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Susan Jeffrey of NatureCK, East Kent Coun. Morena McDonald, Mike Young of the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority and NatureCK president Mike Smith gather beneath North Buxton’s historic Jesuit pear tree. The tree was “crowned” Best Tree in Chatham-Kent by NatureCK in the second annual best tree contest. See story on page 3.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 2
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026
Conagra to sell or close in Dresden
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
The rumours are true – Dresden’s Conagra tomato processing plant is up
for sale. An official statement from the company Oct. 14 confirmed the U.S.-based company is in talks with Highbury Canco about purchasing the facility.
But Conagra officials said the plant will close in 2027 if a buyer isn’t found. In an emailed statement to The Voice, spokesperson Patrick Persichilli outlined the decision.
“After a careful review, Conagra has made the decision to close or sell its facility in Dresden, Ont., and the associated brands and private label business. Conagra is cur-
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rently in discussions with Highbury Canco about a potential transaction to sell the business. If an agreement to sell the business is not completed, then Conagra will close the facility in mid- to late2027.” The announcement comes on the heels of word the company isn’t renewing tomato contracts next year with some farmers. Contracts are negotiated on yearly basis. Kent Federation of Agriculture president Jim Brackett said he’s spoken with local tomato producers who’ve been told their contracts won’t be renewed next year, as they were told the plant is up for sale. “Hopefully someone will come forward, such as Highbury Canco, to buy the plant,” Brackett said. “There are a lot of pressures on farm income right now and tomatoes are a high-value crop. It would be sad if the Dresden plant closes.” According to Persichilli,
a senior human resources director, the plant employs 190 full-time workers, who are joined by 250 seasonal workers during the tomato run. All told, according to its website, Conagra has 17,400 employees at 41 production facilities, primarily in the United States, and in 2025 had $11 billion in sales. Two of its plants are located in Canada, one in Dresden and one in Boisbriand, Que. Based in Chicago, Conagra represents around 100 consumer brands, from Duncan Hines to Orville Redenbacher to Hunts and Aylmer, the last two which are produced in Dresden. The company is owned by a consortium of shareholders, with BlackRock Advisors LLC as the largest shareholder at 16 per cent. The American multinational company is the largest asset manager in the world.
Continued on page 5
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026
PAGE 3
It has has sheltered generations NatureCK president Mike Smith, one of the judges for the contest, said the tree was picked because of its “community value to North Buxton. “I think it speaks volumes,” Smith said. “It was nominated last year as well and we wanted to give it a shot. It’s been here for a long time and the original Homecoming
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Karen Dunlop and Andrae Cutler-Robbins stand beneath North Buxton’s historic pear treen where the community’s first Homecoming celebration was held. The tree is located on the farm of Cutler-Robbins’ great-great grandfather. The farm is still in the family.
to us started under this tree,” Dunlop explained. “It’s huge for a fruit tree and it’s also very, very old. I’m super glad it won this year, because as you can see, it’s hollow.” A self-described “tree nut,” Dunlop said she hopes to clone the tree in the near future. According to historical records, the tree, known as the Jesuit pear tree, is believed to be a descendant of pear trees introduced in the region in the 1700s by missionaries from France.
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
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Like the people of North Buxton, the community’s historic pear is still standing. Believed to be more than 120 years old, its lacy branches have sheltered generations of local residents who have gathered beneath it, beginning in 1924 to mark the hamlet’s Homecoming celebrations. This year it was named Best Tree in Chatham-Kent by NatureCK. Karen Dunlop, who lives on Seventh Line with husband Andrae Cutler-Robbins, nominated the tree. It grows on the farm that belonged to Cutler-Robbins’ great-great grandfather, James Robbins. “I nominated this tree because it’s the site of the first Homecoming event here on Labour Day weekend over 100 years ago,” Dunlop said. “The first Homecoming party was a picnic under this tree,” she added, noting the celebration has grown into an annual fourday event which attracts thousands from across the United States and Canada. Originally, the gathering provided an opportunity for Black residents who had left Buxton following the American Civil War, a chance to return home to reconnect with family and friends to share their history and heritage. “This huge community event that is so important
picnic was held beneath it.” The first Homecoming event was inspired by Reginald and Minnie Robbins who attended a similar celebration at Puce in 1923. With the support of the Sunshine Club, the B.M.E. Church, and the Buxton community, the event got underway the following year.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 4
Celebrating the art of culture in C-K
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
As the Chatham-Kent Arts Council (CKAC) marks its fifth year of celebrating individuals who inspire the arts, it will commemorate James Snyder posthumously. To be presented at the Chatham Cultural Centre Oct. 22, Snyder will take his place of honour on the CK Cultural Hall of Fame wall as a “cultural builder,” along with five others who’ve made significant contributions to the arts. Snyder – a key figure in founding the Wall of Fame effort, in addition to dozens of other initiatives and programs throughout the municipality – is joined by Wallaceburg native Brent Foster for his work in visual arts; Chatham’s Ron Sparks for performing arts; Chatham’s Yejide Kilanko for literary arts and Kevin McMillan of Chatham for his contribu-
tions to music. Joseph W. Storey will be honoured as a legacy inductee. For CKAC board chair Laurie Langford, who founded the Wall of Fame with Snyder and Tom McCarthy, the award is bittersweet. A champion of many causes and a lover of the arts, Snyder passed away in February of this year in New Zealand where he spent the winters in retirement. Langford, who became fast friends with Snyder when she moved to Chatham-Kent in 1997, acknowledged him as the person you went to for help. “James was the guy you always went to when you needed information on something,” Langford told The Voice in a recent interview. “He helped us with grants because he was really knowledgeable. He had an understanding of the arts and he knew the mechanics of how things worked.”
She added he was extremely well read and possessed an “incredible” movie and music collection. “He read an insane amount of newspapers and loved information and that’s why he was the go-to guy when you needed help,” Langford explained, adding his passing was a shock. “He had a lot to do with most of the larger scope projects in Chatham-Kent. It is a huge, huge loss. I do miss him.” According to Langford, all of the 2026 inductees deserve the honour, as they represent “unwavering commitment and ongoing dedication” to their chosen fields. Each will receive a permanent plaque and biography on the Hall of Fame located in the Chatham Cultural Centre. “Their passion has contributed to the region’s cultural landscape while shaping the world
around us,” Langford stated. “The names and faces in the Hall of Fame are deeply inspiring and it is wonderful to see the many and diverse people who hail from C-K and their contributions to the arts and culture we see around us every day.” The CKAC is also recognizing Mazzelyn Galbraith who is receiving the Karen deKoning Scholarship for Arts & Culture. The inaugural Copeland Youth Award is being presented as well. The event begins at 6 p.m. with a reception and silent auction in Studio One, followed by the ceremony at 7 p.m. Meghan and Pat Whalen, also known as Deep Southwest, will emcee the event. The event is sponsored by the Municipality of Chatham-Kent through the Together CK Core Grant program and Waste Connections of Canada,
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026
Contributed image
The late James Snyder, seen here enjoying his trademark cup of coffee, is one of this year’s crop of people to be honoured on the CK Cultural Hall of Fame wall.
operator of the Ridge Landfill. “We are tremendously proud to be a founding partner of this event,” said Cathy Smith, Waste Connections of Canada project manager. “We believe that in highlighting the success and contributions of these individuals and groups, we can help
inspire future generations of young artists to chase their own dreams and achievements.” The 2026 Cultural Hall of Fame & Scholarship Committee included chair Lee Highgate, Laurie Langford, Mike Ondrovcik, Karen Robinet, Jaclyn Gillier and Vicki McFarland.
Chatham-Kent is a beautiful place to live but in recent years the current city council has lost control of city administration.
It is now time to:
• Reverse this situation as administration is to work for the council. Council is to work to represent and protect the best interest of the residents. • Keep property tax increases to a minimum as this area saw a 42% tax increase in the last 10 years. City hall spending needs to be kept in control. • Address the issues of the Chatham-Kent Public Utilities Commission and the constant yearly hikes. • Stop all unnecessary expenditure at this time. Council focus should be directed to the crumbling infrastructure within the Chatham-Kent area. The municipality is looking at a 2.7 billion dollars infrastructure gap in the next 10 years. • Overall citizens of Chatham-Kent should be able to afford to live in this community. • Support our seniors who wish to stay and afford their home.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 5
Highbury Canco might buy
Continued from page 2
In 2023, as reported in The Toma-
to News, Conagra invested $2.9 million into the Dresden plant.
The upgrades included software improvements, a new evaporation system to increase tomato paste production and the installation of a line dedicated to American products including the Ro*tel trade name. Tomato and vegetable processing have been a fixture in Dresden since 1902. Built by Thomas Dunn, the original facility was known for years as Canadian Canners. In 1949, a more modern plant was built and since that time it has changed
hands and brands – with Nabisco, Aylmer-Delmonte and Kraft taking ownership before Conagra. Highbury Canco is a Canadian company founded in 2014. A group of investors purchased the Leamington Heinz plant after the American-owned company decided to walk away from it. Many farmers in Chatham-Kent are contracted to supply the Highbury Canco Leamington plant with tomatoes.
