Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice
Landfill opponents stacking up
By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com
The Ford government will face several communities united in its opposition to plans to gut environmental regulations for a 35-hectare landfill proposed less than a kilometre from Dresden.
An overflowing crowd of 400 residents met at the Ken Houston Memorial Agricultural Centre on May 5 to learn how to make their voice heard before the province proceeds
Dozens of tractors, trucks, cars and other vehicles proceeded from the proposed York1
the Ken Houston Memorial Agricultural Centre Monday night prior to a meeting to oppose the
with plans to lift an environmental assessment (EA) on the Irish Road property. The municipality called the meeting to update residents on its opposition to the plan and to solicit help in forcing the province to reconsider plans to drastically reduce public input and environmental regulation through its Bill 5, introduced April 17.
Chatham-Kent director of legal services Dave Taylor told residents they have until May 17 to submit comments to the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) to let the province realize the ex-
tent of local opposition.
“Nobody wants this,” Taylor said. “We’re all on the same team.”
The municipality has hired engineering and legal firms to fight reduced oversight on the project, which would operate on an around-theclock basis with hundreds of trucks per day dumping garbage near the town.
Council has unanimously voted to commit an initial $50,000 in funding to fight the proposal.
It has also launched a Defend Dresden website giving residents background infor-
mation and an opportunity to comment, as well as a letter from the mayor to the province opposing the relaxed environmental regulations.
First Nations chiefs Leela Thomas of Walpole Island and Justin Logan of Moraviantown – and members of their councils – attended in solidarity.
Thomas drew a standing ovation when she told the crowd those behind the project have avoided consultation.
Continued on page 3
Jim Blake/The Chatham Voice
landfill site to
project.
‘Shadiness to push through their agenda’
Continued from page 2
“They know exactly what they’re doing, and they’re doing shadiness to push through their agenda. We’ll be here to support you all the way until we stop this thing from happening,” she said.
Taylor said strong public support last year resulted in the province opting to require a full environmental assessment on the property, which is upstream of Molly’s Creek, a tributary of the ecologically significant Sydenham River.
The river flows through prime agricultural areas and the communities of Dresden and Wallaceburg before emptying into the Chenal Ecarte, which borders the Waplole Island First Nation (Bkejwanong), a significant hunting and fishing area.
Municipal CAO Michael Duben said Chatham-Kent is already doing its share for waste disposal through the Ridge Landfill Site in South Kent.
“Chatham-Kent doesn’t have to be the municipality that has to solve it all.”
Duben said residents must share “their actual heart-felt”
feelings with the province about how the dump will impact their lives.
Lambton-Kent-Middlesex
Conservative MPP Steve Pinsonneault was derided by some attendees for not opposing the project, while others questioned how much corporate funding the Conservative election campaign had to do with the government’s about-face regarding regulations.
Taylor said the municipality doesn’t investigate such matters but added constituents are always free to contact Pinsonneault and express their concerns.
The property was owned by York1 until March of this year, however, it has been transferred to another related company, according to officials retained by the municipality.
Whitestone Fields LP now owns the property.
Local historian Marie Carter said the dump jeopardizes the historical nature of the community, including its significant role as home to the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History that documents
the life of Henson, slavery and the Underground Railroad. It was also suggested that the municipality expropriate the property for location of a future cemetery for the community.
Taylor said this will not be the last public meeting held by the municipality. He said in some respects the municipality is flying blind because it hasn’t received a current application from the property owners.
Dresden CARED, a community group organized to fight the project, had a steady stream of citizens submitting ERO comments throughout the meeting.
Spokesman Stefan Premdas said the meeting went “really well. We had wonderful attendance.”
Chatham-Kent councillors Jamie McGrail, Rhonda Jubenville, Anthony Ceccacci, Carmen McGregor Michael Bondy, Marjorie Crew, Amy
tending a Second World War memorial in Europe,
an audio message.
Finn, Conor Allin, and Brock McGregor attended. Mayor Darrin Canniff, who was at-
sent
Jim Blake/The Chatham Voice
Hundreds of concerned citizens attended a recent meeting organized by the municipality to discuss battling the province over a decision to make it easier for a landfill to be set up near Dresden.
Lambton demands EA too
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative
pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Pushback against York1’s proposed expansion at the Dresden landfill continues to grow.
Lambton County has officially joined the opposition. At its May 7 meeting, county council voted 16-1 to approve a motion calling on the province to reinstate the environmental assessment it plans to remove from the dump development located only one kilometre north of the town.
Councillors had sharp words for Ontario Premier Doug Ford. “Our wonderful premier had decided that there was going to be an environmental assessment done and now he’s changed his mind,” Broad told council, by introducing Bill 5 -
Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act.
“It’s funny, how you call it ‘Protect Ontario’ and then you pull the EA away,” Al Broad, mayor of Dawn-Euphemia Township, stated. “It doesn’t make any sense to me.”
Broad pointed out that York1’s plan will see 700 trucks carrying construction waste to the site each day, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“They (the trucks) could be running by this facility right here,” he said of Lambton County headquarters in Wyoming. “I think county council needs to get behind this.”
Warwick Township Mayor Todd Case, whose municipality hosts the large Twin Creeks landfill, agreed an EA process is critical, as “public consultation trickles” when it isn’t part of
Strong opposition to Ford’s Bill 5
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Other major environmental players have jumped into fight against Ontario’s plans to circumvent environmental controls with the sweeping powers of Bill 5. Stefan Premdas, head of the Dresden Citizen’s Against Reckless Environmental Disposal (C.A.R.E.D.) advocacy group, said he took part in a recent province-wide Zoom meeting about Bill 5 that was attended by “hundreds of Ontarians” concerned about the legislation’s threat to the environment.
Orchestrated by LAND (Legal Advocates for Nature’s Defence); Environmental Defence Canada and Eco-Justice Canada, the meeting drew concerns from officials in every corner of the cross regarding the potential impacts of Bill 5. Premdas said the meeting made him realize On-
the process.
