C-K asks province for fair funding
Starting point for 2026 municipal budget: 4.92% increase
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
“Show us the money.”
That’s the ask from municipal officials to the provincial government over a shortfall in Ontario Community Infrastructure Funding (OCIF) heading into this year’s municipal budget proceedings.
It’s not a small shortage, ac-
cording to Chatham-Kent officials. In percentages, the shortfall equates to two per cent of the proposed 4.92-per-cent increase tabled to council at the Nov. 5 budget update.
In dollars, it represents a difference of $19.3 million.
A year.
“You see the order of magnitude we’re dealing with here,”
Mayor Darrin Canniff said. “If
this was a million bucks, we wouldn’t be talking about it. This is annual funding. Every year, we should be getting $19 million more. It’s a huge number.”
OCIF funding is distributed by the province to all but the larger urban centres in Ontario. And in all cases but three municipalities – Sudbury, Thunder Bay and Chatham-Kent – it’s done by a formula based on a municipality’s asset management information.
step up and treat us fairly. Get rid of that cap.”
time
“The province comes up with the formula and says, ‘Based on all your assets that you have, this is what we should be funding,” Canniff said. “Four hundred and 20 municipalities all get this formula. Except for three communities in Ontario that don’t. And it just so happens we are over 100,000 people so they put this arbitrary cap of $10 million (what Chatham-Kent receives in OCIF cash annually).”
Gord Quinton, chief financial officer for C-K, said under OCIF, there is a cap in place that prevents any one municipality from receiving more than 2.5 per cent of the $400-million OCIF pot.
But municipal officials said the provincial formula, if applied without that cap, would mean Chatham-Kent should receive $29.3 million a year in OCIF cash, hence the $19.3-million disparity.
“We are short-changed $19.3 million,” the mayor said. “It’s their formula, not ours. We’re just asking the province to
Nearby comparisons aren’t even close. Lambton County receives $18.4 million annually from OCIF; Essex, not including Windsor, gets $15.4 million. Even Elgin County receives $13.1 million. All are significantly smaller geographically, with significantly less in terms of asset and infrastructure needs, than Chatham-Kent. Here, we have less than one per cent of the province’s population, but have to address the maintenance of nearly five per cent of the bridges in Ontario and 20 per cent of the rural drains, for example.
“All the formulas say we should get much, much more,” Brock McGregor, a Chatham councillor and chair of the municipal budget committee, said.
“The past three years, the shortage of OCIF funding is almost $50 million from the province that we should have received, but we haven’t. It’s impacting agriculture in our community, it’s impacting investment into our community and it’s something we’re highlighting in this budget.”
Also revealed during the Nov. 5 budget presentation were disparities in funding distribution in other areas.
For example, provincial funding to help move people out of homeless encampments saw C-K receive $282,000 provincial dollars, while Lambton County and Sarnia received more than 10 times that amount, and Elgin County and St. Thomas scooped up even more at $4.1 million.
A program for the province to provide funding to upgrade water and wastewater infrastructure to help services be in place for home construction saw C-K shut out, while neighbours reaped rewards. Essex County
received $88 million; Lambton County $44 million, and Elgin County got $26 million.
“It makes no sense,” Quinton said.
Meanwhile, the taxpayers face the aforementioned 4.92-percent tax increase. Two per cent of that is attributed to the OCIF shortfall, while the remainder is comprised of maintaining services, asset management, social investments and changes to services.
Initially, as part of the fouryear budget process to which the municipality is now adhering, ratepayers were facing an 8.77-per-cent increase. Canniff said administration was able to whittle 4.14 per cent out through efficiencies.
McGregor said those savings translate to about $9.5 million.
“It’s really a long process that staff goes through to identify areas of savings. Some are small savings that add up,” he said. “some are changes to insurance premiums, debt retirement at the Bloomfield Business Park, etc. It’s a pretty long list, but all those things add up.”
Canniff and CAO Michael Duben stressed that no services, rural or urban, were cut.
In the meantime, the municipality will continue to lobby the Ford government for a change to how OCIF cash flows to Chatham-Kent. The province will likely deliver a new budget next spring.
Despite the shortfall, Canniff said the municipality is faring well.
“We’re in good financial health. Growth – we can grow. We need to grow. We need to provide assets people want,” he said. We need to give people reasons why they should move here, why businesses should locate here. But we’re being held back (by OCIF).”
Lemieux named Mr. Goodfellow
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
The Chatham Goodfellows hit the gas to accelerate into their 71st giving season on Nov. 6, holding their annual dinner meeting and rewarding the efforts of their army of volunteers.
That team helps to deliver the Goodfellows motto of “no child without a Christmas.”
Last year’s Goodfellows effort saw toys and Christmas hampers delivered to 1,500 families in and around Chatham.
This year, J.P. Lemieux earned the title of Mr. Goodfellow.
The Goodfellows’ president Kevin Shaw said Lemieux was very deserving of the award.
“He has been a big supporter of Chatham Goodfellows for many years. He’s run many fundraising efforts on behalf of his employer, through other groups, and on his own,” Shaw said. “He’s always been ready, willing and able to help in any way.”
Lemieux, who helps in toy sorting and packing, was humbled by the announcement.
“I’m very honoured to receive the award. I fell in love with the organization when I first started,” he said. “I want to help out and give back to the community.”
Lemieux has volunteered with the organization for about a decade, and has been on the board for the past three
years. He said the organization is very welcoming and very organized.
“I stepped into a very well-oiled machine,” he said, adding the effort is well received. “The need is there in the community and it’s great we can help out any way we can.”
Lemieux wasn’t the only one recognized at the dinner.
Janet Brunschot was given the 2025 Lifetime
Achievement Award for more than a half century of working with the Goodfellows.
“The lifetime achievement award goes to someone who doesn’t say much, so I will say a few words,” Shaw told those gathered. “They have been assisting the Chatham Goodfellows for over 50 years.”
From paper sales, counting donations, you name
it, Janet Brunschot has done it, Shaw said.
Patricia Clark, who has been aiding local non-profit groups since before the turn of the century, was caught off guard when Shaw named her the recipient of the President’s Award.
But Shaw said her effort embodies what Goodfellows is all about.
“Our recipient is always thinking of ways to help,
Support sought for Jamaica
The Chatham Voice
Truly Green Farms is looking to send aid back to the native island of more than 80 of their seasonal employees – Jamaica. “They are an important part of our Truly Green
family and of the agricultural workforce in our region,” Truly Green’s Julia Hatje da Rosa said in an email. “In light of the recent crisis affecting Jamaica, we are organizing a community support campaign to help families in urgent need.”
Hurricane Melissa ravaged parts of Jamaica recently.
Truly Green is organizing a community donation campaign to support families in urgent need. They’re looking for donations of non-perishable food items, hygiene and
support and train in the field of personal development of others,” he said.
