd, a second-generation farmer. “I’ve always encouraged my kids to try things, and she’s taken farming to heart this year.” Julia is also the brains behind the operation, naming the business and
Judy Woodrow/Special to The Chatham Voice
Larry DeFraeye of Wabash stopped by Julia Van Dellen’s Old Time Chuck Wagon Garden Market recently to get some fresh sweet corn. Julia’s vegetable stand is located on the former Highway 78 between Dresden and Wallaceburg.
developing marketing ideas which will carry the summer job into the fall. “Once she decided to name it, I went and got a wagon for her to keep near the road,” dad said. The entire plot has been grown without the use of chemicals, a decision which Julia said has been a learning experience. “There has been a lot of hoeing and weeding because we’re not using chemicals,” she said. “We have been using banana peels and eggshells to help fertilize the
crops because they also keep insects away. Really, I tell people it’s fertilized with love.” Among the crops being grown are Roma tomatoes, beefsteak tomatoes, onions, beets, two kinds of sweet corn, blue corn, ornamental corn, zucchini, squash, regular pumpkins, blue pumpkins, warty pumpkins, broccoli, cucumbers, watermelons and green, yellow and purple beans. Todd said he and his wife Wendy are advocates of keeping their six children
busy with a combination of challenges and encouragement. “Learning and not being afraid to take on new things really helps the young ones grow,” Todd said. “We’re always there to help if they need us, but they can do a lot on their own.” Julia said she doesn’t have any career or educational goals finalized. “I’m not sure what I want to do,” she said. “I like trying new things and learning.” Continued on page 5
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PAGE 5
Teen grows, sells own vegetables Continued from page 4
Judy Woodrow/Special to The Chatham Voice
Julia Van Dellen is farming a 3.5-acre plot on her family farm with more than a dozen vegetables she’ll be selling at her stand on the former Highway 78 between Dresden and Wallaceburg.
Wheatley harbour
Continued from page 3
“We’re definitely asking questions about this,” he said. “We’ve got many of them, including traffic issues, impact on the harbour itself and also on the commercial fishing industry.” Gabert said they are in a state of “cautious optimism. “There is potential for economic benefit here, but we want to make sure it doesn’t come at the cost of losing access to the waterfront,” he added. “We have to be careful to not interrupt the existing industry down there.” Despite it being so early in the process to develop this initiative and the potential hurdles it faces, Chatham-Kent politicians are excited. “This MOU between Milo Harbour in Wheatley and the Port of Clevland is an exciting opportunity that could further position Chatham-Kent as an important gateway for trade between Canada and the United States,” Mayor Darrin Canniff said. “A direct freight connection
across Lake Erie has the potential to attract investment, support local businesses and create new opportunities for economic growth. We’re excited to learn more about the project and better understand what it could mean for Chatham-Kent’s economic development, infrastructure, agriculture, and future investment across Chatham-Kent.” West Kent Coun. Lauren Anderson said there is “tremendous potential” for the project. “A direct connection to Cleveland could create new opportunities for Wheatley and Chatham-Kent, and we’re excited to learn more about the details, including the potential benefits and the potential impacts on local infrastructure and agricultural community.” However, the potential economic benefits and how to manage the truck traffic are moot points “until the CBSA says they’re on side here,” Epp said. • With files from Mark Ribble, The Southpoint Sun.
She’s currently selling six to seven dozen ears of corn each day as well as tomatoes, peppers and whatever other crops have ripened. She plans to sell porch packages this fall which will include pumpkins, corn stalks and hay. Her favourite vegetable is
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 6
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27,2026
Opinion Election selection
If you saw our story this week on the finalized list of people seeking the mayoral chair, a seat on council, or a spot as a school board trustee, you’ll see candidates have pretty much come out of the proverbial woodwork to take part. As it stands, we have seven people running for mayor, and a stunning 78 vying for the 14 council seats. By comparison, for the 2022 election, a total of 42 people ran for council or for mayor. Fifteen of those ran for the six seats in Chatham. This time around, with Chatham broken up into three wards, and two seats are allocated to each of those wards, there are 17 people running in Ward 7 alone. You read that right; 17 people fighting for two seats. Think musical chairs on steroids. We applaud each and every one of the candidates for stepping up to take part in the democratic process. Now, it’s all our jobs to take part. Vote. In 2022, with those 42 people running, only 30.56 per cent of the electorate in the municipality bothered to show up at the polls, either in advance or on Election Day. Dismal. Surely we can do better than that
this time. In 2018, we had a turnout of 45.44 per cent. Still terrible, but way better than last time. Our best showing since amalgamation was way back in 2000 when 52 per cent of voters cast ballots. The volume of candidates is a sign of either dissatisfaction in how C-K is managed right now, or a heck of a lot of people just think they can do better. We hope people aren’t signed up for the two worst reasons: the paycheque (renumeration is nearly $44,000 per annum) or because they are one-issue candidates. Getting into politics should be a selfless effort. Doing it for the cash is the opposite. Seeking a seat at the table because you hate one issue, or one decision, is also a poor choice. Bring options, and plenty of them. Chatham-Kent is about as diverse a municipality as you can have in Ontario, given the rural-urban mix and the number of communities with their own unique issues. Candidates, please think big. Voters, just please show up on Election Day, after you’ve taken the time to become informed on what each candidate offers.
Our letters to the editor policy The Chatham Voice welcomes letters to the editor. Our preferred method to receive letters is via e-mail to bruce@ chathamvoice.com (use “Letter” in the subject line). You can also drop them off or mail
them to us at The Chatham Voice, 71 Sass Rd., Unit 4, Chatham, Ont, N7M 5J4. The Chatham Voice reserves the right to edit letters to the editor for brevity and clarity. All letters need to be signed.
