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Muralist Kelsey Van Raay and Jessica Smith, executive director of Chatham-Kent Hospice, showcase the artist’s work on the side of the hospice. The Chatham-Kent native returned from B.C. and spent five days creating the mural to mark the 10th anniversary of the facility in Chatham. See story on page 2.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 2
Vibrant mural showcased at Hospice
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
Marking a decade of compassionate end-oflife care, officials with the Chatham-Kent Hospice unveiled a mural on the side of the building recently. The south-facing mural on the Wellington Street East facility was funded through Councillor Ward Funding from Mayor
Darrin Canniff and Coun. Marjorie Crew, and was completed in five days by mural artist Kelsey Van Raay. Van Raay, who grew up in Chatham-Kent, now calls B.C. home, but was happy to return to her roots to create the mural. “I got into mural work about four years ago. We talked over some different ideas. We really wanted to make sure the
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026
Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice
A mix of municipal politicians and hospice personnel, along with artist Kelsey Van Raay snip the ribbon to officially unveil Van Raay’s artwork on the side of the Chatham-Kent Hospice.
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The mural features monarch butterflies with a redbud tree in the background. Both hold a special place in the hearts of volunteers and staff at the hospice. Jessica Smith, executive director of the hospice, said one of their volunteers raises butterflies and brings them to the hospice for patients and family members to release. “We knew we wanted to incorporate nature. The symbolism of the butterflies is in terms of the sensitive moments of life, as well as transformation,” she said. Smith added the redbud tree is an ode to a tree in the hospice’s courtyard. “It has absolutely beautiful flowers. It’s something everyone looks at and enjoys,” she said. By installing the mural
on the building’s exterior, Smith said it’s a way to “bring the special connections that happen inside the building outside. It helps to remind us of that connection with nature.” For the past decade, as the redbud grew in the courtyard, and the butterflies were released each August, the hospice has been helping families with end-of-life care for their loved ones. “Ten years of hospice,” Smith said. “It’s ten years of families being welcomed through our doors; ten years of comfort, compassion, dignity and connection; ten years of physicians, staff and volunteers showing up every day with open hearts.” Continued on page 5 Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9:15am - 3:30pm
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 3
‘A benchmark for the world’
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Sodium-ion battery technology is about to change the face of Chatham-Kent and Canada, according to Canadian Energies Ltd. CEO Mark Garvin. “This is going to be a benchmark for the world and for technology,” Garvin said of the proposed 300-acre, 10GW clean energy manufacturing and storage campus. “We are a 100 per cent clean energy company.” Part of the company’s cofounder group, Garvin spoke with reporters at the Bradley Centre Friday, offering more details
about what’s being billed as the largest-ever investment to be made in Chatham-Kent. An emerging green technology that’s described as an alternative to lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries are made with salt that’s easily accessible. In layman’s terms, sodium-ion technology uses salt, and experts say the technology performs better in cold weather than lithium batteries, making it an ideal choice for countries that experience harsh winters. The project will include a manufacturing assembly line and a storage system geared towards poten-
tial markets, Garvin said, with the battery energy storage system (BESS) as the first phase. “BESS is in huge demand in North America,” he explained. “We are looking at that as one of the biggest opportunities for sodium-ion. There is no battery energy storage system for sodium-ion at the moment in the entire North America.” With respect to a timeline and a potential site, Garvin did not offer specifics, noting many federal and provincial approvals are still needed to move forward, and confidentiality at this time remains part of the equation.
“We are trying to create a campus that comes with the battery energy storage system,” he said. “We have identified it but we have confidentiality agreements.” However, he did say it would be a new build, not the revamp of an existing facility. Company officials said logistics are the reasons behind choosing Chatham-Kent for the site. Proximity to Highway 401, the Canadian-U.S. border and the Windsor Salt Mine for raw materials all factored into the decision. As did C-K’s mild winters, according to Canadian Energies co-founder
and chairman Richard Wilson. Recently, Canadian Energies Ltd. hit a milestone. It delivered the only Ontario-focused clean energy proposal at a recent investment summit engineered by Prime Minister Mark Carney. Garvin said the Chatham-Kent proposal elicited an “overwhelming
response” from investors at the Toronto event, adding it was a “very proud” moment for the firm. “I can assure you this is something nobody else has,” he said, adding the project has received many letters of intent. “The next era for the next 10 years, or maybe 20 years, will be sodium-ion batteries.”
Continued on page 4
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Canadian Energies Ltd. CEO Mark Garvin spoke with reporters Friday at the Bradley Centre regarding his company’s plan to build a 10 GW clean energy storage and manufacturing centre in Chatham. He is shown here with advisor Peter Proszanksi.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026
‘Exciting news,’ energy expert says
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
A veteran energy investor with “no skin in the game” says seeing Canadian Energies set up production in Chatham-Kent would be a boon to the entire region. Greg Aarssen, who has been in the energy field for more than four decades, said the future is in renewable energy, and production of components for such projects, as well as battery storage, is crucial. Canadian Energies said it is seeking to establish a production campus that would produce components for battery storage, renewable energy acquisition, and data centres. “This is probably the most exciting news I’ve heard for Chatham-Kent in my lifetime,” Aarssen said. “It’s the good
news that we’ve been from dream to reality. waiting a long time The social media for.” critics immediately Aarssen, who now pounced on the thought lives in Lambton Counthat this could serve as ty, said he’s not an inan AI data centre. The vestor with Canadian company followed up Energies, nor does he with a media release back any of the candistressing that is not the dates running for office case. in the coming munici- Greg Aarssen “There is a bit of a mispal election. Instead, he understanding what sits on three energy-related cor- this is. This is a mega factory. It porate boards and has watched will manufacture components the energy industry begin its for the new energy economy,” shift towards renewable energy. Aarssen said. Canadian Energies, at the beThe battery component of the ginning of the Canadian Invest- project is of particular interest, ment Summit in mid-Septem- he added. ber, announced its proposal to “Wind turbines, solar panels build a manufacturing campus – these sorts of things generate in Chatham-Kent to create the clean, renewable energy. But battery energy storage systems, they don’t do it on a consistent as well as other clean energy basis,” he said. “You need powcomponents. It is seeking $1.9 er when the wind’s not blowbillion in investment to turn it ing. You have to have a way to supplement that.” Enter the battery storage element. Such components store the generated energy to be released into the grid when it’s needed. “It’s similar to the natural gas industry. We have storage at Dawn
(Enbridge). In the winter, when you have more demand, we are able to pull that natural gas out of storage,” Aarrsen said. “You’re going to have an electricity reservoir that is going to be linked along the system.” However in regard to data centres, Aarssen said they are going to be built elsewhere. That does not mean the components can’t be made here. “Those data centres will require batteries and all kinds of components. They’re going to buy the batteries somewhere. Why not buy ones made in Chatham-Kent,” he said. Why Chatham-Kent as the location for this potential plant? Aarssen said it makes sense logistically. “You’re able to ship from here very easily. These products will have national and international demand,” he said. For Chatham-Kent residents, if this manufacturing campus shifts from concept to fact, Aarssen said it’s good economic news all around, starting with construction jobs to build the facility. And when it is operational, that means a new, significant addition to Chatham-Kent’s in-
dustrial tax base. With upwards of 1,000 fulltime jobs potentially involved, that employment uptick turbocharges the C-K economy, Aarssen added. “This would be a new, major, major industry in your community paying taxes. You’d have 500 to 1,000 employees earning their income here, investing their money in homes and needs here,” he said. “This would be a tremendous boost for the overall economy. And it would cause a whole lot of spinoffs.” While the timing – There has been a cloudy history of big announcements of potential investment into C-K announced just prior to municipal elections – is concerning, Aarssen pointed to this being focused around the Canadian Investment Summit. “With the prime minister’s new focus on nation building, it’s a great opportunity to attract investment into Canada. The timing could not be better,” he said. “It’s on (Prime Minister Mark) Carney’s list of projects to look at. They (Canadian Energies) are shopping for money on it.”
Sodium-ion battery project
Continued from page 3
The product line will be revealed at a later date. In terms of employment, Garvin said the new complex will utilize the “best of the best” in skilled labour, as part of the manufacturing jobs. A host of spinoff jobs will also be created, he said, noting the development will be something that exists for many years in the future and will create approximately 2,500 full-time jobs.
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Getting the next generation involved in the process is also top of mind, Garvin said, adding plans are in the works to build a sodium-ion centre of excellence area, giving young people a chance to benefit from the growth. Garvin, who is about to be a new father, said he’ll be relocating to C-K, noting he’s impressed with the community as a good place to raise children. “We want to build here and create some value,” Garvin said. “That’s what I’m trying to do. We are ready to support the municipality and work hand in hand with local government.”
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Garvin said the “dream” of a Canadian clean energy complex for Canada has been in the works for about a year and a half. “I want it to be tomorrow,” he said of the potential start. “We’re trying to do it as soon as possible,” advisor Peter Proszanksi chimed in, adding the firm is hard at work procuring agreements with government. In response to questions about secrecy about the project within local government, Garvin said details could not be shared publicly prior to the summit as non-disclosure agreements were signed between the company and C-K’s administration.
THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026
PAGE 5
Committee commitments under review By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
One of the tasks facing Chatham-Kent’s next council is the examination of how individual councillors serve on committees and boards. This comes following the approval of a motion from Wallaceburg Coun. Carmen McGregor at a recent council meeting, directing administration to prepare a report on the matter ranging from attendance to compensation. In her comments, McGregor stressed that council members have a responsibility to the public to fulfill their duties on committees and boards. “Bringing this forward now gives the next council an opportunity to establish clear expectations early in its term,” McGregor told council. “Members should understand the commitment they are accepting, and residents should have confidence that those appointments are being fulfilled.” As part of the discussion, council heard from municipal clerk Judy Shantz who explained how councillors are appointed to various committees and boards. According to Shantz, a list is circulated to council at the beginning of each term, allowing
C-K Councillor Attendance 2023 - present
Mayor Darrin Canniff
• Council: 85/89 mtgs – 96% • Audit and Risk Committee: 8/9 mtgs – 89% • Police Services Board: 27/29 mtgs – 93% • PUC: 28/36 mtgs – 78%
Coun. Conor Allin
• Council: 86/89 – 97% • Public Library Board: 16/26 – 62% • Chatham BIA: (info not readily accessible)
Coun. Lauren Anderson
• Council: 77/89 – 87% • Board of Health: 21/26 – 81% • PUC: 23/36 – 64% • Wheatley BIA: (info not readily accessible)
Coun. Michael Bondy
Coun. Ryan Doyle
• Council: 87/89 – 98% • Public Library Board: 19/26 – 73% • PUC: 32/36 – 89%
Coun. Amy Finn
• Council: 82/89 – 92% • Public Library Board: 21/26 – 81% • Age Friendly Advisory Committee: 8/8 – 100% • LTVCA: 18/35 – 51%
Coun. Aaron Hall
• Council: 83/89 – 93% • Accessibility Advisory Committee: 20/25 – 80% • Public Library Board: 19/26 – 73%
Coun. Rhonda Jubenville
• Council: 89/89 – 100% • Audit & Risk Committee: 9/9 – 100% • St. Clair Region Conservation Authority: 13/17 – 76%
Coun. Morena McDonald
• Council: 45/48 – 94% • PUC: 17/21 – 81% • Entegrus Powerlines: (info not readily accessible)
councillors to rate the committees or boards they prefer. For the current term of council, she said Mayor Darrin Canniff and
“Ten years of our community coming together generously, and entrusting and supporting us to make sure that no one has to face death, dying, grief and bereavement alone.” Ground-level fundraising made the hospice a reality a decade ago and it continues to be intrinsic to the operation of the facility. Day-to-day operations remain partially funded by donations, helping to ensure that no family has to pay for the care it receives at hospice. Currently, the hospice is raising funds to renovate its kitchen, and
Coun. Alysson Storey
Coun. Trevor Thompson
• Council: 80/89 – 90% • Audit & Risk Committee: 8/9 – 89% • Blenheim Landfill Liaison Committee: 1/1 – 100% • Ridge Landfill Liaison Committee: 1/1 – 100% • LTVCA: 8/13 – 62%
Coun. John Wright
• Council: 80/89 – 90% • Municipal Museums Advisory Committee: 13/16 – 81% • LTVCA: 4/7 – 57% • Ridgetown BIA: (info not readily accessible)
chief administrative officer Micheal Duben met to put the various committees together all the
that campaign has seen more than $184,000 raised toward its $286,000 goal. The project will improve accessibility for volunteers and staff, enhance safety and workflow, and create a more functional and welcoming environment, according to hospice officials. To learn more about the effort, visit ckhospicekitchen.com. “Chatham-Kent Hospice has become a part of our community; a place where people can find comfort; where family and friends can be together; and where every person is treated with incredible care and humanity,” Smith said.
