Council approves Hub construction
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
The new Chatham-Kent Community Hub in downtown Chatham is a go.
At the Oct. 20 meeting, council voted 14-4 to accept a bid from Fortis Construction Group Inc. to build the complex – the final approval needed prior to starting construction.
Approval of the tender caps two years of preparatory work,
paving the way for work to begin this December.
The new Hub will repurpose the old Sears building to combine the Chatham library branch, the Chatham Museum and the C-K Civic Centre under one roof.
Following a lengthy discussion, deputations and a staff Power Point presentation, several councillors expressed relief that a decision was finally reached.
Chatham Coun. Brock Mc-
Gregor, longtime chair of the municipal budget committee, said information from administration regarding the hub’s finances is the most extensive he’s ever seen on a municipal project.
“We’ve taken the time to ask those questions and we’ve gotten the answers and it makes me feel confident about the project,” he said. “A lot of us were waiting to see this night because, at the end of the day, it has to make fiscal sense for Chatham-Kent and the municipality. It’s really clear that it does now.”
PUBLIC NOTICE OF REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE
Chatham Coun. Marjorie Crew spoke in favour of the project, noting that putting it off will just cost more in the long run.
“I hear a lot of excitement for the project and excitement for our community,” Crew said., “I’ve been here a long
time and I’ve seen these projects get kicked to the wayside and there will be another day or a better day...The better day never comes because the money is always more.” She also spoke about municipal staff.
“We have a very confident and trustworthy staff who have done everything we have asked. They have answered every question in every which way imaginable and I really appreciate their patience,” she said.
“Sometimes I felt like people were saying they weren’t telling the truth and that they weren’t trustworthy. I look forward to this becoming a reality.”
West Kent Coun. Melissa Harrigan also chimed in, saying administration has done a great job delivering information about the hub to council.
“This report is very reassuring to me,” Harrigan told council.
Prior to the final vote, council considered a motion from Chatham Coun. Alysson Storey to
postpone making a decision on the hub, saying lifecycle costs haven’t been factored in and the information is necessary to make an informed decision. The motion failed 14-4 with councillors Storey, Rhonda Jubenville, Michael Bondy and John Wright voting in favour. Storey said that while the vision around the hub is great, the money may not be there to realize it, noting she brought the motion forward due to concerns raised by constituents. Based on the reports, Storey said she believes the municipality can’t guarantee there won’t be tax increases and cuts to rural services, such as library services, because of the project.
In speaking to a possible request for more information, the head of infrastructure and engineering said staff has delivered a comprehensive detailed analysis.
According to Edward Soldo, the Hub project has engendered an “elevated” sense of responsibility amongst municipal staff. Chief financial officer Gord Quinton said that in his 30 years with Chatham-Kent, the Hub proposal has undergone the highest level of scrutiny he’s ever seen on a municipal project. The project’s contingency fund (currently at $7 million), how the debt will be debentured, and the hub’s positive impact on Chatham-Kent ‘s asset management plan were also discussed.
The Fortis bid of $39.2 million (including HST) came in under budget from the original estimate of just under $43 million. Overall, the budget for the project is $52.8 million, with some contingencies built in for tariff-related expenses.
The plan calls for the sale of the King Street Civic Centre and the library building on Queen Street. Completion of the Hub is slated for the first quarter of 2028.
Finger pointing over Hub issue
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Discourse remained civil, but the issue of politicking made its way to the council floor prior to the approval of the Chatham-Kent Community Hub and spilled over onto social media afterwards.
At its meeting Oct. 20, municipal council voted 14-4 to accept a tender from Fortis Construction Group Inc. to construct the new Chatham facility at the site of the former Sears store. The complex will combine a new Chatham library branch, the museum and C-K Civic Centre under one roof. Prior to voting on the tender, Chatham Coun. Alysson Storey brought forward a motion to defer a decision, asking administration for more information on future costs of the Hub.
However, the motion didn’t sit well with some councillors who stated that ongoing opposition to the Hub has compromised the process.
West Kent Coun. Lauren Anderson was direct.
“I find that the filibustering during council meetings on this topic has deterred the public from really listening to council meetings and getting the facts in real time, because of the length of the meetings that we have,” Anderson said. “And I also think it’s allowed those that oppose to nitpick and snip apart certain things that would deter people
from being in favour of a project like this. And I think that’s been detrimental to the public outlook on this project.”
Chatham Coun. Brock McGregor said he didn’t support asking for more information on the Hub project, stating public trust has been impacted.
“I’m uncomfortable with any insinuation that we are making this decision without enough information,” McGregor told council. “We’ve received this information... not only have we received this information, we’ve received it over and over again.
“One of the few downsides of this project has been some of the social media response, some of the seeding of distrust of the process that frankly isn’t true,” he added. “We have the information and we need to make this decision.”
McGregor said he wanted to dispel any inference that building the Hub will lead to rural library closures. “I want to make that clear tonight” he said. In response to some of Storey’s comments, West Kent Coun. Melissa Harrigan raised “point of privilege,” saying that Storey’s claim that rural libraries will close because of costs associated with the Hub are false.
“I would like to reassure my constituents that I have heard and seen that local libraries and rural committees are not going to be impacted from this,” Harrigan said. “Our CFO (chief financial officer Gord Quinton) has said this, and so for the mover to suggest that is not true has impugned in some ways the integrity of council.”
One supposed concern that has arisen on social media, and has to some extent been championed by Storey, is an allegation the Hub could result in the closure of rural libraries.
One day prior to the council meeting, Storey posted a graphic on social media that stated, “Protect our libraries. Say no to the Hub.”
In speaking to the issue,
In speaking to critics, Storey defended her position.
