The Chatham Voice, Mar. 5, 2026 by Chatham Voice

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice

Dramafest hits Capitol March 10-12

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Student thespians at seven local high schools are gearing up to help mark the 80th anniversary of the National Theatre School Dramafest.

Formerly the Sears Drama Festival, the province-wide performance competition has blossomed over the years. It began

in 1946 with just three plays, and now has about 350 entries annually.

The seven Chatham-Kent high schools – Lambton-Kent Composite School (Dresden), Wallaceburg District Secondary School, Ridgetown District High School, John McGregor Secondary School, Chatham-Kent Secondary School, Ursuline College Chatham and

Blenheim District High School – will compete at the Lambton-Kent level initially, which takes place March 10-12 at the Chatham Capitol Theatre. Melissa Fernandes and Allie Tope, overseers of this year’s Lambton-Kent rendition, encourage past performers and families to attend the event. Fernandes can’t wait for the curtain to open March 10.

“This year, our festival is back up higher than ever with seven schools involved,” she said. “The festival brings all students of Chatham-Kent, Ontario and even across Canada, together. It gives them a voice and a place to thrive and be themselves. In an ever-changing digital world, it has become more and more important to connect through human contact, and live theatre is a beautiful way to do that.”

Stephanie McQueen of Blenheim District Sec-

ondary School, takes it one step further. She said the annual festival is of great importance for students in the arts, calling it a “lifeline.

“Particularly in small schools where these programs, and their funding, may be the first to be cut in order to provide ‘essential’ courses. It is an essential extracurricular for these students,” she said. “It allows so many students who may not otherwise have opportunities to explore the arts to get involved. We take everyone who wants to be a part of the show; there is a role or place for you within this production.”

Fernandes, a teacher at UCC, said the performing arts remain popular at high schools.

“Due to the passion and dedication of all staff involved, the dramatic arts are thriving at all schools in Chatham-Kent,” she said. “Without the staff dedication, this much-needed creative outlet would disappear from our schools.”

The performers take to the stage not just in front of a live audience, but also with adjudi-

cators present. Top plays move on to regional and provincial competitions.

“The students have a unique opportunity at this festival to have multiple professionals assess their work and give them the chance to grow as performers, hearing perspectives they may not have otherwise had,” Fernandes said. “Watching other schools perform also opens their eyes and minds to different ways of performing and approaching a script.”

McQueen said hitting the stage at the festival is an achievement for the performers.

“The students also love performing at the festival, where the audience and other performers are so supportive. It’s a nurturing and encouraging environment where compliments are plentiful and new friends are always made,” she said. Putting these performances together does not happen overnight. Fernandes said most schools begin the process in the fall and continue right up until performance night.

For tickets, visit cktickets.com.

Contributed image

Cast of Blenheim District High School’s entry into the Lambton-Kent National Theatre School Dramafest, “Play, right?” rehearse recently. The event takes place March 10-12 at the Chatham Capitol Theatre.

Kids have stayed at Linck

It’s

not equipped for overnight stays, but it has sheltered children

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Children shouldn’t grow up in an office.

But that’s what’s happening at Linck Child, Youth and Family Supports for youngsters who are falling through the cracks.

According to the executive director of the child protection agency, eight children have lived at the Chatham facility, and one, who stayed for four months, was only seven years old.

needed care.

Initially, Thomas-Vanos said Linck was sheltering an adolescent population – but the age of the children needing residential treatment is getting younger.

That concerns her.

“Tragically, that age has been declining,” she said. “We had a 10 year old in this building for over 10 months.

“The reality has been that for the last four years, we’ve been sheltering children in our building.”

- Linck’s Teri Thomas-Vanos

This year, we’ve had a seven year old for four months. “It’s not okay. We’re not a residential facility.”

Linck Child, Youth and Family Supports executive director Teri

makeshift child’s bedroom.

adding she knows of one incidence where it cost $1 million to care for a single child for one year.

Thomas-Vanos said the needs of the troubled children can’t be met until they experience a period of stability.

Jones met with one of the children, she said, and he also brought Minister of Community and Social Services Michael Parsa to visit Linck.

“The reality has been that for the last four years, we’ve been sheltering children in our building,” Teri Thomas-Vanos explained to media recently. “This is an office building. It’s a place of business...it’s not a place to raise a child.”

The children who found themselves staying at Linck have complex needs which can’t be managed by caregivers or the foster system. Thomas-Vanos said the affected youngsters need residential treatment. That isn’t available in either Windsor or Chatham, and youngsters must relocate to London or beyond to access the

And while the children’s problems cover a wide range of mental and behavioural disorders, they have one thing in common – a traumatic history, Thomas-Vanos said.

The dilemma of caring for these youngsters is stressful for staff who aren’t specifically trained to handle complex needs.

“We’ve had to ask people, we had to make people work shifts they weren’t prepared to do or equipped to do, and they did it,” she said. “Our staff are heroes.”

Solving the problem will require capital and resources, Thomas-Vanos added. Caring for these children around the clock is expensive, she said,

“The right care at the right time in the right place is always in their best interest,” the executive director said, adding they need an “extensive period of intensive treatment” in order to stabilize and regain their wellness. “Having a random response doesn’t expedite their healing.”

A forced move away from Chatham-Kent to get help is hard on both the children and their families, she said, as the best care plan includes family members.

“We know that kids do better when their caregivers do better,” she said.

Thomas-Vanos said both Chatham-Kent–Leamington MPP Trevor Jones and Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Steve Pinsonneault are aware of the problem and are looking to help.

“The good news is that some of the kids did get the help they needed and were able to return home,” Thomas-Vanos stated.

“But it’s been gruelling for our staff,” she concluded, noting the issue has contributed to the agency’s $3-million deficit. Currently Linck is working with the province to manage its debt.

The difficulty in housing troubled children is not unique to Chatham-Kent, as the matter is currently the subject of an Ontario Ombudsman probe.

Ontario is facing a severe shortage of residential treatment spaces, forcing children and youth to wait in less-than-ideal spots, such as hotels.

Linck officials and the foundation are working on local solutions, including purchasing a prperty in Blenheim and possibly setting up a tiny home complex.

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice

Thomas-Vanos is seen here in an office that’s been converted into a

I hope everyone is staying cozy and keeping warm this winter!

While we wait for the brighter days of spring to arrive, we wanted to share a little something fun for you to enjoy. Feel free to hang it on your fridge to brighten your kitchen, share it with a friend, or send it back to us at trevor.jones@pc.ola.org or drop off in our mailbox at our local office: 111 Heritage Drive, Unit #100, Chatham. We would be delighted to display your beautiful work on our office wall!

Have fun, stay warm, and we can’t wait to see your creations!

Warmest wishes, Trevor and Staff

Trevor Jones

Colouring Fun for All!

A century man in C-K

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Gerald Dozois doesn’t know why he has lived to be 100 years old.

The key to his longevity could be his devotion to eating well, daily swimming for years, or his Catholic faith.

Nonetheless, the centenarian marked his birthday with a party at Chatham’s Maple City Retirement Residence Feb. 25 –the place he’s called home for the past two years.

The oldest of six children, Dozois was born in Tilbury but moved to Chatham as a toddler. He attended Blessed Sacrament elementary school and graduated high school at Chatham Vocational School.

In 1944, when he was 18, Dozois enlisted with the Canadian military in the Second World War. He trained as paratrooper and served for 22 months. Dozois was stationed in England but because it was late in the war, he wasn’t sent to the front line.

bour was killed in the conflict.

Dozois had been working for CN Rail prior to enlisting and the railroad held his job until he returned.

Following the war, he married local girl Bernice Wilson and together the couple had three sons and two daughters. He’s now been blessed with 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

For most of his career, Dozois sold cars at Chatham Motors, becoming a familiar face to many.