“It’s so important that an EA takes place,” Case said, noting an EA currently underway at the Twin Creeks site is 50-percent complete.
Lambton County’s action comes on the heels of a townhall meeting hosted by the Municipality of Chatham-Kent regarding the York1 proposal May 5. Close to 500 people turned up at the Ken Houston Memorial Agriculture Centre in Dresden to vehemently oppose the development.
Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Steve Pinsonneault did not attend the meeting, but a chair with his name on it was put out for him.
In an email statement, the MPP said he is disappointed the province has removed the EA for the landfill proposal, but
tarians are onside with Dresden in their battle against a landfill site just north of that community.
“I felt like I was pushing a boulder uphill all year,”
Premdas told The Voice of the ongoing fight with York1, the corporation looking to develop the site on Irish School Road.
“On the Zoom meeting, I realized the entire province stands with Dresden. That was powerful. I didn’t think that the whole province would be this upset about what (Ontario Premier Doug) Ford is doing to us in Dresden.”
explained that Bill 5 must be used to enlarge Ontario’s landfill capacity in case Trump’s levies tariffs against Canadian garbage. Currently 40 per cent of Ontario’s waste is trucked to landfills in Michigan.
The action by Lambton County is the latest development in a 15-month saga against the proposal by Mississauga-based York1 Environmental Solutions to expand the dormant landfill and build recycling and soil washing infrastructure. Opponents say the project could contaminate the Sydenham River watershed; spoil farmland and destroy quality of life in Dresden.
In another twist this past February, part of the property changed hands from York1 to Whitestone Fields
Ltd. However, Brian Brunetti, York1’s chief operating officer is listed as one of the owners of Whitestone Fields.
Lambton County will forward its request to various government officials, including Ford, Minister of Environment Todd McCarthy, Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey and Pinsonneault.
The lack of a direct response from Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Steve Pinsonneault on the matter was also raised during the online meeting, Premdas said.
“This lack of representation is causing us to go to Queen’s Park ourselves,” Premdas explained.
“MPP Pinsonneault’s lack of integrity is being shown with his actions.”
Opinion
A line-in-the-sand moment for MPP
Steve Pinsonneault, we have a suggestion for you: stand up for your constituents very publicly and very vocally.
As MPP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, the proposed provincial Bill 5 – Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act – should give you indigestion, just as it has for the rest of us.
chances of being re-elected next time around.
Then again, if the riding boundaries change to match the federal boundaries, perhaps you’ve already lost your seat.
Still, we urge you to support your constituents.
The thought of this bill removing a requirement for an environmental assessment on the proposed landfill site just north of Dresden should be unpalatable for you.
It could pave the way for hundreds of trucks a day hauling trash to dump at a site all too close to feeder tributaries to the ecologically significant Sydenham River, something that is not wanted here.
Now is the time to oppose the bill and to stand with the people of Dresden and area.
Whether you do this while staying as a sitting Conservative, or cross the floor to sit as an independent in the Legislature, your riding needs you to send a strong message to Premier Doug Ford.
Do this, and you’ll enhance your
No one wants the landfill. The municipality – as host – is against it. The citizens are against it. Local First Nation communities oppose it. Nearby Lambton County hates the idea. Yet here we stand.
Mr. Pinsonneault, your boss, Ford, has put you between the proverbial rock and a hard place, with a dagger slipped in between your ribs added for good measure.
Straddling the issue is not an option. It’s too polarizing.
If you support the bill, your constituents will end your provincial political career in four years.
If you stand up against it, refusing to walk the party line, you remind your constituents why they voted for you in the first place. They chose you in no small part due to your backing of the people of East Kent and beyond on your time as councillor.
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Thankful for liberation eighty years ago
Editor: Eighty years!
My family and I are still so very thankful for the sacrifice that the Canadian soldiers gave by coming to the Netherlands and helping us to freedom during the Second World War.
I can still visualize the Canadian airplanes dropping containers of food for us. I remember
the oranges and the white bread, which we thought was like cake; what a treat!
And 80 years later, I still remember a burn ing airplane falling in our neighbourhood and I think that it could have been your loved one in there.
Thank you.
I praise and thank God for what the Canadian army did for us and pray for all the families who are without their loved ones to this day.
May God keep our Canada glorious and free!
Hilda Wiersma Chatham
Editor: Just had to write my kudos to thank the passenger on the Access Bus who found my pass. I dropped it on the bus, and this person handed it to the driver.
I was on the bus March 25 from Maple City Retirement Residence. I got on the phone right away to the bus compa-
ny and also to the Civic Centre. They put a stop on my bus pass so nobody could use it.
I could have saved myself a lot of trouble to process a new card. But one has to do what they have to do.
son who found the pass to keep it, especially with today’s cost of everything. So, whoever you are, thanks again for your honesty.
It could have been very tempting for the per-
Ruth Draper Chatham
‘Take me out to the ball game’
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Get ready for plenty of baseball action in the Chatham-Kent Barnstormers’ season two.
It’s promising to be even more exciting than the runaway success of last year’s sold-out inaugural season, according to majority owner Dom Dinelle.
Increased seating, new fencing and a team clubhouse are being added this year at Fergie Jenkins Park, Dinelle said at a recent Barnstormers network lunch. The park’s baseball field will also be reconfigured to resemble that of a major league team, he added, and the Barnstormers’ dugout will be moved into the shade at first base.
er against the Kitchener Panthers kicks off May 17 at 7:05 p.m. A media day is being held May 16.
The 42-game schedule will see the Barnstormers play 21 games away and 21 at home in 2025.
Other 2025 Barnstormers’ news:
“More people are going to be able to come and it’s going to be awesome.”
- Barnstormers’ Dom Dinelle
• Scott Currie and Harry Muir have joined the team as part owners. Currie, an executive member, heads up corporate relations, while Muir serves as general manager. Matt Nahdee is also a part owner.
• Baseball Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins’ number 31 will be retired at the June 7 game.
• New specialty jerseys will be created and designed this year, including one for Christmas, Star Wars, Canada Day and First Responders. These will be for sale after the games.