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
U.S.-based Conagra announced it will either sell its Dresden facility or close it sometime next year.
Overdoses leap in Chatham-Kent The Chatham Voice
Local officials are warning the public following a recent spike in drug poisonings. According to CK Public Health, emergency services responded to 13 suspected overdoses between Oct. 6 to Oct. 13. That exceeds the usual number of opioid-related calls of an average of three per day, the release stated, with local partners reporting an increase in the use of nalox-
one, strong sedation and concerns about drug toxicity. In the past two weeks, Windsor-Essex has issued two public drug poisoning alerts. Historically, Chatham-Kent follows the same pattern when drug overdoses are reported in neighbouring locales. In case of an overdose, individuals are asked to call 911, administer naloxone (it could take more than one dose), and to not leave the person unattended until help arrives.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 6
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026
Boxed in…for a good cause
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
It’s an outside-the-box idea to put someone inside this box. That someone is Exordia Media’s Isaac Davey, who is in the middle of spending a week inside a storage container in a fundraising effort to support the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent. Quentin Solomon, president and co-founder of Exordia, said the concept began to germinate back in the summer when the company took on Porta-
ble Storage as a client. “We were coming up with different ideas. How much could we fit into a container, etc. and then someone had the idea of what if one of us lived in the container for a week, and we had some sort of charity element tied to it,” Solomon said. Alexx Sewell, an account manager at Exordia who has Portable Storage as a client, agreed. “We were brainstorming and that was one of the concepts we came up with. It was interesting and definitely good for brand awareness for Portable Storage,” she said. Mitch Erickson of Portable Storage loved the idea.
“It’s kind of crazy, but we’re excited for it. Happy to help out,” he said. “This is one of the most unique uses we’ve ever seen.” All they needed was a proverbial guinea pig. Enter Davey, senior video specialist with Exordia and an online content creator in his own right. He quickly volunteered to spend a week living in the container. And documenting it with a 24/7 livestream. “I like doing stuff like this. I like pushing my limits and doing things under pressure,” he said. “I think it’s a really fun challenge.” These were Davey’s words prior to stepping inside the container. But once he did, he was sub-
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Exordia Media’s Isaac Davey showcases his home for the week as he locks himself in a storage container to raise funds for the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent.
ject to strict rules, many of which he placed upon himself. “I gave myself the rule that I can leave for 10 minutes a day to go to the bathroom,” he said. As for the other 23 hours and 50 minutes of each day, well, he’s stuck inside his home away from home. His accoutrements, however, may not be. The goal is to have the public help remove as many creature comforts Davey initially has inside the con-
tainer as possible. You can pledge money in support of the Children’s Treatment Centre to have items yanked from the metal confines. He’ll start with a bed, couch, entertainment options, lighting and even a popcorn maker courtesy of the Children’s Treatment Centre. How he ends is up to you. “You can take away his lights, take away his bed, take away all of his games,” Sewell said, all by visiting portablestorage.ca/7-days-contained. “We’re putting a price tag for the majority of things in the container so people can donate to-
wards removing them from the container,” Davey said. “We’re keeping the essentials in there. But if somebody wants to get rid of my couch, they donate a certain amount of money and then I can’t have it for the rest of the week.” Mike Genge, president and CEO of the Children’s Treatment Centre Foundation, a fan of unique fundraising ideas for years, was happy to be part of canning Davey for a week. “Exordia came to us and asked if we’d like to be their charity of choice. Of course,” he said.
Continued on page 9
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 7
THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 8
Tree planting at school is just the beginning The Chatham Voice
It is said that it takes a community to raise a child. That can be the case as well to plant a tree, and in turn, a seed of education. A once under-utilized green space at McNaughton Avenue Public School is beginning a transformation, thanks to a community-driven initiative that brought local organizations, families and volunteers together recently to create something special for students. Volunteers gathered in the northeast corner of the schoolyard to plant more than 60 native trees, representing more than five different varieties.
It marked the first phase of a project designed to bring new life, learning and environmental opportunities to the school grounds. Led by NatureCK, the approximately $15,000 project has been made possible through grants, partnerships and donations, with support from Greenfield Global, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA), Enbridge Gas and members of the McNaughton Avenue Public School Parent Council. For NatureCK project coordinator Mark Gagner, the project began by simply seeing the possibilities in a part of the school
property that wasn’t being fully used. “We saw this under-utilized green space and immediately thought about what it could become,” Gagner said in a media release. “It felt like the perfect location to bring people together, add more native trees and create a space that can continue to grow into something meaningful for students and the school community. None of this happens without people and organizations working together, and that’s really what makes this project so special.” The vision extends into the future. Plans for the space include a 20-foot-by-30-foot
pollinator garden, two benches, educational signage and educational card sets for classroom use, as well as an interwoven stone-chip pathway. The project will continue growing over time, creating additional opportunities to connect classroom learning with the natural environment just outside the school doors. As the trees and garden become established, the space could become an outdoor extension of the classroom, providing opportunities for students to identify different tree species, learn about native plants and pollinators, explore local ecosystems and take their learning outdoors.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026
Contributed image
Volunteers planted more than five dozen native trees recently in the green space at McNaughton Avenue Public School. More outdoor improvements are also in the works.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026
Willi’s Match hits its goal The Chatham Voice
Six days. That’s how long it took for the public to reach Willi’s Match, a $100,000 matching donation goal for raising support for Chatham-Kent Hospice. In six days, the public donated the $100,000, which Willi and Nestor Kirenko vowed to match, doubling the support to $200,000. As we write this, Willi is a resident at hospice, and her experience inspired her and Nestor to champion hospice care and help ensure others in Chatham-Kent can receive the same comfort, dignity and compassion. While the $100,000 matching-gift milestone has been reached, the opportunity to make a difference continues.
The Kirenkos are now encouraging community members to carry the momentum forward by making a donation toward the purchase of three new cuddle beds for hospice residents and their loved ones. Cuddle beds allow residents to share a bed with the people they love, creating opportunities for closeness, comfort and meaningful moments together during life’s most precious and difficult days. These specialized beds make it possible for families to hold hands, embrace and simply be together when the time matters most. “Reaching the $100,000 matching-gift milestone in just six days is an incredible testament to the generosity of our community and the impact of Willi’s story. We are deeply grateful to everyone who do-
THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 9
Man in a can Continued from page 6
Contributed image
Willi and Nestor Kirenko, fresh off their Willi’s Match fundraising campaign that saw $200,000 donated to Chatham-Kent Hospice in six days, are lobbying for the donations to continue, to allow the hospice to purchase three cuddle beds, similar to what the Kirenkos are enjoying in this image.
nated and helped make this possible. We invite the community to keep this momentum going by supporting Willi’s Legacy and helping us bring three new cuddle beds to Chatham-Kent Hospice,” said Jay
Smith, fundraising manager at the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation, in a media release. To learn more or make a donation toward the three new cuddle beds, visit chathamkenthospice.com.
“It’s off the wall. We do things differently.” But it’s up to the people of Chatham-Kent as to how successful the effort to raise money, and add to Davey’s discomfort, will be. Genge is confident Davey’s confines will be sparse by week’s end, considering it is all for a good cause. “We have a great community and great businesses in the community,” he said. “All this money will go towards programming; it will all stay here in C-K.” While Davey will be limited in his outside-the-box time and could lose out on comforts many of us take for granted, he will have support 24/7. Creative lead for Exordia, Riley Smids, is working on site overnight during Davey’s stay in the oversized tin can of a home. He’ll be there for support and security if something were to go awry.
Fresh Outlook. New Voice. Allow me to introduce myself. I was born and raised in Chatham-Kent, and I am running for Councillor in Ward 6. I opened my first business nearly two decades ago. As a business owner, I believe that the customers’ needs are always job #1. As your councillor, I will be guided by this primary principle: to ensure that the needs of all citizens are always front and centre.
I promise to be your advocate, and your voice to ensure that C-K always: • Has financially sound projects! All initiatives must be fiscally responsible, delivering tangible results for residents today and in the future. • Has a responsible budget! I want to be your representative - your advocate on council for this demanding work. • Is Growing our business community. I will be your advocate for business growth in Ward 6 and C-K. • Keeps safety front and centre. I am ready to roll up my sleeves and dive in on the tough issues regarding safety. Both residents’ and business operators’ voices must shape the decisions that are made.
