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Kinsmen Festival starts Thursday

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Another spring weekend approaches and with it comes another signature event.

We’re talking about the Chatham Kinsmen Festival, a mainstay at the grounds of Memorial Arena in Chatham, running May 28 to 31.

Charlie Quenneville, treasurer

for the Kinsmen, said the event, which the Kinsmen took over from the Jaycees 21 years ago, has morphed over the years. It used to be known as the Kinsmen Fair, but the club added more activities outside the carnival/fair atmosphere.

“It’s transitioned into a festival a few years ago. We have more activities for everyone,” Quenneville said.

That includes crafters and vendors on site each day of the fair, face painting, and various types of entertainment.

TJ Stables brings its petting zoo to the festival on the Sunday, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

And jugglers will take to the grounds on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

“It’s something different for us,” Quenneville said of the jugglers. “We think it will be a positive for the festival.”

Make settling in simple — connect with us to check off every item on your checklist.

Those jugglers will be roaming the grounds, performing between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on the Saturday, and noon to 3 p.m. Sunday.

The jugglers will be performing hand balancing, contortion, partner aero-

batics, a group hoop and more fun, Quenneville said.

Over the course of the festival, children and teenagers will have a chance to enter a draw for a gift card worth $250 towards a new bike sponsored by Canadian Tire.

There will be a colouring contest featuring Elmer the Safety Elephant. Quenneville said the contest never has a shortage of entries.

At the heart of the festival is the midway. World’s Finest Shows returns to run things.

All-day ride passes are available, including at Giant Tiger.

While hopping on the rides costs money, getting into the fair is free. Quenneville said organizers made it that way about eight years ago.

He added the festival is a win-

win for all involved, including the club’s members who volunteer before and during the event.

“It keeps all our members active,” he said. “It’s a nice community activity as well. We work together to give back to the community, which is good.”

The festival is a fundraiser for the Kinsmen, who pour the money raised into a plethora of activities for children in the region.

“We support many activities, including minor sports, with this,” Quenneville said. “We work together.”

The fair opens at 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Quenneville said the families generally start showing up in numbers about 5 p.m.

Continued on page 4

Chatham Voice file photo

Hunter Roy, his grandmother Ellen Hitchcock and mom Taylor Roy enjoyed some quality family fun time at a recent Chatham Kinsmen Festival. The festival rolls into Chatham starting May 28.

Primary care access on the rise

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Provincial funding support of nearly $1.6 million could translate into access to primary health care for as many as 6,000 Chatham-Kent residents.

That’s the word from officials with the Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team (CKOHT) following a funding announcement May 21. Through the Interprofessional Primary Care Team Funding Initiative, CKOHT is set to receive $1.59 million to strengthen team-based primary care. The provincial funding is anticipated to connect nearly 3,200 residents with a family doctor or nurse practitioner.

But Denise Waddick, executive director with the Thamesview Family Health Team, said past evidence indicates the CKOHT can increase that reach.

“We were approved for Round One of funding for 2025-26. The goal was 2,900 patients. We exceeded that,” she said. “We collectively attached around 5,400 patients.”

Furthermore, the period for the 2025-26 round of funding is still underway, and runs to the end of July.

“This funding truly allows us to attach more patients than we’re expected to,” she said.

Dr. Briana Yee-Provi-

dence, a local family physician and co-chair of the CKOHT’s primary care network, said health care in Chatham-Kent is “primarily” team based.

“That means our doctors are attached to teams that support them in their practices. So part of that is us being able to access other allied health staff –nurse practitioners, nurses, respiratory therapists, dietitians – they all help to support us so we can take care of our patients,” she said.

The $1.59 million will be utilized to fund more supportive positions, Yee said.

Those jobs – 17.5 fulltime equivalents – will include nurse practitioners, nurses, several medical receptionists and a social worker.

“It allows me to provide care and support to my patients. I can do the things I need to do as a physician – making more complex medical decisions, spending more time with patients. It allows me to focus on things that only I can do,” Yee-Providence explained.

CKOHT numbers indicate for every new nurse practitioner hired, about 800 citizens are able to see a primary health-care expert. Each registered nurse translates into access to a health team by about 225 people. For secretarial support, each new addition means 175

for

people can access primary health care.

Yee-Providence said the funding for the staff does not preclude the need for new physicians in Chatham-Kent. Estimates by CKOHT personnel indicate C-K could use more than 20 new family doctors.

And our current base of physicians is aging.

“Here in Chatham-Kent, and a lot of southwestern Ontario, we have a lot of doctors above the age of 65. We know we are going to have significant primary health care challenges in the next five to 10 years,” Yee-Providence said. “We need to recruit and we also need to support our doctors who are already here to help them to be able to see as many patients and provide as much care as possible.”

Trevor Jones, MPP for Chatham-Kent–Leamington, delivered the funding news.

“This investment will connect more people in our communities to family doctors or nurse practitioners to make sure residents receive the care they

need where they need it,” he said. “Primary care truly is the foundation for all of our health-care system. It’s the first place we turn to for support, for guidance, for diagnosis and of course for treatment. Access to a trusted primary health-care provider does lead to better health outcomes, earlier intervention and a stronger continuity for care for patients and their families.”

Joan Hackett, outgoing board chair for the Chatham-Kent Family Health Team, discussed her lived experience of being without a family physician. She said a number of years ago, their family physician retired, leaving her, her husband and her son without a primary health-care provider for several years.

“We were healthy, but it was challenging. For minor prescriptions, we ended up in the ER, and preventative care faded from our routine,” she said. “For those with complex medical conditions, it can be overwhelming as health deteriorates.”

Continued on page 4

Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

Trevor Jones, MPP

Chatham-Kent–Leamington, joined local health care experts in announcing $1.59 million

earmarked to help thousands of Chatham-Kent residents gain access to a primary-care provider. With Jones

Yee-Providence, Chatham-Kent Family Health Team chair Joan Hackett, and Thamesview Family Health Team executive director Denise Waddick.

Midway, vendors lead attractions for festival

Continued from page 2

Naturally, Mother Nature plays a role in the success of the fair. Quenneville said she’s been a fine supporter in recent years, but everyone always keeps their fingers crossed. May 28 and 29 are community days, where the Kinsmen encourage people to bring donations in support of the local food banks. Quenneville said the Kinsmen will match all donations.

“To help the community, we do sponsor the Chatham Goodfellows

and Salvation Army,” Quenneville sad. “We also want to promote to the community. Whatever goods they bring, we’ll match them. We just want to help folks who need food in our community.”

The festival runs from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and from noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, and finishes up Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

Details of the festival activities can be found at www.chathamkinsmen. ca and follow the links.

Connecting patients to care

Continued from page 3

There have been primary care success in recent years, as mentioned, but the aging physicians are another pressure on our health-care system.

Yee-Providence said over the past two years, five new family physicians have relocated to Chatham-Kent. At

the same time, we lost four to retirement or relocation.

Currently, there are 21,959 residents in Chatham-Kent who do not have a regular family physician or nurse practitioner. This equates to 16.6 per cent of Chatham-Kent residents.

Residents who do not have a family doctor or nurse practi-

tioner can contact Health Care Connect to register by phone at 1-888-579-6707 Monday to Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.; email at HealthCareConnect@ontariohealthathome.ca; or visiting ontario.ca/page/find-family-doctor-or-nurse-practitioner.

Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

Dr. Briana Yee-Providence discusses a provincial funding announcement May 21, while Thamesview Family Health Team executive director Denise Waddick and MPP for Chatham-Kent–Leamington Trevor Jones look on.

Still time to register for kids run

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Organizers for the fourth annual Run for the Kids fundraiser are about halfway around their pre-event course; halfway to their goal of about 300 race registrants.

Mike Genge, president and CEO of the Children’s Treatment Centre Foundation (CTCF) of Chatham-Kent, said registration recently reached the 150 mark, between adults and children signing up to take part. He’s confident they’ll get to their goal by June 14, race day.