“Some might call it filibustering, but that’s a bit of a cheap shot, I think, because I would call that doing due diligence for the taxpayer,” Storey said. “It’s easy to write off opinions you don’t like as politics, or write off the genuine concern of taxpayers who see their costs going up across the board. We don’t have the
staffing costs. Plain and simple.
“Now is the time to get that information,” she added, noting the money that’s being spent belongs to taxpayers.
In August, the municipality’s integrity commissioner, Suzanne Craig, recommended sanctions against Storey for violating council’s code of conduct.
In her report, Craig said Storey’s conduct at a citizens’ group meeting earlier this year “undermined staff.”
At issue, said Craig, were comments made by Storey that municipal staff were not providing full financial details about the C-K Hub project and that the development was not fully accessible.
In September, council voted to give Storey a formal reprimand on the matter.
At the Oct. 20 council meeting, Storey stated council did not have “staffing costs,” again inferring council did not receive full financial details on the project.
In her comments about Storey’s motion North Kent Coun. Rhonda Jubenville said she didn’t think it was about politics.
“I respectfully disagree,” she said. “I don’t think this is about politics; I think this is just asking for a full comparative chart (of expenses) so we can make a decision. I think it’s important we know all the details.” It should be noted that
the late Joseph Storey, grandfather of Alysson Storey, designed the Civic Centre more than 50 years ago.
The fact that previous councils had declined to fix up the Civic Centre as recommended by administration at least three times since 2017 was also raised by South Kent Coun. Anthony Ceccacci.
“It’s interesting to hear
some councillors say we should be fixing the thing (Civic Centre) because that wasn’t the narrative back then,” Ceccacci explained, admitting he was one of the councillors who voted against the repairs.
“I was one of the people who said ‘no, let’s not spend money,’” he added, noting it wasn’t smart to do that.
Continued on page 5
Alysson Storey
Lauren Anderson
Enbridge could pull out of Chatham
The Chatham Voice
One of Chatham’s largest employers is talking about pulling up stakes.
Enbridge Gas Inc. has stated in previously published reports it is thinking about relocating its Chatham office as they review their facilities.
Enbridge, which swallowed up Union Gas last decade, said
the company often reviews its real estate strategies and looks at the best ways to support their operational needs.
Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff, a former employee of Union Gas, took to social media on the matter.
“Enbridge has been part of our community for over a century, contributing not only through employment and investment,
but also through meaningful support of local initiatives and organizations,” he wrote. “Their presence has been, and still is, a valued part of Chatham-Kent’s growth and success.”
Canniff said ever since Enbridge took over Union Gas, municipal officials have worked with Enbridge leadership to “preserve a strong presence in Chatham-Kent.
“Our goal is to ensure that Enbridge knows how much they mean to our community and to express our strong desire to see their continued presence in Chatham-Kent,” Canniff continued. “I have reached out directly to senior leadership at Enbridge and will be working with them to better understand the reasons behind this consideration and to explore every
Fundraiser run harvests $5,700
The 2025 Harvest Hustle saw 65 participants and supporters raise $5,700 for Community Living Chatham-Kent (CLCK). The run, which took place along Mud Creek Oct. 18, also included a seasonal vendor market.
The Harvest Hustle featured a full morning of movement and celebration. Participants took part in a 5K run, Walk & Wheel, and Kids Dash, while families enjoyed face painting, fall-themed photography, and a pumpkin-decorating station.
The newly introduced Vendor Village showcased a variety of
Hub decision
Continued from page 3
“At the end of the day, we should have fixed it. But the pressure in the community was extreme – as it is right now,” Ceccacci told council. He added if there was any threat to rural ser-
vices because of the Hub he would not support it. South Kent Coun. Trevor Thompson sid he couldn’t support deferring the decision on the Hub because the “ship has sailed” and he’s not playing political games anymore.
local artisans and businesses.
Within the market, Nest Realty also ran The Great Pumpkin Giveaway, where attendees could trade a non-perishable food item for a pumpkin. Goods collected were donated to Outreach for Hunger.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better autumn day to cele-
brate community,” said Jenny McGregor, manager of community relations for CLCK, in a media release. “The energy, the smiles, and the spirit of giving were incredible. We’re truly grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make the 2025 Harvest Hustle such a memorable event.”
possible avenue to keep them here.”
Enbridge employs about 1,000 people in southwestern Ontario.
Enbridge’s Chatham office is at 50 Keil Dr. N. in Chatham, the former headquarters for Union Gas.
The mayor, as well as Enbridge officials, said nothing has been finalized at this point.
The Chatham Voice
Opinion
Lack of vision
Council made the correct call to move ahead with the Chatham-Kent Community Hub at its most recent meeting.
However, the 14 councillors who voted in favour of the project have to be tired of hearing the same complaints from the same councillors in opposition.
As the in-favour councillors stated repeatedly, and administration has shown again and again in its reports, the cost of this project has been covered ad nauseum.
Yet there are elected officials who either have memory issues, are too passionately connected to the project – possibly for reasons other than those given – or are getting too much “advice” via social media.
We will restate our position on the Hub. It would not be an issue at all had previous versions of council –in 2017 or in 2020 – done their job instead of ignoring much-needed renovations of the Civic Centre.
We are all in favour of fiscal responsibility. But with the Civic Centre, that ship limped out of port in 2017. And then ran aground three years later.
Chatham’s Michael Bondy voted against the renovations in 2017 and again in 2020, and has also been opposed to the Hub project. He seems not to want to repair or build anything to house municipal services.
East Kent Coun. John Wright was against the Civic Centre repairs in 2020 during his first term on council,
and has also voted against the Hub.