The new bleachers will be able to accommodate seating for 1,443 fans, adding 544 seats over last year.
“We’re really happy about it.” Dinelle said of the upgrade. “We needed that. More people are going to be able to come and it’s going to be awesome.”
Moving into a new clubhouse from the current digs at Chatham Memorial Arena is another boost for the team, Dinelle explained. Currently under construction, the new facility will provide plenty of room for the teams’ operations.
The Barnstormers played a special exhibition game May 8 for local students and fans. The home open-
• The Chatham-Kent Barnstormers’ will hold the annual golf tournament July 15 at Willow Ridge Golf and Country Club at Blenheim.
• Every home game will have a fun theme and will also feature a “selfie in the crowd” contest.
• Former major league player Gil Rondon has been named team manager and head coach.
• Jeff Hopman will do the announcing for the 2025 season. All of the games will be livestreamed on YouTube and some local restaurants will air the games. More than 70,000 viewers watched on livestream last year.
HPG is now on Instagram and Facebook!
The state of housing in C-K
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
The need for supportive housing in Chatham-Kent is expected to grow by 500 per cent over the next 25 years.
And the waiting list for some geared-to-income housing is 10 years long.
Those were but two of the findings presented to Chatham-Kent council recently as part of a municipal housing assessment.
Tim Welch, of Tim Welch Consulting, outlined the results of data gleaned between over recent months.
“There’s a particularly high and long waiting list for
one-bedroom units,” Welch told council, noting the issue will need ongoing attention from politicians and staff.
According to Welch, average rents increased by 44 per cent between 2019 and 2024 in C-K, putting affordable housing out of reach for low- or modest-income earners.
The cost of purchasing a home in Chatham-Kent has experienced a significant increase over the past years and interest rates have risen, putting home ownership out of reach for those earning a modest pay cheque.
Thank You Contractors
Co-owners Dan Taylor and Brad McAulifte
would like to thank the contractors we deal with who joined in on our Contractor Appreciation Days recently. Now for 60+ years Van Hoof Siding Place have had the local contractors continuing support. Very encouraging as we look forward to the future!
Dave Hould
Alex Cando
Jamie Marks
Zack Moore
Lincoln Jefferson
Penelope Duchesne
Justin Tessier
Tim Pinnsoneault
Tim Horst
Jeff Provost
“When we talk about affordability, it’s really important to keep in mind we’ve got a wide range of affordable housing needs,” Welch said, “It’s not just one category that is affordable housing.”
Unaffordability applies to various situations he said, but a common bench mark is when an individual or family has to pay more than 30 per cent of income on housing.
Homelessness has also increased 171 per cent since 2019, Welch said. As of February of this year, 115 C-K residents were living outside, 40 people were living in the municipal shelter and 60 individuals were living in motels or couch surfing.
Homelessness is “expensive and destabilizing,” for communities he added, and the goal
of programs is to keep people housed, noting supportive housing is something to strive for.
There’s a need for housing across the board, Welch said, noting there is very strong need for rental housing in the lower end of the rental market. Currently, he said, three-quarters of Chatham-Kent residents live in single detached dwellings.
There’s also the issues of modest population growth and aging, he added, noting that over the next 25 years, Chatham-Kent will need 23,446 units, 9,000 of which need to be attainable.
According to Welch, an upto-date housing assessment is needed as part of the federal government’s requirement in order to access infrastructure funding.
“You want to make sure you keep federal money flowing,” he said.
Council heard that the key to accessing federal or provincial money for housing builds lies in having municipal properties
that are shovel ready for projects.
Other key findings in the assessment:
• Affordability affects 15.7 per cent of Chatham-Kent households;
• Single and single-parent households are the highest need;
• Renters are disproportionately impacted with 30.6 per cent of renters compared to 9.7 per cent of homeowners; and
• Core housing impacts 3,025 households, indicating they cannot access appropriate housing without overspending.
Following the presentation, council approved a request from administration to issue a request for proposal to hire a consultant to complete a Strategic Housing Action Plan to address specific housing needs for communities across Chatham-Kent. The cost will be funded through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Housing Accelerator Fund grant.
Image courtesy Metro Creative Graphics
Consultant Tim Welch recently addressed council to detail the dearth of affordable housing in the municipality, including highest areas of need.
Thumbs up for Jones; thumbs down for dump: KFA
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
The Kent Federation of Agriculture (KFA) is happy with its provincial representation, but has concerns about a recent political decision over the proposed landfill north of Dresden.
Jim Brackett, head of the KFA, said local farmers have local representation in the ministry most near
and dear to them: the ministry of agriculture.
Trevor Jones, MPP for Chatham-Kent–Leamington was named to the post last month.
“We’re very happy to have the agriculture minister in Chatham-Kent for the first time ever,” Brackett said. “We haven’t had a sit down with him yet, but we just got a message talking about arranging one.”
Contributed image
The president of the Kent Federation of Agriculture said the organization is elated to have a local MPP as Minister of Agriculture, but is also concerned about the continued loss of agricultural land across the province.
He added Jones has some experience in the greenhouse industry and is no stranger to farmers’ needs. “He’s lived in the area,” Brackett said. Continued on page 11
Four charged in $52K bust
Four people face drug trafficking charges following a recent drug raid in Chatham.
On May 1, Chatham-Kent police executed a search warrant at a residence in Chatham. They also searched a vehicle with the aid of a second warrant.
A search of the residence yielded the seizure of 258 grams of fentanyl, 11
grams of methamphetamine, packaging material, digital scales, a debt list, three BB handguns, one BB rifle, and what police have said is a “significant amount” of cash.
The total estimated street value of the seized drugs is $52,000.
One woman, 49, and three men, 41, 46 and 43, all of Chatham face two counts of possession for the purposes of trafficking
The 41-year-old man also faces five counts of possession of a firearm contrary to a prohibition order and two of failing to comply with a release order.
The 46-year-old man has one charge of possession of a firearm contrary to a prohibition order.
The 43-year-old man is also charged with a single count of possession of a firearm contrary to a prohibition order.
