Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
C-K’s Black history champion
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative
pamwrightlji@gmail.com
When he was a Grade 8 student at
for his mother’s help to write a history essay. Piqued by a historical plaque about abolitionist John Brown located in the city’s east side, the youth decided to write about Black history.
However, the mother-son duo soon found out there was a dearth of information on the topic. In turn, that launched Gwen Robinson’s
journey as a historian who filled in a critical gap in Chatham-Kent’s history.
“She was 519-Call-Gwen,” Drew, now 72, told the crowd that gathered at the W.I.S.H. Centre May 23 to honour his 94-year-old mother’s storied accomplishments as a writer, researcher and historian.
“She blessed the community and blessed our family,”
the retired assistant U.S. District Attorney added, noting his mother was helping people discover their roots long before Ancestry.com became available.
Drew said that while the essay was the start, his determined mother “wouldn’t let it go.”
Continued on page 3
Chatham’s Queen Elizabeth II Public School, Drew Robinson asked
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society vice-president Tracey Travis presents renowned historian Gwen Robinson with a corsage. Robinson was recently honoured at a gathering at the W.I.S.H. Centre to recognize her many contributions as a writer, researcher and historian..
Robinson: C-K’s Black history pioneer
Continued from page 1
Gwen began chronicling the dramatic story of the Underground Railroad, detailing the important contributions escaped slaves made to build Chatham-Kent.
As part of their initial research, mother and son uncovered the story of Brown’s ties to Chatham.
The abolitionist planned his ill-fated raid on a federal U.S. arsenal in Chatham and is said to have recruited locals. But the 1859 raid at Harper’s Ferry in West Virginia failed. Brown was arrested, tried and hanged for his attempt to supply munitions to enslaved Blacks in the hope it would spark an uprising against slavery.
His death as a martyr became a flashpoint for the anti-slavery movement.
In feting Gwen, Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society vice-president Tracey Travis said Robinson’s work filled in a “blank space” in Chatham-Kent’s history.
“It was her hope to shed some light on an important portion of history, which is conspicuous in its absence from most of today’s history books,” Travis explained, adding that at one point in the 19th Century, Chatham’s population was close to 35 per cent Black. Many Black citizens of the era held prestigious positions within the community.
“Gwen’s mind is a walking library of Black history of this area and is a treasure of our community,” Travis explained.
“And we thank her.”
Born in Chatham to parents Charles and Constance Robbins in 1932, Robinson received her early education at North Buxton School, and at Merlin High School and Chatham Collegiate Institute. She married Canadian postal employee John Robinson, and together they had five sons, Brad, Drew, Brent, Mitchell and Scott. Prior to her role as a historian, Gwen was a home maker and hair
dresser.
As she became immersed in the subject, Robinson’s voluminous research resulted in the 1994 publication of Seek the Truth: A Story of Chatham’s Black Community, and later The Greater Journey. She’s also credited with twinning the community of Harper’s Ferry with Chatham in 2003. To date, historians in both communities continue the collaboration.
Robinson’s accolades
and awards are many. They include the Sertoma Service to Mankind Award, 1999-2000; the prestigious Griot Award for outstanding volunteer services; the Sertoma Service to Mankind Award for 1999-2000; and the Chatham and District Chamber of Commerce
“Citizen of the Year” Award in 2006.
In 2007, Robinson launched the Promised Land Project: The Freedom Experience of Blacks in Chatham Kent, and the same year received the Kent Agricultural Society Hall of Fame Award. In 2009, she helped create Chatham’s BME Freedom Park on the site of one of Canada’s first churches built in 1857 by formerly enslaved people.
She’s also credited as being instrumental in founding the Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society and the Black Mecca Museum at the W.I.S.H. Centre. The Gwendolyn Robinson Research Centre at the museum bears her name.
Another highlight of Gwen’s role as a historian was an invitation to the White House under President Barack Obama by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Gwen’s son Mitch Robinson, who also spoke to the crowd May 23, said the gathering made him
reflect on how special his mother and the community are.
“We welcome everybody,” he added. “It doesn’t matter what you look like or who you are.”
A portrait of Gwen by Harrow-area artist Jermaine Baylis, was also unveiled at the event. As well, son Drew donated a $10,000 cheque to the Chatham-Kent Black
Historical Society to help perpetuate his mother’s “vision and mission.”
In her comments to reporters, the feisty Robinson, who still lives in Chatham’s east side, said all of the hard work has been worth it.
“There’s a lot of good Black folks and a lot of friends,” Robinson said. “Oh man, it’s been wonderful.”
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice Harrow area artist Jermaine Baylis recently completed a portrait of Chatham historian Gwen Robinson. The painting was presented to the 94-year-old at a special gathering held to honour her work as a writer, researcher and historian May 23.
How much waste is on the way?
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative
pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Four Chatham-Kent councillors are raising the alarm about the scope of the proposed waste-to-energy anaerobic digester project proposed for west
On Friday, Michael Bondy, Amy Finn, Rhonda Jubenville and Alysson Storey held a press conference on Bloomfield Road across the street from Greenfield Global Inc. to air concerns about the recently approved renewable energy project set to take shape on municipally owned land adjacent to Greenfield’s industrial complex.
The number one concern, they said, is that information listed on the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) website states the development will be able to accept 900,000 tonnes of material per year.
That’s a discrepancy of some 530,000 tonnes, the four said. When council approved the project April 27, they added that they believed only 370,000 tonnes of waste would be accepted by the facility each year.
“That’s not what we voted for,” said Storey, a Chatham councillor, adding the group wants to alert the public about the ERO discrepancy.
“We’re hoping for some additional information to clarify the discrepancy,” Storey explained. “But we haven’t had that yet. We really need the public to be aware what was approved by council April 27 is not what’s being applied to with the province.
“That raised some red flags,” she said, adding some councillors have been seeking answers at the recent council meetings without
a “clear” response.
In a municipal document received after the press conference, The Voice has learned the 900,000 tonnes per year (TPY) figure reflects the “total Environmental Compliance Approval capacity” of the facility.
Simply put, it means an application must incorporate the total flow that will go through the plant encompassing the 450,000 TPY that flows through Greenfield in a separate industrial wastewater treatment stream.
According to Chatham-Kent Public Utilities Commission general manager Darren Galbraith, the 370,000 tonnes discussed is the true amount of organic feedstock to be fed into the digester.
“There is no residential organic matter being brought to this project,” he added, noting while the primary feedstock comes from Greenfield itself, other sources include biodegradable castoffs from a brewing facility, as well as sludge from the PUC and the Wallaceburg water treatment plant.
That amounts to only five additional trucks per day, Galbraith explained, adding Greenfield has around 100 already coming to the complex daily. Galbraith said the 900,000 TPY number was compiled by the consulting firm RWDI and Greenfield as part of a 600-page application to the province.