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• Council: 76/89 – 85% • Board of Health: 23/26 – 88% • PUC: 33/36 – 92%
Figures are based on information readily obtainable by the public
Hospice: 10 years
Continued from page 2
• Council: 88/89 – 99% • Entegrus Board of Directors: (info not readily accessible) • Board of Health: 25/26 – 96%
Coun. Melissa Harrigan
Coun. Anthony Ceccacci
• Council: 82/89 – 92% • Encampment Advisory Committee: 4/4 – 100% • Police Services Board: 29/29 – 100% • PUC: 32/36 – 89%
Coun. Brock McGregor
Coun. Carmen McGregor
• Council: 86/89 – 97% • Encampment Advisory Committee: 4/4 – 100% • Municipal Heritage Committee: 3/34 – 9% • Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority: 0/35 – 0%
Coun. Marjorie Crew
• Council: 79/89 – 89% • PUC: 27/36 – 75% • Audit & Risk Committee: 6/9 – 67% • Dresden BIA: (info not readily accessible)
• Council: 82/89 – 92% • Wallaceburg BIA: (info not readily accessible) • St. Clair Region Conservation Authority: 13/17 – 76% • Council: 63/66 – 95% • Audit & Risk Committee: 8/9 – 89% • Chatham-Kent Board of Health: 16/16 – 100% • Tilbury BIA: (info not readily accessible) • Riverview Gardens: (info not readily accessible)
• Council: 89/89 – 100% • Blenheim BIA: (info not readily accessible) • Blenheim Landfill Liaison ] Committee: 1/1 100% • Ridge Landfill Liaison Committee: 1/1 100%
Coun. Jamie McGrail
CHATHAMVOICE.COM
while trying to accommodate individual requests from councillors. Following the selections, Shantz said the recommendations are presented to council in open session and if anyone wants to change or be placed on a different committee, the request would go to a council vote. Council also learned committee schedules are set by boards and committee leaders, as that’s not under the purview of council. Following a question from East Kent Coun. John Wright, council learned that many of the various committee meetings take place during the day, something potential councillors who work full time may not be aware of when they make their initial choices. The motion from McGregor marks her last as a C-K councillor. The Sept. 21 meeting was the last she will attend after serving for 12 years as a Wallaceburg councillor. Earlier this summer, The Chatham Voice published a story that reviewed councillors’ attendance on various meetings over the past four years. Attendance for council nights was exem-
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 6
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026
Opinion
Middle of the road Be neither an eternal cynic nor a forever optimist. Yet, it seems there is a certain sect of the population, including a number of candidates running for election this fall, appearing as eternal cynics. Or at the very least, they are mimicking Chicken Little, crying the sky is falling at every turn. The Canadian Energies proposal to establish a manufacturing campus in Chatham-Kent to help build renewable energy components is the latest case in point. And, yes, we’re wading into the social media weeds, which is where such negativity slithers and seeks to pull in others. To us, it is way too early to give the project a thumbs up or a thumbs down. We just don’t have all the details yet, nor has this evolved much past the pie-in-the-sky stage. Yet others are very quick to speculate what this project will be exactly. They seem to think they’ve revealed the Da Vinci Code of conspiracies, and were determined to be the first to discuss such things. In the media, there is the desire to be first to break a news story. And the Internet has only exacerbated that desire. It comes with consequences. Be
sure you have your facts correct. There were instances where various Toronto media outlets tripped over one another years ago in their desire to be first to report the death of former Toronto Maple Leafs coach Pat Burns. However, at that point, he was not dead. They did not learn from their error. The same thing happened with Gordon Lightfoot. He too was alive, despite reports to the contrary. Now, what we will agree on in terms of the proverbial sniff test is the timing of the Canadian Energies announcement – mere weeks before an election. We’ve seen such announcements in the past, only to have the proposed developments vanish. This time around, however, the timing was tied to the Canadian Investment Summit, which took place in mid-September in Toronto and was led by the prime minister. This does not hang around the neck of Mayor Darrin Canniff as an election prop. That doesn’t mean to approach the proposal without caution. However, we’d lean towards cautious optimism rather than pure skepticism. But we don’t live and breathe for social media; we’re real media, where algorithms mean nothing and facts mean everything.
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Your Trump question is of relevance Editor: There are citizens that are concerned about The Voice adding an electoral question about Trump. I applauded this added question. There isn’t a more relevant topic on Chatham-Kent and Canadian minds currently. One comment was that the municipality does not deal with foreign governments, but I beg to differ. We have a former mayor that made trips to China seeking foreign investment for Chatham-Kent. To me, this is a very sim-
ple yes/no question, and if a candidate struggles with this question, how are they going to deal with a tough question within council, on say a Capitol Theatre, or a new city hall? When you put your name out for public office, your opinions now matter, and voters need to know where you stand. An uninformed voter, or a secretive candidate, are dangerous things to our future. Voters need to know
how councillors will lean on topics, or their motivation to run for office. A councillor’s opinion becomes a one of 15 vote towards approving decisions, so, yes, their opinions do matter. If you want to keep your opinions private, or not take a stand on an important issue, then I don’t think public office is the correct path for that person to take. Richard Sadler Chatham
Editor: Preparing for emergencies responsibly means telling residents what a proposed fire service change would cost, what problem it would solve, and whether existing local resources are be-
ing used effectively. The International Association of Fire Fighters censured fire chief Christopher Case and assistant chief Dan Parent after Chatham-Kent’s
unionized firefighters raised concerns about leadership, training and equipment. Those concerns deserve a serious response.
Keep the public updated
Continued on page 7
THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026
PAGE 7
No urgency, apparently, at city hall
I recently heard about people losing their cool when trying to call the municipality. Supposedly, there were delays in trying to access a live voice, to the point callers were angry by the time someone did pick up. I heard such interactions wound up with hangups from municipal staff, no doubt only driving up the caller’s blood pressure. So, when I had a public-safety issue recently, I thought I’d experience the process. In the past, I found everything rather seamless. Hit the right numbers at the prompts and you’re speaking to a customer service representative in no time. Well, it appears things have changed. I began by dialling 519-360-1998, the general number for the municipality. That landed me in the land of voicemail. You hit “0” and go
tion of Sass Road and Park
A union censure is an expression of the union’s position; it does not settle every question about how Chatham-Kent should staff its 19 fire stations. I am also troubled by complaints that firefighters could not make a deputation to council. Section 7.2 of Chatham-Kent’s procedure bylaw says municipal employees cannot make deputations. The bylaw also permits the clerk to refuse a deputation about a labour or management dispute. Residents should be told about those rules when the refusal is discussed, so they can judge what happened fairly. Councillor Ryan Doyle’s motion for an in-depth review of fire operations offers a useful way forward. Council has approved a review of response times, deployment, volunteer use, staffing options, costs and community impacts, with up to $50,000 for external consulting. The public should see the results, including the costs of labour disputes and arbitration, the cost of upstaffing career crews for calls in volunteer station areas, and a comparable breakdown for operating a volunteer hall and a continuously staffed career hall. Calls involving Tilbury and other communities need particular scrutiny. Tilbury has a volunteer station. If career crews are regularly sent
Continued on page 8
Bruce Corcoran straight to customer service. I was sent into a holding pattern, subjected to that ear-dirge hold music as I waited, and waited… and waited. I simply wanted to try normal channels to report a visibility issue with signage at the corner of Sass Road and Colborne Street. The construction signage, at my time of writing this, all but blocked visibility from Sass looking east down Colborne. If nothing changes, there will be an accident there before the work is completed at the intersec-
C-K’s fire fracas Continued from page 6
Avenue.
long distances to supplement its firefighters, council should publish the call records, reasons for dispatch, arrival times and costs. If local resources can safely handle particular calls, the deployment plan should reflect that. If they cannot, residents deserve to know why and what it would take to fix the gap. The suggestion of 80 additional career firefighters also demands a credible price tag. Chatham-Kent’s 2024 Fire Master Plan estimated that adding 44 career firefighters to staff two more front-line vehicles around the clock was beyond the municipality’s circumstances over the plan’s 10-year horizon. Eighty hires would require an even more substantial, recurring commitment. No one should present that scale of change as a simple solution without showing its staffing, equipment, facility and tax impacts. Career and volunteer firefighters both serve this community. My concern is that selective claims about deputations or emergency coverage can mislead the public, even when the underlying safety concerns are sincere. Let’s prepare for emergencies with transparent evidence, sound deployment decisions and a plan taxpayers can sustain. Jane Laliberte Tilbury
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 8
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026
C-K fire response effort under review
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Ryan Doyle doesn’t think the firefighters’ union should be dictating how Chatham-Kent Fire and Rescue deploys its personnel. To that end the South Kent councillor brought
forward a successful motion at council Sept. 21, asking administration to create a sweeping report to examine every aspect of how C-K’s emergency fire services are delivered. Doyle, who serves as a volunteer firefighter with Raleigh Station #15, expressed strong criticism for the current staffing
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model – particularly in relation as to how Wallaceburg’s Station #3 is manned. It’s not safe, Doyle told fellow councillors. Currently in Wallaceburg, four firefighters are on duty at all times. But if those firefighters are in need of backup, full-time firefighters from Chatham’s Station #2 are deployed to Wallaceburg, rather than drawing from the community’s 10 volunteer firefighters. Doyle said the journey from Chatham to Wallaceburg takes 20 to 30 minutes, which necessitates the call in of additional full-time employees to Chatham’s Station # 2. This raises safety concerns in both Wallaceburg and Chatham, Doyle told council, noting volunteers could easily close the gaps. “During that time, fire coverage in Chatham is also short-staffed,” he added. “It should be up to the chiefs to send out firefighters from the quickest hall able to respond,” Doyle explained, “whether you’re full-time or volunteer.”
Doyle’s lengthy multipronged motion prompted extensive discussion around the council horseshoe, with questions and comments dragging the matter into the procedural weeds. Doyle, who is not seeking re-election, said he brought the motion forward in part in response to the International Association of Fire Fighters’ (IAFF) formal censure of chief Chris Case and assistant chief Dan Parent. He said he wanted to bring the staffing issue up three years ago “because of things I saw going on,” but he was told to hold off until the release of the Chatham-Kent Master Fire Plan. Doyle, who was cautioned about some of his comments by Chatham-Kent director of legal services Emily Crawford, said he formally reached out to C-K’s integrity commissioner before bringing the motion forward in open council. Before any discussion took place, Crawford flagged the fact that labour relations issues must be discussed in closed ses-
the same standards under the National Fire Protection Association. Some members of council thought the matter should be deferred to the next council, stating council shouldn’t be involved in day-to-day operations of the fire service. However, a motion to do so by Chatham Coun. Brock McGregor failed. North Kent Coun. Rhonda Jubenville said she was supporting Doyle’s motion, as people in Wallaceburg had reached out to her with concerns about safety. Part of the motion okayed the hiring of a consultant at a cost of up to $50,000, which led to more questions. In his comments, South Kent Coun. Anthony Ceccacci asked why another report is necessary, stating the work has already been done. The majority of Doyle’s motion was approved in a 12 to 5 vote. The aspect of “expanding volunteer and paid callin participation in station coverage and emergency response when operationally feasible” passed 11 to 6.