Dozois and his wife built a home on Gregory Drive where they lived for 50 years. After selling his home, he moved into an apartment prior to relocating to Maple City.

Throughout the years, Dozois was a man of faith and the family were members of the St. Agnes Catholic Parish.

“I had a computer but I could never learn it. The reason why is one would tell me to do it this way, another would tell me to do it that way.”

- Gerald Dozois

“I wasn’t 19 yet anyway,” he told The Voice in a recent interview, noting his mother Adele was upset he joined the army. That was understandable, he said, as his next-door neigh-

Dozois joked that he just wasn’t an altar boy, he was an “altar man” serving in many capacities in the church.

When asked about the biggest changes he’s witnessed over the course of his life, Dozois said the advancements in communication technology top the list.

“I had a computer but I could never learn it,” Dozois said.

“The reason why is one would

tell me to do it this way, another would tell me to do it that way...I never did learn it.”

But Dozois was handy in the kitchen.

“I’m a good cook,” he said, adding he has fond memories of cooking

The South Kent Wind Community Fund Advisory Committee Has Positions Available

We are currently seeking applications from community-minded volunteers interested in accepting, reviewing, and evaluating grant applications received from charitable and qualifying non-profit groups in Chatham-Kent.

Committee members are required to meet twice annually to review applications received in the spring and the fall of each year. Members of the advisory committee commit to serving for two years.

To apply, please email your answers to the questions below, with “SKWCFAC App” in the subject line, to info@chathamkentcommunityfoundation.ca

1. Please provide your name, address, phone number & email

2. Why are you interested in serving as a South Kent Wind Community Fund Advisory Committee member?

3. Please share with us an outline of your previous volunteer involvement and any work you have provided in service to your community.

4. Please list other committees of which you have been a member.

The deadline for application submission is March 15th

Sunday roast and breakfast for his family.

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice

Chatham resident Gerald Dozois celebrated his 100th birthday on Feb. 25. He was joined by his family at Maple City Retirement Residence for cake and lunch and also received a tribute from the municipality delivered by Chatham Coun. Brock McGregor, serving as acting mayor.

Opinion

What the hell is going on?

Children living in office buildings. Adults living in tents in parks.

How does this happen in the 21st century, in Canada’s biggest and arguably its highest-profile province?

It’s deplorable, and senior levels of government are not doing enough to offer supports.

The fact Linck Child, Youth and Family Supports in Chatham has had to house high-needs children over the past four years or so is a sad tale of the state of our province.

Our children are our future, not furniture in an office.

Yet Linck, according to executive director Teri Thomas-Vanos, has housed children there for years. The latest is a seven-year-old child who stayed for four months.

Some say this is a matter of these high-needs children falling through the cracks. But in reality there are gaping funding holes in housing and support for these children.

It’s not just Chatham-Kent, but right across the province.

Unfortunately, the kids who were put up at Linck have complex needs and can’t be managed by caregivers or the foster-care system. They need a form of residential treatment, yet

nothing is available in this part of the province.

With Linck having to house such children, someone has to be on site 24/7 to oversee them. That means staff have to shift away from their primary jobs and normal hours to cover the situation. They aren’t trained to deal with the complex needs either.

Granted, local MPP Trevor Jones brought in Minister of Community and Social Services Michael Parsa to visit Linck. So far, nothing has come out of that visit.

What can be done? Housing, support systems and perhaps alterations to our legal system.

Punish the fentanyl suppliers. Send them away for longer stretches of time. Highlight them to society. Make it untenable to traffic large quantities of such addictive substances.

And lay the foundations of support…for children and for our troubled adults.

Children shouldn’t grow up in an office. Our most vulnerable citizens should not be living outdoors and diving in dumpsters for food and clothing. So much more can be done rather than the apparent thumb twiddling taking place in Toronto and Ottawa.

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What’s with all the crazy drivers?

Editor: On Feb. 24, about 1:30 p.m., someone driving a red car almost killed me.

It happened at the corner of King Street West and Lacroix Street. I was walking home from the downtown, heading west, and, knowing it was a super-busy intersection, when I reached the corner and saw the light was red, I press the “Walk” button and waited for the light to turn green.

The, when the light did turn green, I started crossing the street. And that is when the driver in the red car almost killed me.

Oh, the joy of having someone drive by you so closely that you almost feel their car brush your backside.

And, on the lookout for someone to run a red light, or such things, I was being careful.

But it didn’t matter.

Because, while I was half-way across the street, not yet at the median, here comes the red car, making a left turn onto the bridge. It isn’t stopping or even slowing down. I had seen it when the light changed, starting out into the intersection, but couldn’t imagine that the driver would put her foot on the gas and come right at me.

been dead or badly injured, and the sirens we hear all the time in Chatham would have been on their way to tend to me.

Did she see me? I don’t know. But – unless she wasn’t paying attention, or has poor eyesight – I don’t know how she could not see me.

I am 82 years old. Lucky for me, my health is pretty good and I’ve still got a bit of spring in my step. Because, as I was leaping out of the way onto the cement median, the car only missed me by a whisker.

Otherwise, I would have

In Chatham, the sirens never let up. On any day or night, you will hear them. How many of those sirens are related to what I just experienced, or to similar incidents that involve bad drivers? Go for a walk, or a bike ride, or drive somewhere and –almost guaranteed – you will see an incident of some kind related to bad drivers.

Racing, speeding, tailgating, changing lanes and cutting in and out of traffic in front of other drivers – they are everywhere. Some of them make as much noise as they can make.

Contributed on page 7

Will avian flu issue impact backyard poultry?

Editor: Well, the discovery of the crows of Chatham with avian flu recently says a few things.

The idea of having backyard chickens in every home across Cha-

tham proper is a dead duck. With so many commercial farms egg laying, and other poultry, surely it’s a no go now.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency will

be crawling over Chatham very soon now.

Even the picture a while back of the mayor in some sort of crow pose won’t help the crows now. The

federal Liberals may want a crow cull similar to the ostriches they took out before Christmas.

Perhaps next time the Chatham-Kent council

gets these ideas to have poultry in every yard, it should check with the proper authorities like CFIA before making any rash decisions based on whether voters will approve.

It’s all about common sense, and the voters have their chance coming up very soon.

Wayne Robertson Chatham

Chatham-Kent drivers need to work on their skills

Continued from page 6

See them throw litter out of their car window onto the street or into someone’s yard. See them talk on their phones or check themselves out in their rearview mirror while driving. See them,

without consideration for others, turn driving a vehicle into a circus. And we wonder why auto insurance costs in this region are so high. Where I live in Chatham, two long-term care homes and elementary schools exist.

And, accordingly, to see people pushing loved ones in wheelchairs, or young kids walking to and from school, is common. But, whatever signs are posted, drivers speed anyway, with nary a thought about what might happen.

An, oh yes, the driver in the white car behind the woman in the red car at the intersection, who saw what happened and saw me almost get killed, he put his window down to holler at me. “Be cool.” He then added, “Don’t let it get

you down.” To that driver, I did hear you. And, yes, I did holler at the red car as it drove away without stopping. Maybe a warm smile or a bout of laughter might have been more socially appropriate. But, standing on that median

after almost losing my life to a reckless driver, I have to say I was feeling neither calm nor cool, not anything else that might have been socially appropriate.

Wayne Tulloch Chatham

Turning waste into natural gas

C-K set to team up with Greenfield Global to build waste digester

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

A $160-million facility to convert organic waste into renewable natural gas has taken a leap forward.

At its Feb. 23 meeting, Chatham-Kent council approved six staff recommendations, paving the way for the construction of a new anaerobic digester plant in Chatham.