The event, which takes place in Rondeau Provincial Park, is a fundraiser for the CTCF, and one that has pulled in about $320,000 in just three years. The funds raised go directly to support programs and services at the Children’s Treatment Centre that are not funded through government sources, including social work, therapeutic recreation, and music therapy.

Run for the Kids features a 200-metre kids run, as well as a 5K walk/run/move event for anyone interested. Both take place on pavement, so strollers, wheelchairs and wagons are allowed.

Genge said some runners use the event to gain qualifying times for other, larger races, but many are simply there to support the centre’s operations.

“The majority (of the run-

ners) are families and work groups who come out and support us,” he said. “

The kids’ run may be a shorter event, but Genge said it is his favourite part of the day.

“It is absolutely heart wrenching, tearful – it is magic. It has everything you can possibly imagine,” he said of the emotions people go through watching children of various levels of ability all tackling the 200 metres with

great enthusiasm.

“The last little guy who came across the finish line had braces on his legs and he was in a special chair. Everyone was lined up to greet him,” Genge said of the 2025 rendition of

ly activities, including crafts, face painting and barbecued hot dogs, as well as various interactive stations from local partners, according to CTCF officials.

Registrants gain free entrance into the park on race day, a race bib and finisher medal, and access to the post-run party.

Enbridge returns as the events primary sponsor this year.

the kids run.

Genge looks for more magic come June 14. Visit ctcf-ck. com/runforthekids/ to take part or learn more.

Along with the two events, there will be family-friend-

Image courtesy Lisa Campbell Photography Bowen Couture heads towards the finish line of the Kids Dash portion of the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent’s 2025 Run for the Kids event.

Opinion

Better access to health care

At a time when landing new family physicians is a dogfight between municipalities across the province, it makes sense to help existing doctors see more patients.

That’s the case with the Interprofes sional Primary Care Team Funding Initiative. The Ford government recently handed out $1.59 million to the Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team (CKOHT) to help increase the efficiency of local physicians.

That’s 5,000-6,000 people currently without access to primary care soon being able to be face to face with a family doctor or nurse practitioner.

Considering more than 21,000 C-K residents are currently without a family doc, the return on investment numbers are stunning, and great news.

It’s not like they were inefficient before the funding; this instead allows for the hiring of support staff who will take away clerical and other duties that can bog down a doctor’s time and limit the number of patients they see in a given day.

The math, according to local healthcare experts, is impressive. The $1.59 million is to be utilized to hire 17.5 new health-care personnel, such as nurse practitioners, nurses and medical receptionists.

The funding level for these jobs will, according to the funding formula, let existing doctors in Chatham-Kent see an additional 3,200 patients.

However, local health-care experts say it will be even better. Based on a prior intake of funding, CKOHT officials are confident that number will top 5,000, possibly reaching 6,000.

Being without a primary care provider puts citizens behind the health eight ball. It’s functional if you are healthy, but for anyone with serious health issues, the system can be hell. Heck, even getting prescriptions renewed can mean a trip to the emergency department, or an after hours clinic. We all know how busy the emergency department can be. Removing this pressure on local ERs alone would be a boon, let alone the peace of mind for thousands more C-K residents.

Kudos to the province for providing the funding and to the local health teams for stretching those dollars as far as they can go.

While the funding does not deliver new physicians to our area, we must continue the recruitment effort. Our doctors aren’t getting any younger. It’s estimated we’ll need another 20-plus in the near future as some of our existing physicians transition into retirement.

Our letters to the editor policy

The Chatham Voice welcomes letters to the editor. Our preferred method to receive letters is via e-mail to bruce@ chathamvoice.com (use “Letter” in the subject line).

You can also drop them off or mail them to us at The Chatham Voice, 71 Sass Rd., Unit 4, Chatham, Ont, N7M 5J4.

The Chatham Voice reserves the right to edit letters to the editor for brevity and clarity. All letters need to be signed.

Renoviction should never be allowed

Editor: It was nice to see some news by Pam Wright on Terrace Forty apartments recently. Nice to see Jeff Wilkins and Gord Harvey out there for the tenants.

I hope to see this as a real win situation, although I am no longer a tenant there. But I was for 11 years.

Now I read these owners had four apartments they are working on. So why would they need to move all tenants out where these four were

empty to work around?

The owners said there is a major health problem in the building.

That’s a good one! One lady had lived there for 32 years. There are some older ones there, I should think.

never be able to get away with it. I hope he sleeps at night. But, as he sees it, it’s the only way he can get the rent money he wants.

As Jeff Wilkins says, it’s deplorable. I say it’s wicked.

The ones I did know unfortunately have died, but it sure wasn’t from asbestos.

After him trying to renovict in about three buildings, he should

I hope things go well for the tenants so the landlord can hopefully never try to go this route again.

Ruth Draper Chatham

New ward system confusing

Editor: I have been reading about all these candidates running for various positions in various wards in our upcoming fall election. Having lived in the Chatham ward, I think it was called Ward 6. Now that it is broken up into at least three separate wards, I am not sure what ward I’m in, whom I’m voting for or where

I will actually vote once election time occurs in the fall.

I am sure there are many other people in the newer wards in Chatham and the greater municipality are having the same head-scratching reaction to the upcoming election plans.

I would appreciate it

very much if someone could please inform me as to what ward I’m now in, who is running in my ward and where I will vote, come election day and or the advance polls. Thank you in advance for your help.

Frank Doyle Chatham

First Nations power up

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative

pamwrightlji@gmail.com

In a historic milestone, five First Nations have teamed up with Hydro One as co-owners of the Chatham-to-Lakeshore Transmission Line.

Partners in the project include the Aamjiwnaang First Nation, Caldwell First Nation, Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation and Walpole Island First Nation.

The initiative marks another historic first as the transmission line becomes the inaugural project completed through the utility’s industry-leading First Nation Equity Partnership Model. It means that area First Nation bands could invest in up to a 50-per-cent equity stake to own a critical piece of Ontario’s electricity system.

Walpole Island First Nation Bkejwanong Territory Chief Leela Thomas said the partnership agreement “reflects a level of trust” that hasn’t always existed in infrastructure development.

“Our partnership with Hydro One is built on transparency, respect and shared responsibility,” Thomas said in a media release. “And that leads to decisions that better serve our communities and the electricity system as a whole.”

As electricity demand grows across Ontario, Hydro One and First Nation partners are advancing one of the largest transmission line infrastructure portfolios in Canada.

Drawing on generations of stewardship, First Nation leadership and Indigenous knowledge strengthens projects and helps support long term economic prosperity for communities across the province.

According to a media release from Hydro One, the line was completed a year ahead of schedule and came in $30 million below budget.

Municipal Act, 2001, c. 25, s. 379 (2) O.Reg. 181/03, s. 5(1), Form 6

FORM 6

SALE OF LAND BY PUBLIC TENDER

The MUNICIPALITY OF CHATHAM-KENT

Take Notice that tenders are invited for the purchase of the land(s) described below, and submissions will be accepted until 3:00 p.m. local time on June 10, 2026, at the Municipality of Chatham-Kent Civic Centre, located at 315 King Street West, Chatham, Ontario, N7M 5K8. The tenders will be opened publicly on the same day, starting 3:15 p.m. at the Council Chambers of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, located at 315 King Street West, Chatham, Ontario, N7M 5K8. Please visit our Municipal Facebook page or the Chatham-Kent YouTube channel for a virtual event where the tenders will be opened live, starting at 3:15 p.m.

Description of Land(s)

All lands are in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, the following are the geographic descriptions and municipal addresses.

Description of Land(s)

All lands are in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, the following are the geographic descriptions and municipal addresses.