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sion. Four years in the making, the Chatham-Kent Master Fire Plan was presented to council in 2024. The 235-page document lays out a strategic plan for the next decade, with a goal to blend the entirety of Chatham-Kent’s fire service into what’s termed a “full-integrated composite” service. When the document was presented to council two years ago, its author stated a divide still exists within the service between fulltime career fighters and volunteer firefighters, stemming from tensions that arose when all of C-K’s 19 fire stations were merged in the 1998 amalgamation. The consultant who helped prepare a report on the fire master plan said a divide still exists between full-time career firefighters and volunteer firefighters. Strife between the Chatham-Kent’s Fire & Rescue leadership and the International Association of Firefighters is ongoing, sources said. Doyle said professional firefighters and volunteers are trained and certified to
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You just can’t see westbound traffic if you’re sitting at the stop sign on Sass Road at Colborne. You have to pull out into the eastbound lane to take a peek. But back to the phone call. “The estimated wait time is less than 10 minutes” was frustrating to hear the first time. To hear it again several minutes later only ramped up the impatience. Then came a third time, eight minutes after I initially dialed. Given I made the call in the middle of a work day when I had a free moment, here I was, on the phone, listening to horrible music, for an
extended period of time. No wonder people lose their cool and chirp at the customer service agents when a real voice finally, eventually, answers one’s call. For me, it was nine minutes after I called on an issue of public safety before an agent answered. She was perfectly fine to deal with. I was polite, and explained the issue. But getting there was unnecessarily annoying. I should mention I tried calling after 4:25 p.m. the previous day, only to languish in that voicemail limbo. Their offices close at 4:30 p.m. My call went unanswered. Businesses don’t operate this way.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026
THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 9
PAGE 10
THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026
Candid candidate conversation By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
An all-candidates meeting held at the Chatham-Kent Civic Centre last week saw six mayoral candidates answer a wide array of questions related as to why they should be elected to lead Chatham-Kent. Those present included Lauren Anderson; Michael Bondy, Darrin Canniff, April Colby, Ryan Gow and Randy Hope. Nelson Burm was absent. Moderated by Robert Bellamy and Chris McLeod, the meeting moved quickly, as candidates were given only one minute to answer each question. Each individual vying for the mayor’s chair kicked off the forum with an opening statement. Anderson brings four
years of council what they want bad and I believe it’s time experience to the and what they we make some changes. job. can live without,” Priorities are taxes and In seeking the she said, adding trust. I’m not beholden to mayor’s chair she’s the lone anybody and I will tell the Anderson said candidate living truth.” she will draw in a rural area. According to Bondy, on 17 years of The Wheatley C-K’s 2.75 mill rate is “exexperience as a resident said a re- ceptionally high” in Ontarnurse to create a ally strong leader io, adding Chatham-Kent “care plan” for Lauren Anderson is needed to rec- needs to look at itself “deChatham-Kent to ognized the im- partment by department” build on the muportance of all of to find savings. nicipality’s strengths. Chatham-Kent. “So, we have to find effiIn her mind, Anderson “You’re responsible not ciencies, which is a cliche said “community consul- just for your ward. You’re term, that is not a great tation” is the most im- responsible for the entire impact on the taxpayers,” portant aspect related to municipality. It’s import- adding base budgets need infrastructure and taxes. ant that we coheto be examined “It’s not about having a sively come toevery year, rather than automaticalleader who is going to sit gether.” ly approving it. here and make all these Bondy said 16 Bondy said he decisions and pound the years on council would like to see table,” she said, stressing make him the idethe creation of Chatham-Kent’s leader al person for the “ward councils” needs to bring C-K’s 23 job. to pinpoint roads communities “together” “So, I know how need to be imto decide what’s import- this place works,” proved. ant. he said. “I’ve seen Going forward, “People have to decide the good and the Michael Bondy
Bondy agreed the com- I’m asking for your supmunity needs to be able port.” to attract new residents “We need to understand but that can’t be done on what our community the backs of the current wants,” Caniff said, addtaxpayer. ing leaders need to focus Canniff is seeking a third on providing services term as mayor. more efficiently. He was first electThe mayor pointed in 2018. ed out that infraHe said Chastructure needs tham-Kent has are the “big drivgrown in many er” behind tax ways since 2018 increases, noting and is in a good costs have doufinancial position. bled in the last 10 “I’ve proven my years. ability to move When it comes to Darrin Canniff our communifixing roads, Canty forward,” he niff said the musaid, adding he’s worked nicipality determines the to bring new investments ones that need it most. to C-K, such as Ideal Can. “We fix the worst ones,” “I want to see Cha- he added, stating Chatham-Kent keep growing tham-Kent is now borand I have the passion, rowing money to convert the knowledge and the high priority gravel roads experience to get us there. to asphalt. I believe that our best Continued on page 11 days are still ahead and
THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026
PAGE 11
Mayoral candidates questioned
dancies in services across Cha- proach based on preparation, According to Colby tham-Kent. “We have clear priorities and execution.” many people feel Chato do a top-down look.” Gow also said there are many tham-Kent is a “place Colby said utilizing redundancies in services, and where things need to small groups to deter- more needs to be done to rechange,” adding that mine what roads need duce the municipality’s “deas mayor, she will focus to be fixed is a sound pendency” on the C-K taxpayer on bringing communiapproach. by bringing in investment. ties together in the spir“It’s not that hard,” According to Gow, he would it of affordability and she said. “We just ask begin addressing C-K’s infratransparency. them. We should be structure gap by compiling an Maintaining infraable to send a worker assessment report on roads and structure properly is of April Colby there to look at it. Some- bridges within his first 90 days paramount importance, how we’ve in office. He also urged Colby said, and should missed that step.” citizens to call 311 if be done “right the first time,” New to the political they see problems. regardless of costs. arena, Gow said he of“I would also like to She said C-K’s staffing and ad- fers an “alternative” for invite the public to ministration costs are the big- Chatham-Kent voters. contact their councilgest item in the budget. “I’m not going to sit lors and get them in“We shouldn’t have to hire an here and promise every volved,” he said. outside organization to come problem will be solved He stressed that Chain and find efficiencies in our overnight,” Gow said tham-Kent is “open for municipality,” Colby explained, if he’s elected. ‘What I business” and it needs adding there are many “redun- can promise is an apRyan Gow to be ready when opContinued from page 10
York1 drops court fight versus Chatham-Kent over planning The Chatham Voice
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is advising residents that York1 has formally withdrawn its court application related to local planning requirements for its proposed waste project in Dresden. According to a media release issued Friday afternoon, York1 had filed the court application arguing that its proposed proj-
ect did not require local land-use planning or zoning approvals from Chatham-Kent. On Sept. 24, the municipality received a formal “notice of abandonment” of the court application from York1. It means that the company has ended this court application. However, officials remind residents that the court case, originally scheduled for November, was not to
be taken as the final determinate of whether York1 can proceed with its proposed landfill and waste processing project. The court case would have only dealt with whether local zoning requirements apply to York1’s proposed project. Chatham-Kent officials anticipate York1 will now proceed through the usual municipal planning approval processes.
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portunity comes knocking. it’s about leadership’s ability to “We need to service land work with others and have an that’s available to attract these outcome that is beneficial to the high-paying jobs,” he said. community of Chatham-Kent.” In his opening statement, Hope said council needs to Hope stated strong leader- undertake a “comprehensive ship is needed to guide Cha- review of the budget,” noting tham-Kent. cutting budget items is diffi“We need leadership,” the vet- cult. Increasing assessment growth eran politician said. “We need somebody who can work with is important, the former mayor provincial and federal govern- said, adding council’s priorities on the capital budget ments.” need to be “very clear Hope, who served and precise,” incorpoas mayor in Charating the entire munictham-Kent for 12 ipality. years, and previousPointing out the fact ly at an NDP MPP in the assessment manthe 1990s, said there’s agement plan is a refa need to “get a hold” erence document, Hope of taxation, as well as said C-K needs to look increased transparency at more cost-effective as to how tax dollars Randy Hope way to handle road are spent. work. “But most importantly
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 12
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026
C-K Votes 2026 – Ward 5 Wallaceburg Brendan Authier The Chatham Voice
Why are you running? I am running to provide a strong, active, conservative voice for Wallaceburg - the second-largest community in Chatham-Kent, which I feel has been forgotten in major discussions. What are the two biggest issues? From voters, there are three broad major issues for the next term of council: taxation/cost of living, crime, and infrastructure. What do you hope to achieve if elected? We need a safer, more engaged community where communities outside Chatham have their local interests respected. I support the creation of volunteer community councils to bridge the community divide, and monthly opportunities for residents to engage with their coun-
cillors. W e m u s t scrutinize budgets a n d admini s t r a - Brendan Authier tion to minimize tax increases while preserving rural services. Efficiency is key, and councillors should be informed and willing to research issues themselves rather than rely on administration. On crime and homelessness, we need both compassion and standards: expanding pathways to safe living while maintaining safe streets. Public safety is a top priority, and we must start by tackling the sources of crime. What skills and experience do you bring? Continued on page 13
Jason DeBuck The Chatham Voice
Why are you running? Infrastructure, taxes, useless spending in Chatham, drug problem and housing crisis. What are the two biggest issues for the next term of council? Ways to address the above issues. What do you hope to achieve if elected? As a small business owner in Wallaceburg who’s been affected in many ways by all of the above, try to find common ground with the rest
of the councillors and mayor on the above issues. What s k i l l s Jason DeBuck and experience do you bring? When it comes to politics, I’m not the smartest man but I’m willing to learn and grow with the position. Are you a fan of Donald Trump? Did not provide yes or no answer.
Jim Blake The Chatham Voice
Why are you running? Municipal government needs to show leadership, vision and accountability, and I believe I can help contribute in all three areas. Too many in our community are hurting due to economic uncertainty, lack of opportunity and a belief they are being left out of the process. We need to use the abilities and talents of everyone to move forward. What are the two biggest issues? The most visible issue in our community is homelessness and the petty crime and drug addiction that goes along with it. We need a multi-disciplined approach where we target the root causes, not just the symptoms of poverty and addiction. We also need to address the concerns of property owners near encampments. We must grow our economic base in the face of international uncertainty. That means investing in
infrastructure, so we are ready for opportunities Jim Blake as they arise. We need to partner with senior government in skills training so we have a workforce ready for those opportunities. We must pursue the most cost-efficient ways to deliver the services our residents expect. What do you hope to achieve if elected? We must rededicate council and staff to the needs of the community. We need a council that learns from the past but focuses on the future. I am committed to being part of a council that measures success collectively, not individually. I have spent decades building relationships, not fences. For more info, visit jimblake4council2026.ca.
Continued on page 13
Brent DeNure The Chatham Voice
Why are you running? As the number of political candidates indicates, there are many people unhappy with the direction, priority, style, approach and execution of Mayor Canniff and Administration. I am a choice, a voice, and an instrument of change to bring power back to the people and reason to the horseshoe.
What are the t w o biggest issues? Spending is out of control. Brent DeNure I believe a major change in faces representing the citizens of Chatham-Kent is necessary to course-correct.
Continued on page 13
Steven Burritt The Chatham Voice
Why are you running? I decided to run for council because last time people were not given a choice and nobody in government should get the job with the voters not having a say. I feel I can bring a new perspective to the position and I want transparency and accountability for all members. I will take this job and opportunity seriously as I am currently not employed so it will get my full and undivided attention. What are the two biggest issues? I think two major issues on most people’s minds right now are taxes with high cost of living and the homeless encampments and the crime that stems from them. I would like to see any tax money is
spent on projects that benefit all comm u nities but focus on Steven Burritt Ward 5 because that is the area my voters elected me to represent. What do you hope to achieve if elected? I would like to see more services provided for smaller areas and not just funneled towards Chatham or vanity projects at the expense of surrounding communities. I want infrastructure taken care of before it becomes a major issue. Fix pot holes and small projects before they become worse and cost taxpayers more in the future.
Continued on page 13
Zac Nicholson The Chatham Voice
Why are you running? Ward 5 has been overlooked for too long. While Ward 5 residents, farmers and families pay their taxes, investments in infrastructure, housing, and economic growth bypass our community. As a strong advocate who understands both the frontlines and the boardroom, I will demand Ward 5’s fair share of municipal funding, ask tough budget questions, and fight for families building their futures here. What are the two big-
gest issues? C - K t a x payers cannot continue footing the Zac Nicholson bill for Queen’s Park’s shortfalls. From infrastructure gaps to homelessness, we must aggressively press the provincial government to deliver the funding our municipality urgently needs. Another big issue facing council is taxes.
ELECT JIM BLAKE
I am dedicated to creating a future for Wallaceburg where all of our residents have a chance to grow and prosper.
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Ward 5 Wallaceburg Councillor jimblake4council2026.ca
Continued on page 13
THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026
PAGE 13
C-K Votes 2026 – Ward 5 Wallaceburg Victoria Stewart The Chatham Voice
Why are you running? I spent nearly six years working in Wallaceburg and became deeply connected to its people. I have seen the community’s challenges, strengths, and untapped potential. I am running because I believe Wallaceburg and the surrounding area need a strong, prepared voice on council, and because my experience can help turn thoughtful decisions into meaningful action. What are the two biggest issues? The first is restoring confidence in how taxpayers’ money is used. After several years of significant tax increases, residents need council to carefully research spending proposals, set clear priorities, and plan for essential
infrastruct u r e w i t h longt e r m costs in mind. C o u n - Victoria Stewart cil must make responsible choices today without creating larger costs tomorrow – and clearly explain what is being spent, why it is necessary, and what residents should expect in return. The second is creating welcoming communities where people feel safe, included, and able to belong. That includes access to housing, support for people who are unhoused or experiencing mental health and addiction challenges.
Continued on page 14
Brent DeNure Continued from page 12
I believe in focusing on taxes, infrastructure, and administrative culture instead of legacy projects and expenditures with no benefit to the public. What do you hope to achieve if elected? Echoing other candidates, I am for financial and administrative accountability. What might set me apart from many candidates is the desire to revitalize the independence of rural communities by having community councils. What skills and experience do you bring?
I am very comfortable working in high-level, sometimes hostile, environments. I have been a volunteer and quarterbacked many community efforts and supported countless others. The experience I have had watching administration take control from council since 2012 has been terribly disappointing. Whether it is myself or anyone else, we need an elected force capable of staring down administration and taking control of our future. Are you a fan of Donald Trump? No.
Jim Blake
Chris Young The Chatham Voice
Why are you running? Our community is at a critical crossroads. Residents and local businesses are facing rising costs, increasing property taxes, and growing pressure on household budgets. At the same time, we continue to see infrastructure backlogs and project delays that impact daily life in Wallaceburg and across Chatham-Kent. We can do better. I want to bring a disciplined, results-driven approach to city hall – one that protects taxpayers, delivers projects on time and on budget, and ensures our community receives its fair share of investment. What are the two biggest issues? • Continued fiscal pressures and property taxes. Taxpayers are maxed out and the costs continue to rise at rates greater than
inflat i o n . It will t a k e strong leadership and a Chris Young unified and integrated council to balance urgent infrastructure needs such as rural roads, bridges, water systems, etc. • Housing affordability, growth and homelessness services. Lack of growth and new builds especially in Wallaceburg is very obvious. Investment follows certainty. We need to restore confidence in investors to bring growth to the community. Affordable housing is highlighted every day and it will take a united team to move forward and bring new solutions to the council table.
Continued on page 14
Brendan Authier Continued from page 12
I’d like to bring a younger perspective to council. It’s difficult for young people to find employment in Chatham-Kent, and youth are leaving our communities. I’d like to see young people get involved by volunteering and joining local boards. As a computer technician, I’ve met many people through home visits. I also have experience in bookkeeping and public engagement.
I’ve been involved with election campaigns, made deputations, attended information sessions, and engaged with community members seeking change. I am active with our Legion Branch 18, having served on its executive committee, and have built a sizeable social media following, raising awareness of local issues. Learn more at wallaceburgfirst. ca. Are you a fan of Donald Trump? No.
Continued from page 12
What skills and experience do you bring? I have more than 30 years of experience serving on community groups as witnessed by my King Charles III Coronation Medal for service to community and country. I’ve
also been fortunate to work with talented people who have helped me succeed in the corporate world and as part of the ownership of a local business. I can bring out the best in those around me. Are you a fan of Donald Trump? No.