“This should not be interpreted as the design or operating capacity or the imported waste tonnage to the digesters,” the report states. “What conclusions people seem to be making about the 900,000 TPY amount (believing that this means the plant is larger) are inaccurate.
Continued on page 5
Chatham.
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
Four Chatham-Kent councillors are concerned about the scope of the waste-to-energy project set to take shape in Chatham. Councillors Alysson Storey, Amy Finn, Micheal Bondy and Rhonda Jubenville met with media recently to express worries that the amount of waste to be accepted at the site exceeds what was approved by council April 27.
PUC showcases Wheatley water plant
By Mark Ribble
The Southpoint Sun
The Chatham-Kent Public Utilities Commission held a town-hall-style gathering at the Wheatley Water Treatment Plant on May 28 to thank and recognize the numerous people and agencies involved in bringing the plant back online after a devastating fire there in 2023.
Darren Galbraith, general manager of Chatham-Kent PUC, hosted the event, which included a PowerPoint presentation, tours of the facility and a lunch catered by Taylor Fisheries.
“It’s been a huge undertaking for everybody involved,” said Galbraith about the restoration project. “The plant was out of commission for 824 days in total while we restored everything inside.”
The fire, which happened on Sept. 13, 2023, produced so much heat that it melted much of the inside of the plant and deposited heavy soot on the rest of it.
It required a complete restoration and replacement of all electrical and mechanical components.
Meanwhile, according to Galbraith, the PUC maintained water pressure the best they could. He said they were happy that they only had to issue two boil-water advisories over the entire 824 days, with one being on the day of the fire.
“One of the local industries did their normal 6 p.m. open-
ing of their water valve, not knowing that the fire was taking out the plant,” said Galbraith. “The Wheatley water tower drained quickly and we lost water pressure across the system. But water never stopped flowing and we are grateful for that.”
Galbraith said it was a challenge to keep the water pressure up but thanked the Municipality of Leamington for its help in connecting to their system.
Waterboy, a company out of Dover Centre, de-
Waste digester
Continued from page 4
“Rather, the permit approvals to the province needed to reflect that this is a combined project and all the flows need to be accounted for in permit approvals.”
The 45-day online public consultation period, as defined by the ERO, closes June 4. The TPY disparity was stumbled upon by a constituent, North Kent Coun. Rhonda Jubenville told reporters, which she said raises additional con-
He said the heat inside reached upwards of 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit and melted almost everything in its path.
One thing that did not melt?
A tropical plant that was inside the pumping station survived the fire and was on display at the event.
After a dusting off and some much needed water therapy, the plant bounced back to show just another example of Wheatley resiliency.
livered 593 loads of water to Tilbury in the early stages of the disaster. Leamington’s involvement mitigated that.
A temporary water treatment system was set up almost immediately, which operated until the refurbished plant came back online last December. A mobile filtration system was installed to help the process and backup generators carried the electrical load until everything inside was fixed and cleaned.
Galbraith said the cost is hard to estimate but he thinks about
$16 million has been spent so far, but added that’s not even close to what it would cost to construct a new treatment plant.
The tour inside the plant showed all brand-new paint and new components, pumps, pipelines and electrical systems. Photos of the plant just after the fire were placed strategically to show the before-and-after effect.
Galbraith said the process took a long time, but credits all those involved in getting it right.
cerns about the process.
The waste-to-energy project, a collaboration between Greenfield and the Chatham-Kent Public Utilities Commission, has been in the works since 2021. The $160-million initiative will see the construction of a digester to convert industrial, commercial and institutional organic waste into renewable natural gas. The project will be 60/40 owned by Greenfield and C-K.
Mark Ribble/SouthpointSun/Special to The Chatham Voice
Stew Bechard, Operation Manager for C-K PUC explains the process of how the water flows through the system during a tour of the Wheatley Water Treatment Plant.
Opinion
‘Walking library’
To the teacher who assigned a young Drew Robinson a history essay, and to Drew himself, the people of Chatham-Kent say thank you.
Thank you for ultimately getting Gwen Robinson involved in local history; specifically Black history.
Drew, inspired by a historic plaque in Chatham’s east side that discussed abolitionist John Brown, wanted to write about Black history. And like any good parent, Gwen, his mother, wanted to help.
Today, we all know Chatham-Kent was the terminus of the Underground Railroad. Slaves escaped the southern U.S. in the mid-1800s and landed here at the Buxton Settlement and elsewhere throughout then-Kent County.
But when Drew sought to pen his essay many years ago, much of the area’s Black history was buried, rather than shown prominently, in Canadian history books.
Well, Gwen Robinson helped change much of that. Seeing the dearth of information, she went from homemaker and hair dresser to historian.
Gwen, now 94, helped people track their ancestry. But she went so much further than that. Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society vice-president Tracey Travis said Robinson’s work filled in a “blank space” in Chatham-Kent’s history.
Following her son’s essay, Gwen
delved into the history of the Underground Railroad, revealed Brown’s ties to Chatham, and exposed the rich Black history in C-K.
As she became immersed in the subject, Robinson’s research resulted in the 1994 publication of Seek the Truth: A Story of Chatham’s Black Community, and later The Greater Journey.
Chatham is twinned with Harper’s Ferry, Virg. thanks in no small part due to her historical research.
Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society and the Black Mecca Museum exist in part due to Gwen’s influences. She’s one special woman, and is a living, breathing encyclopedia.
“Gwen’s mind is a walking library of Black history of this area and is a treasure of our community,” Travis said at a recent gathering to honour Gwen.
Chatham-Kent possesses a wealth of historical significance. Our history classes in school told most of us about the War of 1812, how the battles raged along the Thames River. And thanks to Gwen’s efforts, we know a great deal more about how Blacks fled the U.S. and settled here until such time when the Civil War wiped out slavery south of the border. Such details should never have been overlooked and we thank Gwen Robinson for helping ensure they won’t be again.
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Efforts only ramp up drivers’ nerves
OK, mark this one down as an “Old-man-yells-atclouds” kind of column. I’m 61 now and I want to complain about … traffic calming.
Does any driver calm down when seeing that term? Or the results of a municipality implementing traffic-calming measures?
That’s extremely debatable.
The municipality has erected stop signs where they aren’t needed, employing a cookie-cutter approach, and thrown up the solar-powered “Too Fast” radar-controlled signage around the municipality.
I have long simmered over the poor northsouth traffic routes inside Chatham. You can go east-west in about five minutes. North-south, however, is at least double that.
I know. I’m talking about First World problems and small-city issues that
are nothing more than a relatively minor inconvenience. But wouldn’t it be better to improve the flow of traffic through the community? I mean, there are some pretty impatient drivers on our roads. Improved flow would calm them, wouldn’t it?
Those speed feedback/ radar signs, which I’ve seen on rural roads such as Talbot Trail, and in Chatham along Indian Creek Road and Victoria Avenue for example, may encourage some to get off the gas, but I’ve seen others take it as a bit of a challenge. According to the municipality, the signs are intended to “calm” traffic.