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The line of defence starts right here Editor: The Chatham Voice’s editorial of July 30, “C-K abandons these tenants,” is correct regarding the possible eviction of tenants on Taylor Avenue. This IS the hill we should die on. With the epidemic of homeless people in the housing crisis in Chatham-Kent, the actions of Foundation Capital, as well as our council not opposing them, are, in
my opinion, nothing less than moral turpitude, legality notwithstanding. Where are these tenants supposed to live once they’re evicted? In tents, under our bridges? I believe many would become homeless, greatly adding to Chatham-Kent’s problems, but certainly adding to Foundation Capital’s bottom line, which is their
sole purpose, regardless of the human cost. Foundation Capital owns many rental units in Chatham-Kent; I strongly suggest the units on Taylor Avenue are the first to be affected. They should be mortally ashamed of their proposal, as should our council for not stopping them.
Editor: Canada Post’s decision to remove local letter drop-off boxes forces residents to drive, park, and line up at the main post office just to mail a single letter. Framing this service reduction as a “money-saving factor” ignores the fundamental purpose of our public postal service. Canada Post exists under a statutory mandate to serve the Canadian public. Removing basic
infrastructure undermines accessibility, affecting seniors and residents with mobility challenges the hardest, while adding unnecessary friction to standard daily postal services. This move disrespects both the public who rely on universal service and the dedicated postal workers who bear the brunt of public frustration over management cuts.
Reducing public access points is not “modernization;” it is a retreat from basic public service as mandated. Residents are encouraged to speak up and demand that Canada Post and our elected representatives protect essential local infrastructure before access is eroded even further. John Cryderman Chatham
Bryan Marino Chatham
Why remove letter boxes?
THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27,2026
PAGE 7
Fall election sees 100-plus candidates The Chatham Voice
All names are in. And out. The deadline for municipal and school board candidates to file their nomination papers for this fall’s municipal election has passed. The final day was a whirlwind, according to municipal officials, as three candidates withdrew, while five ‘new’ ones came forward. All told, we have 104 candidates signed up. Of that tally, 18 are running for various school board seats. The remainder, 85, are battling for 15 seats at the Chatham-Kent council table, including seven signed up to run for mayor. Coming in just under the wire are a number of candidates. Included in the mix is April Colby, who announced she is running for mayor. Bonnie Pigeon and Marc Westerman joined the race in Chatham Ward 6. Penelope Duschesne, Rick Hottot and Jonathan Meriano filed their papers to run in Chatham Ward 7. They are among 17 people vying for two seats. Bruce Caldwell is running in Chatham Ward 8, while Debbie Martin withdrew. Four years after incumbents Carmen McGregor and Aaron Hall were acclaimed in Wallaceburg, there are now 14 candidates running, after Hall
and McGregor announced they would not seek re-election. The latest to join the fray are Victoria Stewart and Bill Wolsing. Allen Sparks signed up to run for the Lambton Kent District School Board Aug. 19, but withdrew two days later. Jacqueline Sparks put her name to run for a trustee spot on the St. Clair board, representing Ward 3. ••• Mayor: West Kent Coun. Lauren Anderson, Chatham Coun. Michael Bondy, Nelson Burm, incumbent mayor Darrin Canniff, April Colby, Ryan Gow and Randy Hope. Chatham Ward 6: Jeff Comiskey, Ben Labadie, Brian Machado, Sheila Moir-Martin, Karen Montgomery, Dave Palmer, Bonny Pigeon, incumbent Alysson Storey, and Marc Westerman. (Two seats.) Chatham Ward 7: Steve Adkins, incumbent Marjorie Crew, Penelope Duschesne, Michael Fife, incumbent Amy Finn, Dustin Gawne, Michael Gibbons, Rick Hottot, Larry Hutchins, Steve Kenney, Marc King, Jonathan Meriano, Jason Reynolds, Doug Robbins, Karen Robinet, Dustin Ryan and Dale VanDusen. (Two seats.) Chatham Ward 8: Conor Allin, Bruce Caldwell, Cynthia Cote´, Sandra Dorner, Ryan Drouillard, John Duquette, Andy Fisher, Paulo Graciano, incumbent Brock McGregor, Rick Nicholls, Stephani
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Lamarche, Denise Maynard, Albert Pilbeam, Brad Snobelen, Spencer Stinson and Hassan Tariq. (Two seats.) NE Kent Ward 3: Lauren Aziz, Kyle Carter, Cory Couture, Mark Huston, Emery Huszka, Matthew Pietens and James Plunkett. (One seat.) NW Kent Ward 4: John Cummings, Kirk Hooker
and incumbent Rhonda Jubenville. (One seat.) Wallaceburg Ward 5: Bill Arends, Brendan Authier, Loree Bailey, Jim Blake, Dave Brundritt, Steve Burritt, Mark Childs, Jay Debuck, Brent DeNure, Dave Hyatt, Zac Nicholson, Victoria Stewart, Bill Wolsing, and Chris Young. (Two seats.) LKDSB Wards 1-3: R.
Campbell, D. Pelgrims, C. White and J. Young Cromier. (Two seats.) LKDSB Wards 4,5: A. Cairns, J. Nantais. (One seat.) LKDSB Wards 6-8: T. Bernicky, B. Pelgrims, D. Pierce, and E. Sinclair. (Two seats.) French Separate Ward 1: Doris Sauve and David Tremblay. (One seat.)