Steven Burritt Continued from page 12
I want to make sure the smaller communities do not lose resources they have built over the years just to end up having to go to Chatham. What skills and experience do you bring? I have volunteered with groups in Wallaceburg
over the years and spent 40-plus years living here, so I am very familiar with the area and needs of the community and will give this opportunity my full attention and not be distracted by other work. Are you a fan of Donald Trump? No.
Zac Nicholson Continued from page 12
Council must keep property tax increases as low as possible without draining municipal reserves. True fiscal responsibility goes beyond cutting costs – it means fixing existing assets, spending strategically, and ensuring tax dollars yield real value for residents. What do you hope to achieve if elected? I aim to bring disciplined fiscal responsibility, fair municipal investment for Ward 5 and serve as an unwavering advocate for our residents. What skills and experience do you bring? As a licensed paralegal running my own practice for seven years, I navigate
complex legal matters daily to solve practical problems and advocate for everyday people. My service background strengthens this professional foundation. Having served as a Canadian Armed Forces infantry soldier, a volunteer firefighter in Wallaceburg and St. Clair Township (including high-angle rescue), and a board member for the Wallaceburg Museum, I bring proven leadership, discipline, teamwork under pressure, and a deep commitment to service before self. Are you a fan of Donald Trump? (Yes or no) Did not provide yes/no answer.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 14
New sculpture unveiled The Chatham Voice
Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) recently unveiled a new public art installation at its Wallaceburg Site, marking the final addition to the organization’s community-focused art initiative launched in 2024. The sculpture, titled Healing Hands, was created by local artist Tyson Carr and is now on display at the Wallaceburg site. The piece depicts a human hand, gracefully reaching upward with a butterfly carefully balanced on the index finger. “There’s been a major theme of rebirth and renewal at CKHA’s Wallaceburg site, and I wanted to translate that into a work of art,” said Carr in a media release. “For me, the butterfly symbolizes that transformation. It’s in its cocoon, and then it finally emerges showing its beauty. And I find that inspiring, and I hope the community can see that too.” Carr, a multidisciplinary artist from Chatham-Kent, is known for both his sculptural work
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026
Victoria Stewart Continued from page 13
As well as services and opportunities that help residents remain connected and thrive. What do you hope to achieve if elected? I want to help build economic momentum, ensure Ward 5 receives fair consideration in municipal decisions and investment, and improve communication between residents and the municipality. Most importantly, I want good ideas and careful planning to lead to visible, practical results. What skills and experience do you bring? I hold a Bachelor of Com-
merce – Business Administration and Economics and have extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, governance, budgeting, strategic planning, grant development, and community partnerships. I listen carefully, examine complex information from all angles, work constructively with different perspectives, and follow through. My nearly six years leading the Wallaceburg Adult Activity Centre also gave me a strong understanding of the community and its residents. Are you a fan of Donald Trump? No.
Chris Young
Continued from page 13 Contributed image
Artist Tyson Carr and CKHA’s Adam Topp are seen with Healing Hands, Carr’s sculpture that is on display at the Wallaceburg hospital.
and his abstract paintings. “I am extremely honoured to have my art displayed in Wallaceburg. Being from Chatham-Kent, it means a great deal to have this work connected to the place where I grew up,” he said.
The installation of Healing Hands is part of CKHA’s broader efforts to create calming, reflective spaces throughout its hospital sites that support healing and well-being not just through care, but through beauty, nature, and creativity. “Healing Hands is a
beautiful and peaceful addition to the Wallaceburg Site,” said Adam Topp, president and CEO of CKHA. “It’s a wonderful example of how public art can enhance healthcare settings and celebrate the incredible creative talent we have in our own community.”
I’ve spent a great deal of time thinking about whether I should run for Mayor again. My twelve years as Mayor taught me how government works, and my eight years away taught me what needs to change. I’m not running to recreate the past. I’m running to use what I learned from it to build what comes next. Our community is facing new challenges - cost of living, housing, and supporting our seniors and families. Businesses need opportunity, and our communities need investment. I believe Chatham-Kent needs experienced, practical leadership focused on the challenges people are facing today and the opportunities ahead. That’s why I’m running for Mayor again. — Randy Hope
Elect Randy Hope for Mayor
EXPERIENCED LEADERSHIP. MOVING CHATHAM-KENT FORWARD.
What skills and experience do you bring? I bring 30 years of accounting and financial experience from the chemical and energy sectors. I know how to make tough decisions and balance urgent infrastructure investments. I know and understand hard work and dedication, I am not in this to impress anyone, I do not have a hidden agenda, my only goal is to see Wallaceburg and area represented fairly and equitably. Are you a fan of Donald Trump? No.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 15
Mental health supports available
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
Dr. Shanker Nesathurai, medical officer of health for Chatham-Kent, offered a message to people struggling with mental health: There are supports available for you. But he admits more can be done, especially for those contemplating taking their own lives. Nesathurai, in speaking to the Board of Health on Sept. 21, said it is a tough subject to discuss. “Suicide is a difficult thing to talk about. Mental illness is stigmatized; substance use is stigmatized; and suicide is profoundly stigmatized,” he said. It is something that
should be addressed more openly, Nesathurai said. About 1,500 people died by suicide in Ontario over the past year, compared to about 600 who perished in car accidents. Here in Chatham-Kent, Public Health numbers indicated about 150 people died by suicide over the past decade. “Death by suicide is preventable,” Nesathurai said. “There is no reason anyone needs to die by suicide. “What is needed is more robust mental health supports,” he added, quoting Dr. Mark Sinyor, a psychiatrist with Sunnybrook Medical Centre in Toronto and an associate professor of psychiatry at
the University of Toronto. Nesathurai said those struggling must be reminded they have a place in this world. “They matter, they are loved, and the world would be a lesser place without them,” he said. However, not everyone shows signs of struggling. “There are some people who interact with the health-care system who ultimately succumb to death by suicide, and then there are a number of people who give no indication they were struggling with any issue before they took their life,” he said. Supports in place for those contemplating suicide include calling 988, the Suicide Crisis Helpline that is staffed 24/7,
Image courtesy Metro Creative Graphics
Reach out for help on the Be Safe app, or call the Suicide Crisis Helpline, 988, if you or someone you know is in crisis.
or the Be Safe app where people can also find support in crisis. It’s crucial to have these supports available, Ne-
sathurai said. “For people who contemplate suicide, the time between the initial decision to make the at-
tempt to the action can be minutes or hours,” he said. “Thwarting the immediate opportunity will reduce the chance.”
THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 16
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026
Mental Illness Awareness Week is October 4 - 10, 2026. This year’s theme is Mental Health and Substance Use Health: A RIGHT, NOT A PRIVILEGE
Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW), held annually during October, is Canada’s national campaign aimed at enhancing awareness of mental illness and substance use health, reducing related stigmas, and illuminating the real experience of those affected. Visit https://www.camimh.ca for more info.
What are the signs/ symptoms of Mental Illness?
Symptoms of mental illness can range from loss of motivation and energy, changed sleep patterns, extreme mood swings, disturbances in thought or perception, or overwhelming obsessions or fears. Mental illness interferes with relationships and affects a person’s ability to function on a day-to-day basis, often leading to social isolation. (https://toronto.cmha.ca/ understanding-mental-illness/)
Fast Facts about Mental Illness
• Everyone has mental health and will experience challenges regarding their mental well-being, but not everyone will experience a mental illness. • In any given year, 1 in 5 people in Canada will personally experience a mental illness • Approximately 20% of Canadian youth are affected by a mental illness or disorder • Mental illness affects people of all ages, education levels, income levels, and cultures • Stigma and discrimination attached to mental illnesses present a serious barrier not only to diagnosis and treatment but also access to employment, housing, and other basic necessities.
About CMHA Lambton Kent
CMHA Lambton Kent provides services and facilitates access to the resources people require to maintain and improve mental health. Our efforts promote community integration, build resilience, and support recovery from mental illness and addictions. Contact CMHA: Canadian Mental Health Association 519-436-6100 Website: www.lambtonkent.cmha.ca • Chatham-Kent Mental Health Crisis Line: Phone 1-866-299-7447 Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario, Chatham-Kent (Ages 12-25): 519-437-6329
Different types of mental illness include:
Anxiety Disorders – are all related to anxiety. They may include uncontrollable worry, strong fears around everyday things or situations, unwanted thoughts, panic attacks, etc. Anxiety, panic disorder and phobias are examples. Mood Disorders – affect the way a person feels. When a person experiences a mood disorder, they may feel sad, hopeless, tired or numb for long periods of time. At times, some people experience an unusually “high’ mood and feel powerful and energetic, but this can also create problems. Depression and bipolar disorder are examples of mood disorders. Eating Disorders – are complicated illnesses that are often a way to cope with difficult problems or regain a sense of control. These may include restricting how much food a person eats, bingeing, or purging food. Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are examples of eating disorders. Psychotic Disorders – is a health problem that affects how people understand what is real and what is not real. People may sense things that are not real or strongly believe things that cannot be real. Schizophrenia is one example of a psychotic disorder. Personality Disorders – are patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that may last for a long time and create challenges in a person’s life. Personality disorders can affect the way people understand and view themselves and others and cope with problems. Borderline personality disorder is one example of a personality disorder.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026
PAGE 17
Mental Illness Awareness Week October 4th - 10th, 2026 Tips to boost mental wellness
The most successful health care regimens incorporate a number of variables to help individuals achieve optimal health. Physical health garners considerable attention when developing a health care regimen, but it’s equally important that individuals prioritize mental health as well. Mental health has garnered considerable attention in recent years, and that’s not solely a byproduct of the pandemic. Prior to the onset of the pandemic, in 2019 the World Health Organization launched the WHO Special Initiative for Mental Health (2019-2023). That’s an effort to ensure access to quality and affordable care for mental health conditions in 12 priority countries. The WHO initiative reflects the growing recognition of the importance of mental wellness and its role in overall health. Protecting mental health and boosting mental wellness can have a profound impact on individuals who are struggling with stress, anxiety and depression. The National Council for Mental Well-Being
519-354-1146
recommends these strategies to boost mental wellness and protect mental health. • Express your feelings. Individuals should not feel the need to keep their problems to themselves. Speak with someone you trust about your feelings and share details of any problems you may be having. Keeping feelings bottled up inside can compound issues that are already adversely affecting your mental health. • Establish boundaries. Individuals should not feel compelled to engage in activities they don’t enjoy or no longer want to do. It’s everyone’s right to say “no,” and exercising that right can improve mental health for individuals who routinely find themselves saying “yes” to activities they no longer enjoy. For example, many working professionals may feel compelled to respond to work emails long after quitting time. That can have an adverse effect on mental health by making individuals feel as though
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they’re constantly working. Answering emails only during working hours can provide the mental break individuals need to unwind and relax. • Recognize the role that physical health can play in protecting mental health. The National Council for Mental Well-Being notes that physical self-care helps individuals manage symptoms associated with mental health challenges. Eating right, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep can help individuals overcome mental health challenges and reduce risk for conditions such as anxiety and depression. • Find a healthy hobby. A healthy hobby can quell boredom and serve as a coping mechanism when issues like stress and anxiety begin to feel a little overwhelming. A healthy hobby can serve as a distraction and provide a getaway when individuals feel as though their mental health is suffering. • Don’t hesitate to seek help. Individuals
have no issue visiting their physicians when they experience physical symptoms of illness or injury. That same lack of hesitation should be present when mental health issues arise. Mental health professionals can provide the same valuable services for mental health that physicians do for physical health. Strategies to protect mental health is are important components of health care regimens. Individuals can learn more at mentalhealthfirstaid.org.