The Goodfellows also handed out numerous certificates of appreciation for support and dedication.
And now the focus is on gathering names of families in need, collecting toys, food and donations and then packaging and delivering everything before Christmas.
lecting toy and non-perishable donations at Friday’s Chatham Santa Claus parade.
This year’s Porchlight takes place Dec. 1 where volunteers go doorto-door in Chatham asking for donations.
“I fell in love with the organization when I first started. I want to help out and give back to the community.”
- Mr. Goodfellow JP Lemieux
Street sales, which involve volunteers standing outside key stores in and around Chatham to accept donations, run Dec. 12 and 13.
The online registration for families is underway, and the phones at the Goodfellows office at 519354-1146 went active this week. Registration will be accepted until Dec. 5.
Volunteers will be col-
Toy packing takes place at the former Peavey Mart on St. Clair Street Dec. 8-11 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Deliveries occur Dec. 17. And food packing and delivery take place Dec. 18.
personal care items, first aid and medical supplies, and household and essential goods.
Just drop them off at Truly Green on Bloomfield Road from now until Nov. 20 during normal business hours.
Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice
Mr. Goodfellow 2025 J.P. Lemieux, centre, is flanked by Porchlight chair Craig Williston, left, and Goodfellow president Kevin Shaw.
Santa parade set for Friday in Chatham
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
Santa Clause is coming to town all right. This weekend, in fact. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in Chatham Friday night, and Wallaceburg on Saturday evening.
Preparations for the Chatham parade are all but complete, Katie Goulet, office and project manager for the Historic Downtown Chatham BIA, said.
“It’s pretty much all set up. We have all the volunteers signed up,” she said. “There will be about 70 floats and several bands.”
The Essex and Kent Scottish Regiment Pipes and Drums, the Branch 642 Royal Canadian Legion Pipe Band, Deep Southwest, and the Southwind Buoys are all part of the parade, Goulet said.
Several buskers will be on hand, and the Southern Cruisers Riding Club Chatham-Kent 312 will lead the way, gathering toys and canned goods for the Chatham Goodfellows.
The parade participants will gather along Sandys Street to line up prior to parade start, which takes place at 6 p.m. Goulet reminds parade goers it takes time for the parade to make its way from the corner of Grand Avenue West and Sandys Street to the downtown core.
“The parade leaves Sandys St. at 6 p.m. but doesn’t get to King and Third streets until about 6:30 p.m.,” she said.
Goulet said she loves the energy of the parade.
“Even just getting everyone lined up with the floats. Everyone’s excited to be there and see all the families,” she said.
And then there are the smiling faces of the kids.
To that end, Goulet said Tasty Treats will set up in the parking lot beside the BIA, selling hot chocolate, cotton candy and candy apples.
When the parade ends at the W.I.S.H. Centre, Goulet invites everyone to come along.
“We’ll have free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, free pizza from OG Pizza, and hot chocolate,” she said.
The parade is made possible thanks to a host of volunteers, as well as sponsorship support.
This year, Enbridge, Engie, Waste Connections, J. Quaglia Law and OG Pizza are on board. OG’s bringing the food, while the other organizations have provided various levels of financial support to make the parade go from dream to reality.
This year’s theme is “Whispers of Winter Wonderland.”
For Goulet, this marks her second Santa Claus parade while heading up the BIA. She said
the first time around was at times overwhelming.
“This year, I know what I’m expecting. I’m looking forward to it,” she said.
All that’s needed now is for Mother Nature to co-operate.
Santa’s spreading his time around for the families across Chatham-Kent. Aside from Chatham and then Wallaceburg this weekend, he will be in Tilbury on Nov. 28, Blenheim on Dec. 5, Wheatley Dec. 6, Ridgetown on the afternoon of Dec. 13 and in Dresden that evening, and in Thamesville on Dec. 19 for these communities’ Santa Claus parades.
SAT., NOVEMBER 22nd @ 12pm
Chatham Voice file photo
It’s Santa parade season in Chatham-Kent, with the fun kicking off Friday in Chatham.
Opinion
‘Shame on you’
One vote. That’s all Chatham-Kent council needed to reassure rural residents of the municipality that councillors take their rights to clean drinking water seriously.
Yet, in the end, it didn’t happen.
Council needed a two-thirds majority to bring the issue of whether or not Chatham-Kent wants to be a willing or unwilling host to wind turbine farms back before council for discussion. They needed 12 of 18, but got 11. A year ago, council opted to remain as a willing host for turbine farms. It’s good tax money, after all.
But with all the wind farm issues with groundwater in North Kent, including a number that are under “keep your mouths shut” non-disclosure agreements in parts of the former Dover Township, rural residents are understandably concerned over future turbine projects. In North Kent, several rural homes and farms saw their well water turn murky to the point the filters on their pumps clogged up repeatedly and the water was undrinkable. For some, it was during the construction of the turbines nearby; for others it occurs as the turbines spin; and for more, it began with turbine construction and
has never let up.
This past summer, two turbine firms came a knocking, seeking to establish sites in East Kent. Citizens organized and loudly told council they didn’t want the things in their part of the municipality.
And council listened. They turned down proposals from Capstone Infrastructure and EDF Power Solutions in early October.
Such a move was applauded by citizens in attendance at the Oct. 6 council meeting. A month later, someone shouted, “Shame on you; shame on you” in the wake of council’s decision to not reopen discussions to become an unwilling host.
Shame on them indeed. Access to safe drinking water is an internationally recognized right under the United Nations. It’s tragic that people in Third World Countries don’t have such access. But it’s abysmal that there are rural residents in Chatham-Kent – not to mention way too many First Nations citizens in the north – apparently don’t have that right.
Council should have at the very least brought the matter back for discussion. One vote.
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Encampment, traffic issues are concerning
Editor: Recently, the Chatham-Kent Police Service were asking people to complete a survey for feedback about what we feel should be priorities and key matters important to the people of Chatham-Kent. Two of my main concerns were the ongoing control of the encampment saga and traffic control and speeding in this city.
I see the city has hired by-law officers for the encampment, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. I am sure we are footing this bill. Great!
Hopefully the CKPS is doing the weekend shift?
In the Oct. 9 issue of The Chatham Voice, a picture of a fire burning in the encampment close to trees appeared. Lo and behold on the next
page, a restoration company was cleaning up after it. No fire regulations for these people like the rest of us tax-paying citizens?
Never mind the expenses being paid for fire trucks being sent out. (Once again us footing the bill.)
The people in neighborhoods close to this encampment are paying property taxes plus paying for their neighborhood destruction.
As for traffic in this town? What is happening here? It’s okay to go 80 to 90 km/h on city streets? Ridiculous.
How often do you see a car pulled over by police or a speed trap set up? I don’t think there is enough police presence on roads.