KFA high on Jones
Continued from page 10
“He’s got a background in the greenhouse business. He’s certainly been in the business for a long time,” Brackett said. “It should be a bonus for us. But we’ll be better able to tell you that in three or four years.”
Meanwhile to the north of Chatham-Kent, MPP Steve Pinsonneault (Lambton-Kent-Middlesex), a former municipal councillor, has “been a friend of the farmers,” Brackett said.
One of Pinsonneault’s tasks at Queen’s Park is to serve as parliamentary assistant to the minister of rural affairs.
“I think this will only help us get protection of land and other issues,” Brackett said of the local representation in Toronto in rural affairs and agriculture. However, the issue with the proposed landfill just north of Dresden is concerning, he added.
“I’m in the process of writing him (Jones) and Steve Pinsonneault to do with the Dresden dump,” Brackett He is also adding a comment to the provincial environmental registry on the matter. Comments are being accepted until May 17.
Brackett said the news the province plans on removing the need for a full environmental assessment on the property caught he and the KFA off guard.
“That was shocking. I’m disappointed in the government for using tariffs to do that,” he said, referring to Premier Doug Ford’s comment to that effect. “I think this has more to do with the need.”
Brackett said he’s unsure if having a landfill there would impact the crops in
the area, but that’s not the main issue.
“It is too close to the town,” he said. It’s another example of the potential loss of fertile land to one form of development or another. A 2021 census indicated Ontario loses 319 acres of land a day to development. Brackett thinks the number is higher today.
“For us, the biggest concern is the land. Try and find land that is not some of the best fertile land in Ontario,” he said.
“Let’s investigate areas that are not as productive for agriculture.”
Brackett said the Ridge Landfill near Blenheim is on “heavy clay land” and that the site near Dresden is on property that is “pretty good land there. You haven’t gone into the Lambton clays there.”
The Chatham Voice
Home sales down in April
It was a dreary April in terms of home sales across Chatham-Kent.
Sales for the month are down by more than 21 per cent of the average over the past five years. Looking even further back, they were down 16 per cent compared to the average over the past 10.
Through the first four months of 2025, 349 units
have been sold – 105 of which changed hands in April.
Compared to January-April of 2024, that’s down by 6.7 per cent.
Barbara McCaughrin, president of the Chatham-Kent Association of Realtors, said the housing market has plummeted to pre-pandemic levels.
“Sales activity posted the lowest showing for April since the onset of the pan-
demic,” she said in a media release.
McCaughrin said it does, however, represent good news for prospective buyers.
“With prices dropping and high inventory, it presents opportunities for buyers in our region,” she said.
What’s more, with the federal election behind us, and signs of improving Canada-U.S. relations,
McCaughrin expects the market should perk up soon.
“With a newly elected Canadian government, we are hopeful that negotiations on the trade front will continue and there will be a clearer path forward on policies affecting our members and the economy. We expect an upshift in May as a typical spring market begins.”
The number of properties
sold wasn’t the only drop in the real estate market in April. According to CKAR figures, the average price of homes sold in April was $424,313, down by seven per cent from April 2024. The more comprehensive year-to-date average price was $432,292, however, which represents a minor increase of 2.5 per cent from the first four months of 2024.
The number of new listings increased by almost six per cent from April 2024. There were 285 new residential listings in April 2025. This was the largest number of new listings added in the month of April in a decade. New listings were 18.8 per cent above the fiveyear average and 36.2 per cent above the 10-year average for the month of April.
Chatham Voice
Additional dwelling funding available
The Chatham Voice
Chatham-Kent seeks options to alleviate a shortage of housing, including the creation of additional dwelling units (ADUs). These units are added self-contained residential units that are on the same lot as the primary residence. It could be an attached addition or a separate build.
The municipality has already established asof-right permissions to
develop ADUs in more urban residential zones and enhanced municipal incentives to encourage the development of ADUs, officials said.
“ADUs are an important tool in our larger strategy to increase housing supply throughout Chatham-Kent,” said Ray Harper, Chatham-Kent’s director of municipal housing development, in a media release. “We also have several other initiatives planned and un-
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derway to support other forms of housing, such as affordable housing, supportive housing and attainable market rental housing, with a priority on filling housing supply gaps we have identified through the recently completed Housing Needs Assessment report that was presented to Council on April 28, 2025.”
To learn more about ADUs, visit www.chatham-kent.ca/adu. You’ll find information about
ADUs, the steps to build ADUs on a property, things to consider when building an ADU, and the incentives the municipality offers to residents who want to build an ADU on their property.
The webpage is primarily targeted to existing homeowners, and features an online mapping tool that allows residents to review the zoning of their property to determine if ADUs are permitted in their area.
“Over the next few
months, we will be working with local firms to develop full design packages for a variety of detached ADUs that residents will be able to access,” said Gabriel Clarke, manager of growth and sustainability with Chatham-Kent.
“We will also continue to update the incentives we offer to further encourage the development of ADUs.”
Municipal officials said ADUs provide community benefits, such as a
“gentle” intensification of existing neighbourhoods, lower construction costs compared to many other conventional forms of housing, increased flexibility for multi-generational family living, a potential for rental income and a way to enable homeowners to help increase local housing supply.
The municipality is offering grants of up to $25,000 to residents who build one new ADU in homes that are five or more years old.
Hike hits $1.5-million fundraising milestone
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
Rain did little to dampen the spirits for the 2025 Hike for Hospice.
With a goal of $150,000, supporters smashed that mark, as more than $174,000 was raised.
This brought the Hike’s to-date fundraising number over the $1.5 million mark.
The May 4 event was the ninth rendition of the Hike.
On Sunday more than 250 of the more than 400 people registered braved the rain and headed out along Mud Creek Trail.
Jodi Maroney, executive director with the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation, said participants forged on despite the weather.
“We were impressed,” she said of the dedicated support. “It was awesome! This was the first one (Hike) we got rained on. We can’t really be that fussy.”
Maroney said a number of registrants opted for early donations and early walking, beating the weather.