A joint effort between the municipality and

Greenfield Global Inc., the project has been in works since 2020.

In a presentation to council prior to the vote, C-K chief financial officer Gord Quinton outlined the project’s background and detailed next steps.

“This is rare situation where there is a great opportunity to collaborate between the public and private sector,” Quinton told council, noting the facility will border the Greenfield ethanol plant and the Chatham-Kent

Public Utilities Commission wastewater plant in southwest Chatham.

“It will take waste materials from both those facilities and turn it into green renewable energy,” Quinton explained.

As part of the preliminary work, council approved the formation and incorporation of a new Municipal Services Corporation (MSC). The move was necessary, Quinton told council, in order to borrow for the project including apply-

Notice of Public Open House to Consider Chatham-Kent Official Plan Growth Management Amendment

ing for a $25-million loan from Infrastructure Ontario.

Patterned after a Greenfield Global anaerobic digester in Varennes, Que., the Chatham facility will convert industrial, commercial and institutional organic waste into natural gas. Serving some 30 municipalities in the Montreal area, the Varennes plant converts 40,000 metric tonnes of waste away from landfills each year.

Take Notice that the Council of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent will consider amendments to the Chatham-Kent Official Plan, under Sections 17 of the Planning Act, R.S.O.1990, c.P.13, concerning the entire Municipality of Chatham-Kent

And Take Further Notice that a public open house to review the Preliminary Preferred Growth Areas and get feedback from the public and stakeholders will take place at the time and place shown below:

Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Location: Municipality of Chatham-Kent Civic Centre Address: 315 King Street West, Chatham ON

Location: Municipality of Chatham-Kent Civic Centre

Address: 315 King Street West, Chatham ON

Project Update: Upcoming Engagement for Phase 2

The MSC, to be fully owned by Chatham-Kent, will serve as a “holding company,” representing part ownership of the new plant. Greenfield Global will own 60 per cent of the project, with C-K’s share at 40 per cent.

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has completed Phase 1 of the Growth Management Study, which involved identifying growth and development options. Phase 2 has been underway since May 2025 and involved the need for additional study including an addendum to the land need assessments completed by Watson & Associates for commercial and employment areas, completion of a servicing study, and undertaking an Agricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) to inform the identification of Preliminary Preferred Growth Options. Phase 2 will include Round #2 Engagement, to share the Preliminary Preferred Growth Areas and get feedback from the public and stakeholders.

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has completed Phase 1 of the Growth Management Study, which involved identifying growth and development options. Phase 2 has been underway since May 2025 and involved the need for additional study including an addendum to the land need assessments completed by Watson & Associates for commercial and employment areas, completion of a servicing study, and undertaking an Agricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) to inform the identification of Preliminary P referred Growth Options. Phase 2 will include Round #2 Engagement, to share the Preliminary Preferred Growth Areas and get feedback from the public and stakeholders.

Growth Management Study

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is undertaking an update to its Official Plan to guide development and infrastructure investment over the next 25 years. Building on the findings of the 2023 Municipal Comprehensive Review (MCR) – which projects our population to reach approximately 122,200 by 2051 (resulting in more than 8,200 new households) – this Official Plan Amendment (OPA) will help ensure our Municipality can efficiently accommodate both residential and employment growth. Most of the growth is forecast to occur by 2041. Careful consideration of housing needs, industrial market trends, and infrastructure will be essential, while balancing the protection and the long-term viability of agricultural areas, local food production, and the agri-food network.

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is undertaking an update to its Official Plan to guide development and infrastructure investment over the next 25 years. Building on the findings of the 2023 Municipal Comprehensive Review (MCR) – which projects our population to reach approximately 122,200 by 2051 (resulting in more than 8,200 new households) – this Official Plan Amendment (OPA) will help ensure our Municipality can efficiently accommodate both residential and employment growth. Most of the growth is forecast to occur by 2041. Careful consideration of housing needs, industrial market trends, and infrastructure will be essential, while balancing the protection and the long -term viability of agricultural areas, local food production, and the agri-food network.

To fulfill the land needs identified in the MCR, in accordance with the Provincial Planning Statement, this project will examine the need and planning justification for Settlement Area Boundary Expansions in Chatham, Tilbury, Dresden, and Blenheim, while also addressing mismatches in the location of urban land supply versus demand in Wallaceburg. An important focus of the study is ensuring Chatham-Kent remains competitive in the Highway 401 Business Corridor by strengthening its supply of strategically located employment areas. The outcome of this project will be an Official Plan Amendment so ChathamKent can effectively meet its long-term growth needs.

To fulfill the land needs identified in the MCR, in accordance with the Provincial Planning Statement, this project will examine the need and planning justification for Settlement Area Boundary Expansions in Chatham, Tilbury, Dresden, and Blenheim, while also addressing mismatches in the location of urban land supply versus demand in Wallaceburg. An important focus of the study is ensuring Chatham -Kent remains competitive in the Highway 401 Business Corridor by strengthening its supply of strategically located employment areas. The outcome of this project will be an Official Plan Amendment so ChathamKent can effectively meet its long-term growth needs.

Information and Providing Comment

To submit a comment or question, receive additional information, or if you have accessibility requirements to participate in this study, please contact Planning Services at 519.360.1998 or ckplanning@chathamkent.ca. Project information can be located online at www.letstalkchatham-kent.ca.

To submit a comment or question, receive additional information, or if you have accessibility requirements to participate in this study, please contact Planning Services at 519.360.1998 or ckplanning@chathamkent.ca Project information can be located online at www.letstalkchatham -kent.ca.

Dated at the Municipality of Chatham-Kent this 4th day of March, 2026.

Dated at the Municipality of Chatham-Kent this 4th day of March, 2026

field Global and government agencies, adding if the project doesn’t proceed, the corporation will be closed down.

Council also approved the appointment of three members of the administration to serve as the new corporation’s directors, including the chief financial officer, the deputy chief administrative officer and the general manager of the Chatham-Kent PUC. In the future, council will have the authority to determine who sits on the board.

“Initially, we’re under an extremely tight timeline and the decisions needed are very technical,” Quinton said of the inaugural board. “It would be very tough for any councillor to tackle these types of reviews.”

Forming a corporation prior to the final decision is necessary, Quinton said, in order to complete various agreements between Green-

To date, Chatham-Kent has spent $1.5 million to probe the digester venture. So far, upper-level governments have committed $60 million towards the project.

A significant amount of money has been obtained from the federal government. In 2023, an inter-

est-free $10-million loan was obtained from Canada’s Clean Fuels Fund. In 2024, an additional $10 million was obtained by Greenfield Global with municipal support through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ organic-waste-to-energy program. However, in 2025, the Clean Fuels Fund changed and a second application had to be made, which secured a $45-million interest-free loan.

Another $5 million is coming to the project through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.

Deloitte is also involved, with a team reviewing the financial implications of the proposal. Under the proposal, Chatham-Kent has applied for a low-cost $25-million (20-year) loan from Ontario Infrastructure. According to Quinton, the provincial crown corporation needs lead time to review the loan application, necessitating the tight timeline.

Continued on page 11

Seeking safety along Highway 40

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

A Chatham-Kent councillor wants to make a stretch of Highway 40 safer.

To that end, North Kent Coun. Rhonda Jubenville is bringing forward a motion to ask Ontario’s minister of transportation to examine the issue and provide safety upgrades if needed.

According to Jubenville, two intersections on the 27-kilometre stretch are especially problematic, including at Countryview Line, as well as Oldfield

Line and Electric Line heading to Mitchell’s Bay. As it stands, the highway is a thoroughfare, with stop signs on the sideroads.

“It just seems that there are more and more accidents happening,” she said. “I don’t know what’s causing it...maybe an influx of traffic or maybe people are just in a hurry all the time.”