Speeding in this city is
insane. Cars, trucks, motorcycles. And tailgating. St. Clair Street… don’t even get me started on that. I live on Michener Road. The speeding is crazy. People probably going 70 to 80 km/h in a 50 km/h zone that has a crosswalk to a school and a park. A few speed bumps would slow down these morons. I have seen it been done in London. Also frequent police presence.
Let’s hope it doesn’t take something serious happening to get things done. So, back to the survey. Hopefully people’s opinions are going to count and we get this city back on track.
Deb Warnock Chatham
C-K still open to hosting wind turbines
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Despite public pressure, Chatham-Kent will not be designated as an “unwilling host” for future wind turbine development.
At its Nov. 3 meeting council voted against revisiting the issue which put a stop to a motion from Chatham Coun. Amy Finn to join more than 150 Ontario municipalities officially saying no to wind turbines.
Technically, Finn’s motion asked that Chatham-Kent council to not support the establishment of any new wind project procurements under the umbrella of Ontario’s Independent Electrical System Operator.
Because the “unwilling host” issue had been raised by North Kent Coun. Rhonda Jubenville in 2024 and voted down, a two-third vote was needed to bring Finn’s motion to the floor to reconsider.
Of the 17 councillors present, 11 voted in favour of revisiting the matter, including councillors Conor Allin, Lauren Anderson, Michael
Bondy, Carmen McGregor, Anthony Ceccacci, Ryan Doyle, Finn, Jamie McGrail, Alysson Storey, John Wright and Jubenville.
The six councillors voting against reopening the issue included Marjorie Crew, Brock McGregor, Aaron Hall, Melissa Harrigan, Trevor Thompson and Mayor Darrin Canniff. Councillor Morena McDonald was absent.
As a result, the motion failed by one vote, as 12 votes were necessary.
Earlier in the meeting, a handful of deputations were presented asking council to deem Chatham-Kent an unwilling host to wind turbine projects. Following the decision to forego revisiting the matter, which negated Finn’s motion, an unidentified man in the council chamber audience shouted out “Shame on you, shame on you.”
Wind turbines in Chatham-Kent has long been a contentious topic in Chatham-Kent. Residents in North Kent (Dover and the former Chatham Township) say their wells were fouled – some rendered unusable due to
black water – as a direct result of the construction and operation of wind turbines.
Last month, council voted to quash applications from Capstone Infrastructure and EDF Power Solutions as both companies were seeking permission to build wind turbine farms in East Kent.
Finn, who voted against last year’s motion by Jubenville to designate C-K as an unwilling host to turbines, said she changed her stance because of what’s she recently learned. It was also pointed out to council during the meeting that the province has yet to reply to the municipality’s request to study the sediment in wells tested in North
Thankful to live here
Editor: I read with interest
Kim Cooper’s article in The Chatham Voice, “Do many of us really understand?” in the Nov. 6 paper.
I was born in the middle of the Second World War, so I don’t, of course, remember things, that happened then. What I do remember is sitting at the dining room table, my father answering the phone and with shock said, “Doug is dead.”
these people.
Then I read the Rape of Nanking and was sick.
Yes, my cousin Doug was killed in Korea near the end of that peace-keeping mission. I still remember a young man who treated his little girl cousin so well.
Years later, I moved to Nanjing China (Nanking in those days). I went to the museum of the Japanese attack on Nanking. It was terrible to see what was done to
Many lives were saved when a woman climbed a fence into a university I know well, but not enough lives. There is a part in the book that tells of the German Counsel in Nanking. He saved many, many Chinese lives when this was happening. When he went back to Germany, he of course wasn’t thanked, and, I think if I remember right, he died in poverty.
These are the things I think of on Remembrance Day. I also think of how lucky we are to live in Canada, when things around the world are not like our safe country.
Susanne Salmon Chatham-Kent
Feds dole out $3.7M for tiny cabins
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative
pamwrightlji@gmail.com
The federal government has stepped up to help pay for Chatham-Kent’s tiny cabin homeless shelter.
As part of the government’s Affordable Housing Fund (AHF), the municipality will receive more than $3.7 million to go towards the Pathways on Park complex in south Chatham. According to a media release, the federal funding is supporting a portion of the costs for the existing cabins.
Mayor Darrin Canniff called the investment “a major step forward in
addressing the urgent need for transitional housing in Chatham-Kent.
“The 50 new cabins at Pathways on Park are now providing secure, stable spaces for residents who need them most, while helping people take the next step toward permanent housing,” Canniff said in the release.
“I want to thank the Government of Canada for their partnership and commitment to ensuring that every person in our community has a place to call home. Together, we’re building not just housing, but hope and opportunity for the future.”
South Kent Coun. Anthony Ceccacci also expressed gratitude for the funding.
“Homelessness and homelessness
Chatham Resort
CHRISTMAS NIGHT MARKET
prevention have been a major focus of this term of council, and this project shows what can happen when a council and all levels of government work together toward real solutions,” he said. “Pathways on Park is already changing lives in our commu-
nity, and this funding helps ensure that we can continue providing critical supports to people when they need them most. I would like to sincerely thank everyone involved in the project for making this vision a reality.”
Each of the 50 modular cab-
ins offer a private sleeping space, with shared kitchens, bathrooms, and common areas located in the community building. The site is staffed 24/7 to help residents transition to permanent housing and connect them with key services.
C-K team to meet with York1
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
After a long period of no contact, Chatham-Kent officials are formally meeting with a planner representing York1 Nov. 15.
This coming on the heels of news the federal Impact Assessment Agency of Canada turned down a request to undertake an environmental assessment at the Dresden landfill site on Irish School Road owned by York1.
legislation will adequately address impacts the landfill may have on the environment, as well as on Indigenous people.
The formal ask to the IAAC was a joint effort between Dresden Citizens Against Reckless Environmental Disposal, Chatham-Kent and Walpole Island First Nation.
Chief administrative officer Michael Duben and deputy CAO Dave Taylor both spoke to the matter at the Nov. 3 council meeting.
Taylor told council officials were discouraged by the IAAC refusal.
“It’s really a shame,” Taylor said. “We’re disappointed with that.”
According to Taylor, IAAC officials said the agency believes existing provincial
“We don’t agree with that and that’s why we made the submission (to the IAAC),” Taylor said. However, he said the refusal is not the end of the fight, as York1 still needs approvals from Chatham-Kent.
“We’ve consistently pointed out that York1 has to come to this chamber and ask for land use planning approvals in order to move forward with their project,” he said. “We’re pushing that issue.”
Taylor also spoke as to why Ontario’s Bill 197 can’t be used to stop a landfill if it’s too close to a town, saying he believes the legislation applies to new landfills only.
“It appears the province is taking the position that because there was some historic land-use planning approvals here, it doesn’t appear they are suggesting there’s a new landfill,” Taylor said. “But I do want to confirm we are continuing to look at that avenue.”