“Speed display devices are a preferred measure particularly for rural and urban arterial roads, to improve driver awareness and encourage drivers to obey speed limits,” municipal officials said. When it is all said and done, there will be about 29 speed feedback signs erected around C-K at a cost of $170,000. That money comes from the traffic calming budget. Yes, there is a traffic-calming policy and budget. And then there are the “what the heck is that for?” stop signs. For instance, in our neighbourhood, yield signs had been in place for decades on light-traffic intersections in the subdivision. I have lived there 25 years and don’t recall seeing or hearing of a single accident at one of these intersections in that time. No need for stop signs to replace the yield signs.
Continued on page 7
Bruce Corcoran
Political-based traffic-control efforts stoke driver anger
Continued from page 6
According to municipal officials, that conversion idea was part of a report to council, and is an element of C-K’s Road Safety Action plan to improve safety on local roadways. There were 239 yield-controlled intersections in Chatham-Kent, and were a mix of rural and urban. All those intersections saw yield signage
swapped out for new stop signs, at a cost to taxpayers of $143,000.
I can imagine as traffic patterns evolve, there would be a need for change at certain intersections around the municipality. But for all intersections that had yield signs prior? Debatable.
Don’t even get me going on all the unnecessary four-way stops in place
There’s something about this time of year that encourages reflection.
The days feel fuller. Calendars become busier. Time outdoors stretches a little longer. Summer plans begin to take shape and suddenly, life feels filled with possibility again.
And sometimes, in the middle of all that energy and movement, an important question quietly surfaces: What would make life feel lighter right now?
For many older adults and their families, that question eventually leads to conversations about retirement living. And while those conversations are often delayed until they feel absolutely necessary, more and more people are beginning to realize something important. Retirement living is not about stepping away from life. It’s about creating more space to enjoy it.
around Chatham-Kent.
I’m talking about intersections where traffic patterns on the secondary street at that intersection do not have the traffic flow to warrant a fourway stop.
These are political stop signs – signs put in place by council after complaints from area residents about traffic flow. I see multiple ones
near where we live, and around Chatham. Why is there a stop sign on Orangewood Boulevard at Paxton Drive? Or on Orangewood at Hedge Maple Path? On Victoria Avenue at Amelia Street? Sylvestre Drive at Daleview Crescent or Sylvestre at Avon Avenue? The traffic flow along the side streets does not warrant these signs.
People living nearby might say it helps keep vehicles from going too fast along the main roads at these intersections. But other groups beg to differ. According to the Injury Lawyers of Ontario, “Local residents often support the idea of creating four-way stops because they believe they force traffic to slow down and are therefore safer, but
A SEASON OF POSSIBILITY
At St. Angela’s Meadow Retirement Lodge, we see that shift happen every day.
Residents arrive carrying years of responsibility.
Maintaining a home. Managing meals. Keeping up with appointments, chores, yard work, and all the little things that slowly begin to take more energy than they once did. Often, people don’t realize just how heavy those responsibilities have become until they finally have the opportunity to set them down. And when they do, something remarkable happens. They reconnect with themselves. They spend more time socializing, pursuing hobbies, enjoying entertainment, participating in outings, or simply sitting with a coffee and a good conversation without a growing to-do list waiting in the background. Families often tell us their loved
one seems lighter, happier, and more engaged again — not because they gave up independence, but because they gained support in all the right places.
One of the biggest misconceptions about retirement living is that it’s something people should only consider after a major health event or life transition. In reality, some of the most successful and fulfilling moves happen when individuals are still active, independent, and able to fully embrace everything community living has to offer. It becomes less about necessity and more about choice. A choice to trade stress for simplicity, to spend less time maintaining a house and more time enjoying life, and a choice to surround yourself with community, comfort, safety, and connection.
If not now, when?
they actually often cause accidents…”
Impatient drivers – again something that C-K has in abundance – are simply irked by unnecessary stop signs on major commuter roads.
There is no simple answer, but I do believe the municipality should instead look at matters on a case-by-case basis rather than using a cookie-cutter.
At St. Angela’s Meadow, retirement living is designed to support independence while offering the peace of mind that help is available when needed. Whether it’s chef-prepared meals, housekeeping, engaging activities, or simply knowing someone is always nearby, the goal is to make daily life easier... and far more enjoyable.
The truth is there may never be a “perfect” time to make a change. But there often comes a point when people begin asking themselves an important question: “Am I still spending my time the way I want to?” Maybe this summer is the right time to explore what comes next.
Isn’t it worth a conversation?
St. Angela’s Meadow Retirement Lodge. 20 Merici Way, Chatham, ON N7L 3L8. Call us today at (519) 352-5225
Local doc earns med school awards
The Chatham Voice
For Dr. Jacqueline Wolting, teaching the next generation of medical professionals is a deeply rewarding extension of her daily practice.
To that end, the family physician’s passion for sharing knowledge and facilitating learning has earned her a Schulich Excellence in Distributed Education Award from the University of Western Ontario’s Schulich School of Medicine.
According to a joint media release from the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance and the Thamesview Family Health Team, the honour is bestowed upon exceptional individuals who move the school forward through outstanding leadership, curiosity, and a deep commitment to improving community health, research, and patient care.
Distributed education plays a vital role in training future health-care professionals by placing medical students and residents into community settings outside of the university campus, the release stated, offering them invaluable, real-world clinical experience.
For Wolting, who also provides obstetric care at the CKHA, welcoming medical learners into the Chatham-Kent community enriches their education while strengthening local health-care services as a whole.
“I am constantly inspired by the curiosity and dedication of my medical students and residents,” Wolting said in the release. “I am also proud to work alongside many of them who have remained in Chatham-Kent after completing their training here. This achievement is a reflection of the incredible collab-
orative support from my colleagues at Schulich, CKHA, and the Thamesview Family Health Team – including my patients –who make this vital work possible every day.”
Dr. Lindsay Sutherland, Chatham-Kent Regional Academic Director for distributed education at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, said Wolting “stands out” as an exceptional educator whose leadership, teaching excellence, and unwavering commitment to learners “exemplify the very spirit of this award.”
CKHA chief of staff Dr. Zeke Milkovic said Wolting’s achievement is a “true testament to the high calibre of medical leadership we have right here in Chatham-Kent.
“Her commitment to delivering exceptional patient care and providing top-tier medical mentorship ensures that Chatham-Kent remains a premier destination for training,” Milkovic said. “It is this dedication to education that ultimately helps us attract and re-
tain the talented new physicians our community relies upon.”
Kidnapping, assault
A Windsor man is facing a slew of charges in connection with a weekend incident in Chatham that saw part of Queens Line closed in the interest of public safety.