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Chatham-Kent Sexual Assault Crisis Centre Remember . . . it’s ok to ask for help, it’s ok to say no, it’s ok to start again, it’s ok to rest, it’s ok to let go . . . it’s ok to not be ok. Bullying . . . Workplace Harassment & Violence Institutional Abuse . . . Gender Based Violence Recognize the connection
24 Hour Crisis Line: 519-354-8688 To schedule an appointment, book a presentation, or for information about sexual assault / harassment / abuse / exploitation, please call the crisis line during business hours. Website: cksacc.org • Facebook: @CKSACC • Instagram: cksacc
Informs you about mental health resources in your area Empower you to be safe and reach out for help Prepares you for a crisis
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR FUNDER
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BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE MENTAL HEALTH TABLE serving Chatham-Kent
PAGE 18
THE CHATHAM VOICE
FORM 6 FORM 6 6 FORM
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026
ER wait times are on the clock
Municipal Act, 2001, c. 25, s. 379 (2) Municipal Act, 2001, c. 25, s. 379 O. Reg. 181/03, s. 5(1), Form 6 (2) Municipal Act, 2001, c. 25, s. 379 (2) Municipal Act, 2001, c. 25, s. 379 (2) O. Reg. 181/03, s. 5(1), Form 6 O. Reg. 181/03, s. 5(1), Form 6 O. Reg. 181/03, s. 5(1), Form 6
6 BY SALE OFFORM LAND PUBLIC TENDER SALE OF LAND BYBY PUBLIC TENDER SALE OF LAND PUBLIC TENDER SALE OF LAND BY PUBLIC TENDER MUNICIPALITY OF TheThe MUNICIPALITY OFCHATHAM-KENT CHATHAM-KENT The MUNICIPALITY OF CHATHAM-KENT
Notice tenders are invited for purchase the purchase of land(s) the land(s) described below, submissions be accepted local TakeTake Notice that that tenders are invited for the of the described below, andand submissions will will be accepted untiluntil 3:003:00 p.m.p.m. local The MUNICIPALITY OF Notice that tenders are for theMunicipality purchase the CHATHAM-KENT land(s) described below, submissions will be Ontario, accepted until 3:00 p.m. local on October 21, 2026 at Municipality the ofofChatham-Kent Civic Centre, located atand 315 Street West, Chatham, Ontario, N7M 5K8. timetime on October 21,invited 2026 at the of Chatham-Kent Civic Centre, located at 315 KingKing Street West, Chatham, N7M 5K8. ake Notice that tenders are invited for the purchase of the land(s) described below, and submissions will be accepted until on October 21, 2026 at the ofon Chatham-Kent Civic Centre, atp.m. 315 King Street West, Ontario,3:00 N7Mp.m. 5K8.local The tenders will then be Municipality opened in public thebe same day,inaspublic soonon as possible after the Council of the Municipality The tenders will then opened the samelocated day, 3:00 as soon asinpossible afterChambers 3:00 p.m. Chatham, enders are invited for the purchase of the land(s) described below, and submissions will be accepted until 3:00 p.m. local me on October 21, 2026 at the Municipality of Chatham-Kent Civic Centre, located at 315 King Street West, Chatham, Ontario, N7M of Chatham-Kent, located at 315 King Street West, Chatham, Ontario, N7M 5K8. in the Council Chambers of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, located at 315 King Street West, Chatham, Ontario, N7M 5K8. enders will then be opened in public on the same day, as soon as possible after 3:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Municipality5K8. 1, 2026 atPlease the of Chatham-Kent Civic Centre, located at King Street West, Chatham, Ontario, N7M 5K8.of the Municipality note be that opened the tender an in-person event only. Members ofan the public areevent welcome to attend observeChambers the tender Please note the King tender opening is in-person only. he tenders will Municipality then inopening publicison the same day, as soon as315 possible after 3:00 p.m. in theand Council of Chatham-Kent, located atthat 315 Street West, Chatham, Ontario, N7M 5K8. opening process. Members of the public are welcome to attend and observe the tender opening process en be opened in public on the same day, as soon as possible after 3:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Municipality The Chatham Voice of Chatham-Kent, located at 315 King Street West, Chatham, Ontario, N7M 5K8.
ease note that the tender opening is an in-person event only. Members of the public are welcome to attend and observe the tender of Chatham-Kent, located at King Street West, Chatham, Ontario, 5K8. Please note that the tender opening is 315 an in-person event only. Members of theN7M public are welcome to attend and observe the tender opening process. Minimum Why ask on social media about the tender Description opening is an in-person event only. Members of the public are welcome to attend and observe the tender of Land(s) opening process. Tender emergency department wait times All lands are in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, the following are the geographic descriptions and municipal addresses. opening process. Amount
#3650-020-001-50590 - LT 42, PL 832, S/T ESM'T OVER PART 8, 24R-5169 AS IN LT6039; WHEATLEY; TOGETHER WITH AN Description1. Roll of Land(s) OVER PART OF NICOLES CT, the PLAN 832, PART 1 24R10326 AS IN CK138364. Being 10 LISA ST, WHEATLEY. P.I.N.: Description of Land(s) Minimum All lands are inEASEMENT the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, following are the geographic descriptions and municipal addresses. $ 29,302.65 00837 0109 LT. Property Class: Residential. According to the lastare returned assessment roll, the assessed and valuemunicipal of the land isaddresses. $256,000. of All Land(s) lands are in -the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, the following the geographic descriptions Tender
when you can get it from the Minimum Minimum source? Tender That’s the situation now with the Tender Amount Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Amount (CKHA). The local hospital orga-
2. Roll # 3650-140-005-57500 -following PART LOT 21,ESM'T CONCESSION LAKE SURVEY (HARWICH), AS INWHEATLEY; 405394 HARWICH. he Municipality of Chatham-Kent, the PL are the geographic descriptions and municipal addresses. . Roll #3650-020-001-50590 - LT 42, 832, S/T OVER12, PART 8,ERIE 24R-5169 AS IN LT6039; TOGETHER WITH AN $Amount 33,253.95 Being 11185 VASIK LINE,- KENT BRIDGE. P.I.N.: 00900 - 0015 LT. Property Farm/Residential According to the last returnedTOGETHER 1. Roll #3650-020-001-50590 LT 42, PLPLAN 832, S/T ESM'T OVER PART Class: 8, 24R-5169 AS INBeing LT6039; WHEATLEY; WITH AN nization has launched an online EASEMENT OVER PART OF NICOLES CT, 832, PART 1 24R10326 AS IN CK138364. 10 LISA ST, WHEATLEY. P.I.N.: assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $1,014,000. REDEEMED $ emergency 29,302.65 department wait time 20-001-50590 - LT 42, PL 832, S/T ESM'T OVER PART832, 8, the 24R-5169 AS IN assessment LT6039; TOGETHER WITH AN EASEMENT OVER PART OF NICOLES CT, PLAN PART 1 24R10326 AS INWHEATLEY; CK138364. Being 10value LISA P.I.N.: 0837 - 0109 LT. Property Class: Residential. According to last returned roll, the assessed ofST, theWHEATLEY. land is $256,000. $ 29,302.65 3.NICOLES Roll #3650-140-006-33400PT BLK L, PLAN 109 AS IN to 453740, S/T returned & T/W 453740 HARWICH. 91 BAYVIEW DR, BLENHEIM. VER00837 PART-OF CT, PLAN PART 1 24R10326 ASthe IN last CK138364. Being 10 LISABeing ST,the WHEATLEY. P.I.N.: 0109 LT. Property Class:832, Residential. According assessment roll, assessed value of the land is $256,000. clock available on CKHA’s website. $$ 29,302.65 15,517.53 P.I.N.: 00938-0808 LT. Property Class: Residential According 12, to the last returned assessment roll, . Roll # 3650-140-005-57500 PART LOT 21, CONCESSION LAKE ERIE SURVEY (HARWICH), AS IN 405394 HARWICH. The wait time clock is designed T. Property Class: Residential. to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $256,000. the assessed ofAccording the is $111,000. REDEEMED 2. 11185 Roll # 3650-140-005-57500 -land PART LOT 21,00900 CONCESSION LAKE ERIE SURVEY (HARWICH), AS INto405394 $ to 33,253.95 Being VASIK LINE,value KENT BRIDGE. P.I.N.: - 0015 LT.12, Property Class: Farm/Residential According the lastHARWICH. returned provide estimated emergency $ 33,253.95 40-005-57500 PART LOT 21,value CONCESSION 12, LAKE ERIE SURVEY (HARWICH), AS IN 405394 HARWICH. Being 11185 VASIK LINE, KENT 00900 - 0015 LT. Property Class: Farm/Residential According returned 4. -Roll #assessed 3650-320-001-01300LT PL P.I.N.: 141; CHATHAM-KENT. Being 125 OAK ST W, BOTHWELL. P.I.N.: 00642 - 0103 LT. to the last $ ssessment roll, the ofBRIDGE. the184 land is $1,014,000. department wait times for patients 33,954.36 $ 33,253.95 seeking care at both the Chatham Property Class: Residential. According to land theLT. last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land $32,000. ASIKassessment LINE, KENT BRIDGE. P.I.N.: value 00900 0015 Class: Farm/Residential According toisthe last returned roll, the assessed of- the isProperty $1,014,000. Rollassessed #3650-140-006-33400PT BLK L, PLAN 109 AS IN 453740, S/T & T/W 453740 HARWICH. Being 91 BAYVIEW DR, BLENHEIM. ,. the value of the land is $1,014,000. 5. Roll # 3650-390-003-03000- LT 84 PL 133; CHATHAM-KENT. Being 561 ROBINSON ST, DRESDEN P.I.N.: 00603 - 0148 LT. Wallaceburg sites. 9,360.57 $ and 15,517.53 3. Roll #3650-140-006-33400PTAccording BLK L, toPLAN 109 AS IN S/T T/Wassessment 453740 Being 91 BAYVIEW DR, $BLENHEIM. P.I.N.: 00938-0808 LT. Property Class: Residential According to453740, the lastroll, returned roll, Property Class: Residential. the last returned assessment the&assessed value ofHARWICH. the land is $34,000. The initiative is hoped to give pa$ 15,517.53 40-006-33400L,land PLAN AS 453740, S/TAccording & T/W 453740 HARWICH. Being 91 BAYVIEW BLENHEIM. P.I.N.: 00938-0808 LT. Property Class: toPT the last returned assessment roll, he assessed value the is 109 $111,000. 6. PT Roll BLK #of3650-410-010-06204PTIN LTResidential A CON 3 CHATHAM GORE 2 24R3310; CHATHAM-KENT Being 29615DR, ST CLAIR tients and families a better expec$ 15,517.53 $ 19,020.41 808 the LT. assessed Property Residential to the returned assessment roll, value of the land isAccording $111,000. PKY,Class: WALLACEBURG. P.I.N.: 00586 - 0035 LT. last Property Class: Residential tation of current wait conditions . Roll 3650-320-001-01300LT 184assessment PL 141; CHATHAM-KENT. 125isOAK ST W, BOTHWELL. P.I.N.: 00642 - 0103 LT. According to the last returned roll, the assessed valueBeing of the land $147,000. alue of #the land is $111,000. $ 33,954.36 4. Roll # 3650-320-001-01300LT 184 PLlast 141; CHATHAM-KENT. 125 OAK STvalue W, BOTHWELL. 00642 - 0103 LT. before and during their visits, hosProperty Class: Residential. According to the returned assessment Being roll, the assessed of the land isP.I.N.: $32,000. $ 33,954.36 7. Roll # 3650-420-017-16000- PT LT 24 CON 2 EASTERN BOUNDARY RALEIGH S/T 573626, 591703, 386582, 419392, CI39374, 20-001-01300LT 184 PL 141; CHATHAM-KENT. Being 125 OAK ST W, BOTHWELL. P.I.N.: 00642 0103 LT. pital officials said in a media reProperty Class: Residential. According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $32,000. 325381, CI22162, 594070, 427855, 609347, 613915, CI23490, &Being 393633; MUNICIPALITY OFST, CHATHM-KENT $ 33,954.36 . Roll # 3650-390-003-03000LT 84 PL 133; CHATHAM-KENT. 561 ROBINSON $lease. 9,360.57 Residential. According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land isDRESDEN $32,000. P.I.N.: 00603 - 0148 LT.$ 6,886.91 Being PARK AVE W, CHATHAM. P.I.N.: 00517 0467 R. Property Class: Residential. 5. Roll # 3650-390-003-03000LT 84 PL last 133;returned CHATHAM-KENT. Being 561assessed ROBINSON ST, 00603 - 0148 LT. Property Class: Residential. According to the assessment roll, value ofDRESDEN the land is P.I.N.: $34,000. $ 9,360.57 CKHA joins several other Ontario According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the landthe is $4,000. 90-003-03000LT 84 PL 133; CHATHAM-KENT. Being 561 ROBINSON ST, DRESDEN P.I.N.: 00603 0148 LT. Property Class: Residential. According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $34,000. $ 9,360.57 . Roll # 3650-410-010-06204PT LT A CON 3 CHATHAM GORE PT 2 24R3310; CHATHAM-KENT Being 29615 ST CLAIR hospitals in adopting digital wait 8. Roll # 3650-442-001-12900 PT LT 54, 73 PL 116 AS IN 471151; MUNICIPALITY CHATHAM-KENT. Residential. According to the last returned assessment roll, theGORE assessed value of the land is $34,000. Being 29615 ST CLAIR $ 19,020.41 6.WALLACEBURG. Roll # 3650-410-010-06204PT LT A CON 3 CHATHAM PT 2 24R3310; CHATHAM-KENT $ 15,606.99 PKY, P.I.N.: 00586 0035 LT. Property Class: Residential time reporting to enhance the paBeing 217 CREEK ST, WALLACEBURG. P.I.N.: 00567 - 0005 LT. Property Class: Residential $ 19,020.41 10-010-06204PT CON 3 CHATHAM GORE PT 2 24R3310; CHATHAM-KENT Being 29615 ST CLAIR PKY, WALLACEBURG. P.I.N.: 00586 -roll, 0035 LT. Property Class: Residential tient experience. According toAthe last returned assessment roll, the assessed valueof of the land $87,000. According to the lastLT returned assessment the assessed value the landis is $147,000. $ 19,020.41 EBURG. P.I.N.: 00586 - 0035 LT. Property Class: According the# last returned assessment roll,Residential the assessed value of the land is 11, $147,000. “Empowering our community 9.toRoll 3650-443-003-17910PRIVATE PLAN 367BOUNDARY ADJACENT TORALEIGH LOTS 9, 10, WALLACEBURG; Rollreturned # 3650-420-017-16000PT LT 24 CONvalue 2LANE EASTERN S/T 12 573626, 591703, 386582, 419392, CI39374, e. last assessment roll, the assessed of the land is $147,000. with clear, accessible information MUNICIPALITY CHATHAM-KENT. Being DUKE ST, WALLACEBURG. P.I.N.: 00566-0181 LT $ 22.30 7. Roll # 3650-420-017-16000LT 24 CON 2 EASTERN RALEIGH S/T 573626, 591703, 386582, 419392, CI39374, 25381, CI22162, 594070, 427855,PT 609347, CI23490, &BOUNDARY 393633; MUNICIPALITY $is6,886.91 Property Class: Residential. According 613915, to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value ofOF theCHATHM-KENT land is $400.00. key to building trust,” said Na20-017-16000PTW,LTCHATHAM. 24 CON 427855, 2 EASTERN BOUNDARY RALEIGH 573626, 591703, 386582, 419392, CI39374, 325381, 594070, CI23490, &S/T 393633; MUNICIPALITY OF CHATHM-KENT Being PARK CI22162, AVE Class: Residential. P.I.N.: 609347, 00517 - 613915, 0467 R. Property talie$ 6,886.91 Clark, chief nursing execumust submitted the prescribed and must be by a deposit in the form of a money order, bank draft, cheque 2, 594070, 427855, 609347, 613915,inP.I.N.: CI23490, & assessed 393633; MUNICIPALITY OF CHATHM-KENT Being PARK AVE W,be Property Class: Residential. CHATHAM. -form 0467 R. According toTenders the last returned assessment roll,00517 the value of accompanied the land is $4,000. $ or 6,886.91 tive for CKHA, in a media release. certified by a bank or trust corporation payable to theResidential. municipality board) and at least 20 per cent of the tender amount. E W, Class: CHATHAM. P.I.N.: 00517 - assessment 0467 R. Property According to the last returned roll, the assessed value (or of the land is representing $4,000. “Launching this tool reflects our onRollreturned # 3650-442-001-12900 - PT LT 54, 73 PL 116 AS 471151; MUNICIPALITY CHATHAM-KENT. Except as follows,roll, the municipality makes noof representation regarding the title to or any other matters relating to the land to be sold. e. last assessment the assessed value theINland is $4,000. going commitment to transparency $ 15,606.99 8. 