1.Roll #3650-080-001-02520- PART OF LOT 7, PLAN 793, PART 1 ON PLAN 24R-10767, TILBURY; SUBJECT TO AN EASEMENT IN GROSS AS IN CK217122 Being 67 71 MILL ST W, TILBURY P.I.N.: 00793-0075 (LT) Property Class: Commercial According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $979,000.00.

2.Roll # 3650-110-007-19405 - PART LOT 8, CONCESSION 13, GEOGRAPHIC TOWNSHIP OF RALEIGH, DESIGNATED AS PT. 5, 24R5662; CHATHAM-KENT Being A D SHADD RD, MERLIN P.I.N.: 00864-0102

Tender Amount

Property Class: Residential According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $7,700.00. $ 7,086.78

2.Roll # 3650-110-007-19405 - PART LOT 8, CONCESSION 13, GEOGRAPHIC TOWNSHIP OF RALEIGH, DESIGNATED AS PT. 5, 24R5662; CHATHAM-KENT Being A D SHADD RD, MERLIN P.I.N.: 00864-0102

3. Roll #3650-140-003-51205- PT LT 13 CON 3 RIVER THAMES SURVEY HARWICH AS IN 559079; CHATHAM-KENT Being 22935 HARWICH RD, CHATHAM P.I.N.: 00891-0010 (LT) Property Class Residential According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $172,000.00. $ 15,369.26

4.Roll # 3650-140-006-66500- LOT 18, N ADELAIDE ST, PLAN 109; MUNICIPALITY CHATHAM-KENT Being 75 ADELAIDE ST, BLENHEIM P.I.N.: 00939-0781 (LT) Property Class: Residential According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $94,000.00.

5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

4.Roll # 3650-140-006-66500- LOT 18, N ADELAIDE ST, PLAN 109; MUNICIPALITY CHATHAM-KENT

5.Roll # 3650-190-001-39900- LT 8, PLAN 755, EXCEPT ANY MINES, ORES, METALS, COAL, SLATE, MINERAL OILS, GAS OR OTHER MINERALS IN OR UNDER THE SAID LANDS AND PREMISES AS IN 340497,ERIEAU Being 3 NICHOLS AVE, ERIEAU P.I.N.: 00938-1011 (LT) Property Class: Residential According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $260,000.00. $ 23,863.86

Being 75 ADELAIDE ST, BLENHEIM P.I.N.: 00939-0781 (LT) Property Class: Residential According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $94,000.00. $ 44,530.87

Property Class: Residential According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $7,700.00. $ 7,086.78 5.

6. Roll # 3650-320-001-01300- LT 184 PL 141; CHATHAM-KENT Being 125 OAK ST W, BOTHWELL P.I.N.: 00642-0103 (LT) Property Class: Residential According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $32,000.00. $ 32,759.44

6. Roll # 3650-320-001-01300- LT 184 PL 141; CHATHAM-KENT

Being 125 OAK ST W, BOTHWELL P.I.N.: 00642-0103 (LT) Property Class: Residential According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $32,000.00. $ 32,759.44

7.Roll # 3650-380-001-05500- PT LT 3 BLK E PL 144 AS IN 633210; CHATHAM-KENT Being 66 LONDON RD, THAMESVILLE P.I.N.: 00725-0059 (LT) Property Class: Residential According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $90,000.00. $ 11,698.18

8.Roll # 3650-420-017-16000- PT LT 24 CON 2 EASTERN BOUNDARY RALEIGH S/T 573626, 591703, 386582, 419392, CI39374, 325381, CI22162, 594070, 427855, 609347, 613915, CI23490, & 393633; CHATHAM-KENT

Being PARK AVE W, CHATHAM P.I.N.: 00517-0467 (R ) Property Class: Residential According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $4,000.00. $ 6,804.04

8.Roll # 3650-420-017-16000- PT LT 24 CON 2 EASTERN BOUNDARY RALEIGH S/T 573626, 591703, 386582, 419392, CI39374, 325381, CI22162, 594070, 427855, 609347, 613915, CI23490, & 393633; CHATHAM-KENT Being PARK AVE W, CHATHAM P.I.N.: 00517-0467 (R ) Property Class: Residential According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $4,000.00. $ 6,804.04

According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $240,000.00. $ 55,623.15

10.Roll # 3650-420-044-12200- LT 76 PL 457; CHATHAM-KENT Being 487 ST CLAIR ST, CHATHAM P.I.N.: 00543-0106 (LT) Property Class: Residential

9.Roll #3650-420-028-06900- PT LT B N/S KING ST PL OLD SURVEY AS IN 638825; S/T 455833, 455834, 455835; CHATHAM-KENT Being 141 143 KING ST W, CHATHAM P.I.N.: 00505-0232 (LT) Property Class: Commercial/Residential According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $240,000.00.

According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $139,000.00.

10.Roll # 3650-420-044-12200- LT 76 PL 457; CHATHAM-KENT Being 487 ST CLAIR ST, CHATHAM P.I.N.: 00543-0106 (LT) Property Class: Residential According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $139,000.00.

11.Roll # 3650-420-045-13200 - LT 7 BLK B PL 37; CHATHAM-KENT; TOGETHER WITH AN EASEMENT AS IN CK184922; SUBJECT TO AN EASEMENT AS IN CK184919 Being 257 ST CLAIR ST, CHATHAM P.I.N.: 00542-0314 (LT) Property Class: Residential

$ 55,623.15

$ 17,028.78

According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $137,000.00. $ 18,223.96

According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $137,000.00.

12.Roll # 3650-441-004-11700- PT BLK A PL 654 BEING PARTS 5, 6, 14 & 15, 24R-1140; S/T 295293; CHATHAM-KENT Being SANDRA CRES, WALLACEBURG P.I.N.: 00561-0272 (LT) Property Class: Residential According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $500.00.

$ 18,223.96

$ 5,938.06

Except as follows, the municipality makes no representation regarding the title to or any other matters relating to the land to be sold.

Responsibility for ascertaining these matters rests with the potential purchasers.

Tenders must be submitted in the prescribed form and must be accompanied by a deposit in the form of a money order, bank draft, or cheque certified by a bank or trust corporation payable to the municipality (or board) and representing at least 20 per cent of the tender amount Except as follows, the municipality makes no representation regarding the title to or any other matters relating to the land to be sold. Responsibility for ascertaining these matters rests with the potential purchasers.

This sale is governed by the Municipal Act, 2001 and the Municipal Tax Sales Rules made under that Act. The successful purchaser will be required to pay the amount tendered plus accumulated property taxes and any taxes that may be applicable such as the land transfer tax and HST. The lands do not include mobile homes situate on the lands. The municipality has no obligation to provide vacant possession to the successful purchaser. Purchasers must retain a lawyer to complete the purchase of any property for which their tender is accepted.

Pursuant to the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act, S.C. 2022, c. 10, s 235 (the “Act”), effective January 1, 2023, it is prohibited for a non-Canadian to purchase, directly or indirectly, any residential property, as those terms are defined in the legislation. Contraventions of the Act are punishable by a fine, and offending purchasers may be ordered to sell the residential property. The municipality assumes no responsibility whatsoever for ensuring bidders/tenderers comply with the Act; and makes no representations regarding same. Prospective bidders/tenderers are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with the Act and are advised to seek legal advice before participating in this sale.

Pursuant to the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act, S.C. 2022, c. 10, s 235 (the “Act”), effective January 1, 2023, it is prohibited for a non-Canadian to purchase, directly or indirectly, any residential property, as those terms are defined in the legislation. Contraventions of the Act are punishable by a fine, and offending purchasers may be ordered to sell the residential property. The municipality assumes no responsibility whatsoever for ensuring bidders/tenderers comply with the Act; and makes no representations regarding same. Prospective bidders/tenderers are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with the Act and are advised to seek legal advice before participating in this sale.