PAGE 8
THE CHATHAM VOICE
A Pathway to awards
The Chatham Voice
The controversial tiny cabin project in Chatham – Pathways on Park – which is a transitional housing location for the area’s homeless, has been honoured with an award. The municipality received the Peter J. Marshall Municipal Innovation Award from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO). According to a media release from the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, “The award recognizes municipal governments that demonstrate excellence through innovative approaches that improve capital or operating efficiency, strengthen service
delivery and create effective partnerships.” AMO executive director Lindsay Jones and AMO president Robin Jones, alongside the provincial Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack presented the award at last week’s annual AMO conference. “Pathways on Park is a great example of how municipalities can effectively partner with community agencies to deliver timely, person-centred housing solutions while maximizing existing assets and public investment,” Robin Jones said in the press release. “We were very impressed that the project repurposed an existing municipal property into
safe, supportive transitional housing units when it is so critically needed.” Pathways on Park recently marked its first year of operation, providing transitional housing and around-the-clock supports to people experiencing homelessness while helping participants work toward stable, long-term housing. Since opening, the program has assisted 126 people, including 12 unaccompanied youth and 11 seniors aged 65 and older. Humans have not been the only tenants at Pathways, as 16 dogs have lived or are living there. Municipal officials said they recognized that allowing people to remain
PARK PLACE CHATHAM
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27,2026
Contributed image
Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff, second from left, receives the Peter J. Marshall Municipal Innovation Award from AMO representatives Lindsay Jones and Robin Jones, along with provincial Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack, left.
with their pets can help remove a significant barrier to accessing shelter and housing supports. When the cabins opened last summer, the program saw 46 of the 50 cabins onsite filled within the first week. The average participant stays at Pathways on Park
for 81 days while working with staff and community partners toward greater stability and permanent housing, officials said. A total of 28 people who have lived at Pathways have moved into longterm housing. Of those, 93 per cent remain housed. Critics of Pathways have
taken issue with the delivery of harm-reduction tools to the site, despite it being listed as a drug-free facility. Pathways on Park provides 50 individual transitional cabins along with shared amenities and access to 24/7 case management.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27,2026
THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 9
THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 10
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27,2026
Vibe CK fills a support void
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
Cass Amyotte and Pam Slade are giving out good vibrations, and have been for a couple of years now. They are the team behind Vibe CK, a recreational adult respite program operating out of 425 McNaughton Ave. W. in Chatham, the Peifer Realty building. The pair oversees a variety of programs geared for developmentally challenged adults in Chatham-Kent. They’re delivered in a laid-back, dropin style approach that has seen about three dozen people join for support, activities and development.
Vibe CK picks up where youth programs leave off for people with developmental disabilities. Amyotte and Slade have clients from age 17 to 70plus. Support structures are in place for youth and teens with developmental disabilities in the community, but much of the program assistance dries up as people reach their early 20s. “They transition out of high school into adulthood; you age out and then there’s nothing. There’s nothing for you to do; there’s nowhere for you to go,” Amyotte said. Vibe CK is an offshoot of sorts from Vibe Community Connections in
Sarnia. Amyotte worked there as a developmental service worker, while Slade, who worked with Developmental Service Ontario (DSO) here, saw a need. She approached the overseers at the Sarnia operation and was connected with Amyotte. They hit it off immediately. “We met for lunch once and then we were like, ‘OK, we’ll do it,’” Amyotte said. Vibe CK provides activities and support, and none of it is done with a cookie-cutter approach. “Everyone’s memberships look different. We have some that come once a month; some that come twice a month, we have
Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice
Cass Amyotte and Pam Slade run Vibe CK in Chatham, a support program for adults with developmental disabilities.
some that come four days a week,” Slade said. “We also provide one-to-one respite as well. We’re very
open to exploring new things.” Those new things include field drips to var-
ious locations and different activities to keep members engaged. Continued on page 11
THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27,2026
Vibe offers varieity of adult programs
Continued from page 10
“We love to try new things and want input from other people,” Slade said. “There’s no point in us putting a program on if nobody wants it.” Joining the programs at Vibe CK is a simple process. For the most part, referrals come from DSO, but otherwise, “it’s kind of just word of mouth and families passing on information to each other,” Amyotte said. “But it’s really for any adult with a developmental disability, 16 and over. People 18 and over can receive what is called Passport Funding. Anybody who has access to that funding can utilize it to attend the program.” Some families pay out of pocket, but Slade encourages people to reach out to DSO for support. The goal for Vibe CK is to reach about 60 clients. Slade and Amyotte are happy with the progress to date, as there is a great deal of trust involved. “You have to trust people with your vulnerable adult child,” Amyotte said. “And we pop up out of nowhere. But we have all this experience.” Both have more than two decades of experience in the field. “We’ve both kind of been doing this type of program for some time. We’ve seen it all,” she added. “Once people do get to know us,
they see that it’s pretty great and they share it with their friends.” For new members, it starts with one-to-one interaction and then Vibe CK staff seek to “ease them into a program in a group,” Slade said. “If the group setting is not suitable, we still provide one-to one.” Slade said seeing people get comfortable at Vibe CK can be special. “We had one person crying today because they didn’t want to go (home). It was sad they were crying, but it shows we’re doing something right,” she said. And that is the reward. “We love what we do. It’s kind of not a job. We’re pretty fortunate that way,” Slade said. No day is the same as the previous at Vibe CK, and that’s fine with Slade and Amyotte. “There is a lot of in-themoment pivoting. All of a sudden, something can trigger someone,” Slade said. “They’ll need some one-toone support. It’s very much always moving parts. It keeps us on our toes.” On top of hiring two developmental support workers – both of whom began as placement students there – there is peer-to-peer support that can be heartwarming.