On May 24, in the early afternoon, police asked residents in the area to shelter
in place. They also closed a portion of Queens Line just west of Chatham due to the incident.
Police say a man, carrying a firearm, went into a home and forcibly removed an 18-year-old Chatham woman.
She was also sexually assaulted, police say.
As a result of the investi-
gation, a 28-year-old Windsor man faces charges of pointing a firearm, uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, kidnapping, failing to comply with a release order, and two counts of sexual assault.
The investigation remains ongoing, police say.
Contributed image
Dr. Jacqueline Wolting shows off her recent Schulich Excellence in Distributed Education Award.
The Chatham Voice
It’s a family affair
Kayaking on the Sydenham is a fun activity for the Nephin family as they live on the river’s banks. Last week’s warm temperatures saw Josi, Christina and Dan of Wallaceburg dip their paddles in one of the first rides of the season. Dog Rosie was also on board.
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
Company to sell apartment property
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
What’s next for the property at 50 Indian Creek Rd. W. in south Chatham?
Approved for a nine-storey apartment complex following an Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) ruling, the 2.6-acre parcel is up for sale for $1.9 million.
The recent listing caps
a process that began 20 months ago. It started with a submission by a developer in the fall of 2024 to build the structure on the vacant site. It first came to council for public input in January 2025 but faced strong opposition from the outset from nearby residents worried about privacy and traffic concerns.
Council subsequently postponed making a decision on the project,
which in turn led to the developer to appeal it to the OLT based on what’s termed a “non-decision.”
Originally, C-K planning services recommended council accept a settlement proposal from the developer. In that settlement, the developer agreed to lower the building from nine to eight storeys and to transfer a portion of land for a future road extension. The land that would have
been transferred is valued at between $100,000 to $200,000.
In November 2025, the OLT ruled that the developer could proceed with its initial proposal, meaning the structure is allowed to go ahead at nine storeys with no land transfer taking place. A written ruling from the OLT came down this April.
In speaking to the issue at the Aug. 11, 2025
council meeting, South Kent Coun. Ryan Doyle expressed dismay about the tribunal’s decision, noting he wasn’t aware the developer could take it to the OLT in 90 days if council did nothing.
“That would have been key information for us to know,” Doyle said last year. “We knew full well that residents weren’t going to be happy with a nine-storey building there.”
At the recent May 25 council meeting, Doyle attempted to bring forward additional information on the matter shared in closed council, but those details are protected by solicitor-client privilege.
The property is listed as being owned by Taranvir Sandu of Brampton. The listing states the land is approved for a nine-story apartment complex.
Canniff officially launches his campaign
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Four hopefuls are now in the race to become Chatham-Kent’s mayor this fall as incumbent Darrin Canniff announced last week he’s seeking a third term.
To date as of press time May 29, the three other candidates looking to occupy the mayor’s chair are West Kent Coun. Lauren Anderson; Chatham Coun. Michael Bondy and Wallaceburg area farmer Nelson Burm.
Only one other candidate came forward in the
past week, with Jason Reynolds declaring he’ll run for one of two seats in Chatham’s Ward 7. His announcement makes it a nine-way contest with Steve Adkins, Michael Fife, incumbent Amy Finn, Larry Hutchins, Steve Kenney, Marc King and Doug Robbins also on the ballot.
Chatham’s Ward 8 remains an eight-way race for two seats with Sandra Dorner, Ryan Drouillard, John Duquette, Andy Fisher, Rick Nicholls, Stephani Shill, Scott Thompson and Luke Van Der Vliet in the running. In Ward 6 in Chatham,
it’s still a five-way race for two council seats. Candidates include Ben Labadie, Brian Machado, Sheila Moir-Martin, Karen Montgomery and incumbent Alysson Storey. Outside Chatham, four people are hoping to looking to represent South West Kent’s Ward 1, with Mark Authier, Michael Bond, Andrea Palmer and Gerhard Taves on the ballot. Two seats are up for grabs. Ward 2, South East Kent, sees five people running for two seats, including Chad Carnie; Matthew Giffin, Matt Lamarche, Brad Snobelen and Has-
san Tariq.
Ward 3 candidates looking to serve the constituents of North East Kent include Cory Couture, Emery Huszka and Matthew Pietens. One seat is open.
The contest for a single seat in North West Kent’s Ward 4 remains a threeway race, with John Cummings and Kirk Hooker in the running against incumbent Rhonda Jubenville.
In Wallaceburg’s Ward 5, four people are currently hoping to claim one of the two seats available. Zac Nicholson, Brendan Authier, Jason Debuck and
David Hyatt have all announced.
Nominations for the municipal election to be held Oct. 26 are open until
Aug. 21. Anyone interested in running can access all the information on the Municipality of Chatham-Kent’s webpage.
Chatham-Kent Home Builders Association Parade of Homes
Enjoy your day touring the most beautiful and innovative homes in Chatham-Kent. Be inspired. Steal ideas.
Ask questions of the builders who made these exciting homes possible. Make plans for your next home!
Visit the participating homes June 6 between 10am and 2pm!
Each year, the CKHBA Parade of Homes brings together homeowners, future homeowners, and industry professionals to celebrate the very best in
Presented in partnership with C-K Economic Development Services, as well as our sponsors Windmill Cabinet Shop Ltd. and Reimstone Interiors, this year’s tour highlights an exceptional lineup of homes built by some of our
From custom dream homes to stylish move-in-ready spaces, the Parade offers fresh ideas, quality craftsmanship, and inspiration for every stage of
Whether you’re planning a new build, considering a renovation, or simply enjoy exploring beautiful homes, we invite you to experience the creativity and attention to detail that make Chatham-Kent’s building industry so strong.
Follow along on Facebook (@ChathamKentHomeBuilders Association) and Instagram (@ckhomebuilders) to preview featured homes, meet the builders, and stay up to date on event details.
Join us on Saturday, June 6th for a day of inspiration, innovation, and community as we open the doors to some of Chatham-Kent’s finest homes.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Erica Paling, CKHBA Chair
Chatham
Chatham-Kent Home Builders Association
The Linden - 166 Ironwood Trail
Welcome to The Linden at 166 Ironwood Trail – a modern raised bungalow that effortlessly combines comfort and functionality. Ideal for first-time homeowners or those looking to downsize, this thoughtfully designed home offers the perfect blend of space and practicality. The primary bedroom serves as a serene retreat, complete with a private ensuite and generous closet space, while the second bedroom provides flexibility for guests or a home office. The open-concept living and dining areas feature stylish cabinetry and a sleek kitchen island perfect for entertaining. A main-floor laundry room adds everyday convenience, and the covered rear deck invites you to relax or entertain in style. With a spacious 2-car garage and every detail carefully considered, The Linden is crafted for a lifestyle of ease and modern elegance.