Chatham’s Alysson Storey has been the most vocal opponent to the Hub project. She’s also been investigated by the integrity commissioner on the matter, and reprimanded by council on it.
Suzanne Craig, the integrity commissioner, also investigated a complaint against North Kent’s Rhonda Jubenville – who is also against the Hub – earlier this year, but said she did not contravene council’s code of conduct. Craig did, however, caution her for her actions.
Watching what unfolded at the Oct. 20 council meeting, and spilled over onto social media before and after the meeting, and in a letter that is published on this very page, one can see reasons the integrity commissioner could again be contacted.
The dollars involved in the Hub project are large – but the disparity between creating the Hub versus renovating the Civic Centre and leaving the museum and library at their current locations, with their current limitations, is so small that it was readily obvious to many that the Hub was the right call.
Again, had previous versions of council taken action in 2017 or 2020, the expense would have been a pittance compared to what is involved today.
Short-sightedness has cost us all dearly.
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Councillor
Editor: To say that I am disappointed with council and administration over approving a contract for the construction of the Hub would be the most polite way to say it.
The less polite way to say it is that I feel deceived, misled, and left without answers.
My frustration with what is now a clear pattern leads me to this point – where I can no longer restrain my comments or to give certain players the benefit of the doubt.
The project that was promised to be under $53 million (already a waste of tax dollars), was shown at the Oct. 20 council meeting to be $52.8 million.
Plus $7 million in interest expenses that was never disclosed to council.
Plus a $3-million contingency on top of the $52.8 million that was never previously disclosed to council.
“It will not be more than $53 million.”
That was the number we were fed for years. That was clearly not that important last Monday night.
Plus $15-$20 million for a new fire hall – a budget that was never previously disclosed or approved by council.
Plus the fact that the contract has no cap, which was never previously disclosed to Council.
Administration now has a blank cheque with taxpayers’ money that will not be under $75 million and likely closer to $90100 million. So much for
Council’s decision did not reflect what I have been hearing since this Hub proposal began. It is unfortunate that the election is a year away and the voters didn’t get a say on the Hub. But when it comes, the voters should remember.
note:
has publicly stated he is running for mayor next election.
Michael Bondy Chatham councillor
Editor’s
Bondy
Province, feds must step up on homelessness
Editor: Canada’s constitutional framework gives provinces authority to download social services, including homelessness, onto local governments. Research suggests ultimate legal jurisdiction and the primary funding obligation for social services remains with the province. Ontario municipalities act as service co-ordinators or managers for the homeless, social housing, shelters, etc. placing up-front obligations onto local governments, having limited resources or legislative power to cope with related legislation created by senior governments.
– as if that will ever happen.
Federal and provincial governments need to re-assume 100 per cent of the funding for all core social services, emergency shelters and social programs directly related to their constitutional jurisdiction over social welfare.
development charges, planning application and permit fees, term exemptions from municipal and/or provincial taxes and/ or capitol grants on affordable housing.
ing systems.
John Cryderman Chatham
We’ve seen a shift from provincially run mental institutions where this burden is loaded onto local governments absent of sufficient housing and financial support from senior government, such being a contributing factor to the homelessness increase among people with mental illness. Although the primary responsibility for our mental health system is provincial, the fallout – homelessness – is loaded directly onto local government. This is where politics overrides responsible management on all government levels, whereby, local governments are being compelled to deal with the effects (lack of funding ) from provincial downloading.
Our local governments lack sufficient funding, legislative authority and the added tax base to manage the burden of homelessness. I believe we have an unfair and imbalanced set of rules wrongfully thrown at local governments. After all, three levels of government are empowered and expected to manage our country in an open, honest, fair, accountable and responsible fashion
Ottawa needs to introduce or further initiate a national homelessness strategy to compel uniformity in relevant services to every province. Both senior levels of government should define and implement specific funding for local mental health and addiction programs, focusing on root causes for homelessness after deinstitutionalization.
Rather than focusing on emergency sheltering, a focus on more immediate, stable and permanent housing, for the chronic homeless, as an initiative of Ottawa and the provincial governments, should be the priority.
From here, the province should be compelled to fund required supporting services as case managers, mental health workers, addiction specialists, working directly with the local homeless ensuring the homeless can maintain their tenancy.
Senior government should then change legislation to provide local governments with secured funding, generated from provincial sales taxes or specific municipality tax incomes. The province could mandate a percentage of new housing development be affordable, putting the onus on developers to address the housing shortage, thus reducing cost burden on municipalities.
Expand and better define enforcement of the National Housing Strategy Act, which recognizes housing as a human right, to place a greater legal obligation on all levels of government to proactively ensure adequate living standards. Our current model of downloading of relevant issues seems to be far too open-ended that otherwise would compel proper, balanced and accountable action by all government levels.
As an incentive for developers, governments could reduce or significantly waive municipal
Senior government created a significant level of this problem; they need to step up to support shifting scattered encampments to defined and monitored hous-
Artist Sherrie Piens, in orange, is a fan of the spooky season as evidenced by the Halloween display she designed at the Art & Heirloom Shoppe. The art in the window was created by artists who are part of the gallery. Piens, who creates art in a range of modalities, also helped design part of the haunted house display at the Wallaceburg & District Museum.
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
Flying high in Erieau
By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com
The skies over the beach at Erieau were filled with whales, sharks, marlins, witches and cartoon characters on Oct. 18 as kite flying enthusiasts from Southwestern Ontario and parts of the United States showed off their skills.
Some 30 kites, ranging from one metre to nearly 10 meters in length, took advantage of steady onshore winds to rise and dip above the beach to the amazement of a small crowd that gathered to watch.