“It’s cool to watch these relationships build,” Amyotte said. “People from two different group homes are now friends because they come here.” Slade said several people who once lived at the Southwestern Regional Centre come weekly to Vibe CK. They’ve reconnected. “They are in their 60s,” Amyotte said. “They want to sit around the table and have a coffee. The just want to be together and talk.” Amyotte also said a young woman who is a member knows sign language and helps with non-verbal individuals. Slade added an older gentleman who attends twice a month has a knack to quickly calm down one of the other members, who is non-verbal. “He just has this calm about him. He can just talk to her and calm her down because they are connecting. It’s so cool to see this happen,” she said. Amyotte said the two didn’t know each other prior to attending Vibe CK. Slade said those types of connections are priceless “It’s great to see the friendships that are being created. We’re fostering these friendships,” she said. “We don’t need to be part of everything they do.”
PAGE 11
Operation Backpack
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
FreeHelpCK’s Operation Backpack is in full swing and donations continue to be accepted like this colourful item gifted by Helen Guenter, right. Accepting the backpack is FreeHelpCK marketing coordinator Amy Smith. The campaign offers youngsters in need a new backpack stocked with school supplies thanks to donations from the community.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 12
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27,2026
Back-to-School Study smarter, not harder: Study tips any student can employ It would be convenient if every student had a photographic memory, making it a snap to recall pages of text or concepts in great detail. Photographic memory is not real, but a very small portion of the population, around 2 to 10 percent of children, has something called an eidetic memory, which is a similar phenomenon and one that’s virtually nonexistent in adults, according to Psychology Today. That means that students will have to rely on other skills to get ahead in their coursework, perhaps none more important than effective study skills. Some students recognize that their study habits simply are not cutting it and they’re just squeaking by in their courses. Learning effective study skills early on is a key to academic success. Don’t cram Many students procrastinate with their study sessions, leading to last-minute studying before a big test. Students may perform well on a test for which they have crammed, but that doesn’t mean they’ve actually learned the material. Studying with the goal of long-term retention is best for learning. Engage in active studying Reading and re-reading texts or notes is not engaging with the material. Therefore, it likely won’t help with information retention. Students will need to make connections with the material, which can include making a study guide, becoming the teacher and teaching the concepts to others, deriving examples from one’s own experiences, or working problems out and explaining why they work.
Ask for help Students do not have to struggle through difficult material alone. In addition to studying with fellow students, who may have different ways of interpreting and sharing the information, individuals can seek assistance from a tutor or an academic resource center inside of the school. Working with someone else also helps students stay accountable and remain on track. Determine a study style Students may need to employ some trial and error to identify the study methods that work best for them. This can include a combination of note-taking, summarization, reviewing what already is known about the topic, and individual or group study sessions. Environment also is an important study variable. Some students thrive in a quiet environment, while others need ambient noise to sharpen their focus. Work intensely Studying in intensive, short sessions may enable students to get more done with less wasted effort. Taking breaks can boost attention, says the National Institutes of Health. Eliminate distractions The more research that is done on multitasking, the more data indicates it isn’t effective. Studying while browsing the web, texting or looking at social media will increase the amount of time needed to learn the material and decrease the quality of the study session, according to research published in Computers & Education in 2012. Intelligent studying can help students make the most of their academic careers
Budget Stretchers
1. Make a list of the school supplies you need, putting them in order from highest to lowest priority. 2. Go through existing clothes and supplies to determine what can still be used, worn or handed down. 3. Once you’ve determined your needs, create a back-to-school budget. Starting early will allow you to spread out spending over time. 4. Consider secondhand shops for clothing, sporting goods, footwear, backpacks and more. 5. Save your receipts on purchases, in case potential future markdowns allow for a price adjustment or exchange. 6. Look for coupons, and see if your favorite stores offer apps that may feature discounts or loyalty program perks.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27,2026
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Drivers, slow down and remain alert in school zones and near bus stops. Prepare to stop when you see flashing yellow or red lights from a school bus, and never pass a stopped school bus that is picking up or r a unloading students. e n ing
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Parents
PAGE 13
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Did you know?