20 Champlain Court
Welcome to Champlain Court — a quiet, safe cul-de-sac with only a handful of homes, offering modern living with incredible flexibility. This stunning multigenerational home was thoughtfully designed for today’s lifestyle, featuring two separate heating and cooling systems, two kitchens, two laundry areas, five bedrooms, and three full bathrooms. The possibilities here are endless — ideal for extended family, in-law living, guests, or simply enjoying extra space and privacy under one roof. Bright open-concept design, modern finishes, and efficient layout create a home that feels both stylish and functional. Step outside and enjoy not one, but two covered walkout patios, perfect for relaxing mornings, entertaining friends, or peaceful evenings overlooking the neighbourhood.
A rare opportunity to own a versatile, beautifully designed home in one of the area’s most desirable newer enclaves. Stop out and visit us during the Parade of Homes — you’ll be impressed by the space, design, and possibilities this exceptional property has to offer.
71 Rosewood Crescent
71 Rosewood Crescent is a beautiful newly built open-concept rancher home. Set on a nice and wide 70’ lot this home has 2000 sq ft on the main floor with spacious rooms. The larger lot allows for a huge 850 sq ft garage with 10’ wide garage doors perfect for large vehicles and a great entrance to the basement. This home features well thought out design, beautiful finishes, and high quality craftsmanship. come and see for yourself!
Reimstone Interiors
Reimstone Interiors is your local destination for premium flooring, tile, and installation services. Crafted to endure. Designed to inspire. Visit our showroom at 111 Heritage Road beside CK Tub & Taps during the Parade of Homes.
Windmill Cabinet Shop
At Windmill Cabinet Shop, we specialize in creating custom cabinetry that makes a difference. Since 1976, we’ve been designing, building, and installing high-quality cabinets for your residential spaces. Our goal is to improve the lives of our employees, partners, and clients we serve through continuous improvement and a commitment to quality. We’re proud to be a family-owned business for over 50 years, we have over 40 team members working in and working for the people of Chatham-Kent. We are proud to support the Parade of Homes and the professional builders featuring homes in this year’s event.
Maple City Homes
Multi Construction
Smids Homes
Parade of Homes - Saturday, June 6, 2026
42 Rosewood Crescent Park Hill Homes
This ultra-luxury two-storey residence has been thoughtfully designed to blend timeless architecture with modern sophistication, delivering an exceptional level of craftsmanship, comfort, and detail throughout. Featuring a dramatic soaring two-storey great room, expansive three-car garage, four bedrooms, and four-and-a-half bathrooms, this home is the definition of upscale custom living. Every detail has been carefully considered to reflect the signature quality and elevated standards Park Hill Custom Homes is known for. Inside, the home is beautifully finished with luxurious features including herringbone hardwood flooring, designer lighting, oversized windows, and elegant architectural details throughout. At Park Hill Custom Homes, we believe details are everything — because details are the difference between building houses and building homes.
87 Rosewood Crescent
Welcome to this stunning, custom-built 3-bedroom Rancher that perfectly balances traditional design and elegance.
Nestled on the the quiet Rosewood Crescent, the home features an expansive open-concept layout, cathedral ceilings, and premium finishes that highlight architectural excellence throughout. Join us for the Parade of Homes to see this exceptional property firsthand.
95 Rosewood Crescent
THINKING ABOUT BUILDING? Tour Ewald Custom Homes’ featured model home during the Chatham-Kent Parade of Homes and discover what’s possible when quality craftsmanship meets thoughtful design. This beautifully finished two-storey showcases over 2,500 sq. ft. of inspired living space, featuring an open-concept layout, designer finishes, spacious bedrooms, and a stunning primary retreat. More than a model home, it’s an opportunity to explore your options. Meet the team, learn about current lot availability, discuss floor plans, and discover how Ewald Custom Homes can bring your dream home to life. YOUR DREAM HOME STARTS WITH A CONVERSATION.
172 Rosewood Crescent
This beautifully designed approximately 1,600 sq. ft. ranch-style home combines timeless curb appeal with the quality craftsmanship and upgraded finishes that have become synonymous with Mi Cazza Construction.
The exterior is finished with a striking combination of stone, brick, and vinyl siding, enhanced by decorative gable arches, shutters, oversized windows, and garage windows that dramatically elevate the home’s appearance and natural light. Situated on an oversized 60-foot-wide lot with added depth, the property offers exceptional outdoor space and presence within the subdivision.
172 Rosewood Crescent reflects the level of quality, craftsmanship, and upgraded standards that Mi Cazza Construction strives to deliver in every home we build.
Ewald Homes
Mi Cazza Construction
Rumble Homes
Den of indulgence
There was an age when Chatham’s docks would be busy with lake and ocean craft delivering goods to Chatham from all over the world and would depart with lumber, grain and other commodities. The most favoured item was black walnut for the English furniture market.
Maps of the 1880s-1890s depict dock space running on both sides of the river from Second Street to Taylor Avenue. And with the boats, sailors and dock workers came whiskey dens to accommodate indulgent indiscretions.
One such of these hotels was located at the southwest intersection of Thames and Pitt streets; this would be to the immediate west of what was known as the Hadley dock which is now a municipal parking lot.
I have never been able to learn the name of this hotel which stood on this site for more than 100 years, but I have no doubt regarding the nature of the clientele being such that High Constable John Goodyear had more than regular occasion to visit the inn for dispense of his services.
Its days as a booze emporium probably ended with the “High License Laws” of the 1870s. Prior to the implementation of the law, the town had 25
hotels; subsequent to the law, there were 12.
The neighbourhood soon underwent a change to a more residential state and the hotel then became the home of A.M. Lafferty who was a wellknown black educator.
Alfred Mitchell Lafferty was born in 1835 and was, in the 1870s, Principal of the Wilberforce School. He later entered law school and became one of the first Canadian-born black men to become a lawyer in Ontario. Lafferty died in 1912 and reposes in Maple Leaf Cemetery; I think in Old Ward F.
In subsequent years, his former home was used as a storage facility by the Hadley Lumber Company and for a period of time, I think in the 1920s and 1930s, it stood vacant.
Contributed image
At some point during the Second World War, the old hotel became a seven-unit apartment/
boarding house operated by W.H. Burrows and functioned in this format until the early 1970s when there are no more listings for it. The site is now an attractive public park.
John Rhodes
The Burrows Boarding House on Thames Street at Pitt Street.
’Burg housing project a go
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Years in the making, a new 72-unit affordable housing complex is set to take shape on Wallaceburg’s west side.
At the May 25 meeting, council approved a $31-million tender to S.E.M. Construction Ltd. to construct the five-storey development at 199 Westcourt Blvd. It marks a historic milestone, as it’s the first affordable municipal housing to be built in the community since the 1980s.
Several members of council praised the effort, including Wallaceburg councillors Aaron Hall and Carmen McGregor. Hall said he was thrilled to see the project become a reality and thanked staff for bringing it together.