Mark Groshens of Cambridge was one of about 15 people who travelled
to participate in the event, which was organized by local resident George Paisiovich.
“George did an event in Leamington for several years, but it didn’t happen this year. He just sent out word to all his kite friends to get together for a relaxing weekend of flying kites on the beach at Erieau.”
“We planned a kite event and the weather co-operated,” Groshens said. “You can never be sure. When we came this morning, it was cold and really windy, but the weather warmed up, the wind calmed down and everybody came out.”
Continued on page 11
Jim Blake/The Chatham Voice
Mark Groshens of Cambridge has his hands full taking care of some huge kites during a kite show Oct. 18 in Erieau.
Enthusiasts come from around the region
Continued from page 10 Kite enthusiasts from El- mira, Guelph, Brampton, Leamington, Kitchener, Toronto, Arkona, Windsor, St. Jacobs, London and New York state attended.
The event started with a kite dedication to first responders and veterans attended by Dave Epp, MP for Chatham-Kent–Leamington.
“With Remembrance Day coming close, it was just a chance to honour our Canadian heroes,” Groshens said.
Participants “all started out as kids, and at some point, it got out of hand,” Groshens laughed.
“George used to sell kites on this beach as a youngster.”
He said traditionally kite fliers make their own kites; however, the majority of those flying on Saturday were purchased.
“The cost of materials went up during COVID,” he said. “What we used to
make for a couple of hundred dollars could now cost $500 to $600 in material, and then there is the time and labour. You can buy some from China for $200 to $300.
The more elaborate kits cost up to $5,000 and many kites are now equipped with LED lights for night flying.
Groshens said there are a
number of kite clubs and members often belong to more than one club.
“We have a lot of crisscross members who go to five or six events in Ontario as well as those in Quebec and internationally with hundreds of kites, but there are other times we just go out and fly.”
He said the Erieau event couldn’t have gone any
better.
“We had people just driving in and watching when they saw the kites go up. People just ask why are you flying the kites on the beach, but when they see the smiles and the joy we get, they understand. If someone stops and enjoys it, it makes us just as happy to see them having a good time.”
Judy Woodrow/Special to The Chatham Voice Not all the interesting subjects were in the sky during the kite show in Erieau recently.
Zoning OK’ed for apartments
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
The next step has been taken towards developing a four-tower high-rise complex in north Chatham.
At its Oct. 20 council meeting, Chatham-Kent
council approved changes to zoning and the official plan to greenlight the York Development project.
To be located at 770 St. Clair St., the development, when completed, would eventually house 774 units in two 14-storey towers and two 12-storey towers.
However, to start, the London-based company will build only one tower, as that is all the current sanitary sewer capacity can handle.
York development co-ordinator Frank Gerrits said the start of the project will depend on how quickly the company can obtain site plan approval, which can take up to a year for a “project of this magnitude.
“Ideally, we would like to start excavation in the first quarter of 2027,” Gerrits said.
Council’s unanimous approval followed a presentation about the proposal from Lauren Sooley of Siv-ik Planning and Design. According to Sooley, York Developments is one of the most active developers in the southwest
region, with a number of projects in the pipeline.
“These projects include apartments, condominiums, mixed-use office and big-box retail,” Sooley said, noting York also owns Tim Hortons, Popeyes, Chatham Cinema and the Micheals store adjacent to the high-rise site.
The vacant parcel was originally intended for use as a home-improvement outlet, Sooley said, but added that over time the market for that type of store has not materialized.
“York is seeing a shift in demand over what this type of property could be used for,” she told council, adding there’s a shift across Ontario to include high-density residential developments near commercial centres.
In his remarks to council, municipal planning manager Anthony Jas explained that the site will now have a holding zone designation until further development takes places.
“It’s anticipated that the first building will go up and then there would be eventual improvements to the infrastructure on St. Clair and then the full development would proceed from there,” Jas told council, adding improvements are expected as development occurs.
Following a question from North Kent Coun.
Jamie McGrail as to how an increase in traffic will be handled along the busy stretch of road, council learned the matter will be studied.
Edward Soldo, general manager of infrastructure
and engineering services, said the municipality is set to begin a C-K mobility master plan that will include examining traffic flow along St. Clair and how it can be improved. In his comments, South Kent Coun. Anthony Ceccacci commended York Developments for choosing Chatham-Kent, adding he’s pleased the build is a high rise, rather than low-rise buildings that eat up valuable farmland.
“This is a huge investment, one of the biggest ones we’ve seen,” Ceccacci said. “ I look forward to it being established.”
Sooley clarified there is no connection between York Developments and York Demolition (part of the GTA based York1 company).
Local production of ‘War of the Worlds’
War of the Worlds.
The company is releasing its audio theatre production of “War of the Worlds” this week. It’s based on Orson Welles timeless classic that originally aired on Oct. 30, 1938.
The Voices in the Wind version utilizes a diverse cast of voice actors, including Keith Burnett, who plays Professor Pierson, and Noelle Dupuis as Carla Phillips.
The performance features original music,
sound effects and background ambience.
“’The War of the Worlds’ was initially produced in 2007 for Halloween broadcast on CFCO to commemorate their 80th Anniversary,” Farquhar said. “Our marketing and distribution partner, Blackstone Publishing of Ashland, Ore., is launching the show globally and it will be available everywhere audiobooks are sold.”
“War of the Worlds” is directed by George Zarr.
The Chatham Voice
David Farquhar and his
Voices in the Wind Audio Theatre effort has been keeping busy, waging
Group stepping back from Dream Field project
press release.
This dream has grown too big.
The Dream Field, an envisioned state-of-the-art baseball diamond on Tweedsmuir Avenue in Chatham, has seen its budget balloon from about $750,000 to $4 million in two short years.