A copy of the prescribed form of tender is on the Municipality of Chatham-Kent website, www.chatham-kent.ca and on the website of the Government of Ontario Central Forms Repository under the listing for the Ministry of Municipal Affairs. For further information regarding this sale and a copy of the prescribed form of tender contact:

Title

Pursuant to the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act, S.C. 2022, c. 10, s 235 (the “Act”), effective January 1, 2023, it is prohibited for a non-Canadian to purchase, directly or indirectly, any residential property, as those terms are defined in the legislation. Contraventions of the Act are punishable by a fine, and offending purchasers may be ordered to sell the residential property. The municipality assumes no responsibility whatsoever for ensuring bidders/tenderers comply with the Act; and makes no representations regarding same. Prospective bidders/tenderers are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with the Act and are advised to seek legal advice before participating in this sale.

Name of Municipality or Board

Amy McLellan, Manager Revenue or Matthew Torrance, Deputy Treasurer

Municipality of Chatham-Kent

For further information regarding this sale and a copy of the prescribed form of tender contact:

Address of Municipality or Board

315 King Street West, P O Box 640, Chatham, Ontario, N7M 5K8 www.chatham-kent.ca

For further information regarding this sale and a copy of the prescribed form of tender contact:

Personal information contained on this form, collected pursuant to the Municipal Act will be used for the purposes of that Act. Questions should be directed to the Freedom of Information and Privacy Co-ordinator at the institution responsible for the procedures under that Act.

Recognizing youth volunteers of Chatham-Kent

people are making Cha-

Their efforts in giving back were recently honoured at the second annual Youth Community Recognition Awards. The ceremony, held at the Capitol Theatre, saw each honoree bestowed with an engraved award, a swag bag and a $50 restaurant gift certificate, all sponsored by Mainstreet Credit Union.

C-K Mayor Darrin Canniff, who presented the awards, called volunteerism the “foundation” of the community.

“I’m looking at some of our leaders of tomorrow, sitting right here,” Canniff said. “That’s part of leadership – giving back.”

Held in conjunction with local school boards, students were nominated by their school’s principal for outstanding service and commitment.

This year’s awards re-

cipients include: Meredith Anderson, Ridgetown District High School; Clara Baillargeon, St. Michael’s Catholic School; Layla Bardyla, École élémentaire catholique Sainte Catherine; Ian Barnes, St. Elizabeth Catholic School; Peyton Beaucage, Blenheim District High School; Asunta Bissett Crisante, Ursuline College Chatham; Anna Bradley, Chatham Kent Secondary School; Kaylene Brophy, École secondaire catholique de Pain Court; Jamie Caughy, Wallaceburg District Secondary School; Emmerson DeNure, St. Anne Catholic School; Claire Desaulnier, ESCPC; Bree Eddleston, WDSS; Faraan Faruqi, John McGregor Secondary School; Colton Fox, Christ the King French Immersion Catholic School; Caimbrie Giroux, Good Shepherd Catholic School; Kaleb Groombridge, Chatham Christian School; Eddie Hawken, Dresden Area Central School; Nicole Hoekstra, JMSS; Kaylee Holsappel, Indian Creek Road Public

School; Ben Jackson, Winston Churchill Public School; Cohen Jacques, McNaughton Avenue Public School; Carley Johnston, Tilbury District High School; Julina Knelsen, Wheatley Area Public School; Zaya Kys-Mayor, Monsignor Uyen Catholic School Chatham; Hayden Lacy, UCC; Danika Leach, St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School; Bryleigh McIntyre, Merlin Area Public School; Joshua McLean, St. Joseph Catholic School Tilbury; Kate Regan, Queen Elizabeth Public School Chatham; Evan Saunders, McNaughton; Nanami Shaw, CKSS; Braeden Simpson, St. Angela Merici Catholic School; Elizabeth Sode, St. Teresa; Sloane Spencer, Tilbury Area Public School; Hailey Stinson, Indian Creek; Jack VanderGriendt, Ridgetown District High School; Skyla VandeVelde, Holy Family Catholic School; Emma Vyn, CCS; Meeah Wagenaar, King George VI Public School; Nevaeh White, A. A. Wright Public School; and Miale Wilson, St. Angela’s.

Contributed image/The Chatham Voice

A total of 41 of Chatham-Kent’s volunteer-oriented youth are showcased here, after being honoured recently at the Youth Community Recognition Awards.

Immortalizing spotted gar in children’s book

By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com

A love of nature and desire to spread the word about the importance of the natural world has prompted a University of Toronto PhD candidate to write a children’s book about Rondeau Bay’s spotted gar.

Dominique Rumball, who has been part of a project to restore gar habitat at the Keith MacLean Conservation Lands on Kent Bridge Road for the past several years, has written “Finding A Forev-

er Home; The Adventures of Giigoonh the Spotted Gar.”

The book, written with the support of the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority (SCRCA), which operates the McLean site, tells the story of how Giigoonh seeks to find a home and also of those who are helping restore the gar habitat.

Dominique said the book came about through a science communication workshop and was written with her brother’s and partner’s child in mind. “I found an Indigenous

collaborator (Benny Skinner), an illustrator (Shaela Kinting) and an editor (Molly Labenski). These people have a beautiful passion for nature and changing the world for the better,” Rumball said.

The conservation authority helped create educational resources and lesson plans and provided funding. The resources align with the Ontario science curriculum for grades 2-6, but can be used for most elementary grades.

Continued on page 11

Image courtesy of Craig Paterson Dominique Rumball showcases a spotted gar pulled from the waters of the Keith MacLean Conservation Lands. Rumball, who continues to study the endangered fish, has written a children’s educational book on gar.

Follow Giigoonh the gar

Continued from page 10

The book can be purchased at finding-a-forever-home.square.site/ or through the conservation authority. A total of $1 from each copy will be donated to the St. Clair Region Conservation Foundation to support conservation efforts for Species at Risk.

The Spotted Gar Project has gained notoriety through a TV episode with Ranger Em, the host of a nature awareness show on Rogers TV youtu.be/cITN8DBMuiE.

PBS contributors Gregg McLachlan and Cynthia Brink of WorkCabin Films (https://workcabinfilms.

ca/) have filmed a trailer for a documentary about the project.

“We’ve done two days of filming, one in the field and one in the lab, and we’re set to do another this spring in our field session, and hopefully from

there it will get into production,” Rumball said.

The spotted gar; a fish listed as endangered, only exists in three areas in Canada, Long Point Bay, Point Pelee, and Rondeau Bay. The estimated local population of the gar, known for its distinctive long beak-like mouth, is just over 8,000.

Rumball, of the Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences at the University of Toronto Scarborough; and Craig Paterson, the manager of biology at the SCRCA are set to return to the McLean site for their fifth year of research, although cold weather and low water levels have made timing difficult.

“We should be there sometime in May,” she said. “But it’s up to nature.”

The first two years of the project were spent monitoring the then-farmland

at the MacLean site, while the next two years monitored the area during habitat restoration, which returned the land to its wetland setting.

“This is the first year we will have a section of the area completed and be able to start post-restoration monitoring,” she said.

So far, 350 spotted gars have been tagged, and the fish will be monitored for movement and time spent in the area.

Rumball is three years into her PhD Candidacy and expects to defend her thesis “Evaluating the effectiveness of restoration activities for freshwater Species at Risk in Ontario” in 2028.

The McLean Conservation Lands are a 130-hectare property donated to the St. Clair Region Conservation Foundation by McLean, an ardent conservationist who died in 2012 at the age of 90.

The property, located just east of Rondeau Provincial Park, includes

farmland, forests, ponds, wetlands, and prairie. The property is open to the public and features

four kilometres of trails. It is visited by thousands of hikers and birders each year.

Chatham Voice photo

Research along the McLean Conservation Lands just outside Rondeau Provincial Park has led to the creation of a children’s book on the spotted gar.

Riding tall in the saddle

Team up to push the bus

Do you like a challenge? Do you like to compete? Then the Chatham-Kent YMCA has something unique for you.