Bullying can happen to just about anyone in any school in any town in the country. It is important to realize that bullying can occur in person, online and even through devices. Rumor-spreading and verbal insults are forms of bullying. Students do not always report behaviors that are indicative of bullying, so bullying instances may be greater than data suggests. According to the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth, the majority of Canadian youth between the ages of 12 and 17 (71 percent) reported experiencing at least one form of bullying in the 12-month period prior to the survey. Eighty-nine percent of Canadian teachers see cyberbullying as a top concern, and 42 percent of bullied youths face it monthly. Parents, educators and students need to be aware of bullying and treat it with the concern it deserves
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 14
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27,2026
Canada Post recognizes Mitchell’s Bay has agreed to update the mailing place name used by residents of Mitchell’s Bay. Beginning in October, residents who currently use “Dover Centre” in their mailing address will
The Chatham Voice
Mitchell’s Bay is a place – according to Canada Post. At the request of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, Canada Post
instead use “Mitchell’s Bay.” This will be the only change to their mailing address. Postal codes and all other address details will remain the same. “This change recognizes
Mitchell’s Bay as the distinct and proud community that residents know it to be,” said Mayor Darrin Canniff in a media release. “We appreciate Canada Post working with the municipality to
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27,2026
C-K’s housing pressure issue taken to AMO
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Chatham-Kent is calling on the province to protect rental housing units for families across Ontario. Following a motion by West Kent. Coun. Melissa Harrigan earlier this month, council agreed to lobby government to create a province-wide strategy to protect the loss of multi-bedroom housing. According to Harrigan, advocacy is needed. “Families need rental homes that actually meet their needs, and protecting multi-bedroom units is an important part of protecting our housing supply,” Harrigan said. “As a municipal council, we have seen a rise in what I would call a concerning pattern in some of the planning requests that come forward.” Some new developments are pushing families out, the councillor explained. “What’s happening is sometimes we are seeing proposals that displace units for larger families or people that might need more than one bedroom, and are being replaced with small bachelor apartments or single-bedroom units,” the councillor said. “If those individuals lose their homes, then we
know just by existing in a rural community in southwestern Ontario, it might be much harder to find another three-bedroom apartment or a place where they might be able to reside.” Even though Chatham-Kent has created a bylaw to protect tenants from unlawful renovictions earlier this year, Harrigan said more needs to be done, as legal renovations can impact the supply of suitable family housing. Currently, tenant-landlord issues are governed by the Landlord Tenant Board or the Ontario Land Tribunal. “We’re often told this (loss of rental units) is outside of municipal control and is a provincial issue,” she added. “That’s where I see advocacy as being the opportunity for us to move this issue forward.” Following a friendly amendment from Chatham Coun. Marjorie Crew, council also directed administration to send the letter with the request to Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack as well as the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO). Councillors attending last week’s AMO conventions were expected to bring the message to top officials.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
Community Events
Thursday, August 27, 2026: • Join us 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!
• Join us at The Chatham Legion, 39 William St. N. Chatham from 11am9:30pm. Line Dancing 11am-12pm. Kitchen is open from 3pm- 5:15pm. Meat Draws at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30 plus a 50/50 Draw. On Stage is “The Dam Band” 4:30-9:30pm. Members & non-members welcome.
• Join us at The Chatham Legion, 39 William St. N. Chatham from 11am9:30pm. Kitchen is open to serve lunch 11am-1:30pm with some of your favourites! Euchre at 1pm. Swanky Dawgs Food Truck on site from 4:30pm-8:30pm. Members & non-members welcome.
Sunday, August 30, 2026: • Two Creeks welcomes South River Slim back to its Weil Amphitheatre stage at 6pm. A masterful player of Delta and Chicago Blues, rockabilly, vintage country and old time rock & roll. Food and drink by the Scouts. We pass the hat. Lots of parking.
• Free Community Meal from 5:30 -6:30 @ St. Paul’s Discover Life at 450 Park Ave. West in Chatham. Everyone welcome, esp. families.
• Breakfast at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 9am -Noon. All meals are cooked to order. Everyone welcome.
• Lunch at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 11am -1:30pm. Daily specials and menu items available.
Tuesday, September 1, 2026: • Join us at The Chatham Legion, 39 William St. N., Chatham 11am -9:30pm. Kitchen is open for lunch 11am-1:30pm, featuring Spaghetti & Meat Sauce plus other delicious lunch specials. Euchre is at 1pm and 6:30pm. Shuffleboard starts at 7pm Everyone is welcome!
Friday, August 28, 2026: • Join us at The Chatham Legion, 39 William St. N. Chatham 11am10pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11am -1:30pm. Tonight’s Dinner Specials from 4pm-5:15pm are Fish & Chips or Liver & Onions $15(HST included) No orders after 5:30pm. Take out available by calling 519-351-8733 or 519-351-5639. On the Patio is “Allen James” 7pm-10pm. Members & non-members welcome. • Lunch at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 85 Richmond St from 11am -1:30pm. Daily specials and menu items available. Friday night dinner is a Chicken Parmagian dinner with pasta, caesars salad and bun. Dine ins $14, pickups $15. All meals are served at 6pm. Please call 519-3528291 to order. Saturday, August 29, 2026: • Chatham Kinsmen Club presents IPW International Pro Wrestling at Chatham’s Erikson Arena, 341 Delaware Ave. Doors open at 6pm. Bell at 7pm. Tickets: cash at Giant Tiger, GME Games or call 226-626-2693 by credit card, debit or cash.
Wednesday, September 2, 2026: • Join us at The Chatham Legion, 39 William St. N. Chatham, 11am -9:30pm. The kitchen is open for lunch 11am-1:30pm. It’s meatloaf Wednesday! We have other delicious specials too. Fun Darts at 7pm. Everyone is welcome! Thursday, September 3, 2026: • Join us at The Chatham Legion, 39 William St. N. Chatham, 11am9:30pm. The kitchen is open for lunch 11am-1:30pm with some of your favourite dishes! Euchre at 1pm. Everyone is welcome! Friday, September 4, 2026: • Join us at The Chatham Legion, 39 William St. N. Chatham 11am -9:30pm. Kitchen is open for lunch 11am-1:30pm. Tonight’s dinner specials, served 4pm-5:30pm, are Fish & Chips or Roast Beef for $15 (HST Included). No orders after 5:30pm. Take out available by calling 519-
351-8733 or 519-351-5639. Fun Darts at 7pm. Everyone is welcome!