According to the board of directors of the Chatham Sports Hall of Fame, the sheer scale of the project is too rich for their blood.
The decision follows two years of collaboration and early project development
Hall officials added they think the best way to move forward is for the establishment of a “new, dedicated organization with its own charitable status to guide the project through the approval process, lead the fundraising campaign, and oversee construction.
“The Dream Field remains a vision we fully support. Our decision is about capacity and mandate, not belief in the project. We feel the most effective next step is for a dedicated organization to take the lead and carry the Dream Field through to completion..”
Field initiative.
“The Dream Field remains a vision we fully support,” said Tom Baker, chair of the sports hall’s board. “Our decision is about capacity and mandate, not belief in the project. We feel the most effective next step is for a dedicated organization to take the lead and carry the Dream Field through to completion.”
The hall had partnered with the Chatham Minor Baseball Association and the municipality to champion the concept. But hall officials said the scope has grown beyond its resource and volunteer capabilities.
- Tom Baker
“The scale of administration, accounting, and fundraising required for a project of this size now exceeds the capacity of a volunteer-run Hall of Fame,” the board stated in a
Blenheim library to receive a paint job
The Chatham Voice
Blenheim’s branch of the Chatham-Kent Public Library is undergoing a makeover.
The library will be closed between Oct. 28 and Nov. 11 while the interior is painted.
A temporary library depot will be set up down the hall from the main entrance. That depot will allow library patrons to pick up books they put on hold, browse a selection of books, DVDs, magazines and video games, and use photocopy services.
Computer access won’t be available during the temporary closure.
A drop box for library returns will be set up on George Street.
This will give the Dream Field the focused leadership it requires while allowing CSHOF to return our resources to our core mission of celebrating and preserving Chatham-Kent’s sports heritage.”
The hall still supports the Dream
Baker and the board said the hall will work with the project’s steering committee during a transition period to ensure continuity in charitable receipting, and the board remains open to making a financial contribution in the future should the campaign align with its objectives at that time.
By stepping back from direct project administration, the Hall of Fame will free up volunteer resources to focus on initiatives that directly serve its mission of honouring and preserving the community’s sports heritage.
Date: Time:
Place:
The Chatham Voice
Halloween is enjoyed by people of all ages, but few get a bigger kick out of the holiday than children. There are costumes to be worn, time spent with friends and the opportunity to collect free candy and other treats.
Although Halloween can be a fun time, it is essential to prioritize safety on Halloween, and following these guidelines can help.
• Make sure costumes are short. Costumes that drag on the floor are tripping hazards, which can lead to injury. Be sure that costumes do not cover the feet or drag on the ground.
• Trick-or-treat in groups. Children are safer in numbers due to the increased visibility of a crowd and because, if something happens, others can call for help.
• Improve visibility. It’s important to be seen while trick-or-treating, and that can be achieved by making sure costumes and trick-or-treat bags feature reflective tape. Trick-or-treaters also can carry flashlights or glow sticks to improve visibility, and stick to areas with streetlights if going out after dark.
• Stay on sidewalks. Whenever possible, trickor-treaters should stick to the sidewalks and avoid walking on the roads.
• Eat before trick-or-treating. A meal or snack before trick-or-treating can reduce the tendency to fill up on candy while out and about. All candy and other treats should be inspected by an adult before it is eaten.
• Keep pets locked away. Animals can become skittish when there are many people loitering outside of homes or ringing doorbells. Keep pets in a quiet room away from the action to prevent them from getting loose, injured or scared enough to bite or scratch someone.
• Avoid masks that obstruct vision. It can be hard to see peripherally with a mask on, so avoid costumes with masks that compromise vision.
• Test out makeup beforehand. All makeup used for costumes should be tested for allergic reactions prior to use. Heed the warnings on packaging and avoid putting makeup too close to the eyes or lips.
DREAM COSTUMES
Parents can work together to make Halloween safer
Even though Halloween is designed to be an entertaining day, it’s not without its risks. The Child Safety Network says on average, two times as many child pedestrians die on Halloween compared to other days. Costume safety and food allergies are some additional hazards to contend with on Halloween. Parents can work together to help reduce the safety risks associated with Halloween. Light it up. Lack of visibility and dim lighting at night increase the risk of pedestrians being struck by cars on Halloween.
Homeowners can keep the lights turned on and perhaps illuminate neighborhoods even more by temporarily installing strands of Christmas or bistro style lights.
Check candy
Inspecting candy nutrition information can help weed out candy that may cause a reaction
for those with food allergies or other concerns. Prepare homes
Adults and parents can take additional steps to prepare their homes for Halloween. Keep the porch and front yard clear of tripping hazards, such as garden hoses, decorations and toys. Sweep away leaves and branches to prevent tripping or slipping. Restrain pets so they do not jump on trick-or-treaters. Offer a variety of treats for kids of all ages so trick-or-treaters get age-appropriate items. Halloween fun and safety can go hand-in-hand this October.
Community Events
Thursday, October 30, 2025:
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am-1:30pm. Come check out our daily specials. Senior Euchre starts at 1:00pm. Everyone welcome.
• Join us every Thursday afternoon for a Jam Session at the Merlin Legion. Everyone welcome between 1-4pm and consider staying for an early dinner!
Donations are welcome! So, bring your singing voice or musical instrument.
• CK Dance Fit Halloween Party. Join us for a high-energy Halloween dance party filled with candy, prizes, drinks, laughter, and killer moves. Doors open 6:00pm. Class 6:30–7:30pm. After-party social & dance until 9:00pm. Tickets: $15 in advance, $20 at door (Only 40 tickets available!). Send e-transfer: zumbawithus321@gmail.com. Costumes are not required but highly encouraged. Open to all ages and all dance/fitness levels.