“It’s been a couple of
years in the making,” Hall said. “It’s not only great news for Wallaceburg – it’s great news for Chatham-Kent.”
The number of people on the wait list for affordable housing indicates a “definite need,” McGregor added.
South Kent Coun. Anthony Ceccacci said he wanted to make sure the public was aware of the immense amount of work undertaken by staff to procure grants for the project, noting “tens of millions” had been accessed to help residents in need of secure housing.
According to an administrative report, the demand for RentGeared-To-Income (RGT) housing is at an all-time high in Chatham-Kent, with a centralized waitlist of 1,455 households. At present, 23 per cent of those – or 333 households – are looking for units in
Wallaceburg. Some 11 per cent (33) on the Wallaceburg list are seniors; 33 per cent (110) are family households in need of multi-bedroom units and 56 per cent are adults under the age of 65 seeking one-bedroom units.
The new build will see the creation of 37 one-bedroom units, 25 two-bedroom units, five three-bedroom units and five four-bedroom units. It’s expected to house between 122 to 194 residents.
How the Westcourt build will be paid for was also a topic of discussion following a question from Coun. Ryan Doyle concerned about ongoing operating costs. Council heard from Ray Harper, director of municipal housing services and property development. He said the project is expected to be “cost neu-
tral,” as some of the units will be rented at 80 per cent of average market rents, while others will be rented at rates deemed “deeply affordable.”
Harper, who has been working on the build for at least three years, said the project will “move the needle” to address Wallaceburg’s significant affordable housing gaps.
Close to $19 million in grants were obtained to fund the project, including cash from the Canadian Mortgage & Housing Corporation; the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, and Enbridge, as well as other upper-level government agencies. The remainder will be funded through a $13-million debenture over a 30-year period.
Council also approved spending $658,000 in consulting fees to Barry Bryan Associates for preliminary work and design.
Plans for Wednesday Mkt. site on Longwoods Road
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative
pamwrightlji@gmail.com
A new development featuring a bakery, hot food, a farmer’s market and a supermarket is being proposed at the vacant Chatham Sales Yard just east of the community.
At its May 25 meeting, council paved the way for the expansion by approving a zoning change to allow for expanded uses at the 9.5-acre property. Site of the former Wednesday Market, the Longwoods Road property east of Chatham has been purchased by
J. Weaver Holdings Inc., the owner of the popular Kent Bridge Country Market.
The site’s main building, located toward the front of the property, is a 21,679.15 sq. ft. frame structure. It includes a mix of former
use spaces including vendor space, seating area, kitchen, storage spaces, washrooms and seasonal vendor areas.
The Wednesday Market ceased operations in 2023 and the building has been empty since that time.
Honouring those who served
The Chatham Voice
Arnold Cemetery is once again hosting a Veterans Memorial Day.
The cemetery, located on Longwoods Road just west of Louisville, will pay tribute to Canadian Armed Forces members from Chatham-Kent and around the nation who are serving or have served, as
well as former military personnel who are buried at Arnold Cemetery.
This is the sixth year the cemetery will host such a memorial.
“It remains important to show our gratitude for the sacrifices made by those who served and continue to serve to maintain our freedom and our democracy,” cemetery
board members said in a media release.
The event takes place June 14, starting at 2 p.m. and will last for about an hour.
The program includes the 294 local Air Cadet Squadron Flag Party, a vintage fighter aircraft flyover, a volley firing party, members of the Legion Pipe and Drum Band, a
mounted horse detail and “a sincere reflection on the debt we owe to our Canadian Forces past and present,” the board said in the media release.
The firing party and the mounted detail will be wearing authentic, period-correct First World War uniforms.
For additional information contact Bill Finlay at
519-359-0370 or finfms4@ hotmail.com, or Sue Lindsay at 519-352-2811 or suelindsay2000@hotmail.
Those attending are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, if desired.
Contributed image
Participants in the 2025 Veterans Memorial Day are seen here dressed in First World War attire. Arnold Cemetery is hosting the 2026 event on June 14.
Vellinga’s: Delivering dreams for 70 years
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
A great deal has changed in the travel industry over the past 70 years, and through those seven decades, Vellinga’s Travel has pivoted when needed to continue to serve the people of Chatham-Kent.
Grace Dieleman, who along with her husband Bill, has owned Vellinga’s since 2007. They purchased the business off original owners Bob and Willy Vellinga when the Vellinga’s opted to retire. The Vellingas opened the business in 1956, 70 years ago.
Grace joined the compa-
ny back in 1999 and took advantage of the opportunity to run the business.
“They asked us if we’d like to take it over. I’d worked very closely with Bob on a lot of stuff,” she said. “We had to think about it for a day or two, but we went for it.”
And the Dielemans have never looked back.
With the proliferation of online travel booking companies and people using websites to find cheap
hotel deals, places such as Vellinga’s continue to provide the ever-important personal touch.
Dieleman said Vellinga’s expertise is what sets them apart. It’s so much more than finding a warm, sunny spot on a beach in the middle of winter.
“It’s not just Canadian winters. We do more custom tours throughout Europe and Asia,” she explained.
And, while some people just have to head south to catch some Vitamin D on a beach during our coldest weather, others want a different experience.
“People are looking for different things. They want to have more expe-
riences. They don’t want to do the fly-and-flop,”
Dieleman said.
Continued on page 21
Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice
The team at Vellinga’s Travel is celebrating seven decades of the company making travel dreams come alive for local residents. Owners Grace and Bill Dieleman, rear, took over the company in 2007 from Bob and Willy Vellinga. With them are Marsha Vyn, Cheryl Johnston, and Lisa Horney.
Community Events
Thursday, June 4, 2026:
• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am-9:30pm. The kitchen is open from 11:00am-1:30pm. Come check out our daily specials. Senior Euchre starts at 1:00pm. Members & non-members welcome.
• Menopause 101 – What this transition means for your health with Dr. Ashlyn Dolbear, ND. 6:30pm at the Wallaceburg & District Museum, 505 King St., Wallaceburg. Call 519-627-8962 to register. $10/person. Snacks and beverages included.
• Lunch at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 11am-1:30pm. Daily specials and menu items available.
• Join us every Thursday afternoon from 1-4pm at the Merlin Legion for a Music Jam. Donations welcome. Bring out your singing voice and instruments to have a great afternoon!!
Friday, June 5, 2026:
• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am-9:30pm. The kitchen is open from 11:00am1:30pm. Supper will be served from 4:00-6:00pm. No orders after 5:30pm. Tonight’s specials are Meat Loaf or Fish & Chips, $15.00(HST included). Take out is available by calling 519-351-8733 or 519-351-5639. 5:15pm is weekly CatchThe-Ace draw (tickets can be purchased at the bar). Fun Darts start at 7:00pm. On the Patio, you will be entertained by Chuck Fitzgerald 7pm-10pm. Members & non-members welcome.