VOTE JEFF COMISKEY for Councillor Ward 6 in Chatham-Kent
#ComiskeyForCouncillor
When elected, I will work tirelessly to ensure the Municipality is held accountable for all aspects of the operations within its control.
votecomiskey@gmail.com
THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 10
Opinion All that remains is to cast a ballot
It’s the stretch run for our 100plus candidates running for school board trustee, municipal councillor and mayor in Chatham-Kent. Chances are, many of us have already voted, be it online or in the advanced polls. For those who did, we thank you for taking part in the democratic process. For those who plan on voting Oct. 26, you have our thanks as well. As do every person who threw their hat into the proverbial ring. Running for office is never an easy thing to do. These days, your skin has to be tougher than ever. The best piece of advice we ever heard from one retiring politician to a new candidate this year was to stay off Facebook. Unfortunately, that candidate didn’t listen. Social media is a sewer of opinion and misinformation; an online schoolground of bullying and confrontation with no true moderation. While traditional media outlets have to answer to standards, and most of us have overseeing bodies who will moderate disputes a
reader, listener or view may have with an outlet, there is no such thing in the social media cesspool. If someone believes everything they see on such platforms, they’ll soon be scammed out of their lifesavings and will gargle with Ivermectin as soon as they get a sore throat. Social media is where scientific facts go to be cast aside, replaced by, “I heard this from a friend…” The earth is flat. There are no life-threatening pathogens in unpasteurized cow’s milk. Causation and correlation are one in the same. Social media has devolved from when you could log on and just catch up with old friends and family. Today, you are bombarded with misinformation. At the municipal election level, a deluge of material bubbled up daily on social media. Arguing politics on Facebook is akin to yelling at a wall. There is no point, and there are no ears to listen. Traditional media is not perfect. Yet we at least have guidelines to operate within.
Our letters to the editor policy The Chatham Voice welcomes letters to the editor. Our preferred method to receive letters is via e-mail to bruce@ chathamvoice.com (use “Letter” in the subject line). You can also drop them off or mail
them to us at The Chatham Voice, 71 Sass Rd., Unit 4, Chatham, Ont, N7M 5J4. The Chatham Voice reserves the right to edit letters to the editor for brevity and clarity. All letters need to be signed.
Chatham Voice advertising policy The publisher of this newspaper, CK Media Inc., reserves the right to clarify or refuse any advertisement based on its sole discretion. The publisher reserves the right to reject, discontinue or omit any advertisement without notice
or penalty to either party. Liability for errors or non-insertion is limited to the amount paid for the cost of space occupied by the error. Claims of errors must be made prior to the next publication date.
The contents of this newspaper are protected by copyright. No material from this edition may be reproduced without expressed written consent of CK Media Inc.
A member of:
71 Sass Rd., Unit #4, Chatham, ON, N7M 5J4 Tel: 519-397-2020
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026
Decisions are made at council meetings Editor: A recent paid third-party advertisement in The Chatham Voice (“You can’t represent a municipality from an empty chair,” in the Oct. 15 Voice) attempts to mislead voters by selectively focusing on committee attendance while ignoring
the council meeting venue where municipal decision making actually takes place. It is vital that Chatham-Kent residents have the full picture rather than selective framing designed to weaken a
candidate. Michael Bondy’s official attendance record at the Chatham-Kent council meetings stands at 97 per cent, higher than that of incumbent Mayor Darren Canniff.
Continued on page 11
‘Stripping away my dignity’ Editor: I am writing to express my deep outrage over the municipality’s ongoing treatment of encampment residents. On three separate occasions, municipal workers have waltzed in and thrown away my property at will. I have lost everything, including my parents’ ashes and a bible I owned since I was nine years old. Can the city replace those? On a recent day, work-
ers were throwing away my things while raising their voices, stripping away my dignity. I fought back, and they left, but they are coming back to finish the job. I will continue to fight for myself and for those who cannot. Scripture warns against this exact behavior. Proverbs 22:22 says, “Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not
crush the needy in court.” Furthermore, Exodus 22:26-27 commands that if you take a neighbor’s cloak, you must return it by sunset, because it is their only warmth. Yet, this city strips people of their survival gear without a second thought. The city alters bylaws to serve its own purposes, acting as though officials are above the law.
Continued on page 12
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026
THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 11
Don’t judge committee attendance Continued from page 10
Council meetings are where municipal bylaws are passed, multi-million-dollar budgets are debated, and binding votes are recorded. Attempting to judge a representative’s commitment while ignoring their near-perfect record where it counts most is a clear omission of facts.
Effective municipal leadership requires rigorous, hands-on executive oversight. The role of mayor demands daily attention to reviewing municipal divisions, managing departmental budgets, and overseeing complex capital project issues. With the incumbent mayor’s well-documented schedule of con-
stant photo opportunities and promotional appearances, residents could question how effectively the day-to-day administrative management of Chatham-Kent is being handled inside his office. Voters deserve a true and honest debate on fiscal management, infrastructure accountability, and governance, not
third-party distraction tactics that cherry pick committee stats while ignoring official council records. John Cryderman Chatham
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026
Where is security for encampment residents?
Continued from page 10
This while treating us like insignificant beings. The municipality was given funds to put up privacy fences, yet they used that money for other things – failing to even provide the water or power sources required by the bylaws. Isaiah 10:1-2 issues a stark warning to leaders like ours: “Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed.” I have never been more disappointed in how ungrateful and negative this city can be, especially
toward the elderly. You should all be ashamed. No one has offered me real help to secure a home. I do not require a fenced, locked facility that treats me like a criminal or a mentally handicapped person. I will not allow it. I want my own home, a personal life, and the basic human rights protected under Section 7 of the Canadian Charter. Gwen Wilhelm Resident of Encampment on Grand Avenue Chatham
Michael BONDY
FOR MAYOR
A community must be affordable in order to grow. CURRENTLY, C-K HAS IT BACKWARDS. C-K IS NOT JUST THE CITY OF CHATHAM.
MY PRAGMATIC PLAN FOR CHATHAM-KENT • Rural communities supported equally proportionate to the city of Chatham. • Prioritize to fast-track rural infrastructure. • Each rural community becomes an integral part of the C-K website. • STOP! The high cost of 3rd party consultants. • An open door policy for residents and businesses. • Administration restructuring and overhead reduction. • Defer, pause, or scale back non-essential and legacy projects. • Sell off selected municipal assets to save on utilities, insurance, maintenance, and life cycle expenses. • C-K’s 12 departments and 21 divisions will submit quarterly financial reports for effective tax dollar investment.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026
PAGE 13
to s k n a h T our t n LOCAL FARMERS a d n Abu
It’s harvest season!
A combine deposits harvested soybeans into a trailer near Erieau.
Thank You, Farmers! Here’s to the hands that feed us. Stay safe this harvet season.
Did you know?
Chatham-Kent is home to more than 2,200 farms!
Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice
THE CHATHAM VOICE - SALUTE TO C-K AGRICULTURE
PAGE 14
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026
Tariff-ying to be a farmer
brought on by the juggernaut at the Strait of Hormuz – which hit a high of $2.75 a litre in September American politics are – are a major culprit, as having an impact on Cha- was the price of fertiliztham-Kent’s agriculture er in the spring, plus the increased cost of mechansector. That’s the word from ical farm equipment parts Kent Federation of Ag- coming from American riculture president Jim tariffs. But, problems aside, Brackett, who says the U.S.-Iran war – and tariffs there’s upbeat news for – are hurting the bottom farmers tilling grain crops in the municipality, Brackline for local farmers. Surging diesel prices ett said, as commodity prices have risen significantly since the beginedwardjones.ca > ning of the year. By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
Tomatoes harvested from St. Anne’s Island sit on Swan Line before being trucked for processing.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026
THE CHATHAM VOICE - SALUTE TO C-K AGRICULTURE
PAGE 15
Rise in commodity prices is good news
Continued from page 14
In 2025, corn was around $6 a bushel – that’s now above $7; soybeans hovered around $13 to $14 a
bushel, now up to $17; and soft red winter wheat, which comprises the bulk of the local wheat crop, went from below $6 a bushel to the cur-
rent price of over $8. “It certainly helps the mood on the farm to see the prices rise,” he added. “It’s definitely going to offset some of the rise in input costs.” As for 2026 grain yields, the numbers remain to be seen as its early days for the corn harvest and soybeans are about halfway there. But forecasts by Statistics Canada estimate C-K corn will come in around 203 bushels per acre, whereas local soybeans
are estimated at 59 bushels an acre on average. According to Brackett, he’s hearing soybean yields are looking good, with the exception of dry pockets around Thamesville and Pain Court. What happened when the current U.S.-Iran conflict started on Feb. 28 also had an impact. Less than a week later, nitrogen fertilizer prices rose 65 per cent. However, not every farmer was hit with that big of an increase,
Brackett explained, as some suppliers had stockpiles so they worked with farmers to make it as affordable as possible. “In the spring, the biggest thing to hit us was the nitrogen prices that rose dramatically thanks to the Iran conflict,” Brackett said. “That changed some of the decisions as to what farmers wanted to grow.” Continued on page 17
Farmers feed the world.
Thank you for helping our communities grow.