217 Roll CREEK #Responsibility 3650-442-001-12900 - PT LTP.I.N.: 54, 73matters PL 116 AS IN 471151; MUNICIPALITY CHATHAM-KENT. Being ST, WALLACEBURG. 00567 -rests 0005 LT. Property Class: Residential for ascertaining these with the potential purchasers. and helping patients and families $ 15,606.99 42-001-12900 - last PT LT 54, WALLACEBURG. 73assessment PL 116 AS IN 471151; MUNICIPALITY CHATHAM-KENT. Being 217 CREEK ST, P.I.N.: 00567 - value 0005 of LT.the Property Residential According to the returned roll, the assessed land is Class: $87,000. $ 15,606.99 feel better informed when seeking EK According ST, WALLACEBURG. P.I.N.: 00567 0005 LT. Property Class: Residential to sale the last returned the assessed value ofTax theSales landRules is $87,000. This is governed by assessment the Municipal roll, Act, 2001 and the Municipal made under that Act. The successful purchaser will be emergency care. We also want to Rollreturned # 3650-443-003-17910PRIVATE LANE PLAN 367land ADJACENT TO and LOTS 10, 11, e. last assessment roll, the assessed value of the is $87,000. required to pay the amount tendered plus accumulated property taxes any9,taxes that 12 mayWALLACEBURG; be applicable such as the land transfer tax 9. Roll # 3650-443-003-17910PRIVATE LANE PLAN 367 ADJACENT TO LOTS 9, 10,LT 11, 12 WALLACEBURG; remind MUNICIPALITY DUKE WALLACEBURG. P.I.N.: $ 22.30our community that paand CHATHAM-KENT. HST. The lands do notBeing include mobileST, homes situate on the lands. The00566-0181 municipality has no obligation to provide vacant possession to the 43-003-17910PRIVATE LANE PLAN 367 ADJACENT TO LOTS 9, 10, 11, 12 WALLACEBURG; MUNICIPALITY CHATHAM-KENT. Being DUKE ST, WALLACEBURG. P.I.N.: 00566-0181 LT tients triaged based on the need Property Class: Residential. According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $400.00. $are 22.30 successful purchaser. Purchasers must retain a lawyer to complete the purchase of any property for which their tender is accepted. CHATHAM-KENT. Being DUKEAccording ST, WALLACEBURG. P.I.N.:assessment 00566-0181roll, LT the assessed value of the land is $400.00. to see the sickest patients first, so in Property Class: Residential. to the last returned $ 22.30 an emergency, you should always Residential.Pursuant According to Prohibition the last returned assessment roll, the assessed of the landAct, is $400.00. to the on the Purchase of Residential Property byvalue Non-Canadians S.C. 2022, c. 10, s 235 (the “Act”), effective ensure that you call 9-1-1 or proJanuary 1, 2023, it is prohibited for a non-Canadian to purchase, directly or indirectly, any residential property, as those terms are defined in ceed to the nearest emergency dethe legislation. Contraventionsof the Act are punishable by a fine, and offending purchasers may be ordered to sell the residential property. partment right away, regardless of The municipality assumes no responsibility whatsoever for ensuring bidders/tenderers comply with the Act; and makes no representations overall estimated wait times.” regarding same. Prospective bidders/tenderers are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with the Act and are advised to seek legal The wait time system operates advice before participating in this sale. by grabbing real-time data from the hospital’s internal system. The A copy of the prescribed form of tenderform is on Municipality of Chatham-Kent Tenders must be submitted in the prescribed andthe must be accompanied by a deposit inwebsite, the form of a money order, bank draft, or cheque certified by a numbers reflect a calculated estiwww.chatham-kent.ca and on themunicipality website of(or theboard) Government of Ontario Central Forms under the listing for the Ministry of bank or trust corporation payable to the and representing at least 20 per centRepository of the tender amount. mate based on the current volume Except as follows, the municipality makes no representation regarding the title to or any other matters relating to the land to be sold. Responsibility Municipal Affairs. for ascertaining these matters rests with the potential purchasers. and acuity of patients in the deTitle Name of Municipality or Board partment. This sale is governed the Municipal Act, 2001 under that Act. The successful purchaser will be required to pay Amy McLellan,byManager Revenue or and the Municipal Tax Sales Rules made To ensure accuracy while protectMunicipality ofthe Chatham-Kent the amount tendered plus accumulated property taxes and any taxes that may be applicable such as land transfer tax and HST. The lands do not include Matthew Torrance, Deputy Treasurer ing system performance, the report mobile homes situate on the lands. The municipality has no obligation to provide vacant possession to the successful purchaser. Purchasers must retain a ofthe Municipality or Board updates every 30 to 60 minutes. lawyerAddress to complete purchase of any property for which their tender is accepted. Hospital officials remind the com315 King Street West, P O Box 640, Chatham, Ontario, N7M 5K8 www.chatham-kent.ca 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 munity that the displays serve as a Personal contained on this form, or collected pursuant to the Municipal will beterms usedare for defined the purposes of that Act.Contraventions Questions should prohibited for ainformation non-Canadian to purchase, directly indirectly, any residential property, Act as those in the legislation. of thebe general guide rather than an exact, directed to thebyFreedom of Information and Privacy atsell the the institution responsible the procedures under that Act. Act are punishable a fine, and offending purchasers mayCo-ordinator be ordered to residential property. for The municipality assumes no responsibility guaranteed measurement. 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 onand the Municipality of Chatham-Kentby website, www.chatham-kent.ca on the website the Government of ers must be submitted in the prescribed form must be accompanied a deposit in the form of and a money order,ofbank draft, or cheque certified by a
THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026
PAGE 19
Council ends chicken plan By Michael Bennett Local Journalism Initiative The Ridgetown Independent
Chatham-Kent council voted against administration’s recommendation to extend the backyard chicken pilot program into next year. Instead, the new council will decide the future of backyard chickens. Administration asked that the pilot program, scheduled to end on Nov. 4, be extended to May 31, 2027, because of the timing of the 2026 municipal election. Administration believed the extension would give the new council enough time to become familiar with the program, receive the final report, evaluate it, and make an informed decision about its future. However, council voted 9-8 against extending the program at its Sept. 14
meeting. Administration will prepare a report to council with the pilot results and any recommendations on the program’s future. Judy Shantz, director of municipal governance/ clerk, said the final report will come back to council as early as its Nov. 23 meeting. At that time, council will determine whether to continue, modify or discontinue the backyard chicken program. Council approved the two-year pilot program at its Nov. 4, 2024, meeting, allowing up to 10 hens on properties in rural residential or village residential zones, except in Erieau. Eligible residents needed to apply for a permit, meet all applicable bylaw requirements, and pay the initial permit fee of $400 – which included $200 for
an on-site inspection by Pet and Wildlife Rescue – before a permit could be issued to ensure compliance with the backyard chicken regulations outlined in the bylaw. There is also an annual renewal fee of $125. Nancy Havens, manager of licensing services, told council three applications were submitted but that no permits have been issued in the two years since the pilot program began. “However, they didn’t meet the zoning, so (they) were denied,” Havens said of the applications, Havens added that the municipality has spent about $30,000 on the program, including $26,300 to Pet and Wildlife Rescue enforcement and $4,000 for a coop at PAWR’s animal shelter to house chickens removed from properties where they are being kept, contrary to the
bylaw. Jim Brackett made a deputation on behalf of the Kent Federation of Agriculture, asking council not to extend the pilot program but to follow the two-year timeline it originally approved. “The current council has considerably more experience with this issue,” Brackett said, referring to the extension because of the election. “This council approved the pilot, has dealt with the debates, understands why the pilot was created and has had the opportunity to hear from residents and stakeholders over the past two years.” Brackett said in the KFA’s view, this experience is an important reason for the current council to receive the final evaluation and complete the process previously established. South Kent Coun. Ryan
Chatham Voice file photo
Chatham-Kent council has ended the backyard chicken pilot program for urban areas.
Doyle said the fees made the cost too expensive for residents to seek a permit. “The uptake hasn’t been very good because we’ve basically cost people out of making sense to do this,” Doyle said. “You’re not going to get chickens to try and save money
when you have to spend $400 in the first place and then $200 (actually $125) a year.” Doyle suggests that when the issue comes back, council be given the option of eliminating the on-site inspection as a cost-saving measure.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 20
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026
’Burg hospital auxiliary steps up The Chatham Voice
A three-year commitment to the future of health care in Wallaceburg has officially been fulfilled. Members of the Sydenham District Hospital Auxiliary presented Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation (CKHAF) with a $30,000 donation on Sept. 18, completing the Auxiliary’s $100,000 pledge in support of the Our Hospital, Our Future Wallaceburg Redevelopment Campaign. The Auxiliary first announced its $100,000 commitment in July of 2024, beginning with a $35,000 contribution, followed by another $35,000 installment in 2025. This year’s final $30,000 payment completes the pledge in full. “This is such an im-
portant milestone, and one that speaks volumes about the dedication of the Sydenham District Hospital Auxiliary,” said Christine Mitchell, CKHAF president & CEO, in a media release. “For three years, these incredible volunteers have worked toward a promise they made to their hospital and their community. Today, we get to celebrate that promise being fulfilled and the $100,000 impact they have made on the future of health care in Wallaceburg.” Funds supporting the pledge have been raised through the auxiliary’s volunteer-led efforts, including the Serendipity Gift Shop at CKHA’s Wallaceburg Site. The auxiliary has a long history of supporting local patient care through fundraising and volun-
Contributed image
Members of the Sydenham District Hospital Auxiliary are joined by representatives from Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation to celebrate the completion of the auxiliary’s three-year, $100,000 pledge in support of the Our Hospital, Our Future Wallaceburg Redevelopment Campaign.
teerism, with proceeds from the gift shop helping support hospital priorities in Wallaceburg. “Our auxiliary members are incredibly proud to have completed this commitment to the Wal-
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laceburg hospital,” said Lynne Labadie, president of the Sydenham District Hospital Auxiliary. “This hospital means so much to the people in our community, and our volunteers have worked very
hard over the past three years to help support its future. We are grateful to everyone who shops at the Serendipity Gift Shop and supports our fundraising efforts, because they have all played a
part in helping us reach this milestone.” The Our Hospital, Our Future campaign is helping support the community’s local share of the Wallaceburg Site Redevelopment Project.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026
THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 21
Thomas re-elected on Walpole Island
MSA 60
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Walpole Island First Nation Bkejwanong Territory Chief Leela Thomas has been re-elected to a second term. With nearly 1,000 ballots cast on Sept. 19, Thomas, as the incumbent, outpaced five opponents vying for the chief’s chair by capturing 504 votes. The race saw Kennon M.L. Johnson finish second with 208 votes; Daniel Miskokomon third with 143 votes; Ronald A. Ron Sayed fourth with 90 votes; Cody Miskokomon fifth with 32 votes and Hussein Sayed in sixth place with five votes. Following the vote, Thomas posted on social media thanking the community re-electing her. “Chimiigwech from the bottom of my heart for your encouragement, your support, and your trust in me to serve the nation again,” she wrote. “Also, to everyone who lifted my spirits during this election
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In a unanimous show of support, council approved a motion at its Sept. 21 meeting related to governing AI (Artificial Intelligence) data centres. Brought forward by South Kent Coun. Ryan Doyle, the motion tasks administration with compiling a report as part of a municipal study proposed around such data centres. The document will examine the potential of an interim bylaw
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Walpole Island First Nation Bkejwanong Territory Chief Leela Thomas, shown here speaking out against the proposed landfill near Dresden, has been re-elected to lead the First Nation.
cycle...I appreciated all the kind words and love.” Thomas also expressed gratitude to the other candidates who put their names on the ballot. “It takes courage to step forward, put yourself out there, share your ideas
and accept the scrutiny that comes with an election,” she added. “Congratulations to our new council. I look forward to working alongside you this next two years.” Other Walpole residents elected include council-
lors Jason Sword, Kyle Isaac, Carl Smith Sr., Jeffery Isaac, Ava Williams, Valarie Waboose, Sharon Coyle, Trenton Soney, Charlene Altiman, Larissa Wrightman, Harmony Blackbird and Lee Kicknosway.