“We had a lot of people who took advantage of the early bird drop offs (for pledges). And others took advantage of the trail being set up all week, and they walked another day,” she said. “But we still had a good crowd day of, which is fantastic.”
Even with the wet weather, there was still face painting, live music, rock painting and other activities going on prior to the Hike, Maroney said.
Hike participant Katie Holmes, who has taken part in seven Hikes, said the event is always special to her and her family.
“For a week, the trail was adorned with signs displayed in memory of loved ones no longer with us. One of those signs was for my mom. She spent her final nine days at Hospice where she received the best compassionate
4, 2025
care and was surrounded by so much love,” she said in a media release.
“I give back to this incredible organization by participating in the Hike with my fellow Lou’s Crew teammates. We do it in her honor. It is my gift and my thank you to Chatham-Kent Hospice while keeping my mom’s memory alive, through love, service and community.”
Huron Construction and The Miller Group earned accolades as the top corporate challenge team.
Returning sponsors Battery Boy as Title Sponsor, and Pre-Hike Family Fun sponsor Kent & Essex Mutual, were supported by Fairway Wealth Management, Teksavvy, Chatham Lions Club, and MicroAge/MC Business Solutions.
For Maroney, this marks her final Hike as executive director of the foundation.
She is retiring at the end of June. But she said she’s not leaving the hospice behind.
“I plan on still being involved in all the activities, just in a different way,” she said, as she’s pledged to volunteer.
Maroney isn’t worried about the fundraising for the hospice in the future. She said the foundation staff are all very experienced, and the volunteer support is top notch.
“The formula we have been doing, setting up the trail all week, and getting families involved all week, I think that’s still the plan,” she said of future Hikes “They’ll have to see what other great ideas the team comes up with between now and then. Our goal is to raise more every year, but to make it a better event every year.”
Maroney said the foun-
dation has to raise an average of $182,000 a month to provide the needed supports for hospice operations that aren’t covered by government dollars. “This event in itself almost covered an entire month. It really makes a difference,” she said.
CKHA’s 50/50 campaign underway
Chatham-Kent, we have spring ignition.
The Igniting Healthcare Spring 50/50 fundraiser is underway.
This year’s Spring 50/50 features $9,000 in total Early Bird prizes, including $1,000 weekly draws every Thursday to June
5, and a bonus $4,000 Early Bird draw on June 10.
The Grand Prize Draw will take place on June 12, with ticket sales closing at noon that day.
“We are so excited to kick off another 50/50 campaign,” said Christine Mitchell, president & CEO of the Cha-
tham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation, in a media release. “These lotteries are such a fun way to rally our community and give back to our hospital – and of course, we absolutely love getting to call up lucky winners and share the amazing news with them.”
Igniting tickets can
be purchased online at www.ignite5050.ca any time from now until June 12 at 11:59 a.m.
In person ticket sales will also be available at the Foundation’s Chatham office (9 Ursuline Ave.), Monday to Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You must be 18 years of age to participate.
Contributed image
Katie Holmes, captain of team Lou’s Crew, hikes with her family – husband Adam and sons Cash and Colt.
The Chatham Voice
Small stature, big donor
The Chatham Voice
At just five years of age, Quinn Sleightholm, a senior kindergarten student at Indian Creek Road Public School, is already making a big impact in her community.
Recently, Sleightholm was recognized as the top individual fundraiser for the Light up the Night for Noelle – CK Edition event, raising $1,270 for Noelle’s Gift to Children.
This inaugural event in Chatham-Kent saw 240 participants cross the finish line and raised more than $20,000 to help local children in need.
Noelle’s Gift to Children provides essential items for children across the Chatham-Kent and Sarnia Lambton communities. Sleightholm wanted to help others.
“Noelle’s Gift helps oth-
er kids get the things they need. It is important to me to help other kids, that’s why I wanted to raise money for the run,” she said in a media release.
Sleightholm gathered donations from family, friends, and the community.
When asked if this was something she would consider doing again, Sleightholm was enthusiastic.
“Yes, I would like to do it again because Noelle helps kids and that’s important,” she said. Her favourite moments from the event? Running with her friends, the cheering crowd, and – of course – the glow sticks.
Fuelled by Sleightholm, her school was top fundraiser for the event, raising $3,540. Tecumseh came second at $2,599, while Winston Churchill
was third best at $2,275. Sleightholm’s efforts impressed others, including her mother.
Contributed image
Quinn Sleightholm, 5, was top fundraiser for the recent Light up the Night for Noelle – CK Edition event, raising $1,270.
CANADA ROAD SAFETY WEEK
Canada Road Safety Week is an enforcement-driven initiative led by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP), and more specifically by the CACP’s Traffic Safety Committee. It is designed to increase public compliance with safe driving measures in order to save lives and reduce injuries on our roads.
Being a safe and responsible driver takes a combination of knowledge, skill and attitude. To begin, you must know the traffic laws and driving practices that help traffic move safely. Breaking these “rules of the road” is the major cause of collisions.
But you need to do more than just obey the rules. You must care about the safety of others on the road. Everyone is responsible for avoiding collisions. Even if someone else does something wrong, you may be found responsible for a collision if you could have done something to avoid it.
Because drivers have to co-operate to keep traffic moving safely, you must also be predictable, doing what other people using the road expect you to do. And you must be courteous. Courteous driving means giving other drivers space to change lanes, not cutting them off and signalling your turns and lane changes properly.
You must be able to see dangerous situations before they happen and to respond quickly and effectively to prevent them. This is called defensive or strategic driving. There are collision avoidance courses available where you can practice these techniques.
Defensive driving is based on three ideas: visibility, space and communication.
Visibility is about seeing and being seen. You should always be aware of traffic in front, behind and beside you. Keep your eyes constantly moving, scanning the road ahead and to the side and checking your mirrors every five seconds or so. The farther ahead you look, the less likely you will be surprised, and you will have time to avoid any hazards. Make sure other drivers can see you by using your signal lights as required.