Gather together a few of your friends or co-workers and register for the third annual Push the Bus event and help send kids to summer camp who otherwise would not be able to attend.

Teams of three to six people push a standard school bus a distance of 80 metres. The team that does it the fastest earns bragging rights and the Golden Bus trophy.

The event takes place June 6 from noon to 2 p.m. at the YMCA parking lot.

Chatham Voice photo

Violet Mank, 4, is all smiles during her first time riding a horse. She and other riders showcased their joy of riding recently at TJ Stables.

The Chatham Voice

Cookie power tops $66K

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

These cookies have brought smiles to the faces of everyone involved.

We’re talking about Smile Cookies from Tim Hortons, specifically the operations owned by the Grail and Pritchard families, where proceeds from the recent campaign went to the Children’s Treatment Centre Foundation (CTCF) of Chatham-Kent.

This year’s campaign saw more than $66,000 raised.

The funds will help fuel programs and services at the Children’s Treatment Centre that are not funded through government sources, including social work, therapeutic recreation, and music therapy.

The campaign was made possible through the partnership and generosity of local Tim Hortons owners, the Pritchard family and Mike and Paula Grail, who once again selected the CTCF as the local Smile Cookie charity recipient.

Baking took place in Tim

Hortons kitchens, and also at one volunteer-driven location – the Chatham Armoury.

More than 100 volunteers also played an important role throughout the campaign, spending hours baking, decorating, packaging, and delivering Smile Cookies from the Armoury kitchen to help ensure the initiative’s success across Chatham-Kent.

Mike Genge, president and CEO of the foundation, said sales, and support, were brisk. He credits the aid of volunteer bakers for helping to push the sales so high.

“Once again, it was over the top. We had groups (of volunteers) from Sunday to Thursday and had a total of eight shifts of at least 10 people per shift,” he said of volunteers who baked cookies at the Chatham Armoury.

“We did over 18,000 cookies. It was great. We made almost half of what they sold.”

He added that Lisa Lester at Four Diamond Events made it possible for the baking to take place at the Armoury at no charge.

From Tim Horton owner-

ship support, through volunteers and to the drive-thru window and in-store sales of the cookies, Genge said the community backing was superb.

“The support we receive through Smile Cookie is truly incredible,” he said. “This campaign continues to show the strength and generosity of our community. Every cookie purchased helps provide important programs and services for children and families across Chatham-Kent.”

Elsewhere in Chatham-Kent, Tim Hortons locations in Tilbury, Thamesville, Ridgetown, and Blenheim raised $37,733 for the Ontario Student Nutrition Program. Every dollar is going towards providing snacks and meals for students in these communities.

Nationally, the 2026 Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign raised more than $23.3 million in support of more than 700 charities and community groups across Canada, highlighting the widespread impact of the initiative from coast to coast.

Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent personnel Laura Denys and Sydney Hawryluk showcase part of a batch of 3,600 Smile Cookies baked in just one morning at the Chatham Armoury as part of the Smile Cookie campaign.

AarKel gets a big boost from feds

The Chatham Voice

An $8.5 million cash infusion to AarKel Tool & Die Inc. from the federal government is about to vault the Wallaceburg business onto the world stage.

The funding, part of Canada’s Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI), will allow AarKel to begin manufacturing 100-ton giga casting molds, making it one of only a few global manufacturers capable of building the large tools that allow aluminum vehicle frames to be shaped in a single piece.

According to Stuart McFadden, Chatham-Kent’s director of Economic Development Services, the

funding is “transformational.

“For the next number of years, AarKel will be able to handle any job that comes their way,”

McFadden told The Voice following the announcement, adding the boost means AarKel will be one of only two companies in North America capable of building the large tools.

“They’ll be able to design and build plastic injection molds and diecast tooling over 100 tons,” McFadden said.

“This is a testament to AarKel and their vision.”

AarKel is one of four Wallaceburg businesses to receive more than $10 million in funding under the RTRI program – part of a $20-million

investment by the federal government to assist companies impacted by U.S.-imposed tariffs.

Announced by Evan Solomon, the minister responsible for Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), the money is to be used to help small-and-medium-sized enterprises hurt by tariffs.

Supporting new technologies, expanding growth opportunities, improving efficiencies and creating and stabilizing jobs are all part of the RTRI strategy.

McFadden, who met with Solomon as part of a round-table discussion following the announcement, said the money is part of the federal government’s “Team Canada” approach.

“It’s great to see these dollars being spent in our community,” he added. “It’s inspiring to me. This

is the right thing to do in these times of the tariffs, supporting people and employing people.

“We have to be our own best customers,” McFadden added. “After this (the tariffs), the economy will be stronger than it was before.”

Along with the Wallaceburg companies, four

London-area businesses also received RTRI funds, including an $8-million boost for the Western Fair Association to modernize the Grove Innovation Hub.

Solomon also serves in cabinet as the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTRE #1

CHATHAM-KENT WATER AND WASTEWATER MASTER PLAN UPDATE STUDY

The Public Utilities Commission for the Municipality of Chatham-Kent (CK PUC) is undertaking a Water and Wastewater Master Plan (WWWMP) Update Study following Approach #1. The Study is being prepared in accordance with the Municipal Engineers Association (MEA) Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) requirements for Master Plans (MPs).

TREE

128 William Street, Merlin, Ontario

Bernice Baird

Larry Barks

Susan Bechard

Donald Gordon Arner

Jon Balango

Tom “Smoke” Beckstead

Helen Louise Bisschop

Alma Carter

Harold Carlsen

Agnes ‘Aggie’ Chandler

Charles Dale Carnahan

David Coatsworth

Helen Coyle

Lucille Marie Cooper

Betty Deneau

Morris DeDecker

Bill Edwards

William Thomas Dillon

Yvette Field

Lucille Marie Cooper

Harold Haddock

Morris DeDecker

Dan Dillon

Betty Durden

Kathy Evans

Eric Johnston

Chene Faulkner

Sandra Johnston

Cherysh

Ruth Mulhern

The study will review previous capital plans, identify additional capital upgrades, and assess infrastructure requirements to support future growth to the estimated full build -out scenario beyond 2051, while continuing to improve servicing to existing users. This Study is being coordinated with the Chatham-Kent Official Plan Update, the Southwest Servicing Study, the Transportation Mobility MP, and the Parks and Recreation MP. The servicing solutions will be designed to be financially, socially and environmentally sustainable.

The study will review previous capital plans, identify additional capital upgrades, and assess infrastructure requirements to support future growth to the estimated full build -out scenario beyond 2051, while continuing to improve servicing to existing users. This Study is being coordinated with the Chatham-Kent Official Plan Update, the Southwest Servicing Study, the Transportation Mobility MP, and the Parks and Recreation MP The servicing solutions will be designed to be financially, socially and environmentally sustainable

Gerry Kirkwood

Dan Dillon Betty Durden

Shirley Gilhula Beatrice Guy

Ron Hoglund

Brian Lancaster

Kathy Evans

Edwin Huff

Chene Faulkner

Doris Hunter Trueman “TR” Hunter

Marie Ann Letourneau

Dorothy Lusk

Ken Jackson

Hoglund

Joyce Manton

Raymond King

Sharon Marchand

Linda Marie Mitchell

Cherysh

Ruth Myers

Jessie

Joan Normandin

Saundra Rombouts

Colleen O’Neill

Carol Roszell

Bev Elizabeth Skipper

Bryan Parker

Debbie Parker

George Smith

Bertie Patten

Jessie Pratt

Dave Webster

Saundra Rombouts Carol Roszell

Diana White

Raffi Quaggiotto

Bev Elizabeth Skipper George Smith

Diane Savage-Lachance

Chuck Skipper

Purpose of Public Information Centre (PIC) #1

To ensure all those interested have an opportunity to provide input to the WWWMP Update Study, three (3) PICs will be held. PIC#1 will provide an overview of the WWWMP Update process, study area, existing water and wastewater servicing, define the problem / opportunity statement and next steps. PIC#1 also provide interested parties the opportunity to get involved and provide input.