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to regulate the centres, as well as staffing and the financial implications of a potential local data centre. A copy of Doyle’s motion will be sent to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, as well as the Federation of Canadian Municipalities in support of AMO’s proposal to establish a tri-lateral strategy to include municipal voices in future AI centre legislation to protect citizens and the environment. A similar motion by Chatham-Kent Coun. Michael
Bondy relating to data centres was withdrawn
as it duplicated Doyle’s motion.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026
PAGE 23
Sheff experienced a great deal When I was a youngster, my family had a cottage on the Rankin Cut at Mitchell’s Bay. The cottage next west to ours was the retirement abode of retired soldier/policeman, J.B. Sheff.
John Baptiste Sheff was born in Dover Township on April 19, 1895 and as a young man he took a great interest in the military, joining the Kent Regiment in 1914. When the First World War
commenced, first met him as a he joined the small boy in the Canadian Expeearly 1960s. ditionary Force He enjoyed tellwith the rank of ing stories about lance corporal the military and and was present about his police at many of the work with his major battles in most significant which Canada case being that of participated. the axe murder John Rhodes At the concluof Joe Kamoen, a sion of the fightDover township ing, he held the rank of major. farmer. The perpetrator was On returning to Chatham, a farm hand named Francis he obtained a factory position Vandevelde who was executed at the Hayes Wheel Compaby hanging at the Kent County ny which was located at the jail on Dec. 22, 1929. junction of Spencer Avenue This was one of the last and Raleigh Street; most of the official acts of the Kent Counfactory is still there. ty Constabulary before they In the early 1920s, a position were absorbed by the Ontario became available within the Provincial Police in 1930; J.B. old Kent County Constabulary Sheff was present at the execuwhich he was awarded. He tion. Mr. Vandevelde was the rose through the ranks and became a sergeant. He re-entered the military for duty in the Second World War, holding the rank of captain and saw Provo duty in England; his military recognition awards included the Distinguished Conduct Medal and Member of the British Empire. In 1930 he transferred to the newly established district 1 unit of the Ontario Provincial Police and remained in service until his retirement in the mid 1950s; he then sold his home on Jeffrey Street and Performatrin Ultra moved, permanently, to PerformatrinGrains Ultra Wholesome his cottage at Mitchell’s Wholesome Grains Chicken & Brown Rice Bay which was where I Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Adult Dog Food Recipe24 Adult Dog Food lb bags 24 lb bags
second of two men hanged at the county jail, the other man was known as Pah Mah Gay, a Potawatomi aboriginal who killed two men; he went to the gallows on Dec. 22, 1860. J.B. Sheff died at Chatham in 1975 and reposes in St. Anthony Cemetery.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
Community Events
Thursday, October 1, 2026: • Join us every Thursday afternoon from 1:00-4:00pm at the Merlin Legion for an Open Jam Session. Bring your instrument, voice or just pop in to enjoy the great music! Bar opens 2:30pm. Kitchen opens 4:00pm. Panzerotti Night & Full Menu available! • Join us at The Chatham Legion 39 William St. N. Chatham from 11am9:30pm. Our kitchen is open for lunch from 11am-1:30pm. Stick around for some friendly Euchre at 1pm. Everyone is Welcome! • Lunch at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 11am-1:30pm. Daily specials and menu items available. Friday, October 2, 2026: • Merlin Legion – The best Beer Battered Fish & Chips in town! $12.50. All Friday night meals include sides and dessert! Served from 4:30-7:00pm at Merlin Legion. Call 519-689-4884 after 3:00pm on Fridays for take-out. • Join us at The Chatham Legion, 39 William St. N. Chatham from 11am9:30pm. The kitchen is open for lunch from 11am-1:30pm Yummy cabbage rolls are on the menu for tonight! We have other delicious specials too. There will be fun Darts at 7pm. Everyone is Welcome! • The Active Lifestyle Centre’s Cafe is now open at 9:30am on Fridays! Join us for breakfast, lunch or just a coffee and baked good! Open to the public. Meals and Daily Specials under $12. Call us for more information on our Menu and Specials! Everyone is welcome! 20 Merritt Ave, Chatham 519-352-5633. • Lunch at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 11am1:30pm. Daily specials and menu items available. Friday night supper is a BBQ Spare Rib dinner with a baked potato and baked beans and coleslaw. Dine ins $16 and pickups $17. All meals are served at 6pm. Everyone welcome.
Saturday, October 3, 2026: • Get ready for an afternoon packed with delicious eats, great vibes, and plenty of fun! Join Cascades Casino Chatham from 12pm-5pm for the Food Truck Festival in support of the Boys and Girls Club of Chatham-Kent!
• Curling Registration Open House at Chatham Granite Club. 41 William Street N., Chatham. 2p-5pm. For more information visit www.chathamgraniteclub.org. • Join us at The Chatham Legion, 39 William St. N. Chatham from 11am9:30pm for a full day of great food and excellent company. Line Dancing from 10am-1 pm. The kitchen is open from 3pm-5:15pm. There will be Meat Draws at 3:30, 4:30, 5:30 and a 50/50 draw at 5:30. Tickets available for purchase. On Stage we have “Hunter by Knight” from 4:30-9:30pm. Bring a friend, grab a bite, and spend your Saturday with us! Everyone is Welcome! Sunday, October 4, 2026: • Wallaceburg Concert Band celebrates their 10th Anniversary with their Greatest Hits: Volume 3 at the Chatham Capitol Theatre at 2:00pm. No charge for admission. Freewill donations accepted. • Dance to the music of Unity Station at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 1-5pm. Come on out for a great afternoon. Tuesday, October 6, 2026: • Join us at The Chatham Legion 39 William St. N. Chatham from 11am9:30 pm. Our kitchen is open for lunch from 11am-1:30pm, featuring Spaghetti & Meat Sauce plus other delicious lunch specials. Stick around for some friendly Euchre at 1pm and an evening of Euchre at 6:30pm. If Shuffleboard is more your style, slide into the action starting at 7pm. Everyone is Welcome! Wednesday, October 7, 2026: • Sprucedale United Church Broasted Chicken Dinner. 493 Victoria Ave., Chatham. Includes all the fixings.
4:30-6:30pm - drive-thru only. Adults $25.00. Children Under 12 $10.00. Tickets must be purchased in advance and picked up prior to the event. Please email sprprov@gmail.com with your information or call the Church office at 519-354-0060 and leave a message.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026
Fun Stuff
62. Formerly (archaic) 63. Eye infection 64. Plundered
• Join us at The Chatham Legion, 39 William St. N. Chatham from 11am9:30pm. The kitchen is open for lunch from 11am-1:30pm. We have lots of delicious specials too. There will be fun Darts at 7pm. Everyone is Welcome! • New evening programs at the Active Lifestyle Centre! Darts, Billiards, Dance, Cards & Exercise classes! Open to all ages after 4pm! Call or visit us for more CLUES ACROSS information. 20 Merritt Ave, Chatham 1. “Wicker Man” actor Nic 519-352-5633. 5. Protection 8. Cloth worn over a Thursday, October 8, 2026: shoulder 12. Ceramic jars • Join us every Thursday afternoon from 1:00-4:00pm at the Merlin Legion 14. Midway between northeast and east for an Open Jam Session. Bring your 15. South American instrument, voice or just pop in to enhummingbird joy the great music! Bar open 2:30pm. 16. Platforms Kitchen open 4:00pm. Panzerotti Night 18. Taxi & Full Menu available! 19. Mild yellow Dutch cheese made in balls 20. A citizen of Yemen • Join us at The Chatham Legion 39 21. Military mailbox William St. N. Chatham from 11am22. Nuclear near reach 9:30 pm. Our kitchen is open for lunch weapon from 11am-1:30 pm. Stick around for 23. Clears some friendly Euchre at 1 m. Everyone 26. Broken 30. Actress Lathan is Welcome! 31. Avid fan
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Are you affected by someone else’s drinking? Al-anon can help! Call 1-888-425-2666 or Al-Anon.org Alcoholics Anonymous Chatham-Kent. Call or Text 519-360-5246 or see our website aachathamkent.com. Adult Children of Alcoholics & Dysfunctional Families (ACoA). Visit www.adultchildren.org. acachatham@yahoo.com. Submit your coming events to bruce@chathamvoice.com or michelle@chathamvoice.com
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026
Local insurers to merge The Chatham Voice
There can be only one. That’s the vibe from two well-known local mutual insurance companies. Kent & Essex Mutual Insurance and Maple Mutual recently announced they will merge, based on votes by their respective policy members at two separate special general meetings. This followed the boards of directors from each firm approving the idea of forming the Kent Essex Maple Mutual Insurance Company (KEM). Officials said, in a media release, that this will benefit policyholders, staff, broker partners, agents and the communities served. Both offices will remain open in Chatham and Dresden, and personnel won’t change. The amalgamation will come into effect Jan. 1, 2027. “Both the Chatham and Dresden offices will remain open as important contributors to KEM Mutual, the policyholders we serve, and the communities we will continue to support,” the com-
panies said in a media release. Upon amalgamation, the existing Kent & Essex CEO, Kevin Konecny, will become the president & CEO of KEM Mutual. Maple’s existing CEO, Rob Pearson, will also assist as needed. “We are grateful to all policyholders who have supported each of us over the years, and we look forward to your continued support as we undertake this exciting new chapter in supporting mutual insurance in a place we call home,” the companies said in their media release. • Business Voice is a bi-monthly column in The Chatham Voice that highlights some of the achievements made and efforts underway in Chatham-Kent’s business community. Send your information to bruce@chathamvoice.com
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 25
OBITUARIES Deborah Anne Green 70, Monday, September 14, 2026 Life Transitions
Mary Lauraine Remington 102, Friday, September 18, 2026 McKinlay Funeral Home
Jack Varney 93, Sunday September 20, 2026 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Jantje "Jane" Rivard 75, Saturday, September 19, 2026 Life Transitions
Aileen Patricia Boersma Friday, September 18, 2026 McKinlay Funeral Home
Catherine Buck Saturday September 19, 2026 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Shirley Michels 89, Wednesday, September 23, 2026 Life Transitions
Kim DeBeck 60, Wednesday, September 16, 2026 McKinlay Funeral Home
Marion Florence Matt 87, Wednesday, September 16, 2026 Badder Funeral Home
Rosa John Sunday September 20, 2026 Cavanagh Funeral Home
Athanasios 'Tom' Bolovinos 91, Thursday, September 17, 2026 McKinlay Funeral Home
Lois Ann Campbell 93, Thursday, September 17, 2026 Badder Funeral Home
David Lariviere 53, Monday, September 14, 2026 Kendrick Funeral Home
Frank Guiho 71, Friday, September 18, 2026 McKinlay Funeral Home
Kathy Weber 75, Friday, September 18, 2026 Badder Funeral Home
Tillie Krzemien 96, Monday, September 14, 2026 Kendrick Funeral Home
Helen Vermeersch 90, Friday, September 18, 2026 McKinlay Funeral Home
Susan Irwin 67, Monday, September 21, 2026 Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Anne Van Den Bossche 89, Friday, September 18, 2026 Nicholls Funeral Home
Mariano Amisich 91, Friday, September 18, 2026 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Robert "Bob" Rhodes 92, Sunday September 20th, 2026 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Maurice E. Seys 87, Saturday, September 19, 2026 Nicholls Funeral Home
Jean Evelyn Irrgang 90, Monday, September 21, 2026 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
See full obituaries at chathamvoice.com/obituaries
Vera Dixon 70, Monday, September 21, 2026 Nicholls Funeral Home
Alice Opavsky 88, Sunday September 20, 2026 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Funerals and Cremations
lifetransitions.ca • 519-351-4444
156 William St., Chatham | www.peseski.com | 519.352.5120
459 St.Clair St., Chatham • 519-351-2040 76 Main St. E., Ridgetown • 519-674-3141 141 Park St., Blenheim • 519-676-3451
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A Part of Wallaceburg since 1943.
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Puzzle Answers - puzzles on page 24
245 Wellington St. W., Chatham 519-352-2710
alexanderandhoulefuneralhome.ca
60 Stanley Street, Blenheim (519) 676 – 9200 blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com John C. Badder Funeral Home Thamesville - 519-692-4222 Badder Funeral Home & Reception Centre Dresden - 519-683-4444 Badder & Robinson Visit us: Funeral Home badderfuneralhome.com Bothwell - 519-695-2716
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 26
Obituary Susan Danice Irwin
passed away on September 21, 2026, at the ChathamKent Hospice, knowing just how much she was loved and appreciated. She was 67 years old. The beloved daughter of Marilyn (Irwin) Gardiner and the late John Irwin, and stepdaughter of the late Murray Gardiner, Susan carried her family close to her heart throughout her life. Of all her accomplishments, nothing meant more to Susan than becoming a mother. She was endlessly proud of her sons, Adam Jamieson (Elicia) and Eric Jamieson (Holly), and she cherished the joy of being “Grandma Susan” to Jack, Hannah, Leeah and Sophia. She was looking forward to watching them grow and cheering them on in every stage of their lives. She will be remembered with fondness by her brothers, Daniel Irwin (Donna) of London and David Irwin (Jane) of Port Alma. Their shared memories — the kind built over a lifetime — were a source of comfort for her. Professionally, Susan built a successful career as an Engineer with the Ministry of Transportation in Kingston, where she was respected for her skill, dedication, and steady presence. After a short chapter living in British Columbia, she returned to Ontario to take a contract with the Armed Forces in Borden and settled in Barrie, embracing new challenges and friendships along the way. She lived with a quiet strength, a warm smile, and a deep appreciation for the people around her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, pride, and the simple, meaningful moments she shared with family and friends. Because everything happened so quickly and there wasn’t much time to adjust to what was unfolding, we would like to extend our deepest appreciation to the staff and volunteers at the Chatham-Kent Hospice for your guidance and for the compassion and care you extended to our Mom and also to us. She couldn’t have been in a more welcoming place. We also wish to express our gratitude to the Gray Jay Care patient transfer team from London, who brought Mom safely from Barrie to Chatham, allowing her to be close to family in her final days. Following cremation, a private family graveside service will take place in Maple Leaf Cemetery where Mom will be laid to rest with her Dad. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with funeral arrangements.