According to Taylor, Chatham-Kent hasn’t been informed as to what York1 is planning or what the provincial process for approvals will be.
Duben added there are many unknowns.
“For the very first time, they (York1) reached out to me and I’ve been here for three years,” Duben said. “The process is one we don’t understand because it is a new process that hasn’t occurred before,” he explained, adding Chatham-Kent will also reach out to Walpole Island First Nation to find out where they are in the consultation process with York1. More information will be shared with the public as it becomes available, Duben said.
Since the York1 project came to light early in 2024, the community – along with several municipalities including Chatham-Kent – has been staunchly opposed to the project that will see a dormant landfill revived to accept demolition and construction waste. Soil washing and recycling will also take place at the site.
Contributed image
Seen here is Chatham-Kent’s tiny cabins project on Park Street in Chatham.
Students help scare hunger
foyer and lined the main hallway.
The kids are all right.
The annual UCC Lancers Scare Hunger food drive has once again delivered – literally – to Chatham Outreach for Hunger.
“It was fantastic!” Brenda LeClair, executive director of Outreach for Hunger, said in a news release. “On Monday, truck after truck after truck kept rolling up to our doors with skids of food. We are overwhelmed and couldn’t be happier.”
The annual food drive, organized by the UCC Cares Group, fans out across neighbourhoods to collect non-perishable food items.
This year’s contributions filled the school’s
Van Hoof Siding Place offered its cube van and a driver to help get the donated food across town to Outreach for Hunger. In addition, UCC staff with SUVs and pickup trucks volunteered to join the convoy of vehicles.
“The students are amazing,” LeClair said. “They haul all of the food into our warehouse and stock the shelves for us.”
UCC top educator Lisa Harnarine said the students and staff stepped up.
“I want to thank our students, staff and the residents of our community, who always come through for us,” Harnarine, principal of UCC, said.
The annual fundraiser comes just in time to help support the busy Christ-
mas season at Outreach for Hunger. “The timing couldn’t
be better,” LeClair said. “Our supplies were getting pretty low; but now
we’re in good shape as we head into the Christmas season.”
The Chatham Voice
Contributed image
With Lancers Scare Hunger student volunteers are Lisa Harnarine, principal of Ursuline College, left; and Margaret Palmer, UCC Chaplain, right.
No change on councillor cash
Status quo for Hydro One discretionary cash for councillors ... for now
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
How Chatham-Kent council will in the future disperse cash from the Hydro One Community Benefit Agreement will be left up to the next council.
Council reached the decision at its Nov. 3 meeting, voting yes on a motion from Wallaceburg Coun. Aaron Hall to defer. Discussion on the matter was prompted by a motion from South Kent Coun. Anthony Ceccacci, who said he wanted to make sure that rural wards losing representation when council drops from 18 to 15 members in 2026 won’t
be short changed on the cash.
As part of his motion, Ceccacci recommended the $75,000 surplus resulting from the upcoming changes in council’s composition be distributed equally among eight rural wards councillors including Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.
“We all know that the will of council was to reduce the representation for our rural residents,” Ceccacci told council, noting it will significantly reduce cash available to affected wards.
“I would like to see the funds distributed to the rural wards that have lost representation,” Ceccacci said. “This is something I
think is very important.”
As part of a host sharing agreement with the utility, Chatham-Kent receives $1 million per year. In turn, each councillor receives $25,000 and the mayor receives $100,000 to fund community culture and recreation capital projects, as well as addressing community need.
The 10-year agreement between the municipality and Hydro One launched in 2022.
However, discussion on the matter grew slightly heated, with Chatham Coun. Brock McGregor saying he disagreed with changing the model.
“I understand the spirit of the motion,” McGregor
Camp committee update
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative
pamwrightlji@gmail.com
The Encampment Advisory Committee Terms of Reference have been approved by Chatham-Kent council.
When assembled, the new committee will be made up of members of council, representatives from the Northside Neighbours Association (NNA), business owners selected in conjunction with the NNA, members of administration and community members with lived experience. Two members will be chosen from each group.
In September, council directed administration to put together a committee that would include members from affected neighbourhoods “to facilitate transparent communication between the municipality and the community at large” with regard to any proposed changes at encampments.
The action sparked a summer of discontent
told council, but said he didn’t think “we should value one area over another.”
McGregor said the new councillor boundary system “does a better job” of representing people
by population, and the funding should follow the same model, as the changes recommended by Ceccacci would make in “unequitable.”
Following suggestions from North Kent Coun.
when the encampment in downtown Chatham relocated to the greenspace at Chatham’s water treatment plant on Grand Avenue East. Neighbours and business owners were outraged, making the municipality aware of vandalism, drug use and the related social disorder the homeless are believed to be responsible for.
Several deputations were made at the outset of the meeting, stressing the need for representation from the community.
Clare McDowell, cochair of the NNA, said her association, as well as the Tecumseh Park Neighbourhood Association, simply want to be heard and to have their concerns recognized as equally as those speaking for the unhoused.
According to McDowell, the terms fall short of protecting the safety and security of residents.
“We don’t need another forum for talking at each other,” McDowell told council, saying the advisory committee would
Rhonda Jubenville and McGregor, staff have agreed to beef up reporting on how the Hydro One funds are being spent, so that all of council will be aware of how the money is used across C-K.
like to provide input before any decisions come before council.
“We are afraid the committee will be seen as a rubber stamp, defined by what it can’t do, rather than what it can,” she said.
McDowell also warned the committee should not be affected by “biased selection,” noting a councillor in the ward directly affected by the encampment be included, including councillors who have “dismissed residents’ concerns in the press,” as well as members of social agencies.
“These people have repeatedly attempted to manipulate public sentiment to vilify and negate the concerns of the community,” McDowell said. “Their voices already dominate the conversation. We need new perspectives, not the same ones on repeat.”
According to an administrative report submitted to council, an advisory committee can make recommendations, but it does not make decisions.
Exercise is an important component of a healthy lifestyle for people of any age, including the over 50 crowd. Seniors may have been told by their physicians that exercise promotes heart health and is essential to maintaining bone and muscle strength as well as balance and flexibility. Joining an exercise class or a gym also can be a social activity that promotes interaction with others of similar ages and with shared goals.
Exercise is undoubtedly beneficial for seniors, but it is important for older adults to exercise caution when starting a workout regimen. Prioritizing safety can circumvent injuries that could waylay progress. Temple Health says that seniors can suffer overuse injuries, torn ligaments or cartilage, broken bones, and other physical problems if they do not embrace safe exercising strategies. Most injuries can be avoided when following these healthy habits and guidelines.
• Find an activity you like. Engaging in regular exercise helps you maintain a higher level of fitness compared to those who are sedentary. Maintaining a consistent exercise regimen ensures you won’t be starting over each time you stop exercising and have to build up again to your previous fitness level.