We want to hear from you!

Public input and comments are important. Interested parties are invited to participate virtually to learn more about the study, provide input, and are encouraged to visit the project webpage for updates, notices, and study materials.

• Public Input Period: Wednesday May 20, 2026 to Wednesday, June 3, 2026

• Visit project webpage at www.letstalkchatham-kent.ca/wastewater-master-plan

If you have any questions or comments and/or would like to be added to the MP Update’s mailing list, please contact one of the study representatives listed below:

Margaret Herfst

William Thomas Dillon

Lynda Montminy

Raymond King

Rita Vandecaveye

Dhana Niriella, PhD, P.Eng, PE(FL) Chatham-Kent PUC Manager of Engineering ckpuc@chatham-kent.ca

Dhana Niriella, PhD, P.Eng, PE(FL) Chatham-Kent PUC Manager of Engineering ckpuc@chatham-kent.ca

Walid Abi Akar, P. Eng. R.V. Anderson Associates Limited

Project Manager

chatham-kentwwwmp@rvanderson.com

Walid Abi Akar, P. Eng. R.V. Anderson Associates Limited Project Manager chatham-kentwwwmp@rvanderson.com

Information will be collected in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. With the exception of personal information, all comments will become part of the public record.

Figure 1: Study Area

Chatham-Kent Home Builders Association Parade of Homes

Enjoy your day touring the most beautiful and innovative homes in Chatham-Kent. Be inspired. Steal ideas.

Ask questions of the builders who made these exciting homes possible. Make plans for your next home!

Visit the participating homes June 6 between 10am and 2pm!

The CKHBA Parade of Homes is one of Chatham-Kent’s most anticipated events — and it’s easy to see why. This annual celebration shines a spotlight on the incredible craftsmanship of our local builders and the innovation driving the residential construction industry in our community.

In partnership with C-K Economic Development Services, this year’s event features seven stunning homes that cater to every dream and lifestyle. Whether you’re planning to build a custom home, searching for a move-in-ready property, or simply looking for inspiration for your next renovation, there’s something here for you.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook (@ChathamKentHomeBuilders Association) and Instagram (@ckhomebuilders) to take virtual tours of each featured home and meet the talented builders behind them.

Then, mark your calendar for Saturday, June 6th and join us for a day dedicated to showcasing the very best homes Chatham has to offer. We look forward to welcoming you!

More candidates step forward

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative

pamwrightlji@gmail.com

The number of candi-

dates seeking a seat on Chatham-Kent council in Election 2026 continues to inch up. As of press time on May

22, in Chatham’s Ward 6, it’s now a five-way race for two council seats, as Brian Machado and Karen Montgomery have stepped forward. Ben Labadie, Sheila Moir-Martin and incumbent Alysson Storey are also running to represent North West Chatham.

In Ward 8, it’s still an eight-way race for two council seats in South Chatham. Candidates there include Sandra Dorner, Ryan Drouillard, John Duquette, Andy Fisher, Rick Nicholls, Stephani Shill, Scott Thompson and Luke Van Der Vliet.

The number of people running to represent Ward 7 (North East Chatham) climbed to eight, with Marc King and Doug Robbins throwing their hats in the ring to run for two available seats. Steve Adkins; Michael Fife; incumbent Amy Finn; Larry Hutchins and Steve Kenney are also on the ballot.

Outside Chatham, four people are vying to represent South West Kent’s Ward 1, with Mark Authier, Michael Bond, Andrea Palmer and Gerhard Taves seeking a chair.

Two seats are up for grabs.

Ward 2, South East Kent, sees five people in a race for two seats, as Hassan Tariq has announced his candidacy. Chad Carnie; Matthew Giffin, Matt Lamarche and Brad Snobelen are also in the running.

In Wallaceburg’s Ward 5, four people are currently looking to represent Chatham-Kent’s second most populous community, with Zac Nicholson stepping forward to run against Brendan Authier, Jason Debuck and David Hyatt. Two seats are available in the ward.

Ward 3 candidates looking to serve the constitu-

ents of North East Kent include Cory Couture, Emery Huszka and Matthew Pietens. One seat is available.

The contest for a single seat in North West Kent’s Ward 4 is still a threeway race, with newcomers John Cummings and Kirk Hooker going up against incumbent Rhonda Jubenville.

Three candidates have announced they are running to become Chatham-Kent’s top elected official with councillor Lauren Anderson, Michael Bondy and newcomer Nelson Burm vying for the mayor’s chair.

Answer the call. Volunteer with Ontario Corps.

$1M boost to CT scanning at CKHA

Local MPP Trevor Jones popped by the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, with his provincial government chequebook in tow.

Jones and CKHA top brass announced a provincial investment of $1 million to support increased computer tomography (CT) operational capacity in the diagnostic imaging department. This funding will directly address wait times for CT scans and ensure the community has improved access to top-ti-

er diagnostic services.

“Our government is continuing to make meaningful investments in health care services that people in Chatham-Kent can rely on close to home,” Jones said in a media release. “This $1 million investment for the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance will help expand CT operational capacity, reduce diagnostic wait times, and ensure patients receive timely access to the care and screenings they need.”

CKHA serves both hospital inpatients and outpatients who rely on the

facility for screenings and regular testing.

With an average annual volume of approximately 24,000 CT scans, the demand for these services remains a critical priority for local health care delivery, hospital officials said.

“The provincial government’s investment supports improved access to our CT scans for our patients,” said Adam Topp, CKHA’s president and CEO. “By increasing our operational hours, we are making a clear commitment to reducing wait times and ensuring our

Adam Topp, CKHA president & CEO; Trevor Jones, MPP for Chatham-Kent–Leamington; Deb Crawford, CKHA board chair; Cynthia Stulp, CKHA manager of diagnostic imaging; and Dr. Stacey Speer, CKHA chief of radiology; pose with front-line diagnostic imaging staff May 21 at an announcement of $1 million in provincial support for the department.

patients receive the care they need, when they need it, and where they need it.”

Cynthia Stulp, manager of diagnostic imaging at the hospital, agreed.

“This funding allows the team to build on the high-quality care already provided at CKHA while moving closer to the pro-

vincial target,” she said.

“This will ensure the department can meet the community’s needs more efficiently, keeping ‘Our focus is YOU’ at the center of every scan.”

This funding will assist in strengthening local diagnostic services, hospital officials said, and “ensure patients across

Chatham-Kent can access timely, high-quality care close to home. Through continued investments in health care infrastructure and services, CKHA remains committed to enhancing patient experiences, supporting frontline teams, and meeting the growing needs of the community.”

The Chatham Voice

Contributed image

Gardiner was a moneyman

Sometimes good people, who do great things, do not seek special recognition for their accomplishments and just such a person was S.F. Gardiner.

Samuel Fleming Gardiner was born on a Middlesex County farm, abutting the Thames River, near London, Ontario on Christmas Day, 1839. Unlike most children of his era, he was able to obtain a post-secondary education. He first attended Victoria College at Coburg in 1858. In 1860 he then obtained additional instruction at the Brant, Strattor and Goldsmith Business College in Detroit. He worked in the daytime and attended classes in the evening. His original intent was to become an engineer, but he was not long in realizing

that he had an understanding of money and how it worked.

His knowledge eventually led him into the private banking business, along with his brother, and they established a private bank at Chatham in 1867.

Private banks were common in those times as people did not trust the national banks and avoided them.

Sam was a success and his private banking building soon was established on the north side of King Street, second building east of Fifth Street. For more than one hundred years, it had a blended front which made it look identical to the Merchants (Montreal ) Bank beside which it stood. It burned in the 1980s. In 1881, Sam became

financially involved in the Chatham Loan and Savings Company which had a three-floor building that still stands on the north side of King Street at 83 King St. W. This firm, technically, still survives as part of Canada Trust.