Managing the space around your vehicle lets you see and be seen and gives you time and space to avoid a collision. Leave a cushion of space ahead, behind and to both sides. Because the greatest risk of a collision is in front of you, stay well back. Communicate with other road users to make sure they see you and know what you are doing. Make eye contact with pedestrians, cyclists and drivers at intersections and signal whenever you want to slow down, stop, turn or change lanes. If you need to get another person’s attention, use your horn.
This and more information can be found at www.ontario.ca
CANADA ROAD SAFETY WEEK
Canada Road Safety Week is an enforcement-driven initiative led by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP), and more specifically by the CACP’s Traffic Safety Committee. It is designed to increase public compliance with safe driving measures in order to save lives and reduce injuries on our roads.
How to reduce your risk of being in an auto accident
Driving a car or truck is part of daily life for most people. Commutes to work or school, leisure trips or time spent behind the wheel as part of a profession compel people to drive each and every day. Although most trips to the office or the store are uneventful, the risk that something may go awry is present any time a person gets behind the wheel, and drivers need to plan accordingly.
Diamond and Diamond Lawyers in Canada says approximately four Canadians die and 175 are injured in impairment-related crashes every day. Though accidents occur every day, drivers can take steps to reduce their risk of being involved in one.
Eliminate distractions
Smartphones, GPS devices, passengers, pets in the car, or anything that causes a person to take his or her eyes off of the road, even for mere seconds, can increase the risk of being in an auto accident. Accident Care and Treatment Center, Inc. says distracted driving is the primary cause of car accidents each year. Smartphones are a modern distraction, and keeping phones turned off and out of reach can keep drivers safer.
Change your perception
It is important to think of a car or truck as what it truly is: 3,000 pounds or more of fast-moving metal that can cause a lot of damage. Those who do not drive responsibly, or feel they are invincible behind the
wheel, could be on a crash course for an auto accident.
a vehicle with respect is a must.
Stick to the speed limit
Speed limits are posted on roadways for a reason. Exceeding speed limits significantly increases the risk of getting into an accident, and many accidents are directly related to speeding. Slowing down can make roadways safer.
Leave a space cushion
Tailgating and aggressive driving maneuvers that do not leave an adequate distance between vehicles can compound the problem of accidents. Travelers insurance company urges drivers to stay at least three seconds behind the vehicle ahead of them, and longer for those driving heavier vehicles. The timing also should be extended when weather conditions are bad. A significant cushion enables drivers to stop safely or maneuver around to avoid an accident.
Improve visibility
A cracked or dirty windshield or dim headlights can diminish visibility. Being able to see and be seen when on the road is a major contributor to accident risk reduction.
Brush up on skills
Newly minted licensed drivers and older drivers may need a driving skills refresher course. Oftentimes learning how to avoid accidents comes down to experience and defensive driving techniques. Those who feel they may need a little extra practice can enroll in a course. An additional upside is that such a course also can help reduce insurance premiums.
Know your limitations
Geico notes the risk of a fatal crash is three times higher at night than in the day for every mile driven. Although it may not be possible to avoid nighttime driving entirely, limiting it, particularly for those who have challenges seeing at night or in dim conditions, can help reduce accident risk. The same can be said for staying off of roads in inclement weather.
Don’t drive impaired
Driving while under the influence of drugs (both illegal and prescription), alcohol and/or other substances greatly increases accident risk.
Various strategies can help drivers reduce their risk of being involved in auto accidents.
Treating
Community Events
Thursday, May 15, 2025:
• Afternoon Jamboree with all singers & musicians welcome 1-4 pm, Merlin Legion. Come out and enjoy good music and great company. Donations welcome. Call 519-350-8937 for more info.
• Creativity Club at the Blenheim Branch of the CKPL from 3:30pm4:30pm. Whether you are splattering paint, mixing up science experiments, or constructing wild creations, this club is hands-on fun. Drop-in!
• The Chatham-Kent Quilters’ Guild meeting at St. Paul’s Congregational Church, 450 Park Ave W, Chatham. Doors open at 6:00 for socializing and shopping. The meeting starts at 7:00 pm. Everyone is welcome to join us, but the fee for non-members will be $10 per meeting. Come and enjoy our presentations, guest speakers and all of the other fun at our meeting. Our membership fee is $50 per year and this entitles you to our newsletter and all of our regular meetings free of charge. You are welcome to contact us through our Facebook page or our website at www. ckquiltguild.com for more information.
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am–9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am–1:30pm. Come check out our daily specials. Senior Euchre starts at 1:00pm. Everyone welcome.
• Bill’s Place Community Space Drop-In. Come spend some time in a 2SLGBTQIA+ safe space 48 Centre St., Chatham. Hang out and have a chat, have a coffee, do your homework, ask a question, read a book, or find out about our programs and upcoming events. No RSVP needed! Come & go as you please. All ages & allies welcome. 6-9pm.
Friday, May 16, 2025:
• Merlin Legion Tasty Perch and/or Chicken Dinner with choice of potato & coleslaw plus dessert. Served from 4:30-7pm at Merlin Legion. 5pc perch $20; perch/chicken combo $20; 3 pc chicken $15.50. Contact 519-689-4884 for info. Take outs also available.
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am–9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am–1:30pm. Supper will be served from 4:00–6:00pm. No orders after 5:30pm. Tonight’s specials are Roast Beef for $15.00(HST included) or Fish & Chips, for $14.00(HST included). Take out is also available by calling 519-3518733 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. Everyone welcome.
• Friday night supper at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St is a Roast Beef dinner with potatoes, vegetables, coleslaw and a bun. Dine ins $15 and pickups $16. All meals are served at 6pm. Please call 519-352-8291 to order or to reserve. Everyone welcome.
Saturday, May 17, 2025:
• Morning Breakfast Program at First Presbyterian Church (corner of Fifth St. and Wellington). A delicious and nutritious breakfast served free of charge from 9:30am-11:00am, serving indoors, no take out. Wheelchair accessible.
• Join us at the Merlin Legion for Karaoke Bob 7-11pm. Meal special with 1 lb wings, burger or jumbo hot with beer or alcoholic drink $11.50. Please call 519689-4884 for more information.