• Start slowly and then increase gradually. People hear “exercise” and they may think that translates to hours at the gym and high-intensity workouts. But general guidelines state older adults need about 2.5 hours of aerobic activity per week, not each day. So exercising does not have to take as much time or be as intense as one might think. Combine aerobic exercise with activities that strengthen muscles.
• Warm up before activity. It’s important to get the body acclimated to exercise before each workout. Walking in place, doing arm circles and engaging in some gentle squats or lunges can prepare the body for what is to come. Stretch afterwards when ligaments and tendons are warmed up.
• Remember to stay hydrated. Touro LCMC Health says that older adults are at greater risk for dehydration because they naturally have less water in their bodies or take medications that increase risk of dehydration. Drinking enough water during exercise is key.
• Know your limits and adapt. A workout that is fine for a 30-year-old may not be the same for someone who is 60. You might need to embrace walking instead of running, or even swap lifting weights with using resistance bands or doing body weight exercises.
• Focus on some balance activities. Balance issues can cause seniors to fall and risk serious injury. Working on your balance may help to lower your risk of these types of injuries, and can be as simple as standing on one foot or marching in place.
Exercise is important for seniors, and finding ways to incorporate safe physical activity can promote good health throughout one’s golden years.
Film to document 1957 tragedy
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Making the documentary ‘Dresden 1957’ is a milestone for Eric Philpott.
Not only does it mark the lives of six Dutch immigrants who died in the deadly excavation cavein, but it also honours his father Keith who, was a young site engineer heading up a job for the first time.
“I actually feel quite connected to both sides of this story,” the filmmaker told The Voice in a telephone interview from his Toronto home. “I feel very strongly that I can do something about it for my father.”
The documentary tells the largely forgotten story of a collapse that killed six men. Five families were affected, with one family, losing both a son and a father. The tragedy took place along the banks of the Sydenham River on Aug. 14, during the construction of a new pumping station, part of Dresden’s waterworks.
In the works since 2023, the film is now ready for post production, which will take another year. In order to complete the next phase, Philpott has launched a crowdfunding campaign with a goal of $60,000 to get the project over the finish line.
According to Philpott his interest was piqued when he learned about the disaster during a casual discussion with his mother. Later, he found his father’s diary, who at age 24, wrote about the cave-in and the following eight months of construction with the clarity of an engineer’s mind.
Extensive research by Philpott into the incident supports the facts laid out by his father, inspiring him to document one of Ontario’s worst workplace tragedies.
His father, who was born in England and lived in London throughout the Second World War, married his mother, who was an immigrant from Holland. Because he is half Dutch and the son of an immigrant, Philpott feels a kinship with the men who died in Dresden and their families.
“There were certain things about my father I didn’t understand, but after reading the diary and doing the research, I have a better understanding,” he said, adding he believes the incident marked his father for life.
Philpott said his father tried to warn the higher ups the excavation could give way, but no one listened and disaster struck only two weeks into the project.
He’s learned a lot from diving into a story, and hopes the film will bring awareness to safety in the workplace in order to prevent similar tragedies from taking place.
“While the Dresden tragedy occurred sometime ago, the question it raises are, unfortunately, still relevant today,” Philpott said. “Workers are still dying on the job, immigrants are disproportionately more vulnerable, and public awareness of the toll that workplace tragedies take is still very low in Canada. We hope this film will change that.”
With the help of senior editor Joseph Crawford, Philpott began work-
ing on the film in 2023. The project was entirely self-funded for the first year. Successful crowd funding in 2024 allowed the team to hire cinematographer Pawel Kacprzak, who filmed in Dresden and other locations in southwestern Ontario, conducting nearly 40 in-
terviews.
“Since starting work on this project we’ve made countless fascinating discoveries,” Philpott explained. “We’ve found television footage of the tragedy, which we certainly didn’t know existed, and witnesses who we didn’t think were still
alive. And we’ve had tremendous support from the community; for example, one volunteer found the original engineering drawings for the pumping station, several of which were done by my father.”
In December 2024, the team completed a 3D scan of the riverbank where the
tragedy occurred, allowing them to create visual representations of site as it was in 1957.
The crowdfunding campaign for Dresden 1957 runs until Nov. 28. To support the project, visit dresden1957.com/ crowdfunding-for-dresden-1957.
Conservation authority merger looms
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative
pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Sweeping changes that could see the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority merge with six other authorities is being proposed by the province.
If approved, the LTVCA will become part of the Lake Erie Region Conservation Authority, stretch-
ing all the way from the Grand River in Kitchener to Windsor and north to Lake Huron beyond Grand Bend. However, that doesn’t change anything at the local level for the time being.
“It’s business as usual,” said LTVCA CEO Mark Peacock. “We are still providing services to our community and we will work with the government to ensure local delivery of
services is continued.”
On Oct. 31, the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) announced a plan to create a provincial board-governed agency, called the Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency, with the goal of providing leadership, governance and strategic direction to conservation authorities.
In a media release, MECP Minister Todd McCarthy
said the oversight body will address a “fragmented” system and cut red tape to spur the economy.
A one-stop permitting process will also be introduced.
“The new, dedicated agency would work with conservation leaders to ensure faster, more transparent permitting and more front-line services so we can reduce delays to get shovels in the ground
sooner, support economic growth and keep our communities safe from floods and other natural hazards,” McCarthy said. How the mergers will roll out and how the new system will be financed remains to be seen.
Under the current funding model for conservation authorities, a significant portion of the money comes from municipalities.
“There’s a saying that those who pay should have a say,” Peacock explained. “Right now, municipal money goes toward improving the watershed in Chatham-Kent.”
The conservation authority legislation has yet to be introduced into the Ontario legislature and a consultation process must take place prior to any changes.
Overnight shelter in works for ’Burg
By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com
A local man with more than five decades of experience in providing aid to those in need is determined to help bring a homeless shelter to Wallaceburg.
Don Wells, a 76-year-old cancer survivor, has been in contact with members of the clergy in Wallaceburg and hopes to have a facility available this winter to accommodate 10-15 people.
Wells, one of the founders of the Inn of the Good Shepherd and the River City Vineyard in Sarnia, said there is a need for the facility in Wallaceburg.
“I was trying to get a homeless shelter started in Chatham and Wallaceburg in 2014, but local officials didn’t want to listen,” he said. “First, they said there weren’t any homeless people, and then they said the homeless were invisible, whatever that meant.”
“The problem has always been around. No one recognized it because no one wanted to, and look at the mess we have today. If we could have done things right throughout the years, we
might not have this mess everywhere today.”
Wells said getting local clergy behind the idea is essential.
“I’ve spoken to several, but this issue needs everyone behind it, acting as one body of Christ.