• Lunch at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 11am-1:30pm. Daily specials and menu items available. Friday night supper is a Roast Beef dinner with potatoes, vegetable, coleslaw and a bun. Dine ins $15 and pickups $16. All meals are served at 6pm. Everyone welcome.
• Join us for a Delicious Beer Battered Fish dinner at the Merlin Legion. Fantastic food for $12.50 tax included. Served from 4:30-7pm. Please call 519-6894884 for more information. The Kenny & Joel Acoustic Show 6:30-9:30pm.
Saturday, June 6, 2026:
• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am-9:30pm. Meat draws at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30pm ending with a 50/50 draw. The kitchen is open from 3:00pm-5:30pm. Come check out our menu. Entertainment by D.A.M. Band from 4:30-9:30pm. Members & non-members welcome.
Sunday, June 7, 2026:
• Memorial Sunday – St. Thomas Anglican Church. 7077 Grand River Line. 11 :15 am.
• The Two Creeks summer concert series at 6pm on the stage at Two Creeks Conservation Area 1km north of Wheatley. Justin Latam leads The Stride in music featuring rock and roll and the blues. No admission, but we do pass the hat. Food and drink by the Scouts.
• Breakfast at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 9am until Noon. All meals are cooked to order.
Tuesday, June 9, 2026:
• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham 11:00am-9:30pm. The kitchen is open 11:00am-1:30pm. Today’s special is spaghetti with meat sauce. Play Euchre at 1:00pm or evening Shuffleboard or Euchre starting at 7:00pm. Members & non-members welcome.
Wednesday, June 10, 2026:
• Peer support group for anyone living with or who will be living with an ostomy. Education for family, friends and public about ostomies. 7pm. Wellwise Home Health and Wellness on the corner of St. Clair St. And McNaughton Ave. For info phone 1-226-627-8233 or by invitation to our private Facebook page ostomychatham or by email ostomychatham@hotmail.com.
• Blenheim Community Resource and Job Fair. 2–6pm. Connect with employers and community partners and find your next job at the Blenheim Community Resource and Job Fair. Register today, take the first step toward your next opportunity! https://www.chathamkentjobs.com/event/blenheim-community-resource-and-job-fair/.
• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham 11:00am-9:30pm. The kitchen is open 11:00am-1:30pm. Daily special is Meatloaf Dinner. Check out our other daily specials. Fun Darts at 7:00pm. Members & non-members welcome.
Thursday, June 11, 2026:
• Nominations and elections for Local 127 Retiress will be held at the Unifor Local 127 Retired Workers Chapter Meeting at 10:00am. The perfect opportunity to enjoy coffee and visit with friends/former workers. Keep up to date with things going on in the Community, pensions, benefits and the information provided from informed leadership and guest speakers. Spouses are welcome.
• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham 11:00am–9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am1:30pm. Come check out our daily specials. Senior Euchre starts at 1:00pm. Members & non-members welcome.
Friday, June 12, 2026:
• The second summer Ghost Walk will leave from Cross St to hear about Bridget, a singing child and another who may have suffered a cruel fate, a stained glass window and a repairman’s puzzle. We meet a former worker at the Capitol Theatre with some truly hair-curling experiences to tell. Visit www.eventbrite. com to order tickets. $15 for an Adult ticket and $10 for a Child’s ticket (12 and under) We go rain or moonshine!
• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen is open to serve lunch 11:00am-1:30pm. Supper served 4:00–6:00pm. No orders after 5:30pm. Tonight’s specials are Chicken Parmesan or Fish & Chips, $15.00(HST included). Take out is also available by calling 519-351-8733 or 519-351-5639. At 5:15pm is our weekly Catch-The-Ace draw (tickets can be purchased at the bar). Fun Darts start at 7:00pm. Members & non-members welcome.
Submit your coming events to bruce@chathamvoice.com or michelle@chathamvoice.com
Fun Stuff
CLUES ACROSS
1. Egyptian bull-god
5. A young canine
8. Cologne
11. Fictional British P.I.
13. Midway between northeast and east
14. A place to shop
15. Minneapolis suburb
16. Single lens reflex
17. NY Mets great Tommie
18. Informal loan clubs
20. Habitual twitching
21. Holm oak 22. Willing to consent or submit 25. In an early way 30. Made possible
31. Language in Ghana
32. Relating to one’s birth
33. Deep-bodied fishes
38. Defunct European currency
41. Small American songbird
43. One from L.A.
45. After tenth
47. Hillside
49. Red deer
50. Partner to “oohed”
55. Indian musical pattern
56. Israeli city __ Aviv
57. Golden peas plant
59. Breezed through 60. Midway between east and southeast
CLUES DOWN
1. Bridge building degree
2. Expression of sorrow or pity
3. Large, stocky lizard
4. Turkish leader title
5. Nag
6. Blank
7. Closely woven cotton fabric
8. A nice shot in golf
9. Away from wind
10. Evergreen shrub genus
12. Large African antelope
14. Something you receive
19. Satisfy
23. Wet dirt
24. No longer here
25. Writing utensil
26. Ribonucleic acid
27. Consume food
28. Licensed for Wall Street
29. Alternative forms of a gene
34. Buddy
35. We all do it
36. Chicken
37. No seats available
39. Yearned to possess
40. Ineffectual
41. Explosive
42. Turkish title
44. Worn near the foot
45. Impatient
46. Set an example for others
47. Actor Pitt
48. Instrument of torture
51. Swiss river
52. Grayish white
53. A way to print
54. Storied college hoops program
58. Midway between south and southeast
61. Frameworks 62. Danish krone 63. Fall back 64. Influential Korean leader
Guided tours part of the deals
Continued from page 19
“A lot of people still do, but there’s probably more focus on experiencing destinations rather than just taking a sun vacation.”
To that end, the staff at Vellinga’s deliver very customized tours. Dieleman said the customization could be for a family or group of friends, but also just one couple.
“That’s what’s made us different than the rest –we have the resources to do it,” she said.
Dieleman recalls clients who wanted a very unique experience.
“For Asia, we had some clients who wanted to do Thailand. They wanted to do specific things. It was not a tour you’d find in a book. Everything they did was with private guides,” she said.
And Vellinga’s delivered.
A key element Vellinga’s provides is hosted trips where the agency’s personnel lead a group abroad.
“We will host a group. People travel with you because they know you and trust you,” Dieleman said. “It’s a lot of fun. They get to know each other and know new people. This adds another level of joy when travelling.”
For those who say they have always wanted to travel, but are putting trips off until they retire, Dieleman encourages those people to reconsider delaying their dreams.
“Everyone knows of someone who has had health issues. We tell people if you’re healthy, book the trip. You never know what tomorrow brings,” she said. “If it is a dream you have to go somewhere and do something, you should do it. No one knows the future. We don’t have the crystal ball.”