And while there hasn’t been a fatality recently, the councillor believes that it’s “just a matter of time.

North Kent Coun.

section at Countryview Line is especially problematic.

“As these incidents increase, so does the potential for a fatality or serious injuries,” Jubenville said. Equally disconcerting, Jubenville added, is the peril faced by farmers crossing Hwy. 40 towing wagons or implements, noting when you add in-

clement weather to the mix, the danger increases.

The councillor said she’s talked with farmers, who in foggy conditions, take a leap of faith when they drive across the road.

Going forward, Jubenville said she’d like to see traffic lights, flashing stop sign lights and rumble strips considered among the possible solutions.

The councillor said she has discussed the matter with Chatham-Kent head of infrastructure and engineering Edward Soldo and he advised her the ministry is already looking at Hwy. 40.

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice

Rhonda Jubenville wants to see safety upgrades on Highway 40 from Chatham to Wallaceburg. The inter-

PUC oversight issue lingers

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative

pamwrightlji@gmail.com

The issue of how the Chatham-Kent Public Utilities Commission is governed will be revisited by Chatham-Kent council March 9.

That’s when Wallaceburg Coun. Carmen McGregor will bring forward a motion directing administration to further probe the matter in order to provide additional information to council and the public.

McGregor’s motion comes on the heels of a special meeting held by council on Feb. 2 to dis-

cuss the PUC’s governance. At that meeting, a recommendation to bring the PUC into the municipal fold as a separate department failed in an 8-8 tie.

The new motion by McGregor is seeking deeper answers from administration regarding the dissolution of the current PUC.

The February vote followed a decision made by council at a meeting last December to forego changes recommended by KPMG Financing, how a skillsbased advisory committee will be decided and how other municipalities

handle PUC governance are among the updates McGregor is seeking.

After conducting a comprehensive review in 2024, KMPG offered the dissolution of the PUC in its current form as one of the options available to council.

The KPMG analysis was the first PUC governance review undertaken since Chatham-Kent amalgamated in 1998. As part of the review, KPMG recommended council adopt a skills-based advisory committee for the new department to advise council. It was to be made up of technical, financial and sector-spe-

cific experts who would meet on a quarterly basis.

Chatham-Kent’s administrative team, as well as PUC general manager Darren Galbraith have stated they are in favour of dissolving the utility

and placing the assets and governance model under the municipality’s purview.

Officials said that bringing the PUC into the municipal fold would save millions.

It’s estimated Chatham-Kent will need a $1.18-billion investment over the next 10 years to accommodate residential growth and meet the growing demands of greenhouse expansion.

Gas sales to cover loan payments: Quinton

Continued from page 8

He noted it’s “unlikely” C-K will take the loan out during the present term of council.

“But we need to get our financing in place now,” he stressed. “If we decide to not go forward, we would not take the loan out – simple as that.”

He reminded council the debenture will be paid for by the sale of natural gas

– not by ratepayers – noting there will also be dividends from the corporation for the next 50-plus years.

“This will benefit all corners of Chatham-Kent and every taxpayer,” he said, noting that pushing it back could negatively impact government funding.

Several councillors who spoke expressed concerns

about the risks involved, as well as the necessity of keeping council and the public informed.

North Kent Coun. Rhonda Jubenville said she’s had questions from constituents.

“We’re not making any final decisions and I just wanted to clarify that with the public,” Jubenville said.

In response, Quinton

said information will be made available on the municipal Let’s Talk CK page, with an opportunity for public engagement.

According to the report, council has supported the

project through various due-diligence stages, endorsing it in 2021.

In 2019, council declared a climate emergency, directing administration to develop a long-term cli-

mate action plan which identified waste management as a key priority.

The matter will return to council on April 27 for a final decision on whether to proceed.

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice

The future governance of the Chatham-Kent Public Utilities Commission is an issue that doesn’t seem to want to go way, at least by council.

They’re on the line for our kids

New phone system opens up connections with families, Linck

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Every call will be answered.

That’s the message Linck is sending out following the receipt of a $39,400 Ontario Trillium Grant.

Thanks to the funding, the agency was able to upgrade its outdated phone system with new state-ofthe-art technology.

“Throughout COVID and moving to a more hybrid model, we needed to modernize access for children, youth and families to be able to reach us when they need us.

“By updating the phone system, that has increased capacity for staff when they’re out in the field,” she said.

“We needed to modernize access for children, youth and families to be able to reach us when they need us.”

- Linck’s Teri Thomas-Vanos

“It assures that there is consistent reach to build up the resiliency in our responsiveness to families in a timely way.”

According to Linck Child, Youth and Family Supports executive director Teri Thomas-Vanos, the improvement was long overdue.

“Essentially what we had was a very dated legacy phone system,” Thomas-Vanos said.

“Connection is our most important tool,” said Linck public relations co-ordinator Barb Easter.

“It’s our superpower.”

Costel Popa, part of the Linck IT team, said the 3CX system increases accessibility across the board.

a new phone system and upgrade part of its parking lot.

“You will not miss important calls,” Popa explained, adding the technology dovetails with similar agencies across the province.

The grant also helped pay for the refurbishment of the parking lot, Thomas-Vanos explained, noting it was badly needed. Due to a partnership with the adjacent Chatham-Kent YMCA as

well as onsite child care, parking lot safety is paramount.

Linck offers child protection and mental health supports to youngsters up to the age of 17 – and their families – and services all of Chatham-Kent.

Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Steve Pinsonneault was on hand for the grant announcement,

as was Nammar Cristofari, executive assistant to Chatham-Kent–Leamington MPP Trevor Jones. Both brought greetings from the province, with Pinsonneault presenting a certificate to the organization.

Speaking on behalf of Jones, Cristofari said the funding announcement celebrates the “meaningful impact strategic investments can have at the community level” noting the phone and parking lot upgrades “strengthen” day-to-day operations.

“These improvements enhance accessibility, improve efficiency and, most importantly, help ensure that children, youth and families remain connected to the services they rely on,” Cristofari said.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities. Last year, the OTF invested $105 million into 732 projects and partnerships.

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice

Nammar Cristofari, executive assistant to Chatham-Kent–Leamington MPP Trevor Jones, Ontario’s Agriculture Minister; Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Steve Pinsonneault; Linck executive director Teri Thomas-Vanos; and Linck corporate services director Laura Vidler celebrate recent Ontario Trillium Foundation funding. The $39,400 grant enabled Linck to purchase

Learn labour market insights

The Chatham Voice

The Chatham-Kent Workforce Planning Board (CKWPB) is hosting its 2026 Community Presentation and Forum March 10.

The event, taking place at the Bradley Centre in Chatham, offers insights

on Chatham-Kent’s current labour market trends and developments.

This year’s Forum highlights findings from three major research initiatives: the 2025 EmployerOne Survey, the 2025 Local Labour Market Plan, and new research exploring Artificial Intelligence im-

WHAT

Spring has always been a season of quiet transformation.

The snow melts. The windows open. The light lingers a little longer at the end of the day. There’s a subtle shift in the air — a sense that something new is possible.

And yet, sometimes the outside world changes before we do.

For many older adults, winter can feel especially long. The house that once held decades of activity can begin to feel like more than it used to. The upkeep. The cooking. The constant mental checklist. Even the quiet can feel heavier than it once did. It’s not always something we say out loud. But spring has a way of inviting

pacts and emerging demand in Chatham-Kent’s workforce.

“The annual CKWPB Forum is an opportunity for employers, policy makers, service providers, and community stakeholders to come together and learn about what is happening in Chatham-Kent’s

labour market, CKWPB chair Ron Coristine said in a media release. “The event provides timely insights to support strategic planning, workforce development, and community decision-making as Chatham-Kent continues to adapt to evolving economic and technological

conditions.”