Sam, on establishing his wealth and success, built a fine home on the west side of William Street, second house north of what is now the Hinnegan-Paseski Funeral Home, and it still stands.

Sam’s greatest achievement was his diligent and relentless efforts in establishing Public General Hospital. Many years ago, I had the wonderful experience of writing and researching the history of PGH and only at that time did I realize what Sam had done in guiding this wonderful project into existence.

Sam died at Chatham in 1909 and reposes in Maple Leaf Cemetery.

Last call for local artists

Thames Art Gallery is inviting artists to take part in an upcoming exhibition - Queer Portraits – in mid-August.

This community focused showcase will highlight artworks that celebrate, reflect, or explore connections to Chatham Kent’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Artworks submitted must show a meaningful connection to the Chatham Kent community; be created from the perspective of, or in allyship with, the 2SLGBTQIA+ community; and portray a specific person(s) or a defining characteristic of that individual.

A jury will review and select entries based on these criteria. The call for entry is now open and will close May 29. Artists may submit up to two works using the online form on the gallery’s website. Submission is

free, and artists of all experience levels are welcome. Varied media are encouraged, including 2D, 3D, text based, video, and performance works.

Queries can be directed to the gallery email at ckartgallery@chatham-kent.ca.

John Rhodes

Contributed image

S.F. Gardiner.

The Chatham Voice

Community Events

Thursday, May 28, 2025:

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

• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am-9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am-1:30pm. Come check out our daily specials. Senior Euchre starts at 1:00pm. Members & non-members welcome.

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

• The Chatham Kinsmen Fair/Festival is this weekend May 28th-May 31st.

Thursday 4-11, Friday 4-11 , Saturday 12-11 and Sunday 12-4. Rides for all ages, food vendors , games of chance and other activities such as roaming juggles and more, petting farm on Sunday. Crafters and Vendors every day. Free admission at 80 Tweedsmuir Ave Chatham. There is a free bicycle draw and Elmer the Safety Elephant colouring contest. World’s finest shows are doing the rides and food. Visit us at www. chathamkinsmen.ca

Friday, May 29, 2026:

• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am–9:30pm. The kitchen is open from 11:00am–1:30pm. Supper will be served from 4:00–6:00pm. No orders after 5:30pm. Tonight’s specials $15.00(HST included). Take out is also available by calling 519351-8733 or 519-351-5639. At 5:15pm is our weekly Catch-The-Ace draw (tickets can be purchased at the bar). Fun Darts start at 7:00pm. Members & non-members welcome.

• Lunch at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 11am-1:30pm. Daily specials and menu items available. Friday night supper is a Spaghetti with meat balls and meat sauce dinner with caesar salad and a bun. Dine ins $14 and pickup $15. All meals are served at 6pm. Please call 519-352-8291 to order.

Saturday, May 30, 2026:

• Bill’s Place Drop In. 11:00am–2:00 pm. Come spend some time in the safety of Bill’s Place. Hang out, have a coffee, do your homework, ask questions, read a book, or about life or what we’ve been working on. Come and go as you please. No RSVP needed! All ages welcome. 48 Centre St. Chatham

• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 10:00am–9:30pm. Line Dancing lessons from 10:00am-12 noon. There will be meat draws at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30pm. The kitchen is open from 3:00pm–5:30pm. Come out and check out our menu. Entertainment by band Hunter by Night from 4:30-9:30pm. Members & non-members welcome.

• Chatham Resort Classic Car Show & BBQ. 10:00am-2:00pm at Chatham Resort Retirement Living. 25 Keil Dr. N, Chatham. info@chathamresort.ca. Take a look at some beautiful cars, enjoy a delicious hot dog or hamburger for just $5.00. Proceeds going to the Oncology Department at CKHA. A fun time for the whole family and all are welcome!

• Chatham-Kent Public Library (CKPL) is offering a free “Learn to Play Chinese Mahjong” program at 10:30 am at Wallaceburg Branch. Mahjong is a fun and challenging game but with the help of a knowledgeable instructor, you’ll be playing like a pro in no time! Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to learn a new skill and meet new people in the process. Experienced Mahjong players are welcome to attend and play while others learn the game. Register for this free program at your local branch or by contacting Ask CKPL: Phone: 519354-2940. Text: 519-401-7174. Email: cklibrary@chatham-kent.ca

• Jaimee Doyle (Huckle) 4th Annual Memorial Classic Auto Show. Free family event – everyone welcome! Registration at 8am – open to all. Rain date is Sunday, May 31. 112 New Scotland Line, Shrewsbury Community Centre. 9am-4pm. Moment of Remembrance at 1pm. Please rev your engines and honk!

• Giant indoor yard and bake sale. 7-1 pm @ First Reformed Church. 632 Lacroix St. Something for everyone. Lunch available.

• Community Conversation: Remembering Bill Brokenshire. 2 pm. As CK Pride marks 25 years, join us to hear firsthand stories from Bill’s friends about his legacy and what 2SLGBTQIA+ life was like in earlier generations. Bill’s Place, 48 Centre St. Chatham.

Sunday, May 31, 2026:

• Strong Starts for Tiny Hearts 5K run, walk & stroll. 10:00am start at Mud Creek, Chatham. Come on out for a morning of fun in support of our hospital. Tinyurl.com/strongstarts. Strongstartsfortinyhearts@gmail.com. Proceeds support the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation Women & Children’s Health Program.

• Breakfast at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 9am until Noon. All meals are cooked to order. Everyone welcome.

Tuesday, June 2, 2026:

• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am–9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am–1:30pm. Today’s special is Spaghetti with meat sauce. Come play Euchre at 1:00pm or spend the evening playing Shuffleboard or Euchre starting at 7:00pm. Members & non-members welcome.

Wednesday, June 3, 2026:

• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am-9:30pm. The kitchen is open from 11:00am–1:30pm. Our daily special is Meatloaf Dinner. Come check out our other daily specials. We have Fun Darts at 7:00pm. Members & non-members welcome.

Are you affected by someone else’s drinking? Al-anon can help! C all 1-888-425-2666 or Al-Anon.org

Alcholics Anonymous Chatham-Kent. Call or Text 519-360-5246 or see our website aachathamkent.com.

Vendors Wanted for the Merlin Legion car show on Sunday July 19th. Set up at 9:00 a.m. $25 a table. Please contact Lori at 519-476-5870.

Submit your coming events to bruce@chathamvoice.com or michelle@chathamvoice.com

Fun Stuff

65. Removed

66. “Silence of the __”

67. Comedian Rogen

CLUES DOWN

1. Children’s game

2. Relative biological effec -tiveness (abbr.)

3. Own (Scottish)

4. Female follower of Bacchus

5. Subsides

6. Protects from weather

7. Spanish municipality

8. Supermarket chain

CLUES ACROSS

1. Streetcar

5. Take __ of it!

10. SW Asia peninsula

12. Beating wings to escape from a perch 14. One who revitalizes 16. Indicates position 18. Dishonorable man 19. Singer King Cole 20. Short-tailed marten 22. One point east (clockwise) of due north 23. The god of the underworld in ancient mythology 25. Dirt 26. Superconducting super collider 27. Not good 28. A way to sink 30. Unwell 31. Follow orders

33. Deep ravine

35. Perfumery practice

37. Indian film director Sultan

38. Member of U.S. Navy

40. Wing-like

41. Very fast airplane

42. Slang for cigarette

44. Most cars still need it

45. Political war chest

48. Cools down

50. Diminish toward one end

52. Indigenous person of Thailand

53. Combined

55. Container

56. Expression of satisfaction

57. Thou

58. Return a favor

63. Go over once more

9. Domain name

10. Semitic peoples

11. Designs anew

13. City associated with Jesus

15. Cool!

17. Bank employee

18. Central nervous system

21. Standardized piece of text

23. A type of fever

24. Baglike structure in a plant or animal

27. Threaten persistently

29. Aspirations

32. Baby’s eating accessory

34. Actress Thurman

35. Turn into bone

36. One who saves you

39. Consume

40. Swiss river

43. A part of a river where the current is very fast

44. Categories

46. Expressed amazement

47. It’s important in respiration (abbr.)

49. Greek war dance

51. Bland, semi-liquid food

54. Regard in a specified way

59. Taxi

60. Naturally occurring solid material

61. Feline

62. Post-burning residue

64. Elevated railroad

Written by Norm Foster

JMSS band strikes golden notes

The Chatham Voice

John McGregor Secondary School’s concert band has come a long way in just three years’ time.