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026
Fun Stuff
Saturday, September 5, 2026: • Join us at The Chatham Legion, 39 William St. N. Chatham, 11am -9:30pm. Line Dancing 11am-12pm. Kitchen open 3pm-5:15pm. Meat draws at 3:30, 4:30, 5:30 and a 50/50 draw at 5:30. On Stage we have “Back to Back” 4:30-9:30pm. Everyone is welcome! Tuesday, September 8, 2026: • Soprano, alto, tenor or bass-- we want you! The CK Singers community choir begins a new session of having fun learning music in four parts at 7pm at First Presbyterian Church. New members most welcome and there is no need to read music to sing with us. Practices go from 7-9pm with a fifteen minute refreshment break. We perform at retirement and nursing homes, CLUES ACROSS at volunteer appreciation dinners, monthly club meetings or wherever 1. A vast desert in we can fit in 25-30 people. For more Africa information, contact Director Nancy 7. Reciprocal of a Tapley at 519-354-0463 or email sine nancytapley2@gmail.com. 10. Type of phone 12. Biblical figure • Join us at The Chatham Legion 13. One who 39 William St. N. Chatham 11am renounces a -9:30pm. Kitchen is open for lunch religious belief 11am-1:30pm, featuring Spaghetti 14. Warren and & Meat Sauce plus other delicious Monroe are two specials. Euchre at 1pm and 6:30 15. Wild ox pm. Shuffleboard starts at 7 pm 16. Dismounted a Everyone is welcome! horse 17. Cave dweller Wednesday, September 9, 2025: 18. Where infants • Peer support group for anyone living with or who will be living with sleep an ostomy. Education for family, 19. Popular type of friends and public about ostomies. shoe 2nd Wednesday of every month 21. Clumsy large at 7pm. Wellwise Home Health person and Wellness on the corner of St. 22. Evil-like Clair St. And McNaughton Ave. For 27. Integrated circuit info phone 1-226-627-8233 or by 28. Austin-based invitation to our private Facebook athlete page ostomychatham or by email 33. Postscript ostomychatham@hotmail.com. 34. Follows 18 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. Send events to bruce@chathamvoice.com or michelle@chathamvoice.com
36. People of Gambia 37. Popular actor Nicolas 38. Platform for a lectern 39. Taxi 40. American songwriter Sammy 41. Iranian city 44. Heavy clubs 45. One who is expelled 48. In bed 49. Lifelessness 50. Former CIA 51. Most slick CLUES DOWN 1. Slovenly person 2. In addition 3. Hovels 4. Pie _ __ mode 5. Subway rodent 6. They __ 7. Indigenous S. American people 8. Fine sand
9. Central nervous system 10. Nightclub entertainment 11. The perfect example of something 12. Supreme Islamic leader 14. Pain 17. Binary-coded decimal 18. Projecting corner of an angle 20. “Succession” actor Brian 23. Dinner table decor 24. Ancient settlement in modern Turkey 25. You can call Paul Simon this 26. Opposite of a pro 29. Atomic #28 30. Type of drug (abbr.) 31. Arrives at 32. Nullifies 35. Bird’s beak 36. Partner to “oohed” 38. Ray-finned fishes 40. Taxis 41. Sat on and controlled 42. Sea eagles 43. Remain as-is 44. Chinese revolutionary 45. Tooth caregiver 46. Snakelike fish 47. Compensate
THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026
Auction
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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.
COMBER COMMUNITY CENTRE MCALLISTER ST. MONDAY, LABOUR DAY, AUG. 7
Preview: 8:00am, Auction Starts: 9:00am Quantity of coins, Royal Doultons, records, tin toys, china dishes, jewelery, art glass. This is just a partial listing. For more information and pictures go to www.murrayknappauctions.com NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ACCIDENTS DAY OF SALE. TERMS: CASH, DEBIT, CREDIT OR CHEQUE WITH PROPER I.D.
MURRAY KNAPP AUCTIONEER 519-727-8894 For Sale Mortgages Silk Cemetery Saddle Arrangements. Everyday/ Holidays. Readyto-go. Many colours available. $40. 519-3543411
Mortgage Money Available Private lender offering private mortgages at reasonable rates. For more info call 519-436-7229.
ASUS Chromebook. Barely used. Asking $225 obo. Phone 519-809-9694. House For Sale
House for sale. Contains new appliances, 5+ bedrooms, recently rebuilt, large fenced backyard with tool shed. Must be seen to be appreciated. 171 Edgar St, Chatham. For info call John 519-360-1312.
Looking for Employment I am looking for employment as a apprentice for CAD operator. I have a little CAD experience that I use for designing on my 3D printer. I have years of manufacturing experience in metal stamping as a tech and as a plastic injection mold tech. Email: helicopter1969@hotmail.com.
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
Help Wanted The Chatham Voice is looking for carriers in the Tissiman, John St, Princess, and Duke areas. Give Michelle a call at 519-3972020 or email michelle@chathamvoice.com
Loans
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Classifieds For Rent
Services
St. Andrew’s Terrace 2 bedroom condo in mint condition. 55+ building. Furnished or unfurnished. Enclosed parking. Available immediately. Phone 519-4367229.
Handyman Services. Eavestrough cleaning & repair. Junk removal, grass cutting & other small jobs. Call 519-3525414 or 226-6275414.
Anniversary
Eric and Donna Latford September 3, 1966 St.Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Chatham
Announcement
Celebrating 60 Years of Marriage
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.