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
Cabbages sold at Gypsy King farm produce stand put the art in agriculture.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE - SALUTE TO C-K AGRICULTURE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026
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THE CHATHAM VOICE - SALUTE TO C-K AGRICULTURE
PAGE 17
Rural Urban awards noms sought The Chatham Voice
It’s nomination time for the 80th Rural Urban Awards, which bring rural achievements to the eyes of urban residents in Chatham-Kent. Organized by the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce (C-KCoC), the awards are a celebration of the leadership, innovation and community commitment that make agriculture central to Chatham-Kent’s identity and prosperity. Founded in 1872, the chamber’s roots are deeply connected to agriculture and the commercial relationships that link farms, rural communities and urban businesses, chamber officials said in a media release. The Rural Urban Awards carry that relationship forward, recognizing that the success of one strengthens the success of all. “What happens in our fields shapes what happens on our main streets,” said Amanda Clark, chair of the board of directors of the C-KCoC. “Our rural and urban communities do not have separate economic futures. We grow together. This 80th celebration honours
generations of people who have understood that connection – and the leaders who are carrying it forward.” Agriculture’s contribution reaches well beyond each farm. Municipal reporting places Chatham-Kent’s agriculture and agri-food sector at more than $4 billion in annual economic activity. Its connections extend through food processing, transportation, equipment, financial and professional services, and the businesses that sustain communities across the municipality. That local strength has national significance. Canada’s renewed emphasis on food security includes growing and processing more food domestically, strengthening supply chains and helping the next generation take over farm businesses. Chatham-Kent’s agricultural leadership is directly relevant to that future, Chamber officials said. “Food sovereignty is not built by declarations. It is built by people who grow food, steward productive land, invest in new ideas and make it possible for the next generation to farm,” said Rory Ring, president and CEO of the C-KCoC.
“These awards put those peo- tor of the Year Award – Indi- explanation of 50 words or fewer describing why the nomple – and the businesses and vidual. Nominations close Nov. 20. inee deserves recognition. communities behind them – To submit, visit chathamwhere they belong: at the cen- The online nomination form tre of the story. Recognizing requests contact information, kentcc.awardify.io/nominatheir contribution is both a cel- an award category and a brief tions. ebration of achievement and a statement about what we value.” Nominations are now being accepted for the following categories: The Chamber encourages residents, farm organizations, businesses and community partners to look across Chatham-Kent and put forward the individuals and businesses whose contributions deserve Proud to support the growers who feed our communities and beyond. recognition. Nominations are being accepted in the following categories: • Agriculturist of the Year • Woman of Agriculture Award • Friend of Agriculture Award • Future Leader of the Year Award • Agriculture Innovator of the Year Award – Business • Agriculture Innova-
Thank you, farmers!
Nitrogen costs felt in C-K
Continued from page 15
Nitrogen can be manufactured domestically, he added, but potash and phosphorous must be mined out of the ground. Another tariff impacting Chatham-Kent is the Canadi-
an-imposed tariff on potash from Russia and Belarus, that was put on when Russian invaded Ukraine. “The U.S. doesn’t pay the same tariff because they didn’t put that on,” he added.
AGRONOMY
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As for livestock farming, China has a 37-per-cent tariff on Canadian pork, “We’re being hurt by all tariffs, including our own, as much as by foreign tariffs,” Brackett said.
Thank You for All you do! Keep Vigilant always: on the farm and at home
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THE CHATHAM VOICE - SALUTE TO C-K AGRICULTURE
PAGE 18
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026
Factors that impact our farmers
I am the first to admit was to bring awareness I am not a farmer. I did of this amazing sector not grow up on a farm around us. We have and I can’t drive a traclearned together about tor. I was a teenage city asparagus and apples, kid looking for my way bees and beef, grains in life, and then I fell in and germination, and love with God and with so much more. agriculture. I always receive quesFor more than 45 tions from readers, so years, I was involved I thought I would go Kim Cooper in this sector, where I through a few of these learned so much. I also and highlight some realize the more I know, of the issues facing our the less I really know. farmers and our agriculture sector. The business of farming is comWeather – Farmers are very deplex and hard to grasp, especially pendent on ideal weather for every today when 98 per cent of Canadicrop year, but every year does not ans have not grown up on a farm! bring ideal growing conditions. The reason I started writing Too much rain; not enough rain; agriculture articles 27 years ago too much heat; not enough heat.
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A field of tobacco on Eberts Line is almost ready to harvest.
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Continued on 19
THE CHATHAM VOICE - SALUTE TO C-K AGRICULTURE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026
PAGE 19
Farmers face cost pressures too
Continued from page 18
Rising costs – Just as we struggle with the rising costs of living, including food, fuel, taxes and other expenses, our farmers also deal with these costs, as well as higher costs for their seed, pesticides, farm machinery,
and diesel fuel. Fertilizer prices are much higher, and since 2022 and the start of the Russian-Ukraine war, have spiked by 80 per cent year-over-year. How are farmers paid? – For those of us who are working, we usually get
paid either weekly, bi-weekly or monthly. We know what our income will be every week or every month. This brings us a sense of stability in our daily lives. Most of our farmers rely on the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) to determine the
prices of the main crops they grow, which are soybeans, corn, and winter wheat. CBOT prices are determined through a live auction which takes place every business day, where buyers and sellers from around the world trade grain futures and options contracts.
These prices are determined by such things as supply and demand, weather conditions affecting crops around the world, shipping disruptions, tariffs, international conflicts, speculation, and many other factors.
Continued on page 21
Thank You, Farmers! Your hard work, dedication, and commitment help feed our families and strengthen our communities. Thank you for all you do, every season of the year.
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
Cattle grazing on a farm in East Kent.
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PAGE 20
THE CHATHAM VOICE - SALUTE TO C-K AGRICULTURE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026
A beautiful sight
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
The sun sets on a field of soybeans near Wallaceburg.
Michigan Sugar Company would like to
Thank Our Farmers
for their outstanding contributions; and also area residents for their patience and understanding during this year’s sugarbeet harvest season.
It all starts locally! From the field.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE - SALUTE TO C-K AGRICULTURE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026
PAGE 21
Commodity conundrum
Continued from page 19
The CBOT price is a futures price and not a direct local cash price our farmers receive. Local cash prices are calculated by taking the CBOT futures price and adding or subtracting the basis, which is the local difference affected by freight costs, regional supply and demand, as well as the USD/CAD currency exchange rates. From all these factors, the prices for soybeans, corn, and wheat are established with grain companies, where farmers deliver these crops, or make arrangements with grain companies to pick up their crop right at the farm. Farmers settle on prices either ahead of planting, during the harvest season, or they can put their crops in storage for a certain length of time hoping for higher prices. For the most part, the prices farmers receive are determined by outside factors, which can be very risky and is very uncertain year to year. There are programs in place to help with some of these crop risk factors,
such as crop insurance and other government assistance. All this uncertainty, especially in today’s world, creates additional stress on our farmers. Other crops, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, green peas, sugar beets, carrots, onions, and others are grown under pre-determined, pre-season contracts between local farmers and food processors. These contracts set a fixed price and a guaranteed market for the growers before the seeds are even planted. Crop diversification – Why don’t farmers grow other crops that will make them more money? Soybeans, corn, and winter wheat make up the vast majority of the crops grown in our area. For this, farmers have purchased equipment to plant, manage, harvest and store these crops. Our soybeans, corn, and winter wheat are sold throughout the world, and Canada continues to have an excellent reputation for growing high-quality crops. For farmers to switch to
Thanking a farmer is an every day message and we thank all of our customers for their patronage.
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A wide assortment of gourds, squash and pumpkins signal a bountiful and colorful harvest.
Thank You Farmers!
Agriculture has always been an integral part of our communities in the past, and I know our farmers will continue to bring us their best in terms of safety, innovation, and technology for the crops they grow and the animals they raise. • Kim Cooper has been involved in the agricultural sector for more than 45 years. He can be reached at: kim.e.cooper@gmail.com.
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other crops could require additional purchases for various equipment in order to grow new crops. Soils and climate also have an impact on what crops can or could be grown. We have some of the best soil in all of Canada, and there are some of our farmers growing higher value vegetable crops because of our more fertile soil. Our farmers do diversify. Over the years, they have experimented with growing other crops, and today, we grow over 80 different types of grain, oilseeds, fruits and vegetables. That is great diversification! Over 91 per cent of the land base in Chatham-Kent is agricultural, and more than 80 per cent of the land base in Essex County is agricultural. This is why agriculture is the number one economic driver in Chatham-Kent and the number two economic driver in Essex County. I am so very thankful for the many years I spent with our local farmers and agriculture businesses.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE - SALUTE TO C-K AGRICULTURE
PAGE 22
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THE CHATHAM VOICE - SALUTE TO C-K AGRICULTURE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026
PAGE 23
Those look delicious
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The Chatham Voice wishes to thank Chatham-Kent Farmers and Agri-businesses for all that they do!
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
Nancy Burton sells an assortment of fresh produce at Gypsy King on Park Avenue in Chatham.
Thank You, Farmers In a world that’s always on the move, it’s easy to forget the steadfast heroes who keep us grounded and well-fed. To the dedicated men and women who toil under the sun and nurture our land, we want to say a heartfelt “Thank You!” It’s more than a job; it’s a calling. You rise before the dawn, tend to your crops, and cultivate the land with care. You weather the storms and cherish the sunshine because you know that a bountiful harvest means a bountiful life for all of us.