On May 11 in Niagara Falls, the 26-member ensemble earned a Gold Standard at MusicFest Canada “The Nationals” competition – joining more than 8,000 student

performers at the largest band competition in North America.

Led by educator Curtis Clarke, the band includes students from grades 9-12, some who never touched an instrument before Clark’s arrival at the school three years ago.

To go from that to winning gold “reflects the

C-K insurance costs dip

as assets are added or deleted.

Like the rest of us, insurance costs are taking a significant bite out of Chatham-Kent’s budget.

The cost of the municipality’s main insurance policy, purchased through Marsh Canada for the period from April 1, 2026 to April 2027, came in at just under $3 million.

But there’s a bit of good news, as it’s a 1.4-per-cent reduction from last year’s expiring premium.

According to C-K legal director Emily Crawford, the main policy covers property, liability, fleet and automobile, and errors and omissions, and the amount can fluctuate

’Burg

In addition to the Marsh policy, the municipality’s social housing buildings are insured by Housing Services Corp. The current HSC premium cost, for the policy period of Nov. 1, 2025 to Nov. 1, 2026, was $201,628. That’s a slight decrease from the prior year’s policy even with the addition of a new social housing building added on to the policy.

Chatham-Kent also has separate policies that offer specialized insurance, including cyber liability insurance at a cost of $90,000 per year and aviation drone insurance at $3,258 per year.

pool to close for a month

Swimming at the Wallaceburg Sydenham Pool will go down the drain for about a month.

The pool will be closed until June 28 for scheduled maintenance, including “essential repairs and deep cleaning,” according to municipal officials.

“This work ensures the safety, comfort, and long-

power of dedication, teamwork and the transformative impact of music education,” Clarke said in a Lambton Kent District School Board media release.

“The students worked so hard for this,” the teacher said. “I’m incredibly proud of them.”

According to the release, Clarke rebuilt the

Kimberley Scott Dakin

58, Saturday, May 9, 2026 Life Transitions

Laura Hooper

60, Saturday, May 16, 2026 Life Transitions

Elizabeth Teresa Gooch

80, Sunday, May 17, 2026 Life Transitions

Kevin Dean Janssens

56, Sunday, May 17, 2026

Nicholls Funeral Home

George William Barclay

90, Friday, May 15, 2026

McKinlay Funeral Home

Patsy Morrow

82, Wednesday, May 13, 2026

McKinlay Funeral Home

Harry Zuidema

94, Friday, May 15, 2026

McKinlay Funeral Home

school’s music program from the ground up. Starting in his first year, every student enrolled in a music class was taught to play an instrument.

“Going from not being able to play any instrument to winning gold at the national level in just three years is such an incredible accomplishment for the students at JMSS,” he added.

The concert band officially formed only last year, debuting at the school’s Panther’s Palette arts night. The band went on to perform at feeder schools and revived JMSS’s Winter Concert for the first time since the pandemic. In addition, the band earned a Silver Plus rating at MusicFest

T. Keith Browning

85, Monday, May 18, 2026

McKinlay Funeral Home

Elberta Crow

85, Wednesday May 20, 2026

McKinlay Funeral Home

Johannes DeKievit

85, Saturday, May 16, 2026 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Marie Velena "Evelyn" Couture

95, Wednesday, May 20, 2026 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Gilbert Aers

88, Thursday, May 14, 2026 Badder Funeral Home

Donald Joseph Whiteye

90, Monday, May 18, 2026 Badder Funeral Home

Jeff Patterson 73, Thursday May 14, 2026 Blenheim Community Funeral Home

term reliability of our aquatic facility,” a media release stated.

All swimming lessons, public swims, lane swims, aquafit and private rentals are paused during this time.

Alternate swimming opportunities are available at Gable Rees Rotary Pool in Blenheim and the Chatham-Kent YMCA in Chatham.

Windsor, qualifying them for the Nationals.

As part of its top-notch showing, the band performed three contrasting pieces, as well as a rigorous one-hour adjudication session, which included sight-reading a new piece of music with no preparation – a demanding component of the festival.

Fredric James Heintz

87, Friday, May 15, 2026

Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Donald W. Chapple

80, Monday, May 18, 2026 Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Antonio Meriano Thursday, May 14, 2026

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Sandra Verkaik 84, Friday May 15, 2026

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Carol Ann Billingham 82, Saturday May 16, 2026

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Rudy Sennema 65, Saturday, May 16, 2026

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

John Gordon 83, Monday, May 18, 2026 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

The Chatham Voice

In Memoriam

Ruth Ann Tattersall

Feb. 23, 1948- May 27, 2018

Sometimes memories sneak out of my eyes and roll down my cheeks.

You’re in my mind every day my love, Love Jim

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

Wanted: Scrap air conditioners, a/c condensers, dehumidifiers. Phone 226-2292614.

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Yard / Garage Sale

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9:00am-5:00pm daily. Boat & Motor, Tire Changer Something for everyone.

KIDS AND HOUSEHOLD YARD SALE

Saturday, May 30th

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YARD SALE

Saturday, JUNE 6,2026

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Carpet

Announcement

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

GOLD Silver

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BUYING

Consider donating your old and unused eye glasses to your local optometrist. Your donation can help the Vision Health of those in need!

Deep steam carpet cleaning, area rugs, and upholstery. WE WILL PICK UP YOUR AREA RUGS. Call Alec - 25+ Years Experience. 226-229-0451. greenandspotless@gmail.com. We are local Chatham-Kent Residents.

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Friday, June 5 • 9am-1pm Senior Expo - Blenheim Arena 199 King St S, Blenheim

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House calls available. Dan Jones B.A.B.Ed 519-818-1805

May 29th

Hope your day is as amazing as you! Love Michelle, all the kiddos and all of your family! Happy Anniversary John & Terry Vanderheide May 30, 2026

Deadline is Friday at 11am for

by tony gray

woah! i may be new around here, but the river level sure looks a lot higher than it did this morning when i arrived in town!

how is that even a possibility during a drought in the area?!? this is when i would normally investigate the situation and mess up my plans for the day...

...but i promised that i wouldn’t let my ‘heroics’ interfere with my new job. i also have to meet with maria, and get a key to my new place before work downtown.

i also set you up here with carla, at her salon, who runs the dorm where you’ll be living.

thanks. i’ll run in and pick up the key to my place.

carla, it’s the new tenant... and then some!

since we’re no longer living in the same city, i’ll set you up with a tech-guy in chatham to help you out in emergencies that can’t wait for you and i to connect, raymond.

i can always use all the help i can get!

yikes! you’re a giant! and your hair? you been wearing a hockey helmet? leave it to me. i’ll find a room with a high ceiling.

something like that.

Just a short distance away, a couple of ‘Gunner’ Menard’s cronies are out monitoring the effects of their leader’s collusion with the nefarious genius, preston todd.

i can’t tell which is rising faster, the temperature or the Thames river!! heh heh. and the river is going to keep rising until ‘gunner’ menard and the thames gang get whatever they want!!

NEXT WEEK: into the labyrinth!

Later, Raymond meets maria, the engineer who created his ‘COnduit Suit’ and is among the few who know that ray is actually the conduit!