Churches are a place of sanctuary to serve – as the Bible says, ‘the least of these.’ Wasn’t Jesus the least of these?”
Tentatively named “The Inn of the Tired Shepherd,” Wells said the facility would offer overnight accommodation, only with no drugs, alcohol or weapons allowed.
“They must come in clean, and if they aren’t, we will try to get them to drug- and addiction-recovery places.”
The facility Wells envisions would have two volunteers per shift, and those using the building would have to remain inside from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Wells said River City in Sarnia is donating bed frames and he is in the process of procuring mattresses.
“I have 65 volunteer staff members,” he said. “We need a location that will not be in a residential location.”
Wells said operating a shelter isn’t the solution to homelessness, but it is a first step.
“Most of these people lack life skills and education. Kids have been pushed along to the next grade for years. I know people who have a Grade 12 diploma but aren’t literate. Drug, alcohol and mental health issues exist, but 95 per cent of these are beautiful, good people who need to learn basic skills. Most of these people don’t want to deal with authority figures. They listen to people who have been on the street.”
Wells said he “graduated” from Brentwood Recovery Home nearly 40 years ago.
“Brentwood and faith in Jesus turned my life around. I’ve been part of helping probably 4,000 homeless people in my life, and I think we’ve saved 2,500,” he said.
“That’s why I went back to school for drug and alcohol addiction counselling. I know what it’s like to have nothing and
Bingo win for local man
Robert Dubé of Chatham won a $100,000 top prize with recently with Instant Bingo Doubler.
Dubé, a retiree, is a longtime lottery player with OLG. He especially enjoys playing instant tickets, with his favourite game being Instant Bingo. Now, the 82-year-old is de-
lighted to share the story of his first major win. It was around 8:30 p.m. when Robert called his daughter, asking her to come over and check his ticket.
“I wasn’t sure whether I’d gotten all the numbers,” he said in a media release.
“When my daughter came over and confirmed my win, she was overwhelmed with
need help.”
Wells raised thousands of dollars for charities through his “Journeys of Hope” more than a decade ago and is planning another fundraiser next summer if his bladder cancer remains in remission.
“I want to take a scooter from Walpole Island to the House of Parliament in Ottawa to raise money for children’s charities,”
he said.
He is the recipient of honours from Governor General David Johnston, congratulations from astronaut Chris Hadfield and scores of citations from mayors and MPPs across southwestern Ontario.
“If someone is thanking me for doing something, it means they’re aware of the causes I support,” he said.
happiness and cried tears of joy.”
Dubé broke the news to some other family members.
“They were all thrilled for me and said I deserve this,” he said. “This win feels surreal!”
The winning ticket was purchased at Lucky 7 Variety on McNaughton Avenue West in Chatham.
The Chatham Voice
Community Events
Thursday, November 13, 2025:
• Retired Workers Chapter Meeting at 10:00am. Keep up to date with things going on in the community, pensions, benefits and info from informed leadership and guest speakers. Spouses are welcome. Unifor Local 127, 405 Riverview Dr., Chatham (lower board room).
• Jam Session at the Merlin Legion. Everyone welcome between 1-4 pm and consider staying for an early dinner! Donations are welcome so bring your singing voice or musical instrument.
• Theatre Kent presents: CATS! CATS is set amongst a larger-than-life junkyard playground & is alive with purr-fect felines. 7:30pm. Tickets at cktickets.com.
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open 11:00am-1:30pm. Come check out our daily specials. Senior Euchre at 1:00pm. Members & non-members welcome.
• Lunch at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St, 11am- 1:30pm. Daily specials and menu items available. Everyone welcome.
Friday, November 14, 2025:
• Kent Branch, Ontario Ancestors Webinar at 7pm. Essex-Kent Mennonite Historical Society: History & Resources. Free and open to everyone. Register at kent.ogs.on.ca.
• Theatre Kent presents: CATS! CATS is set amongst a larger-than-life junkyard playground & is alive with purr-fect felines. 7:30pm. Tickets at cktickets.com.
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am-1:30pm. Supper served 4:00-6:00pm. No orders after 5:30pm. Tonight’s specials are pork loin or fish & chips, $15.00(HST included). Take out available, call: 519-351-8733 or 519351-5639. Fun Darts at 7:00pm. Members & non-members welcome.
• Merlin Legion Scrumptious Merlickin’ Pork Chops, scallop potato & hot veggie, plus dessert. $17.50. Served from 4:30-7pm at Merlin Legion. Contact 519-689-4884 for more information. Take outs also available.
• Lunch at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St, 11am-1:30pm. Friday night supper is a lasagna dinner with a caesar salad and a bun. Dine ins $14 and pickups $15. Please call 519-3528291 to order. All meals are served at 6pm. Everyone welcome.
Saturday, November 15, 2025:
• Morning Breakfast Program at First Presbyterian Church (corner of Fifth St. and Wellington). A delicious and nutri-
tious breakfast served free of charge from 9:30am-11:00am, serving indoors, no take out. Wheelchair accessible.
• Theatre Kent presents: CATS! CATS is set amongst a larger-than-life junkyard playground & is alive with purr-fect felines. 7:30pm. Tickets at cktickets.com.
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 10:00am-9:30pm. Line Dancing lessons 10:00am-12pm. Meat draws 3:30, 4:30, 5:30pm. Kitchen open 3:00pm-5:30pm. Unity Station 4:30-9:30pm. Members & non-members welcome.
• Zonta Holiday Card Making Extravaganza is back. Since its beginning, this event has raised more than $58,000 in scholarships for students at St. Clair College. Local creative business owners volunteer their time to guide participants of all skill levels. Supplies are provided, a tasty boxed lunch from Maple City Bakery and a selection of sweet treats. $70, available at zontachathamkent.org.
• Christmas Bazaar & Bake Sale. 9am1pm at First Reformed Church Chatham. Lunch available. Something for everyone. All are welcome.
• Joni and the Gang will play at the Tilbury Legion from 7:00-10:00pm. Meat draw at 3:00pm. 4 Stewart St., Tilbury. Everyone welcome, no need to be a member.
• Join us at the Merlin Legion for Karaoke Bob. 7-midnight. Please call 519-689-4884 for more information.
• Christmas Bazaar & Bake Sale at the The Merlin Friendship Club, 13 Erie St. S., 9am to 3pm. Discover a trove of Christmas decor, plants & small gifts.
• Euchre at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St at 1pm. Registration begins at Noon, $10. Lunch available from Noon until 1pm.
Sunday, November 16, 2025:
• All you can eat brunch at the Tilbury Legion. 10:00am-1:00pm. $15.00 Three and under free. 4 Stewart St., Tilbury. Everyone welcome, no need to be a member!
• Two Creeks Indoors brings Acoustic Unlimited to its stage, resonant sanctuary of Wheatley United Church, Talbot West, 2pm. Admission by donation.