OBITUARIES
Sharon Reaume 89, Friday August 7, 2026 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Susan Elaine Miller 71, Tuesday, August 18, 2026 Life Transitions
Doug Ross 69, Wednesday, August 12, 2026 McKinlay Funeral Home
Zygfryd "Ziggy" Zajac 62, Wednesday, August 12, 2026 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Rich Leach 65, Monday, August 10th, 2026 Cavanagh Funeral Home
Ruby Anderson 97, Wednesday, August 12, 2026 McKinlay Funeral Home
Antonietta Calabrese 95, Friday, August 14, 2026 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Cathie Fournie 74, Thursday, August 13, 2026 Cavanagh Funeral Home
Cecile Wortner 91, Wednesday, August 12, 2026 McKinlay Funeral Home
Jacomina "Mimi" Haest 103, Saturday August 15, 2026 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Harold Gallerno 92, Monday, August 17, 2026 Cavanagh Funeral Home
Celeste De Sousa 86, Thursday, August 13, 2026 2026McKinlay Funeral Home
Patricia Vansickle Monday, August 17, 2026 Badder Funeral Home
Bradley James Haggerty 57, Wednesday, August 12, 2026 Nicholls Funeral Home
Ann Charbonneau 88, Saturday, August 15, 2026 2026McKinlay Funeral Home
Mel Goddard 86, Thursday, August 13, 2026 Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Benny Spence 84, Friday, August 14, 2026 McKinlay Funeral Home
Jim Ross 75, Monday, August 17, 2026 McKinlay Funeral Home
Olga Vitamvas 90, Friday August 7, 2026 Life Transitions
Timothy Walter Bork Friday, August 7, 2026 McKinlay Funeral Home
Douglas Edward Ridgers 68, Monday August 17, 2026 Life Transitions
Wayne (Charlie Brown) Lusk 87, Tuesday, August 11, 2026 McKinlay Funeral Home
www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com
156 William St., Chatham | www.peseski.com | 519.352.5120
John C. Badder Funeral Home Thamesville - 519-692-4222 Badder Funeral Home & Reception Centre Dresden - 519-683-4444 Badder & Robinson Visit us: Funeral Home badderfuneralhome.com Bothwell - 519-695-2716
See full obituaries at chathamvoice.com/obituaries
459 St.Clair St., Chatham • 519-351-2040 76 Main St. E., Ridgetown • 519-674-3141 141 Park St., Blenheim • 519-676-3451
Funerals and Cremations
A Part of Wallaceburg since 1943.
lifetransitions.ca • 519-351-4444
519.627.2861 ericnichollsfuneralhome.com 4 Victoria Ave, Chatham (519) 352-2390
or email john@uccmortgageco.com Brokerage Lic.#10675
Anniversary
Look at us!
Call John at 519-259-8209 - 24 hours UNIMOR CAPITAL CORPORATION
PAGE 17
60 Stanley Street, Blenheim (519) 676 – 9200 blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com
245 Wellington St. W., Chatham 519-352-2710
alexanderandhoulefuneralhome.ca
Serving Kingsville, Wheatley & Chatham kendrickfuneralhome.com
THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 18
Classifieds
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday
Happy 80th Birthday
Jill Gilbrook August 30th, 2026
Celebrating 100 Wonderful Years!
Happy 100th Birthday, Thelma Winkler! On September 4, 2026, our beloved Thelma Winkler celebrates an extraordinary milestone - her 100th birthday. For a century, Thelma has lived a life defined by kindness, integrity, and service. She enjoyed a successful career as both a bank teller and later as a high school secretary, where her warmth and dedication touched the lives of countless people. Beyond her career, Thelma has devoted many years to volunteering and giving back to her community. She has been a loyal friend to many, a source of wisdom and encouragement, and an inspiration to all who have had the privilege of knowing her. Her family is incredibly proud of the legacy she has built through love, compassion, generosity, and quiet strength. She has shown us that a life well lived is one that leaves the world a little brighter for others.
Yes! I said 80!
Love and Best Wishes from all your family and furry “Baby”, Rascal
In Memoriam
Ruthe Beemer (nee Zimmer)
June 15, 1952 - August 30, 2018
April 20/46 - August 28/23 Wife, Mother, Nana, Great Nana
Still always missed, always loved forever, Dan
Call to place your ad in the classifieds! 519-397-2020 Thank You
In Loving Memory of Laurette Rochon (née Martin) who passed away in Sudbury on Saturday, August 8, 2026
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Laurette Rochon, who passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 8th with her family by her side at the age of 63. She was a loving wife to Pat Rochon, daughter to Jeanette Martin and the late Lawrence Martin. Mother to Nathan (Becky), Trevor (Shannon) and Anthony (Ashley). Sister to Tracey Papps (Richard), Larry Martin (Debbie) and William Martin (late Anne). Grandmother to Alexander, Ayden and Alyson. Step-mother to Patrick Jr.(Angela), Chadrick (Krista) and Sarah. Step grandmother to Sophie, Abbigail, Chadrick Jr., Noah, Summer and Hunter. Great step-grandmother to Julie. She will be dearly missed by her nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. A Celebration of Life will Laurette was employed at the Enaahtig Healing be held in Chatham Lodge and will be missed by many co-workers. at Holy Trinity Church Hall She will be remembered for her beautiful heart, on the corner of Victoria Ave her strength, her laughter, and her passion for gardening. Her love will continue to live on through & Selkirk St. all who were blessed to have known her. Saturday, September 5th Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society from 1 - 4pm. would be greatly appreciated.
In Memoriam
In Memoriam
In memory of my beloved husband,
I was supposed to spend the rest of my life with you. And then I realized, you spent the rest of your life with me. I smile because I know you loved me. And I will keep loving you forever. Author Unknown
Missed and Loved for all time. Linda.
LOYSON
Always in our Hearts, Sweet Dreams, With all our love, ‘til we meet again, Love Paul
Celebration of Life
who passed away 16 years ago, August 28, 2010. Hugs to our son Jeff-Lance who died on July 31, 2013.
May your special day be filled with love, laughter, and the company of family and friends whose lives you’ve enriched over the past 100 years. With love and admiration from your family and many friends.
Violet L Carey
Celebration of Life
Gary McCormick,
Happy 100th Birthday!