• Lunch at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St, 11am-1:30pm. Daily specials and menu items available. Everyone welcome.
Friday, October 31, 2025:
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am-1:30pm. Supper served 4:00–6:00pm. No orders after 5:30pm. Tonight’s specials are liver & onions or fish & chips, $15.00 (HST included). Take out available by calling 519-3518733 or 519-351-5639. 5:15pm: weekly Catch-The-Ace draw (tickets can be purchased at the bar). Fun Darts at 7:00pm. Everyone welcome.
• Halloween Party: 7:00-1:00 am at the Tilbury Legion. $15.00 prize for best costume. Entertainment Matt Gauthier. Saturdays drink specials from 2:00pm5:00 pm. Please see Facebook page for further details regarding pool, darts and card games. 4 Stewart St, Tilbury.
• Lunch at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St, 11am-1:30pm. Daily specials and menu items available. Friday night supper will be a ham and scallop potatoes dinner with vegetables, coleslaw and a bun. Dine ins $14, pickups $15. Please call 519-352-8291 to order. All meals are served at 6pm.
• Celebrate Halloween with a Terrifying Taco night at the Merlin Legion. Build your own tacos (beef, pork or chicken) for $5 each. Call 519-689-4884.
Saturday, November 1, 2025:
• Morning Breakfast Program at First Presbyterian Church (corner of Fifth St. and Wellington). A delicious and nutritious breakfast served free of charge from 9:30am-11:00am, serving indoors, no take out. Wheelchair accessible.
• Celebrating 50 years! Calvary Christian Reformed Church at 34 Victoria Avenue Chatham is celebrating 50 years of being in the community. We want to invite you to celebrate with us. There will be an open house from 2:00pm-4:00pm.
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 10:00am–9:30pm. Line Dancing lessons 10:00am-12 noon. Meat draws at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30pm, ending with a 50/50 draw. Kitchen open 3:00pm–6:00pm. Come check out our menu. Entertainment by Allen James from 4:30-9:30pm. Members and non-members welcome.
Sunday, November 2, 2025:
• Celebrating 50 years! Calvary Christian Reformed Church at 34 Victoria Avenue Chatham is celebrating 50 years of being in the community. We want to invoice you to celebrate with us at a celebration service at 10:00am.
• Breakfast at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St, 9am-Noon. All meals are cooked to order. Jamboree from 1-5pm, $5. Come, listen, dance and enjoy the great sounds of Hired Hand. Everyone welcome.
Monday, November 3, 2025:
• Chatham Branch Puzzle Swap. Drop off dates: November 3 to 7 during Library Hours. Event date: Saturday, November 8 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. To participate the puzzle must be in good condition with all of their pieces and in a strong box. Participants will receive a voucher indicating the number of puzzles they drop off so they can shop for new-to-them puzzles. This free event is open to all ages.
Tuesday, November 4, 2025:
• The Legion will be closed as we honor our Veterans with a Private Veteran’s Dinner.
• Honouring Treaties Recognition Week presentation by Dean Jacobs. 6:30 PM, CK Public Library, Chatham Branch. All welcome. No registration. Light refreshments provided.
Wednesday, November 5, 2025:
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am–1:30pm. Our daily special is meatloaf dinner. Fun Darts at 7:00pm. Member and non-members welcome.
Thursday, November 6, 2025:
• Join us every Thursday afternoon for a Jam Session at the Merlin Legion. Everyone welcome between 1-4pm and consider staying for an early dinner!
Donations are welcome. So, bring your singing voice or musical instrument.
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am-1:30pm. Senior Euchre starts at 1:00pm. Bingo! L.A. Bingo 7pm. Members & non-members welcome.
Friday, November 7, 2025:
• Bill’s Place Community Space Drop-In. Come spend some time in a 2SLGBTQIA+ safe space 48 Centre St., Chatham. No RSVP needed! Come & go as you please. All ages & allies welcome. 3:30-6:30pm.
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am-1:30pm. Supper served 4:00-6:00pm. No orders after 5:30 pm. Tonight’s specials are ham & scalloped potatoes or fish & chips, $15.00 (HST included). Take out available by calling 519-351-8733 or 519-351-5639. Fun Darts at 7:00pm. Members & non-members welcome.
Fun Stuff
57. One point south of due east
58. It follows 79
59. Paper currency
60. Anger
61. Spanish seaport
62. Sleep in a rough place
63. Famous museum
64. Selfs
CLUES DOWN
1. Bullfighting maneuver
2. From a distance
3. Soul and calypso song
4. Expressions of delight
5. Lower in esteem
CLUES ACROSS
1. El __, Texas town 5. Rocker’s tool 8. A lot 12. Traveling by ground 14. Spelling competition
15. Two-toed sloth
16. Small perfumed bag
18. “Much __ about nothing”
19. Tough-skinned mollusk
20. Removes from record
21. It warms the planet
22. Leafy green
23. Quality of arriving favorably 26. Living thing
30. “Six of Crows” author Bardugo
31. Got around a rule
32. Resin from burned substance
33. Iraq seaport
34. Religious leaders
39. Fugitives are on it
42. Samson’s influencer
44. Italian city
46. A quality of lacking interest
47. Predatory tropical fishes
49. Nobel physician Isodor
50. Luck
51. Stationary part of a motor or generator
56. Orthopedic professional group (abbr.)
6. Inner region of an organ
7. Flowers
8. A bog
9. Remove a fastening
10. Membranes
11. Enormous
13. One who abstains from drink
17. Malayan wild ox
24. Type of student
25. Rejecting all moral principles
26. Sino-Soviet block
27. Egyptian unit of weight
28. Wrong
29. Make a mistake
35. Indicates location
36. Boxing’s “GOAT”
37. Where wrestlers compete
38. Timid
40. Disney town
41. Suggesting the horror of death and decay
42. Male parent
43. Remove for good
44. Simple shoes
45. Flowers
47. Hindi courtesy title for a man
48. Not pleased
49. “Atlas Shrugged” author
52. CIA officer and writer
53. Hoodlum
54. __ Von Bismarck, Iron Chancellor
55. Woolen rugs
C-K drops
$2.5M
on new properties
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
In a bid to create more affordable housing, Chatham-Kent is expanding its real estate portfolio.