Registration is required for the event. For more information and to register, visit: 2026CKWPBForum.

Eventbrite.ca.

Research reports and upto-date Labour Market Information are available at CKWorkforce.ca.

Check us out!

IF THIS SPRING FELT DIFFERENT?

reflection. Of asking gentle questions. Is life meant to feel easier than this? Is there a way to keep my independence while letting go of some of the weight?

At St. Angela’s Meadow Retirement Lodge, we believe retirement living isn’t about giving something up. It’s about gaining something meaningful. Gaining time, without home maintenance pulling at your energy. Gaining connection, with neighbours who quickly become friends. Gaining confidence, knowing support is there if and when you need it. And perhaps most importantly, gaining the freedom to focus on what brings you joy.

What if this Spring felt different?

Retirement living today looks very different than it once did. It’s vibrant. It’s social. It’s filled with choice.

Residents enjoy chef-prepared meals, engaging programs, lively conversations, and the comfort of a welcoming community, all while maintaining the independence they value deeply.

The decision to explore retirement living isn’t about age. It’s about lifestyle. It’s about recognizing when the balance has shifted and choosing to make a change that feels empowering rather than reactive. For some, that moment comes after a long winter.

For others, it arrives during a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea and a simple realization: maybe it doesn’t have to feel this hard.

If you’ve been quietly wondering “what if,” this season may be the perfect time to explore the answer. We invite you to visit, ask questions, meet our residents, and experience the warmth of our community firsthand. No pressure. Just possibility. Sometimes the most beautiful transformations begin with a single, gentle step forward. And perhaps, this spring, that step is yours.

St. Angela’s Meadow Retirement Lodge. 20 Merici Way, Chatham, Kent, Ontario. (519) 352-5225

The days are getting longer. The light feels softer. But if daily life still feels heavy — managing the house, cooking for one, quietly wondering “what if” — perhaps it’s time for something

If you’re ready to explore what’s possible, we’d love to meet you.

Isn’t It Worth A Conversation?

How You Can Celebrate International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality. IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. IWD is not country, group or organization specific. #IWD2026 #GiveToGain

$77K raised

The Chatham Voice

Flipping bags of corn through holes brought nearly $77,000 to Chatham-Kent Hospice, and smiles to the faces of participants at the recent third annual Cornhole for Hospice event.

The Feb. 21 endeavor saw $76,574 raised to support residential hospice care, care co-ordination as well as grief and bereavement support to people across Chatham-Kent. The event brought players of all skill levels together at the John D. Bradley Convention Centre for a full day of fun, competition, and charitable giving. After round-robin

play, 50 two-person teams advanced to double-elimination brackets.

In the Best of the Best division, Larry McKinney and Chad Grant of CF Industries claimed the top spot, earning the championship trophy and a $500 cash prize. In the Best of the Rest bracket, Jay Charette and Bobby Pickering of Shuck Dynasty secured the $250 prize.

“We are so grateful for all of the teams who came out to support this event, as well as all of the donors and sponsors who made Cornhole for Hospice such a success,” said Brock McGregor executive director of the Chatham-Kent Hospice

Foundation, in a media release. “The community support we receive is fun-

damental to continuing to provide compassionate end-of-life care at no cost in Chatham-Kent.”

Darryl Lucio and Tyler Lucio of the local corn-

hole league, CK Dirty Birds, loaned cornhole boards and expertise. Contributed image

The resurgence continues in Wheatley

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative

pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Post disaster, Wheatley is continuing its comeback story.

To that end, Chatham-Kent council has adopted the Wheatley Community Develop-

ment Action Plan aimed at boosting growth in the town hard hit by a gas explosion in August 2021. Prior to the approval at the Feb. 23 council meeting, Wheatley economic development officer Kyra Knapp detailed the milestones Wheatley has achieved in its recovery to

date, while also outlining plans for the future. Hired in 2023, Knapp has been responsible for engaging with the community and co-ordinating the community’s ongoing revitalization efforts.

According to Knapp, the action plan provides structure and a way to

measure progress from 2025 to 2029.

“The underlying part of this plan is that it reflects the resilience of the community,” Knapp told council. “It showcases a community that endured disruption but at the end of the day chose to organize, collaborate and look

forward.

“This was really not a top-down plan,” she added. “It was community formed and is a roadmap for success.”

As part of the response, the Wheatley Task Force was formed to facilitate revitalization and community advocacy, becoming a valued part of the rebuild. Officials say it has been a driving force for change in Wheatley.

Community engagement was a critical piece of the plan, Knapp explained to council. A survey gleaned 349 responses; 45 interviews were conducted; two public meetings were held; and small-group discussions were held with a number of stakeholders.

Inclusivity is another major plank, Knapp stressed.

“We know that recovery has to benefit all ages and backgrounds and really includes embracing and

working alongside all the super-active community organizations that have been so integral to the work we have been doing,” she said.

Regenerative tourism is another aspect of the plan going forward, Knapp stated, noting officials hope to expand eco-tourism and build on the community’s storied fishing heritage.

Aligning with Chatham-Kent priorities and plans is also key.

“It really ensures that Wheatley’s priorities as a community are not separate and apart from the larger goals of C-K, but really integrated,” Knapp said.

A gas explosion decimated several downtown buildings in 2021 and force the evacuation of the core of the community. The gas was found to have been seeping from an old well.

From left, Jay Charette, Chad Grant, Larry McKinney, and Bobby Pickering celebrate the fun at the third annual Cornhole for Hospice. The event raised nearly $77,000 for Chatham-Kent Hospice.

100 vehicles under one roof at auto show

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Chatham’s no-pressure vehicular event is back.

The Chatham Indoor Auto Show drives into the Bradley Centre March 6-8, bringing 100 new vehicles with it.

This marks the 13th year the dealers have run the popular indoor event.

Greg Hetherington, one of the event organizers, said he believes it’s a go-to weekend event for people to check out the new vehicles without any pressure to buy.

“It (the show) is a good opportunity for people to ask all the questions they want. There is no pressure to buy a car, just an opportunity to meet the local dealers and see the products that are available,” he said.

For the first time in a number of years, the inventory variety from all 10 Chatham dealerships will be on display. In recent years, some of the local dealers had trouble getting inventory.

“We had the pandemic,” Hetherington said, as the global pandemic wreaked

AVALON

havoc on production and ability to deliver around the globe. “Now, we’ve got what’s happening with cars and the tariffs. But inventory is not an issue. We’ve got everything on display. Every car dealer is going to be there and they’re all showcasing between eight and 10 cars.”

And that “everything” includes electric, hybrid and gas-powered options.

“Gasoline is still by far the most popular,” Hetherington said of the vehicle power options. “But more and more people

are asking about hybrids and electric. I think a lot of people are leaning to-

wards hybrids. You don’t have to worry about always finding a charging station.”

Continued on page 19

Chatham Voice file photo

You never know what you’re going to see at the Chatham Indoor Auto Show. One thing guaranteed is 100 different new vehicles showcased from Chatham’s 10 dealerships. The event runs from March 6-8 at the Bradley Centre.

New This Year!

Friday night features a special preview party in support of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.

From 6:00pm - 9:00pm guests will enjoy appetizers, drinks and the very first look at the full auto show lineup.

Tickets are $50 and 100% of the proceeds support urgent needs at CKHA. To purchase your tickets, visit ckhaf.ca/autoshow

565 Richmond St., Chatham

March 6 - 8th

Friday, March 6 Private Party

Back This Year! The Power Sport Lounge, including ATV’s, Golf Carts, Motorcycles and more.