Shirley Michels,
89, passed away peacefully surrounded by family in her final days, on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at Riverview Gardens in Chatham. Born in South Africa, she was the daughter of the late Dorothy Barry. She was predeceased by her first husband, Alf Olsen and then Kurt Michels. Shirley was the loving mother of the late Kjell Olsen (Margrit), Heidi Polinsky (late Terry), and Lucy Johnston (Jim), and stepmother to late Klaus Michels (Magda), Brigitta Simpson (late Chris), and Annegret Waldeck (late Johnny). Adoring grandmother of Jerusha (Andrew), Eugen (Ronel), Samuel, and Timothy (Kirsten); Justin; Kaitlin (Drake), and the late Ben. She treasured her great grandchildren Duncan and Jackson in Canada; Tristan, Kiera and Kayley; Chloe, Phebe, Katie and Calvin; John and Magnus, all in South Africa. She is also survived by step grandchildren and step great grandchildren, as well as a large and loving circle of relatives and friends in South Africa, Portugal, Norway, Germany and England. Shirley will be fondly remembered and sadly missed at Riverview Gardens by her very dear friends Dave and Ron, her table mates Claudette, Diane and Jean, as well as many other residents and staff members. The family wishes to extend a special thanks to the staff at Riverview Gardens for all of their care and compassion. Shirley will be especially remembered as a caring people person who enjoyed connecting with people from all ages and walks of life, chatting with anyone and everyone. She will also be remembered for a range of artistic talents, love for her dogs, spending hours in her garden and her obsession with rocks. She had a lifelong passion for learning including languages, mathematics and science. Her most recent favorite books were by Stephen Hawking. Shirley’s most treasured moments were time spent with her family. Aquamation has taken place. A private family remembrance is being arranged by her daughters. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Shirley are asked to consider Pet and Wildlife Rescue (PAWR). Arrangements entrusted to Life Transitions Burial and Cremation Service Inc.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026
Classifieds Obituary
Opavsky, Alice
At Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Chatham, on September 20, 2026, Alice Opavsky, age 88, peacefully went to the Lord. Born in Chatham on October 18, 1937, daughter of the late Katherine (Kocis) and Steve Tomecek. Beloved wife of Charles Opavsky. Loving mother of Chuck (Jackie), Christopher, David (Darlene), Stephanie Konecny (Martin). Never having grandparents herself she took immense pride in being a grandmother (Babka). Her nine grandchildren Melissa, Alicia, Megan, Ashley, Lisa, (Jarod), Brady, Katrina, Marty, and great grandchildren have many fond memories. Alice dedicated over thirty-two years as a teacher with the St Clair Catholic District School Board returning to school while raising a family to earn her Bachelor of Education at the University of Windsor. Beyond the classroom her talent and training as a vocalist brought her to St. Ursula’s Choir. Leading the choir (whom she cherished) and congregation was her expression of faith and to spread love with over 20 years of memories. Alice was also a member of the Catholic Women’s League for over 25 years. She is predeceased by the love of her life Charles Opavsky in 2022 and her son Christopher. She is the last of her siblings. Alice will be forever remembered for her amazing smile and kind heart. Cremation has taken place. Friends and relatives may visit at St. Ursula’s Church on October 5, 2026 from 10-11 AM. A funeral Mass will be conducted at 11 AM, on October 5, 2026 at St. Ursula’s Church. Burial following mass at Maple leaf Cemetery. Donations to Chatham-Kent Hospice or Canadian Food for Children would be appreciated. Online condolences welcomed at www.peseski.com
In Memoriam
Happy Anniversary in Heaven Wayne Lachine On October 4th, 1986 we became husband and wife. Although we shared 38 years together on Earth, today we share our 40th year separated. You in Heaven and me on Earth. We are still together in our hearts. Love you Honey.
Grout Cleaning
In Loving Memory
Green & Spotless for professional grout cleaning. Locally owned and operated, 25+ years experience. Call Alex 226-229-0451.
Cindy Mousseau Sept. 25, 1962 - Oct. 5, 2025
Tender Size: 123 acres (+/-)
FARM FOR SALE BY TENDER
Legal Description: PT LT 85, CON TALBOT ROAD, HOWARD AS IN 4641389 CHATHAM-KENT PIN NUMBER: 00685-0011 Municipal Address: 13119 Talbot Trail, Howard, Chatham-Kent Vendor: O & G Investments Limited Farm owned since 1985. Now Retiring. Lawyer: Paul D. Watson, Lawyer for the Vendor (See contact information)
All offers must be delivered in a sealed envelope no later than September 30th at 4:00pm. The terms of the tender are set forth in the tender package available by contacting Paul D Watson Law Office, at the telephone number set forth below. Tender packages may be faxed or emailed to you on request. Paul D Watson Law Office Barrister and Solicitor 84 Dover Street, Suite 1 Chatham, Ontario N7M 5K8 Tel: 519-351-7721 email: paul@pauldwatsonlawoffice.com
Loans
Wanted
MORTGAGES / LOANS
WE BUY GOLD! Best prices paid. Call for Free Estimates 519-436-7229.
CONSOLIDATE DEBTS LOWER YOUR PAYMENTS
Difficult Situations Accepted Borrow $50,000 for $237.48/mth $100,000 for $474.95/mth $200,000 for $949.91/mth $300,000 for $1424.86/mth $400,000 for $1899.81/mth
WE ALSO ARRANGE UNSECURED LINES OF CREDIT/LOANS
Whether you are looking to purchase a home, refinance your mortgage, or consolidate debt, it’s important that you are making an educated decision and receiving professional unbiased advice.
For qualified borrowers. First mortgage based on 3.99%/yr fixed rate, 5 yr term, 30 yr amortization. On approved credit, & subject to borrower qualification. Rates & terms subject to change without notice.
Call John at 519-259-8209 - 24 hours or email john@uccmortgageco.com UNIMOR CAPITAL CORPORATION Brokerage Lic.#10675
Check us out!
CHATHAMVOICE.COM
Wanted to Buy: Antiques, costume jewellery, gold, silver, coins, military, furniture, tools. We Buy All - Paid Cash. 519-7278894. Sell Your Items in the classifieds. Ads start at only $7 plus tax. Call 519-397-2020
This is so hard to do, but we want to let you know, how truly we miss and love you. We think about you everyday. We can’t believe it’s been one year ago today. Love your family
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.
Services
Handyman Services. Plumbing, electrical, carpentry, cement. 35+ years experience. No job to small. Guaranteed Satisfaction. 519-352-5062. Handyman Services. Eavestrough cleaning & repair. Junk removal, grass cutting & other small jobs. Call 519-365-9919.
Rug Cleaning
For Sale
Call Alec: 25+ years experience. Deep steam extraction for best results. Area rugs too. Professional. 226-229-0451. Green & Spotless.
Silk Cemetery Saddle Arrangements. Everyday/ Holidays. Readyto-go. Many colours available. $45. 519-3543411
THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026
by tony gray
...to blenheim...
PAGE 27
these power amps can draw, store, and disseminate power from any source of energy.
these power amplifiers from guy should make what was impossible into a reality! it’s amazing how quickly he was able to build them.
once they are in place, i can access additional power from them even from miles away.
BOARD GAME CAFE AND INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE
Tur&nS Tales
synopsis:
to combat the flooding caused by the thames gang, the conduit has acquired power amplifying boxes from his new contact, ‘guy’, which he is locating in surrounding areas to the south of chatham; from tilbury to pain court, ridgetown, morpeth...
for ! Fun yone r eve ...and finally, to merlin where the conduit locks the last amp to a utilities circuit box cover.
the amps will quadruple my powers!
now i’ll get downtown and nab the crooks, before they steal the 1928 cadillac.
213 KING ST WEST CHATHAM, ON WWW.TURNSANDTALES.COM
but, unfortunately, the conduit is unaware that the mobsters have already stolen the classic cadillac and are heading back to the thames gang lair. i gotta tell ya. this car is about the size of a boat and it drives like one too! a few more miles up grand ave. and we’re home free!
maybe i’ll switch from smoking ciggies to a corn cob pipe and call myself ‘popeye, the sailor. i yam what i yam and that’s all that i yam! toot. toot. ha! but no spinach for me, i’ll take a plate of poutine.
NEXT WEEK: has time run out at last, as the road comes to a soggy end for thames gang crooks, ‘gunner’ menard and his pal, ‘cigarette’ mousseau? THE INCREDIBLE CONDUIT™ and all characters ©2026 by Tony Gray and GlassMonkey Studios Follow The Incredible Conduit on Facebook and Instagram
ATTENTION LOCAL BUSINESSES
Do you want to be part of The Incredible Conduit? Reach out to your Chatham Voice ad rep, or call 519-397-2020 to learn more.
THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 28
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
FROM NAVISTAR'S PAST TO CHATHAM-KENT'S FUTURE
For generations, the Navistar plant was one of Chatham-Kent’s economic engines. Thousands of people went through its doors, earning good wages, raising families and supporting businesses throughout our community. When the plant closed, Chatham-Kent lost more than jobs.
It lost something it has been trying to replace ever since: a major employer capable of helping drive an entire local economy. More than a decade later, the former Navistar property is beginning a very different second life. THE DEAL THAT ALMOST DIDN’T HAPPEN Our efforts to purchase the former Navistar property actually began years before the transaction was completed. It was not a normal real estate deal. The site’s long industrial history created significant environmental and liability concerns for Navistar. During our earlier negotiations with the company, Navistar wanted assurance that Chatham-Kent supported our plans to acquire and responsibly redevelop the property. We sought that municipal endorsement during Randy Hope’s time as mayor. It wasn’t provided. Without the municipal assurance Navistar was seeking, the Company would not proceed with the sale to our Group. The opportunity stalled, and the property remained in Navistar’s hands for several more years. After Darrin Canniff became mayor, we tried again.
85 ACRES AND A BIG AMBITION
We didn’t buy Navistar simply to own land. Our goal was to remediate approximately 85 acres, prepare the property for new development and ultimately help bring significant employment back to Chatham-Kent. Cleanup began almost immediately. Since then, two new buildings have been constructed while substantial land has been retained for future development. Industrial and commercial opportunities have been pursued, and the property has been promoted to prospective employers. Our Group, together with Mayor Canniff and CK Economic Development Services, have now participated in more than 30 requests for proposals, or RFPs, involving companies considering locations for new or expanded operations. Mayor Canniff worked directly with the provincial and federal governments to bring us those RFPs. Those experiences have been valuable. They have also taught us something we didn’t fully appreciate when we started. Having available industrial land, even very good industrial land, is only one part of attracting a major employer. Companies ask about transportation, infrastructure, development costs and workforce. But their questions don’t stop at the property line.
CK Flex Plex has opened in a 37,000-square-foot building on the property, bringing year-round indoor sports and recreation to land once occupied exclusively by heavy industry. And there is room to think much bigger. Mayor Canniff has advocated for investment in Chatham-Kent’s recreational infrastructure. We believe the former Navistar lands present an opportunity to consider major new recreational facilities, including a future sports complex, recreation centre and arena, alongside industrial and commercial development. Imagine the possibilities: jobs, businesses and recreation sharing a property that sat largely dormant for years. THE QUESTION NAVISTAR LEFT BEHIND The goal isn’t to recreate the old Navistar.
This time, the response was different. Mayor Canniff supported getting the property back into productive use and provided the municipal backing for our redevelopment efforts that had previously been missing.
They are also thinking about the people they need to bring with them. Can they recruit them here? Will their families want to live here? And what will make them stay?
But the fundamental challenge remains:
For us, that wasn’t a small gesture. It helped provide Navistar with the confidence it needed to move the process forward.
Those questions have caused our thinking about Navistar to evolve.
How do we attract investment, create good jobs and build a community where people want to live?
A NEW VISION FOR NAVISTAR
Our experience with more than 30 potential employers has convinced us that the answer is bigger than any individual industrial property.
After approximately two years of negotiations, our Group finally purchased the former Navistar property in 2021. Mayor Canniff publicly celebrated the acquisition and identified redevelopment of the former Navistar lands as one of his priorities for Chatham-Kent. Then the real work began.
Industrial development and job creation remain at the heart of the plan. But today’s vision is larger. We see a combination of industrial, commercial and recreational uses that can create employment while adding activity and amenities to the community. We are already seeing the beginning of that transformation.
The world has changed, and Chatham-Kent has changed with it.
Five years ago, the former Navistar lands were finally given another chance. What we have learned since then is that Chatham-Kent may need to look well beyond those 85 acres to realize their full potential. This is only the beginning of the story.
Authorized by Dover Marsh Produce Ltd., a registered third-party advertiser in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. Dovermarsh@tatrogroup.com