Following approvals from council Oct. 20, the municipality is buying three Park Street properties, as well as a 6.2-acre site on Churchill Street, the home of the former John N. Given School.
All told, the purchase price of all four properties is around $2.5 million. However, more than half of the cost is covered by the federal government through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Housing Accelerator Fund. Earlier this year, C-K received $10 million under the program.
According to an administrative report, Chatham-Kent is purchasing the Churchill Street property from the Lambton Kent District School Board for $1,625,000, as the board deemed it surplus.
A total of $1.2 million of the price tag is coming through the Children’s Services Mitigation Reserve, with the balance of $425,000 coming from the CMHC Accelerator Fund.
In another purchase, council agreed to buy 398 Park St. for $290,000; 406 Park St. for $210,000 and 410 Park St. for $300,000, plus legal costs. All of
the money is coming through the CMHC accelerator fund.
The licensed 34-space Adventure Hours Nursery School in John N. Given School will continue to serve families at the site, council heard.
“The existing school on the property will be used to continue to provide childcare service and any other new proposed developments of the property,” said Ray Harper, director of municipal housing and property development. “Right now, we’re just looking at, like the report says, affordable housing options for development and perhaps recreation uses.”
However, some councillors weren’t happy about Chatham-Kent buying more property.
“I’m just struggling with spending all this money,” North Kent representative Jubenville said prior to the vote. “I know we need these things but we have so many assets...I’m really struggling with all of this spending we’re doing.”
Chatham Coun. Michael Bondy didn’t think the municipality should be purchasing more property, noting the Churchill Street site would be better utilized for single-family homes.
The property should be left to a private investor to develop, Bondy stated.
“We just bought Meadow Park and we just bought St. Agnes
and we haven’t done anything with either one of them,” he said.
In his comments, South Kent Coun. Ryan Doyle said he wanted to ensure that supportive housing wouldn’t be going in at the former school while a daycare was operating.
In defense of the purchase, Chatham Coun.
Brock McGregor said a private developer might proceed with a use the municipality doesn’t want.
After buying the three homes on Park Street, the municipality will own the entire block that includes the Pet and Wildlife Rescue property and the tiny cabin complex.
Plans are in the works to demolish all of the existing homes on Park Street for $150,000.
Any future land use changes for the buildings
or property at either site must come back to council.
“Administration needs to take time to review potential options for the property,” Harper said,
“but certainly we view at this point in time, (Churchill Street) will be a great place for family affordable, both mixed and attainable, development.”
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
Chatham-Kent council has approved the purchase of three properties on the south side of Park Street near the tiny cabins complex. Plans are in the works to demolish the homes in the hope of creating future affordable housing builds. The municipality now owns the entire block over to Park Avenue East.
Near miss in the new roundabout
As most readers know, I’m not a fan of roundabouts, especially on highways. I was against the one the municipality opted to create on Queen’s Line at Merlin Road.
And after going through it last week, I am still against the damned thing.
I understand something had to be done at that intersection. Sightlines aren’t optimal there, and there is a fair amount of traffic along Merlin Road
OBITUARIES
Donna Wilson
95, Friday, October 10, 2025
McKinlay Funeral Home
Joan Mummery
93, Sunday, October 19, 2025
McKinlay Funeral Home
Gerry Kirkwood
87, Tuesday, October 21, 2025
McKinlay Funeral Home
Yvonne Stephanie Sys
90, Saturday October 18, 2025
from both directions to go with the heavy traffic on Queen’s Line. However, my thoughts were about the reality of putting Chatham-Kent drivers through something as foreign as a
Joyce Ellen McNeil
roundabout. We’re all used to stop signs and traffic lights to manage intersections. Not roundabouts. And especially not roundabouts at highway speeds.
The roundabout in place on Keil Drive South at Tweedsmuir Avenue West has been in there for several years. I go through it almost weekly, and pretty much every time I do when there is traffic, one of the other drivers is thrown for a bit of a loop (pun intended).
75, Wednesday, October 22, 2025 Badder Funeral Home
Ric McArthur
78, Sunday, October 12, 2025 Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Doris Goodwin
96, Sunday, October 19, 2025 Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Lucia (Lucy) Edmunds
88, Monday, October 20, 2025 Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Margo Cofell
Hinnegan Peseski Funeral Home
Stanley Felix Kominek
94, Thursday, October 16, 2025 Badder Funeral Home
Shirley Houston
86, Saturday, October 18, 2025 Badder Funeral Home
84, Wednesday, October 22, 2025 Blenheim Community Funeral Home
John Steen
90, Thursday October 23, 2025 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Buddy Robert Butler
86, Friday, October 17, 2025 Life Transitions
They approach it extra cautiously, as if unsure how to proceed. This happened during my deliveries of The Voice last week. We were behind an SUV whose driver was intending to turn left onto Tweedsmuir, but appeared to initially almost head against the counterclockwise flow of the roundabout.
They ultimately completed the roundabout and escaped, heading in their desired direction.