As we sit down to our meals, let’s remember the hands that planted, nurtured, and harvested the food on our plates. Let’s be grateful for the tireless dedication of our farmers, whose efforts nourish not just our bodies, but our communities and our world. So, here’s to the farmers—the unsung heroes of our everyday lives. Thank you for feeding our families, fueling our dreams, and growing a brighter future for us all. Your hard work and dedication are truly appreciated.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE - SALUTE TO C-K AGRICULTURE
PAGE 24
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026
Droning on about frost
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
The folks at Drone Spray Canada have successfully tested a new use for their merchandise – frost mitigation. They recently sent their largest drone over a field near Thamesville in an effort to protect the flower crop from damaging frost. “We were approached by a local grower in the Thamesville area,” Myles Weishar, marketing manager for Drone Spray Canada, told The Voice. “There was an early frost in the forecast.” The landowner wanted to protect the dahlia flowers growing in a oneacre field from killing cold temperatures. The idea was to find the warmer air above ground level and literally push it down over the flowers. “We went out and tried it. We took the largest model we had, the T-100,” Weishar said. “We went out a couple of hours before sunrise.” On site, the drone team
Contributed image
A drone flies above a plot of dahlias near Thamesville on a crisp morning. The drone, supplied by Blenheim’s Drone Spray Canada, helped mitigate the damage of an early frost.
lit a small fire to track how far the smoke rose into the sky. Where it
stopped told them all they needed to know. “Once the smoke hit the
temperature inversion shelf, we knew where to be at,” Weishar said. “We
THANK YOU FARMERS
just programmed it (the drone) and it flew up and down over a one-acre plot.” The drone punched holes in the inversion layer to push down the warmer air. He added where a neighbouring plot showed signs of damage from the frost, “it was pretty
evident that it worked” over the plot the drone covered. It’s another use for which these drones can be utilized. The T-100 is no lightweight. Weishar said it has a “dry weight” of 165 lbs. Continued on page 25
Providing nutritious meals to families in crisis.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE - SALUTE TO C-K AGRICULTURE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026
PAGE 25
Drone use in agriculture continues to increase Continued from page 24
When it’s loaded with liquid for crop spraying, it weighs in at about 400 lbs. But the drone can also handle field seeding and dry fertilizing too. “Spraying is certainly a primary function for these things, but you can get a lot more value with the cover crop seeding in the fall, and fertilizing,” Weishar said. Essentially, it is up to the customer how to best utilize their drone. Maximiz-
ing efficiency is maximizing one’s investment. Weishar said the larger drones like the T-100 have impressive lift capabilities. “A Western Canada customer was transporting goods to and from a small island using an aluminum boat. They tried a drone, and it’s working out really well,” he said. Drones are replacing heavy equipment at times, Weishar said. For example. When conditions
Working Hard For You!
could leave a farmer with a tractor bogged down in a wet field, why not used a drone to plant? Furthermore, heavy equipment packs the soil. A drone doesn’t. “There’s no compaction. You’re not getting tractor tires on the field,” Weis-
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Contributed image
Drone use in agriculture is on the rise, as is the variety of uses.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 26
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026
Every October, Children’s Aid Societies across Ontario raise awareness about the important role that individuals and communities play in supporting vulnerable children, youth, and families through the provincial Dress Purple Day campaign. We are calling on all Ontarians to wear something purple to show children, youth, and families that they are here to help!
October 29, 2026
Ontario Dress Purple Day, is a day of action to raise awareness about the community’s responsibility to look after children and youth. Communities across Ontario will go purple and collectively speak up to share the message that children and youth have a right to safety and well-being and that help is available. Adults need to step in and help children and youth who are dealing with neglect, physical and sexual abuse, gender-based violence, dating violence and emotional abuse, including racism, intolerance, prejudice and discrimination. This right applies everywhere – at home and in the community. All Ontarians are being called upon to wear something purple, so let’s turn Chatham-Kent purple to show our kids,youth and families facing challenges how much we care! Learn more about how you can support the campaign at www.oacas.org/dresspurpleday Duty to Report The saying “it takes a village to raise a child” is never more true than when we talk about protecting children. 20 Sandy St., Chatham Keeping the most vulnerable members of our 519-354-6360 • 1-800-265-0598 community safe is the responsibility of everyone. If you have any reason to believe that a child is in need of protection or is at risk of harm, make the call to Children’s Aid. It isn’t up to you to prove or investigate Show your the abuse but it is up to you to reach out and help protect support the child. Once the report is made, a child welfare worker will use a standardized method to assess the risk, on and determine whether or not to investigate further. You can call Children’s Aid anonymously. Oct. 29
We support Dress Purple Day Children, youth and families thrive when we work together. We wear purple to show that we are #HereToHelp
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026
Community Events
Thursday, October 22, 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 open 2:30pm. Kitchen open 4:00pm. Panzerotti Night & Full Menu available! • Join us at The Chatham Legion 39 William St. N. Chatham 11am-9:30 pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11 am -1:30 pm. Euchre at 1 pm. Everyone is Welcome! • Community Meal at St. Paul’s Community Church, 450 Park Ave. West, Chatham from 5:30 to 6:30. Everyone Welcome. • An unforgettable evening of music – Pipe Organ Plus One Concert. Pipe organ, piano, drum, french horn, trumpet and handbells. Celebrating First Church’s Centennial. First Christian Reformed Church, 25 Tweedsmuir Ave. E., Chatham at 7:30pm. Free admission. Donations to Joint Refugee Committee of Chatham. • Lunch at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 11am -1:30 PM. Daily specials and menu items available.
Friday, October 23, 2026: • Haunted Museum. 7:00pm-9:00pm. Wallaceburg and District Museum, 505 King Street, Wallaceburg, Ontario, N8A 1J1. Admission is $5 per person. The Wallaceburg and District Museum will be transformed into spooky fun, eerie exhibits, and haunted surprises. Funds raised support the Wallaceburg and District Museum. • Poppy Campaign Begins. There will be a flag raising ceremony at City Hall at 10:00am. All are welcome to assist us in ushering in Poppy Season. Join us at The Chatham Legion, 39 William St. N. Chatham 11am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11am-1:30pm Yummy Roast Beef is on the menu for tonight! We have other delicious specials too. There will be fun Darts at 7pm. Everyone is Welcome! • Are you afraid of the dark? Then you better team up with a friend for the final round of Cemetery Strolls at Maple Leaf Cemetery in Chatham. Strolls offered at 7:30pm & 8:00pm. Each walk lasts about an hour and fifteen minutes. Tickets available at www.eventbrite.com. Adult tickets are $20 plus Eventbrite fees and Children’s tickets (12 and under) are $12 plus Eventbrite fees. Visit our Facebook page “Ghost Walks of Chatham-Kent” for information. • Merlin Legion. Please visit facebook for meal details. 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.
• Lunch at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 11am -1:30pm. Daily specials and menu items available. Friday night supper is a Breaded Pork Chop dinner with potatoes, vegetable, coleslaw and a bun. Dine ins $14 and pickup $15. All meals are served at 6pm. Please call 519-352-8291 to order. Saturday, October 24, 2026: • Haunted Museum. 7:00pm-9:00pm. Wallaceburg and District Museum, 505 King Street, Wallaceburg. Admission is $5 per person. Step inside the Haunted Museum if you dare. The Wallaceburg and District Museum will be transformed into spooky fun, eerie exhibits, and haunted surprises. Funds raised support the Wallaceburg and District Museum. • Join us at The Chatham Legion, 39 William St. N. Chatham 11am9:30pm for a full day of great food and excellent company. Line Dancing 10am- 12pm. Kitchen open from 3pm -5:15pm. 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 “Unity Station”, 4:30-9:30pm. Everyone is Welcome! • Are you afraid of the dark? Then you better team up with a friend for the final round of Cemetery Strolls at Maple Leaf Cemetery in Chatham. Strolls offered at 7:30pm & 8:00pm. Each walk lasts about an hour and fifteen minutes. Tickets available at www.eventbrite.com. Adult tickets are $20 plus Eventbrite fees and Children’s tickets (12 and under) are $12 plus Eventbrite fees. Visit our Facebook page “Ghost Walks of Chatham-Kent” for information. • The Kinsmen Club of Chatham are celebrating Elmer the Safety Elephants 75th Birthday at Erickson Arena - Chatham Kinsmen Club room from 1pm-4pm. Elmer of course will be there and a birthday cake and hot dogs for the kids. All are welcome to help us celebrate. We hope to see you at Elmers 75th birthday party. Thank you Elmer for being there all these years to help keep our children safe.
Congregation – five exceptionally talented Toronto musicians – drop into the Czech Hall in Dresden to do a show at 2:00 p.m. Tickets for the show are $30 each, can be obtained by calling 519-683-2097, you can also call 519-627-5978 or email: oldczechhall@hotmail.com.
Fun Stuff
• Breakfast at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 9am Noon. All meals are cooked to order. • Merlin Legion Classic Country Jamboree with the Marquis. Join us for an afternoon of great music, great company, dancing, meat draw, 50/50 and great food! Doors open at 1:00pm. $5 entry. Musicians and singers enter for free! Chili Dinner with three sides and CLUES ACROSS dessert served at 5:30pm.