• Breakfast at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St, 9amnoon. All meals are cooked to order. Everyone welcome. Jamboree from 1-5pm, $5. Come, listen and dance to the great sounds of Hired Hand.
Monday, November 17, 2025:
• Annual Pennysale: St. Joseph’s (City) CWL Penny Sale will be held at 7:00pm in the Spirit and Life Centre, 18 Wellington St. West, Chatham. Penny prizes, 50/50 draw, baked goods and craft table. Refreshments are available. Doors open at 6pm. Fun for the whole family.
• Pop-up Book Sale Chatham Branch of CKPL. November 17-22. During library hours. Cash & debit available. Bring your own bag, all proceeds to go Library programs and services.
Tuesday, November 18, 2025:
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. open 11:00am9:30pm. Kitchen open 11:00am1:30pm. Today’s special spaghetti w/ meat sauce. Euchre 1:00pm, evening shuffleboard or euchre at 7:00pm. Members & non-members welcome.
• Trans Social at Forever Steeped (15b King Street East, Chatham). A relaxed & affirming afternoon exclusively for the trans community. Come to connect & enjoy a tea courtesy CK Pride, all trans folks are welcome. 3:30pm.
Wednesday, November 19, 2025:
• Heart Buddies - A monthly get together. A chance to talk and share your experiences of Heart Surgery, Heart Issues. For more info call 519-354-0070 or visit www.thamesviewfht.ca.
• Chatham-Kent Coin Club meeting at John McGregor Secondary School Library, 7-8pm. 300 Cecile Ave, Chatham. New Members and guests welcomed. Contact President Paul Robb probb1@ cogeco.ca 289-228-2817.
• Wabash Women’s Institute Euchre parties. Wabash Hall - 1 pm. Admission $5. Prizes/lunch/fun.
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open 11:00am-1:30pm. Our daily special is meatloaf dinner. Fun Darts at 7:00pm. Members & non-members welcome.
• Two pieces chicken, hand cut fries and coleslaw at the Tilbury Legion. 4 Stewart St., Tilbury.
• RWTO/OERO Retired Women Teachers of Ontario, Chatham-Kent Branch, will meet at Chatham Moose Lodge. 9:30 a.m. registration and socializing, turkey dinner, $30, including gratuity. . Call Lynn Russell 519-359-0090 by November 15.
• FREE Fall Prevention Workshop 10:00am-2:00pm. St. Angela’s Meadow Retirement Lodge, 20 Merici Way, Chatham. Reserve your spot! 382-3421317.
Fun Stuff
65. River in NE Scotland CLUES DOWN 1. Razorbill genus 2. Longtime Baltimore tight end
3. Performs on stage
4. Supports a sentiment
5. Rugged mountain ranges
6. Broadway songwriter Sammy
7. Snakelike fish
8. Men’s fashion accessory
9. Hospital worker
CLUES ACROSS
1. Expression of surprise
4. Keyboard key
7. One who works on lights
12.Notable children’s story
15. Fall back into a bad pattern
16. Eye parts
18. Atomic #18
19. Of she 20. Farm state
21. One point south of southeast 24. British media entity
27. Asian garment 30. Drench
31. Expressions of pleasure
33. Turf 34. UK trade union
(abbr.)
35. Bleated
37. Fifth note of a major scale
39. Paddle
41. Monetary unit of Italy
42. American classical pianist
44. Shuts down for the day
47. Seize
48. Soluble ribonucleic acid
49. Greeting
50. Some cars still need it
52. Atomic #22
53. Let go
56. Marched in public
61. U.S. residents, Mexicans and Canadians
63. Hostilities 64. Speak aloud
10. Something to scratch
11. No (Scottish)
12. Volcanic ash
13. Of this
14. American jazz drummer Watts
17. Drop down
22. English dialect
23. Predatory seabirds
24. Imams’ deputies
25. Fertility god
26. Fence material
28. Parks and DeLauro are two
29. Distinctive smell (Brit.)
32. Protein-rich liquids
36. Touch lightly
38. Season for Catholics
40. Boat race
43. Police actions
44. Chinese river
45. Waterfall (Scottish)
46. Walk ostentatiously
51. Type of carpet
54. Mauna __, Hawaiian volcano
55. Sea eagles
56. An enclosure for confining livestock
57. Dry
58. An increase in price or value
59. The highest point of something
60. Government lawyers
62. Larry and Curly’s pal
New fluoroscope at hospital
The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance and its Foundation (CKHAF) recently celebrated the official ribbon cutting of the hospital’s new fluoroscopy suite at the CKHA Chatham site.
This milestone marks the culmination of a monthslong fundraising campaign led by CKHAF, which raised $712,615 toward the purchase of the new fluoroscopy machine, a vital piece of diagnostic imaging equipment valued at approximately $1 million. The balance of funds was provided through the Foundation’s Highest Priority Needs Fund, which enables rapid response to CKHA’s most urgent needs thanks to ongoing community support.
“The relationship between our hospital and the Foundation is essential to ensure we can continue to deliver the care our community depends on,” said Adam Topp, president and CEO of CKHA in a media release. “It’s wonderful to see the kind of support and collaboration that exists here in Chatham-Kent. It’s what makes moments like this possible.”
Fluoroscopy is a specialized imaging technology that uses real-time, moving X-rays to observe internal organs, tissues, and systems within the body. It plays a critical role in diagnosing and guiding treatment for a wide range of conditions, hospital officials said.
“Our team has been eagerly anticipating this day, and it’s incredible
to finally open the doors to this new fluoroscopy suite,” said Dr. Stacey Speer, chief of radiology at CKHA. “This state-ofthe-art equipment will have a tremendous impact, not only for Diagnostic Imaging, but for departments across our hospital, from stroke and
cancer care to orthopedics and gynecology.”
The new fluoroscopy system at CKHA replaces an aging unit that had been in service for more than 22 years. This modern equipment, the first dual machine in Canada combining both fluoroscopy and X-ray capabili-
ties, offers sharper image quality, reduced radiation exposure, and improved workflow for staff, officials said. It will enhance diagnostic accuracy, patient safety, and comfort, supporting several hospital departments, including stroke, cancer, orthopedic, and vascular care.
“With its modern design, advanced technology, and improved efficiency, this room allows us to provide safer, faster, and more precise care,” Speer said. “It’s a tremendous benefit for our patients and our community, and we’re so grateful for everyone who made it possible.”
The Chatham Voice
Contributed image
From left, Terra Kitzul Arens (manager, facilities planning, CKHA); Cynthia Stulp (manager, diagnostic imaging, CKHA); Jolene Kresan (director, laboratory, CKHA); Dr. Stacey Speer (chief of radiology, CKHA); Beth Nevills (charge technologist, CKHA); and Lindsay Dozois (diagnostic services supervisor, CKHA) celebrate the opening of the new fluoroscopy machine at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance recently.