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 10:00am–9:30pm. Line Dancing lessons from 10:00am-12 noon Meat draws at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30pm. ending with a 50/50 draw. Kitchen open 3:00pm–6:00 pm. Come check out our menu. Entertainment by Southern Hospitality from 4:30-9:30pm. Everyone welcome.
Tuesday, May 20 2025:
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am–9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am–1:30pm. Today’s special is spaghetti with meat sauce. Come play Euchre at 1:00pm or spend the evening playing Euchre starting at 7:00 pm. Everyone welcome.
Wednesday, May 21, 2025:
• Chatham-Kent Coin Club meeting at the Active Lifestyle Center (7pm – 8pm), 20 Merritt 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 Paul Robb (probb1@ cogeco.ca) (289-228-2817).
• Heart Buddies - A monthly get together. A chance to talk and share your experiences of Heart Surgery, Heart Issues, matters of the Heart. For more info call 519-354-0070 or visit www. thamesviewfht.ca.
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am–9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am–1:30pm. Our daily special is Meatloaf Dinner. Come check out our other daily specials. We have Fun Darts at 7:00pm. Everyone welcome.
• Games Night Drop-In at Bill’s Place, 2SLGBTQIA+ Community space, 48 Centre St., Chatham. You are welcome to one to bring a game or play what we have. 6:30pm.
Thursday, May 22, 2025:
• Afternoon Jamboree with all singers & musicians welcome 1-4 pm at the Merlin Legion. Enjoy good music and great company. Donations welcome. Call 519350-8937 for more info.
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am–9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am –1:30pm. Come check out our daily specials. Senior Euchre starts at 1:00pm. We will be holding our Honor & Awards starting at 7pm, and will not be opened to the general public after 7pm.
Send your coming events to bruce@chathamvoice.com or michelle@chathamvoice.com
Fun Stuff
CLUES DOWN
CLUES ACROSS
1. Herring-like fish
5. Perform on stage
8. Soda
11. Small growth
13. In support of 14. Step taken when walking
15. Hollyhocks
16. Returned material authorization (abbr.)
17. Feel pain
18. San Diego ballplayer 20. Inches per minute (abbr.)
21. Fat from a pig’s abdomen
22. Create again 25. Honors once more
30. Thin coating of gold
31. Welsh river
32. Japanese novelist Mizumura
33. Husks of corn
38. Green vegetable
41. Showing guilt
43. Soldier
45. Photographers
48. Language spoken in Nigeria
49. Mimic
50. Expressed pleasure
55. Ancient Greek sophist
56. Beverage container
57. Night monkey genus
59. Lace bugs
60. Hogshead (abbr.)
61. Frameworks
62. Keyboard key
63. Greek goddess of the dawn
1. A place to unwind
2. Helped (archaic)
3. Razorbill genus
4. Bleached
5. Continent
6. Fruit preserved in syrup
7. Impediment to one’s freedom
8. Nocturnal rodents
9. Earthy pigment
10. Relieved oneself
12. Golf score
14. Tech hub __ Alto
19. Sportscaster Andrews
23. Records electric currents
24. Popular Hitchcock film
25. Revolutions per minute
26. NY Giants legend
27. Sports radio host Patrick
28. When you hope to get somewhere
29. French seaport
34. Thai river
35. Rocker’s accessory
36. Extra charge
37. Influential American president
39. Pain in the head
40. Great Plains people
41. Consumed
64. Influential Korean independence figure
42. Soluble ribonucleic acid
44. Improves
45. Secret clique
46. Behind the stern of a ship
47. Dough made from corn flour
48. Fallow deer
51. Swiss river
52. Grayish white
53. Engrave
54. College’s Blue Devils
58. Midway between south and southeast
One family, one spot, 100 years in business
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
For a. century, Community Cleaners & Launderers in Chatham has stood on the same Queen Street property and has been owned by the same family.
But that could soon change.
Dennis and Barb Day own the business, but Dennis told The Voice it’s about time to retire.
He’s 77 (he celebrated his birthday on the day we reached out to him), and he said he basically spent his life at the 145 Queen St. property.
“I was literally raised in this place. I was brought down here in a bassinette,” he said.
As for a century of one-family ownership at the same location, Dennis
just laughed.
“The madness runs deep in our family,” Dennis said.
A great deal has changed at the business over the years, as well as around it.
“I can remember when Queen Street was just a two-lane street,” Dennis said. “Our building used to go out to the sidewalk.
In the 1950s, my father built the front to where it is now inside, and tore the old front down on a Labour Day weekend.”
The building used to be a garage several lifetimes ago, at the start of the 20th century.
With such a business lon-
gevity, Dennis said Community Cleaners has long operated family to family for many of its clients.
“We’ve got many families who have been dealing with us for generations,” he said. “It’s great to see.”
One thing Dennis said that catches people off guard is the size of the operation.
Continued on page 22
Contributed image
Chatham councillors Michael Bondy, left, and Brock McGregor, right, stopped by recently to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Community Cleaners with owners Barb and Dennis Day.
OBITUARIES
Betsy Maureen Lee
88, Monday, May 5, 2025
McKinlay Funeral Home
Evelyn Charron
73, Sunday, May 4, 2025
McKinlay Funeral Home
Agostinho Monteiro De Andrade
90, Saturday, May 3, 2025
McKinlay Funeral Home
Brian Byatt
81, Monday, May 5, 2025
McKinlay Funeral Home
Walter Phillips
82, Sunday, May 4, 2025
McKinlay Funeral Home
Laure Palin
86, Sunday May 4, 2025
Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Nagar Kirtan Serving generations
Bruce Corcoran/The
Local Sikhs took part recently in a celebration of Nagar Kirtan with a parade through part of Chatham. All festivals in Sikh religion are celebrated as per Nanakshahi Calendar. The parade ended at the soccer fields and pavilion near the courthouse where there was a food and religious celebration.
Continued from page 21
From Queen Street, it appears to have a small footprint, but that is very misleading.