1. Nocturnal rodent 5. Requesting Monday, October 26, 2026: • Join Chatham-Kent Public Library for 11. Give temporarily an information session with Canadian 12. Frivolousness 16. Military arm Hearing Services. Learn about your 17. “Westworld” actor hearing aids and have your questions Harris answered! CKPL, Chatham Branch, 18. Persian Gulf port city 120 Queen St E from 1:00-2:00pm. 19. Air hostesses Everyone is welcome to this free ses- 24. Partner to “Pa” sion and registration is not required. 25. Percussion instrument 26. Raincoats Tuesday, October 27, 2026: 27. Lower the light • Join us at The Chatham Legion 39 28. Asian mountain William St. N. Chatham 11am-9:30 range pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11am29. Every one of two 1:30pm, featuring Spaghetti & Meat or more Sauce plus other delicious lunch 30. Lack of difficulty specials. Euchre at 1pm and 6:30pm. 31. A public announcement of a IShuffleboard at 7 pm Everyone is proposed marriage Welcome!
33. Reduces in size 34. Make an impact 38. Serviceman 39. A French river 40. Prehistoric people 43. Messenger ribonucleic acid 44. “Layla” singer Clapton 45. Ancient Greek sophist 49. Largest English dictionary (abbr.) 50. “Top Gun: Maverick” actor Powell 51. A way to disentangle 53. Atomic #93 54. Manifesting approval 56. Indigo bush 58. Larry and Curly’s pal 59. Off-Broadway theater award 60. Fencers
Wednesday, October 28, 2026: • Join us at The Chatham Legion, 39 William St. N. Chatham 11am-9:30 pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11am -1:30pm. Lots of delicious specials. Fun Darts at 7pm. Everyone is Welcome! • Kent County Stamp Club meeting at the Active Lifestyle Center, 20 Merritt Ave. Chatham. 7:30pm-9:00pm. New Members and guests are welcome. Our members collect Canadian, USA, and World Stamps, Covers & Postcards. Take this opportunity to learn and share knowledge of the Philatelic hobby. For more information contact President Ken Boorman (lisab1@kent. net) (519-365-1190). Are you affected by someone else’s drinking? Al-Anon can help! Call 1-888-425-2666 or Al-Anon.org
• Merlin Legion Euchre Tournament sponsored by Branch 465 in memory of all Veterans. Kitchen Open 10:00am. Registration 11:00am. Play starts promptly at 12:00pm
Alcoholics Anonymous Chatham-Kent. Call or Text 519-360-5246 or see our website aachathamkent.com.
Sunday, October 25, 2026: • Tom Waits fans in Southwestern Ontario are in for a rare musical treat when the Tom Waits Appreciation
Adult Children of Alcoholics & Dysfunctional Families (ACoA). Visit www.adultchildren.org. acachatham@yahoo.com.
Puzzle Answers
PAGE 27
63. Masses of fish eggs 64. Passerine birds 65. Arrange systematically CLUES DOWN 1. Colorless part of blood 2. Of a main artery 3. Photog’s tool 4. Blues Traveler hit “But __” 5. Grew older 6. Not the leader 7. __ Lang: country singer 8. A driver’s license is one 9. Nests of pheasants 10. Antelopes 13. One quintillion bytes 14. Japanese lute 15. A type of cat 20. It cools your home 21. Dorm official 22. Pouches 23. German trigraph 27. Form of Persian 29. __ route 30. Upper body part 31. Bridge building degree 32. Indicates position 33. Political action committee 34. Edible nuts 35. Front part of a quadruped 36. Locate 37. Geological time 38. Of I 40. Northern Utah city 41. They work in the trenches 42. Hammer is one 44. Tall deciduous tree 45. Performers 46. Slang for mistake 47. More open 48. Most slick 50. Provokes 51. Home of the NCAA’s Flyers 52. Sodium 54. Large fish of the mackerel family 55. Not one 57. __ and behold 61. Atomic #21 62. “The Great Lakes State”
THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 28
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026
Heart Buddies keep beating
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
This group of heart surgery survivors are looking for more buddies. We’re talking about the Heart Buddies, formed in Chatham in late 2022. Member Ian Cruickshank, one of the founders, said it
began as a support group for people recovering from open heart surgery. “That’s how it started. But we’ve had people who have had heart attacks, had stents put in, and other less-invasive surgeries. It’s still a heart issue or episode,” he said. The Heart Buddies go
beyond where normal health care stops. The physicians operate or address the health issue, but the buddies support one another as they recover. Cruickshank had triple bypass surgery in April of 2022. At the time, the pandemic was still a serious concern, and getting ap-
OBITUARIES
pointments with doctors to answer questions was a challenge. Now, he’s gone from having questions to providing answers…and support. He’s one of three leaders of the Heart Buddies. Brenda Stevens, a social worker with the Thames-
Nelson Hawley 78, Sunday, October 11, 2026 Badder Funeral Home
Charles Sterling Robinson 95, Monday, October 12, 2026 Life Transitions
Eric Stallaert 68, Sunday, October 11, 2026 Nicholls Funeral Home
Joanne Powers 80, Sunday, October 11, 2026 Badder Funeral Home
Paul Jerome Girard 81, September 24, 2026 Life Transitions
Lynne Neaves 82, Thursday October 8, 2026 McKinlay Funeral Home
Charles Kenneth Rowland (Choppy) 84, Thursday, October 8, 2026 Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Donna Heatley-Stokes 67, Saturday, October 10, 2026 Cavanagh Funeral Home
Scott Parkhouse 48, Thursday October 8, 2026 McKinlay Funeral Home
Joaquim Costa 82, Thursday October 8, 2026 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Rosemary 'Diane' Edmondson 86, Monday, October 12, 2026 Cavanagh Funeral Home
Alfhild (Ally) Owen 89, Friday, October 9, 2026 McKinlay Funeral Home
Gary Robertson 78, Saturday, October 10, 2026 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Elwin 'Eldie' Dell 85, Tuesday, October 13, 2026 Cavanagh Funeral Home
Leona Coulter 86, Sunday, October 11, 2026 McKinlay Funeral Home
Peter Hainge 63, Tuesday, October 13, 2026 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Benjamin Penner 70, Friday, October 9, 2026 Kendrick Funeral Home
Louella Fleming 103. Sunday, October 11, 2026 McKinlay Funeral Home
Hunter Johnson 26, Tuesday, September 29, 2026 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Mike De Boer 95, Sunday, October 11, 2026 Kendrick Funeral Home
Ronald "Ronny" VanDeven 33, Saturday, October 10, 2026 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Richard James Lenover 74, Thursday October 8, 2026 Life Transitions
William Earl Houle 75, Friday, October 9, 2026 Nicholls Funeral Home
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view Family Health Team, and Jen Padbury, a heart surgery survivor from a decade prior to Cruickshank’s procedure, round out the group. Cruickshank said Stevens’ contributions are life-changing. “Brenda was the main one behind this. Her dedication to the entire group has been amazing,” he said. “She brought in some very knowledgeable professionals – from a cardiac nurse to respiratory and occupational therapists to a clinical pharmacist – to speak to us. It gives us some direction on where we need to go.” Monthly meetings of the group take place at the Thamesview Family Health Team on Grand Avenue in Chatham. Cruickshank said the gatherings help to keep people on the right track with diet and exercise. “And we talk about what we went through,” he said. “It can be quite an emotional roller coaster. The mental issues of having a heart attack is not
really talked about with your doctor.” Cruickshank said the Heart Buddies usually see about 10-16 people attend their meetings. Some come for one meeting and don’t return, but others stay and listen; and speak. Cruickshank said for many attendees, the first meeting or two is more observation than anything else. “It might take a couple of meetings before someone opens up,” he said. “You feel a sense of relief. ‘I’m not going through this alone.’” Cruickshank said having your caregiver attend can also be beneficial, as both have endured through diagnosis and surgery, and are now onto recovery. “Minus the surgery, they (caregivers) basically go through the same things the patient does; they live it.” The Heart Buddies gather the third Wednesday of the month at the Thamesview FHT offices. For more information, call 519-354-0070 or visit thamesviewfht.ca.
The Chatham Voice
and those around you from serious respiratory illness,” said Dr. Shanker Nesathurai, medical officer of health. For the general public, COVID-19 and flu vaccines are expected to be available starting on Oct. 26. Residents may be able to receive their vaccines through their primary care provider, local pharmacy, the MobileCare Bus, Bridgecare or CK Public Health clinics, depending on vaccine eligibility and availability. Information about vaccine eligibility, where to get vaccinated, clinic schedules, and booking options is available at ckphu.com/respiratory-illness.