MCBN gala raises $100K
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
The local charity Make Children Better Now (MCBN) marked its 20th year helping raise anti-bullying awareness in style.
Holding a 20th anniversary gala Oct. 25 saw MCBN bring in more than $100,000 in funds to fuel the charity.
Mike and Brenda Neuts helped spearhead MCBN after the death of their child, Myles Casey Benson Neuts – whose initials mirror MCBN. Myles died after having been left hanging on a coat hook at a school by bullies in 1998.
The MCBN charity came to be
in 2005, but Mike Neuts began his anti-bullying crusade not long after Myles’ passing.
Since 2000, Neuts has spoken to more than 200,000 school kids across Canada.
Forming MCBN brought additional voices to the team in 2005, and helped shape it into what it is today.
Neuts credits his board – larger today than the initial offering in 2005 – with continuing to fuel the anti-bullying spark.
“Everybody on the board has a specialty work-wise or in their personal life,” he said. “That has brough an awful lot of different thought into the board.”
Neuts said the gala was a special event.
Christmas Warehouse Sale
“It did feel special. It was a hell of a night. You could feel ‘special’ in the room,” he said.
People the organization has touched beyond Chatham-Kent made the trek that night to support the charity.
MCBN hosted a mental health conference 10 years ago at this time of the year. Neuts said several of the doctors who spoke at that conference attended the Oct. 25 gala. They weren’t alone.
MCBN had 400 tickets printed for the gala, which took place at the Bradley Centre, and Neuts said they were close to selling out, with 365 tickets sold.
Neuts said even people who didn’t attend donated to help others enjoy the gala.
“We had a ton of people donate the full price of a ticket for me to afford to have other people –who may not be able to afford it –come,” he said. “It was a tremendous night, recognizing a little charity that tries.”
The event featured a silent and live auction and music from Big
Toons.
It is said it takes a village to raise a family. Well, it takes a board to put together – and tear down from – a gala. Neuts said board members were on hand for two days prior to the gala to help set up, and even the morning of, and some showed up again the morning afterwards to tear down and pack everything up.
“The people that helped me over the years, it’s phenomenal support,” he said. “The volunteers…just nudged it along the way it needed to be nudged.”
New postal code
Following a slight revision, Mitchell’s Bay is getting its own postal code.
Council made the designation at its Nov. 3
meeting, following a recommendation from administration. The municipality will be forwarding a request to Canada Post to recognize Mitchell’s Bay as a place name for mailing address purposes.
According to North Kent Coun. Jamie McGrail, the changes included a revision of the boundaries as some people wanted to retain their address as Dover Centre, rather than Mitchell’s Bay. Historically, the post office has been located in Dover Centre.
“Going forward, this is something that Mitchell’s Bay does want,” McGrail said. “This is just a little maintenance on the boundary.”
North Kent Coun. Rhonda Jubenville said the people of Mitchell’s Bay will appreciate having “their own identity and their own postal code.”
Shiny
Michelle Owchar/The Chatham Voice
An Indigenous drum team performs during the Make Children Better Now gala held recently in Chatham.
The Chatham Voice
Classifieds
Help Wanted
FOUND Help Wanted Services Offered
FOUND: One men’s diamond ring. Discovered Oct. 30 at Grand Splash Car Wash on Grand Avenue East in Chatham. Call Gary at 519-365-9766.
Announcement
Chatham Baptist Chapel New Children’s Sunday School Has Opened! 11am each Sunday. **Free ride pick up available if needed. Call 519-354-1999. chathambaptistchapel.com
Luana Johnson
WANTED FARM HELP
2 Farm Labourers wanted, Hand Planting and Hand Harvesting of vegetable crops. Work is in Chatham area. 1 - 2 years experience needed. Hiring for April 2026 season. $17.60/ hour. Full time seasonal. Apply in person at either Sarah’s Farm Market Stores. 31 Sandys Street or 413 Queen Street, Chatham, ON or email koning.enterprises@bell.net.
OBITUARIES
94, Thursday, October 30, 2025 Nicholls Funeral Home
Adriana Jane Oma van Gaalen 96, Tuesday, October 28, 2025 McKinlay Funeral Home
Mervyn Tubb
95, Wednesday, October 26, 2025 McKinlay Funeral Home
Ruth Mulhern
93, Friday, October 31, 2025 McKinlay Funeral Home
Marilyn Louise Hitchcock
90, Monday, November 3, 2025 McKinlay Funeral Home
Larry Clark
75, Friday October 31, 2025 Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Roofer Needed: For two car garage, Chatham. 519-397-0928.
Barbara Vince 72, Thursday October 30th, 2025 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Lillian Ditchfield 96, Saturday November 1st, 2025 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Lillian Annie Kaloyanis 69, Thursday, October 30, 2025 Life Transitions
Mendy - Mendaye B. Goossen 19, Sunday, November 2, 2025 Life Transitions
William John Postma 69, Monday, November 3, 2025 Life Transitions
Michael Jeremie Joseph Couture 56, Wednesday, November 5, 2025 Life Transitions
MORTGAGES / LOANS
Needed Immediately. Part-Time Cook, approximately 25hrs per week. Experience required. Also, needed, Casual Part-Time Cook Tuesdays to Saturday. email resume to: legionbranch642@ gmail.com. Phone 519-351-8733.
NEED GROUT CLEANING??
Call Alec! Over 25 years experience. We are local. Carpet & Area Rugs. Call now for Holiday Entertaining. 226-229-0451. email greenand spotless@gmail. com. For Sale
Silk Cemetery Saddle Arrangements. Everyday/ Holidays. Ready-to-go. Many colours available. $40. 519-354-3411
Wanted
Have non-restricted firearms? Fully licensed collector will pick-uppreserve history, don’t destroy it! Estates/private transactions welcome. Call 519-359-8705.
CONSIGNMENT
OR BUY: Wanted: Coin collections and silver coins. Call Paul 289228-2817.
Wanted
Wanted to buy: Samsung Galaxy 5G cell phone. In good condition. $400-$500 range. 519-354-7241. What are you looking for? run an ad to find someone selling it!
The Chatham Voice is looking for carriers in the following areas: St. Clair Estates, Henry O’Way, Craven/ Coatsworth. Email michelle@ chathamvoice. com
Christmas trees
Wanted to Buy: Antiques, costume jewellery, gold, silver, coins, military, furniture, tools. We Buy All - Paid Cash. 519-7278894.
Place your ad in the classifieds starting at only $7 plus tax! 519397-2020.
Miller Christmas Trees! New Location: corner of Richmond and West St., Chatham. 11:00am-6:00pm. Call 519-437-1008 for more info. Christmas pots also available.
Christmas Trees Carriers