Another aspect of travel agents is they can help interpret your travel dreams.
“We offer advice. Make an appointment and come in to speak with us,” Dieleman said. “Sometimes what people think they want is not really what they want. We figure out what they’re looking for and then we match them with that experience.
“We advise. We consult. We take care of our clients from the moment they walk in to the moment they come home. We’re there for them.”
Dieleman has seen travel hiccups and outright stoppages over the years, such as the pandemic. With many Canadian travellers opting to avoid the United States these days, and with higher fuel and thus airfare prices, along with the presence of hantavirus, Dieleman said there are concerns, but workarounds.
“There are a lot of places that you can go that aren’t affected by what’s going on,” she said. “We have weathered every storm that has come by. We will weather these too.”
Local residents comprise about 75 per cent of Vellinga’s business, and Dieleman is grateful for the patronage.
“We’ve always been thankful for the support our community offers,” she said. “We’ve got a great, loyal base.”
For general inquiries, or to start planning your trip, reach out at vellingastravel@outlook.com.
Go for the gold Goldcoast Fashions recently held a fundraising fashion show, raising support for Outreach for Hunger. About 100 people attended.
GraveDiggerz closes
A landmark restaurant has closed its doors for good.
GraveDiggerz’ Variety & Restaurant in Highgate has gone dark after serving the community for 15 years.
The owners cite family
medical reasons for the closure and wish to thank their customers for dedicated patronage over the
Patricia Bélanger
Thursday, May 21, 2026
decade and a half they were open.
• Business Voice is a bi-monthly column in
Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Gerald "Gerry" O'Brien
95, Sunday, May 24, 2026
Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Sylvia Kutasi
85, Monday May 25, 2026
Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Barbara Pauline Hein
64, Monday, May 25, 2026 Life Transitions
Andrelene Freeda Boudreau
86, Friday May 22, 2026 Life Transitions
Donald Irwin Peterson 90, Saturday, May 23, 2026 Life Transitions
Robert Alexander Renaud
79, Monday, May 25, 2026 Life Transitions
Gilles Armand St. Martin
79, Thursday, May 28 Life Transitions
Glenda Johnson
72, Sunday, May 24, 2026 Cavanagh Funeral Home
Danielle Bernier
75, Monday, May 25, 2026 Cavanagh Funeral Home
245 Wellington St. W., Chatham 519-352-2710 alexanderandhoulefuneralhome.ca
The Chatham Voice that highlights some of the achievements made and efforts underway in Cha-
OBITUARIES
Frank Dalgleish
84, Wednesday, May 27, 2026 Cavanagh Funeral Home
Johan Hiebert
74, Sunday, May 24, 2026
Kendrick Funeral Home
Jacob Peters
75, Monday, May 25, 2026
Kendrick Funeral Home
Sarah Judy Vokey
70, Sunday, May 24, 2026 Nicholls Funeral Home
Mary Rosseel
79, Monday, May 25, 2026 Nicholls Funeral Home
Eileen Gialelem (Sterling) 67, Tuesday, May 26, 2026 Nicholls Funeral Home
John Cartwright
92, Thursday, May 21, 2026 McKinlay Funeral Home
Kathryn Elizabeth Colebrook 94, Sunday, May 24, 2026 McKinlay Funeral Home
Giovannina Naclerio 94, Monday, May 25, 2026 McKinlay Funeral Home
Dr. Ronald L Scott 78, Wednesday, May 20, 2026 McKinlay Funeral Home
tham-Kent’s business community. Send your information to bruce@chathamvoice.com.
kendrickfuneralhome.com
Kirsten Agla
80, Thursday, May 21, 2026 McKinlay Funeral Home
Linda Caryn
83, Saturday, May 23, 2026 McKinlay Funeral Home
Betty Anchor 90, Sunday, May 24, 2026 McKinlay Funeral Home
Marjorie Burke 95, Saturday, May 23, 2026 McKinlay Funeral Home
Reina Feyen
100, Wednesday, May 27, 2026 McKinlay Funeral Home
Humberto Rodrigues 96, Tuesday May 26, 2026
Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Theresa Marie Russelo 96, Thursday May 21, 2026
Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Merylin Eloise Lozon 92, Monday May 25, 2026
Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Beverley Moor 92, Monday May 25, 2026 Badder Funeral Home
See full obituaries
chathamvoice.com/obituaries
Man available to do minor body work. Reasonable prices! Call 226627-9010.
YARD SALE
Happy 85th
Cathy Van Breda
Wanted to Buy: Antiques, costume jewellery, gold, silver, coins, military, furniture, tools. We Buy All - Paid Cash. 519-7278894.
In Memory of Denise Tew June 4, 2024
129 Morning Glory Lane, Chatham June 6 - 8am-noon Something for everyone!
MULTI
Zircon Place, Chatham June 13 - 8am-noon
Glassware, kitchen items, garden decor, tent & accessories, jigsaw puzzles, games, etc.
YARD SALE
Silk Cemetery Saddle Arrangements. Everyday/ Holidays. Readyto-go. Many colours available. $40. 519-3543411
ALL COINS GOLD Silver
Friday, June 5 • 9am-1pm Senior Expo - Blenheim Arena 199 King St S, Blenheim Friday, June 19 • 10am-1pm Blenheim Legion 34 Catherine St., Blenheim
Two years have passed. I think of you every day. Always in my heart. Love Mike
8871 DOYLE LINE. 9:00am-5:00pm daily. Boat & Motor, Tire Changer Something for everyone.
We are so proud of you! Love Mom, JJ, Kwalin, Nasha, Jemma, Nana, Papa and all of your family!
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. Handyman Services
Eavestrough cleaning & repair. Junk removal, grass cutting & other small jobs. Call 519-352-5414 or 226-627-5414.
Announcement
Help Wanted
EXPERIENCED PART-TIME COOK NEEDED . Available to work Tues to Saturday. Needed immediately. Call 519-351-8733. Email contact information & resume to legionbranch642@gmail.com
Love from Carrie & Rick, Lorrie & Tim, Shellie & Terry
it’s just a little bit further until we get to the hideaway.
madame methuselah is waiting to hear our plans. just keep yer yap shut and i’ll do the talking.
even in the middle of a drought, the drain is filling with water! my deal with the nefarious preston todd is already in play!
the water will keep flowing causing floods all over chatham! and the deluge won’t stop until we get what we want...!
...the 1928 cadillac once owned by al pachismo!
you presume too much, ‘Gunner’! i am still in charge of the thames gang and no plan should commence without my approval! however, i do like your plan. keep us all informed of progress!
At that very moment downtown, raymond cole, in his guise as the conduit, is rushing to his first assignment as a reporter for the Chatham voice. move over ‘capone’, that’s al pachismo’s souped up 1928 cadillac!!
by tony gray
THE INCREDIBLE CONDUIT™ and all characters©2026 by Tony Gray and GlassMonkey Studios