Vaccination time
CK Public Health officials are urging local residents to sign up their fall vaccinations as soon as they come available. During the fall and winter months, respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) circulate throughout Chatham-Kent. While many people experience mild symptoms, these infections can lead to serious illness, hospitalization, and even death for older adults and those with underlying medical conditions, Public Health officials said. “Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to protect yourself
THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026
PAGE 29
Scare Hunger Oct. 29 The Chatham Voice
Students at UCC are taking to the streets a little earlier this year to try to scare away hunger. The 19th annual Lancers Scare Hunger Food Drive will take place Oct. 29 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. where UCC students go door-to-door throughout Chatham to collect
non-perishable items to donate to local food banks. Just leave your porch light on and have your donated goods sitting on your porch. The students will come by to collect. Organizers said they opted to move the event up from Halloween to allow the students more time to enjoy the spooky evening of Oct. 31.
Fun party for Elmer the Safety Elephant The Chatham Voice
The Kinsmen Club of Chatham is celebrating Elmer the Safety Elephant’s 75th birthday on Oct. 24. The festivities will take place at Erickson Arena in the Chatham Kinsmen Club room from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. Elmer will be there and a birthday cake and hot dogs will be available for the kids. All are welcome. The first Elmer suit was created here in Chatham in 1951 by George Nuttall, a past president of Cha-
tham Kinsmen, and his wife to help keep our city streets safe from children getting into accidents. Elmer would be accompanied by the Chatham Kinsmen, Chatham police, fire and EMS to each and every primary school in Chatham every year and has been a staple of child safety ever since. Since 1951, Elmer has progressed into a more movable and accessible creature and the Chatham Kinsmen promote, sponsor and keep a supply of peanuts for Elmer all these years.
It was an honour to represent you this term on Council. With your support I’ll continue that dedication next term. I’ll continue to ask tough questions when needed, and stand up for you.
VOTE ALYSSON STOREY WARD 6 NORTHWEST CHATHAM Learn more at www.VoteStorey.ca
Or contact me: VoteStorey@gmail.com
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 30
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 31
Hospice gala returns Oct. 23 The Chatham Voice
It’s almost gala time for the Chatham-Kent Hospice, and there are still a few tickets left. The 2026 Hospice Benefit Gala takes place Oct. 23 at The Chatham Armory, with this year’s event marking the 10th anniversary of the hospice providing end-of-life care in Chatham-Kent. “This year’s gala is particularly special as we celebrate 10 years of Chatham-Kent Hospice,” Ginny Hawken, special event committee chair and foundation board member, said in a media release. “Over the past decade, Hospice has been there for thousands of in-
dividuals and families, providing compassionate care and creating space for meaningful moments together. The Gala is an opportunity to celebrate that impact, remember those we have lost, and look ahead to the future of Hospice in our community.” The formal evening will feature a gourmet meal and an opportunity to bid on a variety of memory-making experiences through the live and silent auctions. Guests will also learn more about the impact hospice has had in Chatham-Kent over the past decade, with a special hospice family Heart Story.
A special part of this year’s evening will be a 10th Anniversary Memorial Activity, providing guests with an opportunity to pause, reflect and honour loved ones who are no longer with us. Returning this year is the ever-popular Diamond Draw, compliments of Mittons Jewellers in Ridgetown. The Golden Ticket Draw will also return, giving one lucky winner the opportunity to select a Silent Auction item and instantly make it theirs. The evening will conclude with an after party and DJ for those who wish to continue celebrating. Now in its ninth year, the Hospice Benefit Gala has
Contributed image
It’s gala time for the Chatham-Kent Hospice and a handful of tickets are still available.
raised more than $750,000 to support care planning, residential hospice care, and grief and bereave-
ment support in Chatham-Kent. Tickets are $250 per person, including a $100 tax
receipt. To purchase tickets, call 519-354-3113 ext. 2300 or visit ckhospicegala.com.
THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 32
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026
Upgrades are done at Taylor Park
complete, and the committee that put the plans in action can’t wait to show off everything to the public. Across Chatham-Kent, employers continue to face workforce challenges, from ongoing labour J.G. Taylor shortages to increased competition for skilled talent. As businesses look for effective ways to Park Revitalization Commitattract and retain employees, many are discovering an often-overlooked source of talent: tee members qualified job seekers with diverse abilities who are ready and eager to work. said the final Hiring individuals with diverse abilities is more than a socially responsible practice. It is a practical elements of five business strategy that helps organizations address workforce needs, strengthen their teams, and phases of work support long-term success. is done at one of Many employers are surprised by the depth of talent available within the disability community. Chatham-Kent’s Individuals with diverse abilities bring a wide range of education, technical skills, professionbusiest parks. al experience, and transferable strengths to the workplace. Yet barriers, misconceptions, and Completed traditional recruitment practices can sometimes prevent employers from connecting with these over five phases, qualified candidates. the project has At a time when many industries are struggling to fill vacancies, expanding recruitment efforts delivered significant improveto include job seekers with diverse abilities can help employers access a broader talent pool. ments that exBy focusing on skills, abilities, and potential, businesses can connect with capable individuals pand recreation, who bring value, dedication, and unique perspectives to their organizations. a c c e s s i b i l i t y, The benefits extend well beyond recruitment. Research and employer experiences consistently and community show that employees with disabilities often demonstrate strong commitment, reliability, and gathering opjob retention. When employees feel welcomed, supported, and valued, they are more likely to remain with an organization, reducing turnover costs and helping employers retain valuable knowledge and experience. Inclusive workplaces also benefit from greater innovation and stronger problem-solving. Individuals who have navigated barriers throughout their lives often bring adaptability, resilience, and creative thinking to the workplace. These qualities can enhance collaboration, improve decision-making, and help organizations respond effectively to changing business needs. In addition to operational benefits, businesses that embrace inclusive hiring can strengthen their reputation as employers of choice. Customers, employees, and job seekers increasingly value organizations that demonstrate a commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Employers known for creating welcoming workplaces are often better positioned to attract talent and build stronger connections within the communities they serve. For employers interested in exploring inclusive hiring, local support is available. Through Employment Ontario Programming delivered by CK Jobs and JOBWORX, businesses can access practical assistance to recruit, hire, and retain talented job seekers with diverse abilities. The program works directly with employers to identify and remove barriers in recruitment, better understand accommodation needs, and connect with qualified candidates whose skills align with business needs. Employers receive support throughout the hiring process, helping to create positive outcomes for both businesses and job seekers. CK Jobs and JOBWORX also help employers understand the value of disability-inclusive workplaces by sharing success stories, highlighting best practices, and creating opportunities to connect with skilled candidates from this often-underutilized talent pool. These efforts help employers address workforce shortages while creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with diverse abilities. As workforce needs continue to evolve, employers who broaden their approach to recruitment will be better positioned to succeed. Hiring people with diverse abilities is not about filling positions for the sake of inclusion. It is about recognizing talent, addressing workforce challenges, and creating opportunities for skilled individuals to contribute and thrive. By embracing inclusive hiring, employers can strengthen recruitment efforts, improve retention, foster innovation, and build more resilient workplaces. Most importantly, they can access a talented workforce that is ready to make a meaningful contribution to their organization’s success. Learn more at www.inclusivehiringck.ca. CKJobs is a proud member of the Windsor Regional Employment Network, with Employment Ontario services partially funded by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario. The Chatham Voice
Three years of upgrades
at a Chatham park are
The Business Case for Inclusive Hiring: Unlocking Talent Through Diverse Abilities
portunities for residents of all ages at the King Street East park. Highlights include a new regulation-size basketball court with player seating, modern playground equipment, hard-surfaced accessible pathways connecting all areas of the park, concrete game tables for chess and ping pong, a gaga ball pit, and new benches installed on hard surfaces around the public pool. The final phase included renovations to the pavilion and the installation of new park signage. The J.G. Taylor Park project was made possible through the support of Hydro One-Ward Funding, Clarke Construction, C-K Ready
Mix, John Harris Concrete, the C-K Police Service Board, the C-K Police Association, Steel Shake and Tile with SBRoofing and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. Their contributions, together with the dedication of committee members, community partners, and volunteers, helped turn a shared vision into reality, committee members said. The J.G. Taylor Park Revitalization Committee will dedicate this project to the legacy of the Woodstock Industrial Institute, founded on this site in 1908. The committee invites the public to attend its dedication and recognition event Oct. 22 at 5 p.m. in the park.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026
PAGE 33
What goes up must come down
The photo with this story looks east from the northeast corner of King and Sixth streets and depicts several buildings, none of which are still standing. Left to right, the buildings are the Standard Bank (CIBC) dating from 1894, northeast corner of King and Sixth streets; next right is the Charteris Block, King Street south side, third building west of the Market Square, at the time one of the seven buildings that comprised the Charles Austin (Eaton’s) Department Store. Next right is the four-floor Urquhart’s Old Block and next right to this is the Radley Block. At the southeast corner
John Rhodes of King and Sixth, and not shown, is the Sulman Block. I believe the photo dates from circa 1918. Let’s focus on Urquhart’s Old Block and why it was known as such. Kenneth Urquhart was born in Scotland in 1819 and had, by the 1850s, settled in Chatham where he operated a combi-
nation food store, bar room and restaurant in a rickety old wooden building about opposite and slightly west of the present day Satellite Restaurant. In 1867, there occurred the Great Pork Row fire which destroyed 10 buildings on the south side of King Street between Sixth Street and the west side of the Market Square plus most of the west side of the Market Square. Seeing a huge opportunity, Urquhart bought a burned out property at the midway point between the Market Square and Sixth Street and erected a substantial fourfloor building with three
store fronts with office space and apartments on the upper floors. The venture was a complete success and it enabled him, in later years, to erect what was to be known as “Urquhart’s New Block” which still stands and is located on the south side of King Street, second building west of William Street. In the 1930s Urquhart’s Old Block was reduced from four floors to two and became the home of a Chatham branch of Kresge Stores which would remain here until the 1970s (Jupiter Stores), after which the building was torn down and the property became part of a mall.