Saturday, March 7 10:00am-5:00pm Sunday, March 9 11:00am-3:00pm

A food or cash

Indoor Auto Show runs March 6-8

Continued from page 16

Aside from 100 vehicles in the main area, Hetherington said the show will again feature the Power Lounge where ATVs and side-by-sides will be showcased from a trio of local dealers. He said it was well received last year.

Admission to the event is earmarked to help local charities. On Friday evening, the dealers opted to run a special event, with proceeds supporting the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation. It’s a preview party of sorts.

“Pay $50 to attend, get a couple of drinks, some

food and be the first ones to see the Indoor Auto Show,” Hetherington said.

Those interested in being part of the event need to snag their tickets in advance off the ckhaf.ca website.

On Saturday and Sunday, admission is by the donation of a canned good or cash at the door, Hetherington said, with the gains being handed over to local food banks, something the show has done for many years.

“Usually, we receive about $10,000 in cash and food donations every year,” he said.

Chatham Voice file photo

The annual Chatham Indoor Auto Show does so much more than expose potential buyers to new vehicle models. For years, it has raised cash and canned goods for local food banks.

The Chatham Auto Show runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday with the tickets-only preview event, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday at the Bradley Centre, located on Richmond Street in Chatham.

Car-buying tips March 31

The Chatham Voice

Learn the ins and outs of buying a car, thanks to the Chatham-Kent Public Library.

On March 31, the library is running informative webinar presented by the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC), the regulator of motor vehicle sales in Ontario.

Personnel will educate webinar attendees on how people looking to buy a vehicle can arm themselves with information and research what could be one of the biggest financial commitments they will ever make.

People can attend in person or online. The event runs from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

CHATHAM NISSAN

A representative from OMVIC will provide resources and tips for buying new and used cars in Ontario. Learn what your rights are, what to watch out for, and how OMVIC helps ensure a fair and transparent marketplace. Tips on whether to buy or lease, how to avoid fraud, how quickly vehicles can depreciate in value versus the cost of a loan, and more will be covered.

Join online (through Zoom) or in person at Chatham, Blenheim, Merlin, Ridgetown or Tilbury library branches. Register by contacting your local branch, or by calling 519-354-2940. For those registering for the virtual program, a zoom link will be shared.

We’re building the first small modular reactors in the G7 and first large scale nuclear facilities in 30 years.

That’s how we protect Ontario.

C-K grant cash doled out

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative

pamwrightlji@gmail.com

A total of 66 local initiatives are receiving funding through the Together CK Grant program.

Approved by Chatham-Kent council Feb. 23, the program will disperse $375,000 in funds for a wide array of events taking place in 2026.

According to a report by C-K community grants co-ordinator Peter Sulman, $102,610 was allocated for significant events; $137,607 is going to community events and an additional $134,783 is destined for community projects.

Five significant events earmarked for grants include Chatham-Kent Crowfest ($22,522); Side-

streets Youth Centre at the Dresden Night Market ($20,000); the Historic Downtown Chatham BIA for Retrofest ($20,000); the Thamesville Threshing Festival ($20,000) and $20,000 for the Wallaceburg Antique Motor and Boat Outing (WAMBO). There were 22 approved applications for community projects and 39 for community events.

“It is important to note that 14 communities are receiving funding for either a project or event or both,” Sulman told council, stressing the money is for all communities.

In his comments, Mayor Darrin Canniff called the announcements “extremely good news.

“This shows that it impacts organizations across Chatham-Kent,” he said, adding it builds

on the most important resource people give –their time.

“I want to thank the organizations who received the money for all the amazing things they are doing,” the mayor said.

A total of 80 applications were received across all funding streams equaling an ask of $476,286.

The report indicated that some of the money that was unused in one category was rolled over to finance other streams.

Citizen representatives on the assessment panel include Fannie Vavoulis, Janet Barnes, Libby Passmore, Marlee Robinson and Patricia Planting, while the administrative side included Chatham-Kent’s tourism supervisor; a planner; a financial analyst and a licensing assistant.

Any species-protection coin coming to C-K?

The Ontario government has earmarked $20 million to protect species at risk, but it’s unknown if any of the money will filter down to Chatham-Kent.

Announced by the province in the GTA recently, the money is to be spent on 46 community-led projects to protect the environment and preserve biodiversity. Monarch butterflies, Blanding’s turtles and butternut trees are among the species to be protected.

“Under the new Species Conservation Program, Ontario has quadrupled its investment in species conservation, expanding

the impact of community driven projects in every corner of the province,” said Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, in a media release.

“By making strategic investments to support experienced conservation leaders, we are taking action to restore habitat, support species recovery efforts and protect Ontario’s rich biodiversity for generations to come.”

Filling those shelves!

The Chatham Voice and supporting businesses recently helped local food banks fill their shelves. Thanks to support from Titan Forklifts, Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home, Chatham Chrysler, Hyundai of Chatham, Chatham Nissan and Sundowner Truck Accessories, Outreach for Hunger and the Salvation Army received a combined $800 through The Voice’s Deck the Shelves initiative. The Chatham Voice matched the business donations, doubling the contribution to the food banks. Above, Chatham Voice sales representative Peter Zubyk delivers the funds to Brenda LeClair of Outreach for Hunger. Below, Zubyk hands over a cheque to Lt. Jamie Anstey of the Salvation Army.

Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority chief executive officer Mark Peacock said he hasn’t been made aware of local projects targeted in the funding.

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice

The Chatham Voice

Postma

while 20 learned some of the basics about being a millwright.

According

marketing co-ordinator Carissa Gonzalez, the event was intended to showcase what modern skilled trades careers look like, specifically in relation to plumbing and millwright work. The bootcamp featured hands-on demonstrations, real tools and realistic environments. Continued on page 26

Our plan to protect Ontario is building new nuclear facilities

As Canada stares down economic uncertainty, we’re ready with a plan to protect Ontario. We’re building the first small modular reactors in the G7, and the first large-scale nuclear facilities in decades. Creating 150,000 new jobs.

That’s how we protect Ontario.

Community Events

Thursday, March 5, 2025:

• The 64th Annual Lenten Noon Hour

Interdenominational Service will be held at Christ Church, 80 Wellington St. W., Chatham (beside the bus depot) beginning at 12:10pm until 12:35pm and will be followed by a sandwich luncheon in the parish hall. The theme this year is “The Cost of Discipleship”. The speaker this week is The Rev. Maya-Melé Okazaki, Rondeau Bay Transfiguration Partnership Ministry. Free will offering with proceeds to CK Hospice, Outreach for Hunger, and Salvation Army Food Bank.

• Join us every Thursday afternoon from 1-4 at the Merlin Legion for a Music Jam. Donations welcome so bring out your singing voice and instruments to have a great afternoon!!

• Lunch at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 11 am-1:30 pm. Daily specials and menu items available. Everyone welcome.

Friday, March 6, 2025:

• World Day of Prayer 2026 – Ecumenical Worship Service from 2-4pm. Immaculée Conception Church, 24150 Winter Line Rd., Pain Court. Parking. Please use the elevator entrance, North-West side of the church parking lot.

• Pipe Organ Plus – A Spectacular Night of Music. 7:30pm at Grace Christian Reformed Church. 255 Tweedsmuir Ave. W., Chatham. Free-will offering to support NeighbourLink, Chatham-Kent.

• Join us for a Delicious Beer Battered Fish dinner at the Merlin Legion. Fantastic food for $12.50 tax included. Served from 4:30 to 7 pm.

• Lunch at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 11am-1:30pm. Daily specials and menu items available. Friday night supper is a BBQ Chicken dinner with potatoes, vegetables, coleslaw, and a bun. Dine ins $14 and pickups $15. All meals are served at 6pm. Please call 519-352-8291 to order. Everyone welcome and bring a friend.