In Memoriam
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026
I would like to thank EMS, CKFD, CKPS and CKHA for their valiant effort to save my husband Noel’s life. He enjoyed being a member of the Auxiliary Police Services, Imperial Club, Legion and Gun Club and meeting with his friends there. He will be missed by his coffee buddies. He enjoyed going to Mitchell’s Bay on vacation. Thank you to family, friends for the masses, flowers, planters, donations, many cards, visits, food, love, prayers and support. His passion, as you know, was Tae Kwon Do. Thank you to Marc Eskritt (Blenheim Community Funeral Home). Thank you all. Marnie Loyson and family.
In Memory
of Cherie Lyn Cartier
September 1, 2022 A sister, a mother, a grandma too, This is the legacy we have from you. You taught us love and how to fight, You gave us strength, you gave us might. A stronger person would be hard to find, And in your heart, you were always kind. You fought for us all in one way or another, Not just as a sister, not just as a mother. For all of us you gave your best, and then came the time for you to rest. You went in peace, you earned your sleep Your love in our hearts, we’ll eternally keep.
“As high as the sky as deep as the sea”
THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026 ha! did you see their faces when we showed up early?
ha!!
we’re crooks. we know about ‘doing time’ but we aren’t so good at telling the time!
i need to rip off a watch next!
by tony gray
PAGE 19
synopsis:
we got the suits, hats, and now, the car! we look like real, classic hoods from the ‘20’s.
‘Gunner’ Menard and his cohort, ‘Cigarette’ Mousseau, of the thames gang, arrived hours before their deadline to abscond off with the legendary 1928 cadillac once owned by the gangster, Al pachismo. meanwhile, the conduit is testing his capabilities to get it back.
no way, man! it’s like the color of money! all the guys will love the emerald shade!
it’s our heritage and it shows class. but mostly, this baby gets about seven miles a gallon. with the price of gas being what it is, we must be rich! do you think we should paint it gold?
GOLD Silver ALL COINS
BUYING
Canada, USA World Coins for Sale? FREE ESTIMATES
Thursday, September 3• 9am-4pm
Active Lifestyle Centre
i’d like a cool car too. maybe a sporty convertible to let the wind mess my hair.
Back at the lair of the
thames gang the color is running green... with envy!
20 Merrit Ave, ChathamThursday,
it’s not fair.
Saturday, September 5 • 9am-4pm
Blenheim Legion
yeah. it’s not fair.
34 Catherine St., Blenheim
ALWAYS PAYING MORE THAN THE BROCHURE FROM QUEBEC
al pachismo was my great uncle. who decided that ‘gunner’ and ‘Ciggie’ should get his old car?!?
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
i definitely need a new get-away vehicle. the young hooligans all laugh at me in my minivan.
Speaking of our hero, raymond (the conduit) is recharging before heading home to pick up his new costume and make his final stand!
ATTENTION LOCAL BUSINESSES
enough whining! if you want new cars then take the initiative like, ‘Gunner’ & ‘ciggie’, and steal your own. we have a bigger problem to deal with now... The conduit!
NEXT WEEK: kilowatts vs killer water! the tide begins to turn. be here to meet the guy who is going to get the energy flowing. THE INCREDIBLE CONDUIT™ and all characters©2026 by Tony Gray and GlassMonkey Studios
Do you want to be part of The Incredible Conduit? Reach out to your Chatham Voice ad rep, or call 519-397-2020 to learn more.
THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 20
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27,2026
Faded into the past
What was there before is there no more. I think the above comment is an accurate description of the now open green space which runs westerly, from William Street, along the north side of King Street, to a point about opposite the old Market Square. The lengthy lot, deemed unsuitable for new construction, is now the Zonta Park. The buildings, left to right, are the Rutherford Block (two floors), the Scane Block (three floors), the Tyrrell Block (three floors) and the Nathaniel Murray Block (three floors). All of these buildings were removed in 1968 by order of the LTVCA as they had become badly damaged by flood waters penetrating their foun-
John Rhodes dations from McGregor Creek. The building at distant left was the Rutherford Block which was the property of Dr. J.P. Rutherford who was a local physician and former mayor of the town. It was actually three different buildings tied together and was a general use structure featuring ground floor retail with second floor apartments and office space. Next right was the
substantial Scane Block which was one of the largest buildings in the core area. It was built in 1875 at a cost of $8,000 and featured eight store fronts, a large second floor meeting hall and 31 apartments. The builder was Ebenezer Welbury Scane who was a lawyer and two time mayor of Chatham. Scane also owned the Grand Opera House, part of which still stands at 161 King St. W. Next was the three-floor Tyrrell Block. I am not sure of the build date or builder, but I know that it was the longtime home of Levi Tyrrell, jeweller, who was born in Ridgetown in 1883 and died at Chatham in 1934. Another long-term tenant of the Tyrrell Block was the Diamond Hall Jewellers.
Lastly, on the right, was the Nathaniel Murray Block which was constructed in 1890. Nathaniel was a skilled plasterer and brick mason and built much of the structure himself. Like other buildings in the area, it was a multi-use facility. Nathaniel was prominent in the Black community and operated the retail space as a kitchen wares store until he chose to sublet it and return to his trades activity. Many of our seasoned readers will remember the Murray Block as the longtime home of Herman Seltzer’s Town And Country Men’s and Boys’ clothing store. As stated above, the LTVCA condemned all of these structures in the late 1960s with the Murray block suffering
Contributed image
King Street, north side in Chatham, looking west from William Street, 1968.
the additional indignity of being set on fire not
long before it was to be removed.