“Everybody’s always surprised at the size of this place. We have a 5,000-square-foot plant. Even the people right next door to us had no idea of the size of this place,” he said.
any men are in a suit and a tie,” he said. “Society has changed more than the clothing industry has. It’s just the way it is.”
It’s almost fair time
Rosaire Sterling
87, Sunday May 4, 2025
Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Janice Lou Vadovic
71, Sunday May 4, 2025
Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Mary Jane Brown
78, Tuesday May 6, 2025
Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Robert John "Bob" Ellis
80, Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Badder Funeral Home
Larry Meadows
74, Thursday, May 1, 2025 Badder Funeral Home
Richard Malott
71, Thursday, May 1, 2025 Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Winnifred Kunzler
82, Friday, May 2, 2025 Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Raymond Bernreuter Monday, May 5, 2025
Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Rolf Ernst Weierstall
86, Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Life Transitions
Michelle L. Petrusenko (Babkirk) 61, Friday, May 2, 2025 Life Transitions
John Thomas Haggerty 82, Saturday, May 3, 2025 Life Transitions
Roy Herbert Weldon 91, Sunday, May 4, 2025 Life Transitions
Janice Lorraine Chandler 60, Monday, May 5, 2025 Life Transitions
Jacqueline Regnier 94, Tuesday, May 6, 2025 Nicholls Funeral Home
Dennis said he has reached a point where it’s time to sell the business.
“At 77, I haven’t got the drive I used to have for it. If you’re standing still, you’re falling behind,” he said. “I’m the end of it. I’m the last Day that will be in this plant. We’re going to put it on the market.”
Community Cleaners is one of just two dry cleaning businesses that serve all of Chatham Kent these days. Dennis said there used to be nine in Chatham alone.
But times have changed.
“The big thing is people don’t dress up anymore. Even on Sundays when you go to church, hardly
The 2025 Kinsmen Fair is just around the corner. The fair, taking place once again outside the Memorial Arena in Chatham, runs from May 20June 1.
For more information or to purchase advanced ride passes, visit worldsfinestshows.com.
10 years for Antiquated Joys Antiquated Joys recently celebrated its 10th anniversary.
Owner Sarah Evans said she’s appreciated customer support during her time running the shop in downtown Blenheim.
• Business Voice is a bi-monthly column in The Chatham Voice that highlights some of the achievements made and efforts underway in C-K’s business community.
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Chatham Voice
Obituary
Classifieds
In Memoriam In Memoriam
In Memoriam
Rosaire Sterling Peacefully, surrounded by family at Riverview Gardens on Sunday May 4, 2025, Rosaire Seville Sterling, age 87. Beloved husband of the late Ruth (Hendrick) Sterling (2016). Born in Pain Court, Ontario in 1938, son of the late Theresa (Couture) and Dominic Sterling. Loving father of Paula (Barry) Coleman, late Pamela Sterling (2024) and Scott (Kinga) Sterling. Sadly missed by 6 grandchildren; Danielle (Hudson), Courtney, Kara (Alex), Adam, Bianka and Aleks and great granddaughter Scarlett. Also sadly missed by his sister-in-law Betty Sterling and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his siblings Cecile (Raymond) Ghan, Lionel (Maureen), Clifford (Nancy), Donald and Jerry Sterling. Friends and relatives visited at Hinnegan Peseski Funeral Home Ltd., 156 William St. S. Chatham (519-352-5120) on Tuesday May 6, 2025 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm. A Funeral Mass was celebrated on Wednesday May 7, 2025 at 11 am in St. Ursula’s Church. Cremation followed. Donations to the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation would be appreciated. Online condolences welcomed at www.peseski.com.
In Loving Memory of my husband Edgar Perreault
He was born December 18, 1949 Died May 16, 2022 at the age of 72 years. 3 years ago
MINI EXCAVATOR, TRUCKING & BOBCAT SWEEPER SERVICE 519-354-9157
Wanted
Wanted to Buy: Antiques, costume jewellery, gold, silver, coins, military, furniture, tools. We Buy All - Paid Cash. 519-7278894.
Edgar is among angels, with his dad, mom, 3 brothers and 3 sisters. He left me and 2 sisters much to soon. Now he glides in fields, hunting deer and moose above the harvest moon.
Forever in my heart, Love always, wife Rolande
Garage Sale Garage Sale
Saturday, May 17th - Veranda Court. Street Sale. 8:30am12:00pm.
Grass Cutting Personals
Grass Cutting for Seniors! Reasonable rates, Chatham / Wallaceburg area. Call Ken 519-7846419.
Widower, 79, 5ft6 would like to meet a single lady over 65. Friendship, walks, old movies, day trips - the simple things in life. Please leave contact number and a little about yourself to PO Box 121, Chatham PO Main, ON, N7M 5K3
For Sale
Silk Cemetery Saddle Arrangements. Everyday/ Holidays. Readyto-go. Many colours available.
$40. 519-3543411
Place your ads in the classifieds starting at only $7 plus tax!
Phone 519-3972020. Call today!!
Friday, May 16, Saturday, May 17, Sunday, May 18 - 19102 Lakeside Drive. Lighthouse Cove. Airless paint sprayer, water pumps, sawzalls, Milwaukee drills, Makita wince, tiller, cutter, hardwood floor nailer, Milwaukee roto hammer, 14” chop saw, miter, air tools, TV antennae, garden door panels, 1220V heater, misc., etc.
Announcement
Chatham Baptist Chapel “Come Out, Join Us” Sundays 11am and 7pm. Wednesdays 7pm, Friday 7pm. Old Hymns and KJV Preaching Go to chathambaptistchapel.com to watch sermons.
This week’s puzzle answers. Puzzles on page 20
In Memory of our Sister Elsie Verbruggen
May 16, 2015
A sadness still comes over us
Tears in silence often flow
Memories keep you ever near us
Though you passed ten years ago
So many things have happened
So many things to share with you
Had you been left to stay
Every day in some small way
Memories of you come our way
Though absent you are ever near
Still loved, missed and always dear.
From Al, Dot & Mary
Since you were called away
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