Sunday, March 8, 2025:

• Breakfast at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 9amNoon. All meals are cooked to order. Everybody welcome and bring a friend.

Tuesday, March 10, 2025:

• Chatham Camera Club meeting at Grace Christian Reformed Church, 255 Tweedsmuir Ave. West, Chatham. ZOOM Meeting, “Propel Your Photography with Projects: Understanding the Power of Projects to Deepen Your Photography” with Dennis Ducklow of DoubleExposure.ca. Club members can watch the Zoom meeting at home, or gather at Grace Christian Reformed Church at 7PM where we will watch it together. The meeting starts at 7:00 pm, with the doors open at 6:45 pm. All are welcome. Call (519) 350-1672 for further information.

Wednesday, March 11, 2025:

• Chatham-Kent Coin Club meeting, John McGregor Secondary School Library (7pm – 8pm). 300 Cecile Ave Chatham. New Members and guests welcomed. Come to a meeting and meet others with similar interests. We have members that collect Canadian, USA, and World coins and paper money. Gain knowledge and trends of the hobby. For more info contact President Jim Austin (President@CKCoinClub.com) (226-627-6789) ckcoinclub.com.

• Peer support group for anyone living with or who will be living with an ostomy. Education for family, friends and public about ostomies. 2nd Wednesday of every month at 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.

Thursday, March 12, 2025:

• Tasty Perch and/or Chicken Dinner at the Merlin Legion with choice of potato & coleslaw plus dessert. Served from 4:30 – 7 pm at Merlin Legion. 5pc perch $20 – perch/chicken combo $20 and 3pc chicken $15.50. Contact 519-6894884 for more information. Take outs also available.

• Join us every Thursday afternoon from 1-4 at the Merlin Legion for a Music Jam. Donations welcome so bring out your singing voice and instruments to have a great afternoon!!

• The 64th Annual Lenten Noon Hour Interdenominational Service will be held at Christ Church, 80 Wellington St. W., Chatham (beside the bus depot) beginning at 12:10pm until 12:35pm and will be followed by a sandwich luncheon in the parish hall. The theme this year is “The Cost of Discipleship”. The speaker this week is The Rev. Wilson Eyong, First Presbyterian Church. Free will offering with proceeds to CK Hospice, Outreach for Hunger, and Salvation Army Food Bank.

Saturday, March 14, 2025:

• Chatham Branch Plant Swap: Chatham Branch Community Living Cafe. 10:00 am to 11:15 am. Swap to start at exactly 11:00 am. Members of the Chatham Horticultural Society will be onsite for plant tips, and CKPL will share gardening resources and info about our upcoming Seed Library. Come grow with us! Please bring plant ready to swap in transportable containers.

Wednesday, March 18, 2026:

• Wabash Women’s Institute Euchre parties. Wabash Hall – 1 pm. Admission $5. Prizes/lunch/fun.

• Heart Buddies Meeting. 3rd Wednesday of every month, 465 Grand Ave, W, 6:30 pm. For more info call 519 354 0070.

Thursday, March 19, 2025:

• The 64th Annual Lenten Noon Hour Interdenominational Service will be held at Christ Church, 80 Wellington St. W., Chatham (beside the bus depot) beginning at 12:10pm until 12:35pm and will be followed by a sandwich luncheon in the parish hall. The theme this year is “The Cost of Discipleship”. The speaker this week is The Rev. MJ Meinzinger, Much Joy Ministries. Free will offering with proceeds to CK Hospice, Outreach for Hunger, and Salvation Army Food Bank.

Fun Stuff

60. Unit of work or energy

61. Wreckage on the sea bed

62. Affirmative! (slang)

63. Witness

64. Scrape (Archaic) CLUES DOWN

1. “__ and flows”

2. Humble request for help

3. A position of leadership

4. Continent

5. Adherent of a particular religion

6. Things that can be eaten

7. Self-governing

CLUES ACROSS

1. Unit of dry measure

5. One who defies authority 8. Social media giant 12. Render holy 14. “Much __ about nothing” 15. Computer manufacturer 16. Creed 18. Immoral act 19. Mountain pass 20. Winged nut 21. Don’t know when yet 22. Elected officials 23. Corrupt tendencies 26. Popular adult beverage

30. Made a mistake 31. Morally correct 32. Type of whale

33. Portable conical tent

34. Native people of the Congo

39. More (Spanish)

42. Classroom implements 44. Cognizant of 46. One who tells

47. Free from bondage

49. Thick piece of something

50. Containing two adjacent nitrogen atoms

51. Removed from the record

56. Legendary singer Turner 57. Broke up the earth

58. Hunting expedition 59. Contributes

Netherlands territory

8. Long-tailed crow

9. Repeated

10. Bluish greens

11. Humanities

13. Someone who serves in the armed forces

17. Labor (Spanish)

24. Zero

25. Shared by involving three parties

26. Queens ballplayer

27. Consumed

28. Rest here please

29. Men’s fashion accessory

35. American time

36. Sound unit

37. They __

38. Soviet Socialist Republic

40. Places to play video games

41. A sudden attack of illness

42. When you hope to arrive

43. Charges

44. Actress Seyfried

45. A tributary of the Ohio River

47. Omit when speaking

48. Armored fish

49. Remain

52. From a distance

53. Adventure story

54. Geological times

55. Eat dinner

Mega one-table dinner planned

The Chatham Voice

Organizers of a unique fundraiser are inviting 314 people to come to dinner April 11. If that happens, the initiative will set a new Guinness World Record, with participants gathering around the world’s largest ever dining table at the Chatham Armouries.

Titled “History Will Be Made,” the event will raise money for the Noelle’s Gift to Children, while also providing a forum on agriculture, sustainability and com-

munity spirit, according to a news release from the charity.

“This is absolutely a collaborative effort,” organizer Brad Campbell said in the release. “I am thrilled to help out, bringing family, friends and like-minded people together. I cannot think of a better reason than to help kids through Noelle’s Gift.”

Elish Smith, co-chair of the Chatham-Kent chapter of Noelle’s Gift to Children, was intrigued when she learned of the event.

“When we met with the

organizers of this event, we knew right away this was going to be something very fun and different for C-K,” Smith said. “An awesome way for people to get together, attempt a Guinness World Record, all while raising money for a great cause.”

Noelle’s Gift for Children was founded following the unjust death of Sarnia teacher Noelle Paquette in 2013. The young woman’s family and friends spearheaded the charity in honour of Noelle, who was noted for her warmth and kindness, especially with children.

Over the years, the charity has grown, providing essentials, such as food, supplies and clothing to students in need.

Along with the attempt to break a record, the event will showcase grow-yourown and self-sustainable farming practices and opportunities.

It affords guests an opportunity to mingle and network with others in the agriculture sector with an emphasis on local agriculture.

Tickets for the event are $50 for adults and $20 for children 12 and under. They can be purchased by

NEWS DEPENDS ON FACTS. WHERE ARE YOURS COMING FROM?

Real journalists do more than just report the story. They ask the tough questions, check the sources and hold power to account. Facts are not optional; they are essential. Protect the truth and support your local newspaper.

accessing konyha.ca online. Doors open at 3 p.m. with the three-course pasta dinner commencing at 5 p.m. A live auction starts at 7 p.m. followed by live

entertainment, door prizes and a cash bar.

The Chatham Armouries is located at 44 William St. N. in Chatham.

Swap those plants!

be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Prepare your sprouts and off shoots of house plants to be swapped soon.

The Chatham branch of the Chatham-Kent Public Library’s Community Living Café is hosting the plant swap meet on March 14.

Drop-off for plants will

The swap will begin at 11 a.m. sharp.

When preparing your plants to swap please make sure they are in containers that will make it easy to transport them. Members of the Chatham Horticultural Society will be there to field questions.