Contributed image
Urquhart’s Old Block, is the four floor building at centre, right.
Kenneth was married twice, Christie Gray (1844-1870) and Barbara McCoig (1826-1914).
Kenneth died in 1910 and reposes in Maple Leaf Cemetery.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 34
Classifieds Services
Obituary At Riverview Gardens, Chatham, on September 25, 2026,
Irene Gobert,
age 90. Born in Manitoba on April 22, 1936 daughter of the late Adelson and Victoria (VanElsander) Gobert. Loving mother of Mike Neuts (Brenda), Pat Neuts (Janice), Randy Neuts (Karon), Dave Neuts (Heather), Ken Neuts (Catherine) and Edith Neuts. Dear sister to Robert Gobert, Wilf and Marg Gobert , John Gobert, Joe and Lorraine Blondeel. Pre deceased by siblings Isabel, Gerard, Walter, Edith, Astrid and Adelson. Loved by her Grandchildren Myles (deceased) and Dane, sons of Michael and Brenda, Kally and husband Aaron, with great Grandchildren Tanner and Nova, Kirsten and Forrest with great grand daughter Eva, AJ with great grand son Lucas. Many Step Brothers and Step Sisters, nieces and nephews. Thank you to the staff at Riverview Gardens and Maple City Residence. Cremation has taken place. Interment will take place on October 23, 2026 at 2 pm at Evergreen Cemetery Blenheim. Celebration of life following the Interment at the Blenheim Legion.
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THE CHATHAM VOICE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026
PAGE 35
the conduit activates the power amps he placed in strategic positions throughout chatham-kent county. locations from merlin to blenheim, to ridgetown. i don’t think that I could even attempt this without a serious power boost.
by tony gray
After thwarting ‘gunner’ menard and ‘cigarette’ mousseau from escaping with a stolen 1928 cadillac, the conduit rushes back to the city center to attempt dispersing flood waters that threaten chatham’s core.
i hope that these amps work the way that maria and guy said that they would.
guy said to power up each unit, then make my way downtown. activating this chip will create a circuit loop of massive current for me to access.
using his energy absorbing powers, the conduit links up to the amps before contacting his colleague, maria pasqua to assist with tech support through his helmet intercom system. okay, raymond, if you’ve activated the amplifiers you’ll need to be near the center convergence of the amps.
whoa!
i’ve never felt power like this!! i might fail to lift the equivalent of a lake, but I hate to break it to you, maria, i don’t think you’ll be able to beat me in an arm wrestling match any more!
laurenandersonofficial.ca
RE-ELECT CAMPBELL for TRUSTEE LKDSB WARDS 1,2,3
the power amps might boost your strength to lift the water’s full weight. if you can get it elevated, create a vortex strong enough to whirl it out to farm land on the outskirts. you have to keep an even energy flow. an energy surge will cause the power circuit to fail and you will literally drop billions of pounds of water on the city below.
THE INCREDIBLE CONDUIT™ and all characters ©2026 by Tony Gray and GlassMonkey Studios • Follow The Incredible Conduit on Facebook and Instagram
don’t miss next week to find out if it’s a watershed moment for chatham or a waterlogged mess for the conduit!!
20 Years as a Trustee 3 years - 2021-2024 -Chair of Board • Educate our Students in their own communities. • I will continue to make sure that our schools provide safe, healthy, respectful & productive learning environments for both students and staff.
Please
Randy Campbell October 26
THE CHATHAM VOICE
PAGE 36
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
WHAT IF THESE PROJECTS WERE NEVER SEPARATE IDEAS? Chatham-Kent was large enough to support one of its parks, Canniff attended meetings with its representatives and our group. He made the case for Chatham-Kent directly. We were there, and we believe his involvement helped give Flying Squirrel the confidence to move forward. CONFIDENCE THAT REACHES BEYOND OUR GROUP A former truck plant. An aging shopping mall. A trampoline park. An indoor sports facility. A new community hub. At first glance, these projects seem to have little in common. But our group has never looked at them as unrelated investments. We believe they are different pieces of a much larger opportunity for Chatham-Kent. And Mayor Darrin Canniff has been talking about connecting economic development, recreation, downtown revitalization and family life since long before these projects began. The projects came later. The vision was already there. A VISION YEARS IN THE MAKING In 2014, before becoming mayor, Canniff publicly advocated for a long-term vision that would make Chatham-Kent attractive to businesses and families alike. In 2018, he specifically connected recreational facilities with attracting employers and keeping young people in Chatham-Kent. When we purchased the former Navistar property in 2021, Canniff publicly supported bringing those lands back into productive use. That same year, when our group acquired the former Downtown Chatham Centre, he publicly connected both properties as opportunities to help transform Chatham-Kent. The municipally owned Community Hub will bring municipal services, the library and museum together. WE CHOSE TO INVEST, NOT JUST OWN Our group didn’t have to purchase the former Navistar lands and undertake the challenges of redeveloping a former industrial property. We didn’t have to purchase the Downtown Chatham Centre and begin transforming more than 200,000 square feet into One Hundred King. These developments involve substantial private investment, ongoing expenses and considerable risk. There are no guarantees. We chose to pursue them because we believe in Chatham-Kent and its future. And through our firsthand experiences, we have seen Mayor Canniff actively advocate for Chatham-Kent’s future. From our firsthand experience, his municipal backing helped us advance negotiations for the former Navistar property. He publicly supported our downtown redevelopment. And when Flying Squirrel questioned whether
Our group is far from the only investor putting private capital into Chatham-Kent. Phillip Ong approached us with the idea of CK Flex Plex and disclosed that he personally was making a very large investment. Flying Squirrel committed private investment to bring family entertainment to the community. A large canning factory has invested more than $80 million in a Chatham-Kent manufacturing facility, with more than 200 jobs anticipated once fully operational. Residential construction has also accelerated, with 577 new housing starts recorded in Chatham-Kent in 2025. These are different investors making independent decisions. No single person deserves credit for all of them. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR CHATHAM-KENT’S CITIZENS? Our group has responded to more than 30 requests for proposals from companies considering Chatham-Kent for new or expanded operations. That experience taught us that having suitable industrial land is only part of attracting major employers. Companies also evaluate the community around it. That is why the connection Darrin Canniff has drawn between jobs, recreation and quality of life matters. But the purpose of attracting new employers isn’t simply to bring more people here. It is to create better opportunities for the people who already call Chatham-Kent home. More skilled and well-paying jobs can give young people a reason to build their futures here instead of leaving to find work. Parents can see their children establish careers closer to home. Families can remain closer together rather than watching the next generation move away in search of opportunity. Local contractors, suppliers, restaurants and small businesses can benefit from additional employment and investment. A larger commercial and industrial tax base can help reduce the tax pressure carried by homeowners, families and farms. As additional businesses contribute property taxes, the municipality has a broader base from which to fund essential services and infrastructure. With responsible financial management, that can reduce pressure on existing taxpayers, although lower
individual tax bills are not automatic. Our farmers and rural businesses rely on dependable roads, bridges, drainage and other essential infrastructure. A stronger local economy can help provide the resources needed to maintain and improve those services throughout the municipality. LEADERSHIP IS MORE THAN A VISION Canniff has maintained strong attendance at open council meetings. From November 2022 through July 13, 2026, he attended all but four. At the same time, his responsibilities have included meeting with potential investors and representing the municipality at business and community events. No mayor accomplishes these things alone. Council, municipal staff, entrepreneurs, community organizations and residents all contribute. But leadership matters when a community is competing for investment. A VISION WORTH SEEING THROUGH For our group, this has always been about more than owning property. It is about bringing back the opportunities that disappeared when major employers closed. It is about stronger local businesses, a broader tax base and better infrastructure for our urban and rural communities. And perhaps most importantly, it is about parents being able to watch their children build successful lives right here in Chatham-Kent. These projects were never separate ideas to us. They reflect principles Darrin Canniff was publicly championing years before many of these investments became reality. We believe his involvement has helped create confidence in Chatham-Kent’s potential, and the investments taking shape deserve serious attention. The work is not finished. More employers, more good jobs and continued responsible investment are still needed. But after years of watching opportunities disappear, Chatham-Kent has reasons to look ahead. We believe in Chatham-Kent. We believe in the vision Darrin Canniff has championed. And we believe its greatest success will be measured by the opportunities it creates for the families who already call this community home. The vision is taking shape. Now the work is to turn it into a future our children won’t have to leave home to find.
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