Fast forward several
George Allan Labarge
62, Monday, October 20, 2025 Life Transitions
Jo-Ann Carol Marion Green
76, Monday, October 20, 2025 Life Transitions
Patricia Ann Lozon
85, Monday, October 20, 2025 Life Transitions
James Douglas Cracknell
81, Tuesday, October 21, 2025 Life Transitions
Amy Johnston
46, Thursday, October 9, 2025 Nicholls Funeral Home
Kenneth "Grant" Debnam 73, Monday, October 20, 2025 Nicholls Funeral Home
Janise Jacobs
84, Thursday, October 16, 2025 Kendrick Funeral Home
Elaine Edwards
82, Sunday, October 19, 2025 Kendrick Funeral Home
See full obituaries at chathamvoice.com/obituairies
hours. My daughter and I had made a trip to Windsor and were returning along Queen’s Line. It would be my first trip through the new roundabout.
“Ready to get T-boned?”
I asked her in jest just after we exited Highway 401 to get onto Queen’s Line.
A few minutes later, as we headed north on Merlin Road, she looked at me and said, “You weren’t kidding.”
our vehicle was right in their path?
We got past the truck, but it was too close for comfort.
I was wrong, while being right. Wrong that a C-K driver would be the problem. It was a transport driver from God knows where. Right in that that roundabout is just asking for twisted metal.
Yeah, we almost got clocked. My joke had nearly become prophetic. I was thinking it would be interesting to see the response of Chatham-Kent drivers going through that roundabout. If there was an issue to be had, I figured it would come from a driver eastbound on Queen’s Line trying to enter the roundabout as we were going through it to head north on Merlin Road. Nope. We didn’t even get that far. Instead, a tractor trailer approaching from the south on Merlin Road appeared ready to just force their way into the roundabout. It was wet and he didn’t appear to be slowing down to yield. So what if
For anyone wondering why I make fun of C-K drivers, I do so because of what I see on my daily short commute to work, or errand running. Improper turns, lack of signalling, aggressive driving, overly defensive driving…it all makes for a terrible combination. Now put that combo into a roundabout on a highway.
Granted, the posted speed limit heading into the roundabout on Queen’s Line is 60 km/h, but it’s on a road where anyone obeying the normal 80-km/h limit is all but run over by the impatient drivers that fly down that roadway every day.
My concerns were reinforced the very first time I went through that roundabout. Sad.
Deep dive into ‘1917’ on Nov. 4
Local history buffs will be flocking to the Chatham Airport Nov. 4.
Andy Robertshaw will provide a view into the filming of the movie “1917. Robertshaw served as a historical advisor for the $90-million film, which was released in 2019.
The talk begins at 7:10 p.m. in Hanger 6 at the airport. Prior to that, there will be a tour of Second World War air-
craft housed in the hanger beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are by RSVP and will be sold via E-transfer, or cash at the door on Nov. 4.
To RSVP, contact Tse5a@ execulink.com or chris. timmermans7@outlook. com.
Robertshaw serves as an Honorary Lecturer at the University College of London and regularly acts as a consultant for the British Army on historical matters.
Bruce Corcoran
The Chatham Voice
In
In loving memory of Robert Francis Tuck
October 21, 2020 - October 21, 2025 5 Years Since You Left Us
Memoriam CONSIGNMENT OR BUY: Wanted: Coin collections and silver coins. Call Paul 289228-2817.
WAYNE BREARLEY
September 4, 1946
- November 1, 2007
There will always be a heartache And many silent tears But always precious memories That will last throughout the years.
Lovingly remembered by wife Judy and Family
MARJORIE HEATH
July 6, 1923
- November 2, 2015
Always on our minds
And in our hearts.
Estate Sale - Saturday, November 1. 9am-3pm. 8 Regal Place, Chatham. Just off Sylvester. Furniture, kitchen items, dining room sets, 2 living room sets, 3 oak kitchen tables, chairs and more! Everything must go!
Lovingly remembered by Jill, Judy & Darryl
Announcement
Chatham Baptist Chapel New Children’s Sunday School Has Opened! 11am each Sunday. **Free ride pick up available if needed. Call 519-354-1999. chathambaptistchapel.com
Help Wanted
FARM HELP
2 Farm Labourers wanted, Hand Planting and Hand Harvesting of vegetable Work is in Chatham area. 1 - 2 years experience needed. Hiring for April 2026 season. $17.60/hour. Full time seasonal. Apply in person at either Sarah’s Farm Market Stores. 31 Sandys Street or 413 Queen Street, Chatham, ON or email koning.enterprises@bell.net.
Needed Immediately. Part-Time Cook, approximately 25hrs per week. Experience required. Also, needed, Casual Part-Time Cook Tuesdays to Saturday. email resume to: legionbranch642@ gmail.com. Phone 519-351-8733.
Coming Event
BUYING
GOLD Silver
ALL COINS
Thursday, Nov. 6 9am-4pm
Active Lifestyle Centre 20 Merrit Ave., Chatham
Wanted: Scrap air conditioners, dehumidifiers. Phone 226-2292614.
Help Wanted
The Chatham Voice is looking for carriers in the areas of
1 - Henry O’Way 2 - King St. E. 3Craven. Email michelle@ chathamvoice. com for more info!
Wanted to Buy: Antiques, costume jewellery, gold, silver, coins, military, furniture, tools. We Buy All - Paid Cash. 519-7278894.
For Sale
Silk Cemetery
OCTOBER 30th
Saddle Arrangements. Everyday/ Holidays. Readyto-go. Many colours available. $40. 519-354-3411
Sadly missed every day by his wife Ruth, His only son Stephen and his wife Valerie and their families. Card partners Sam & Ilene and coffee