The Chatham Voice

Boot camp for skilled trades

Continued from page 22

“It’s designed to highlight local career opportunities, long-term stability, and the role trades play in supporting our community and economy,” Gonzalez said.

Bootcamps like the one at Postma are part of the provincial push to raise

Theodore "Ted" Sterling

81, Saturday, February 21, 2026

Nicholls Funeral Home

Ellen Roberts

79, Tuesday February 24, 2026

McKinlay Funeral Home

Hank Hermsen

71, Sunday, February 22, 2026

McKinlay Funeral Home

Maureen Frances Pepper

awareness about current and future opportunities in the skilled trades. Officials said Ontario is facing a critical worsening skilled trades shortage with an expected need to recruit 100,000 to 190,000 new workers by 2030-34 to replace retiring work-

ers and to meet infrastructure demands.

Sinteris investment in C-K Investment in manufacturing by Sinteris has caught the eye of the provincial government.

Through the Regional Development Program’s

OBITUARIES

Mary Ellen Pishl

62, Thursday, February 26, 2026

Badder Funeral Home

Jerry Motycka

85, Sunday, February 22, 2026

Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Rob Lucio

74, Thursday, February 20, 2026

Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Shelagh Debra Harrison

79, Thursday, February 20, 2026

McKinlay Funeral Home

Mary Louise Rosseel

100, Friday, February 20, 2026

McKinlay Funeral Home

Ina deVries

88, Tuesday, February 24, 2026

McKinlay Funeral Home

David DeWael

71, Tuesday, February 24, 2026

McKinlay Funeral Home

Mary Ann Want

78, Friday February 20, 2026

Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Shawn Edwin Lionel Picard

48, Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Badder Funeral Home

71, Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Michiyo (Joan) Furukawa

81, Saturday, February 21, 2026

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Marcella Vesnaver

84, Saturday, February 21, 2026

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Brian DeFraeye

62, Sunday, February 22, 2026

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Laura Driessen

86, Monday, February 23, 2026

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Marie Weaver

81, Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF), the Ford government is providing Sinteris with $121,538 in funding.

The investment was announced recently by Trevor Jones, MPP for Chatham-Kent–Leamington.

“By supporting strategic investments from regional businesses, our government is protecting Ontario’s workers and creating the conditions for a strong, stable, and resilient economy that can weather any storm,” he said in a media release.

Robert Gray Glassco

74, Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Michael Wayne Jacobson

71, Thursday, February 19, 2026 Life Transitions

Shiraz Mohammed

83, Thursday, February 19, 2026 Life Transitions

Carol Henrietta Johnston

74, Friday, February 20, 2026 Life Transitions

Herbert Daniel Rogers

78, Monday, February 23, 2026 Life Transitions

Hector Devison Lloyd

72, Monday, February 23, 2026 Life Transitions

Herbert "Herbie" Trudgen

87, Tuesday, February 24, 2026 Life Transitions

Bonnie Ann Cranstone

70, Tuesday, February 24, 2026 Life Transitions

Helena Boese

84, Tuesday, February 24, 2026 Kendrick Funeral Home

“Sinteris’s investment will support growth and innovation across the local manufacturing sector and create better paying jobs for workers and families in Southwestern Ontario.”

With this investment,

Sinteris will modernize and upgrade the manufacturing capabilities and processes with new equipment. The project will create six new jobs and will retain 47, provincial officials said.

• Business Voice is a bi-monthly column in The Chatham Voice that highlights some of the achievements made and efforts underway in Chatham-Kent’s business community. Send your information to bruce@chathamvoice.com.

Classifieds

In Loving Memory of our Son & Brother

Kevin W R Allison

Born Aug. 8, 1961, 9 years ago & walked the stairway to heaven, Feb. 28,2017

Don’t think of me in the dark and cold, For “Up Here”

I am no longer old. I’m in this place, that’s filled with “Love,” known to you all as “Up Above”

Just close your eyes & you will see, All the memories of love, you have of me

Just sit & relax & you will find, I’m really still there inside your mind.

Always & forever in our hearts to stay, Mom Marg, Brother James & Sisters Maichelle & Valerie

In Loving Memory of Susan Podolinsky

September 4, 1957 - March 2, 2025

A great soul serves everyone, all the time. A great soul never dies, it brings us together again and again.

In Memory of my mom Verna Wilson who passed away 13 year ago, March 6, 2013

Missed by your husband, Louie, your family, John Atkinson, Robert & Ethel Atkinson, niece Brianna, brother Doug & Sue Atkinson, Katie & Bridget, friends & co-workers

POIRIER, Lise Monique (née Ayotte)

Peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Hospice. Lise Monique Poirier passed away at the age of 66. Beloved spouse of Randy Van Daele. Loving mother of Yves (Sheri) Poirier and Alain (Nicole) Poirier. Cherished grandmother of Chelsea Boulay, Abigail Poirier, and Nicolas Poirer. Treasured sister of Linda (Coco) Ayotte, Luc Ayotte, Guy (Carole) Ayotte, and Gilles (Anne) Ayotte. Dear aunt of many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents, Laurent and Irene Ayotte and her favourite family member of all, her fur baby Gigi. Lise had the ability to light up any room that she walked into. She had the kindest, most loving heart, although, she was never shy to give her honest opinion. She took great pride in her work throughout the years, which came along with many cherished friendships. She never missed an opportunity for fun and always had wonderful stories to share of the many trips she took with her partner Randy. Cremation has taken place. In keeping with Lise’s wishes, no services will be held. Sympathy may be expressed through donations to St. Joseph’s Hospice in Sarnia, Ontario. Memories and condolences may be sent online at www.smithfuneralhome.ca.

CHATHAMVOICE.COM

Happy Birthday Terry Vanderheide

Time slips by and life goes on, but from my heart you’re never gone I think about you always, I talk about you too, I have so many memories, but I wish I still had you

Love and miss you, Trish

In memory of Omer King who passed away 39 years ago on March 7, 1987

Time cannot steal the treasures that we carry in our hearts. Nor ever dim the shining thoughts our cherished past imparts

Tours In Memoriam

For the memories of the ones we loved still cast a gentle glow, To grace our days and light our paths, wherever we may go

Lovingly remembered by Mary Joyce & Wayne

Love all of your famiily

Year round yard clean up Chatham-Kent. Phone 519-4364449.

Carpet Cleaning

Deep steam carpet cleaning, area rugs, and upholstery. GROUT CLEANING, DUCT CLEANING. Call Alec - 25+ Years Experience. 226-229-0451. We are local Chatham-Kent Residents.

For Sale

Silk Cemetery Saddle Arrangements. Everyday/ Holidays. Readyto-go. Many colours available. $40. 519-3543411

Beautiful puppies. Min Pin/ Yorkie mix. Shots and dewormed. Affectionate! Black/Tan & Fawn. Ready for new loving homes. $375. Phone 519-6897493.

Announcement

Chatham Baptist Chapel “Come out, All Are Welcome” Sunday Services 11am and 7pm Wednesday Bible Study 7pm Go to www.chathambaptist chapel.com to watch sermons.

Apartment build ing, 20 units. Try 2.3m. Boyes R.E. 519-397-0928.

Wanted Wanted to Buy: Antiques, costume jewellery, gold, silver, coins, military, furniture, tools. We Buy All - Paid Cash. 519-7278894.

For Sale

Large box of women’s clothing. Size 18 and XXL. Over 70 items. $80. Phone 519-3541896.

“Tractor” Snowblower. 3 point hitch, 7 foot width, double augers; hydraulic-operated snow chute; cylinder & 2 hoses included. Good condition, priced reasonable. For details call 519401-7953 (live) emails, voicemail, text messages will not be answered here.