Street party brings 50-plus neighbours together on Chatham street
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
Chatham resident Ashley Rodrigues did something recently she admitted she would never have done when she lived in Toronto: Party with her neighbours.
The transplanted Torontonian organized a block party on her
street in south Chatham.
About 50 neighbours showed up, including a band.
Rodrigues, who moved to Chatham from Toronto four years ago, explained it was something she wanted and needed to do.
“I’m on my second maternity leave. I’m an event planner by trade. I was looking for some
way to get the neighbours together,” she said. “Everyone here walks, stops and talks.”
With her firstborn in daycare and her second child still an infant, Rodrigues thought the timing was right to work to bring the neighbourhood closer together.
“I designed a flyer and had it printed. I walked with my stroller and went to all the houses,” she said, adding there are a lot of seniors on her street, and she wasn’t sure how effective posting on social media would have been to deliver her invites.
how involved and eager everybody was,” she said.
There was a corn hole tournament, where house numbers were pulled at random to create matches.
A retired doctor on the street who is in a band encouraged the group to perform in front of his house.
There was face painting for the kids.
People who normally relaxed in their backyards did so at the front of their houses.
“About 50 people took part,” Rodrigues said. “Everyone brought a snack and brought their own chairs.”
The planning started simple enough. Bring a snack, have a snack. But it blossomed, as a committee of neighbours formed and anticipation grew.
“We had a small committee helping organize. I was impressed with
Rodrigues had reached out to the municipality to see if it was possible to have their section of the street shut down to vehicular traffic for the 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. event, but she said she was turned down.
In the end, Rodrigues said the event was a hit.
“I would say a lot of community spirit came out. Con-
versations were just naturally happening,” she said. “One neighbour, 90, has been there for 53 years. The conversations she had were just wild.”
Designed to have neighbours get better acquainted with one another, Rodrigues said it was mission accomplished.
“It’s also just knowing that your neighbours are good people. They’ll watch your house if you’re not around,” she said. “I love that people had a good time. People were just bonding over food and the neighbourhood. I love that about this community and Chatham-Kent.” Rodrigues added this would not have worked in her old neighbourhood in The Big Smoke.
“No way, not in Toronto,” she said with a laugh. “My (Toronto) friends are shocked this was able to be pulled off.” Rodrigues said she might pull it off again, perhaps growing it so people on nearby streets attend.
Contributed image
There’s nothing quite like a street party to bring people together.
Encampment rules change…again
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
The rules keep changing.
Chatham-Kent council voted to revisit the issue of encampment setbacks at its Aug. 25 meeting, agreeing to change the setback of tents from 100 metres to 25 metres from a private residence or business.
The revised protocol and bylaw allows the existing encampment at the Chatham-Kent water treatment plant on Grand Avenue East to remain as is, while opening up other sites, such as the Irwin Street water tower site.
This after council met Aug. 11 and changed the setbacks from 10 metres to 100 metres.
The latest decision was reached following a presentation from C-K housing services director Kim Crew, input from legal services director Dave Taylor and 30 deputations detailing both sides of the issue.
Based on Ontario case law, council heard that, under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the unhoused must be allowed to shelter on public lands if shelter beds are not available to them.
According to Crew, a balance must be struck between the rights of people living in neighbourhoods and the unhoused.
“The reality of people sleeping outdoors is here to stay,” Crew said. “We do not have enough shelter spaces.”
Data shows there are currently 80,000 homeless people in Ontario and the number is expected to grow to 300,000 by 2035.
In his comments, Taylor urged caution, citing several legal decisions in Ontario where municipalities were stopped from removing encampments based on
the rights of the homeless living there.
Removing or prohibiting them violates the charter as it affects the “life, liberty and security of the person,” Taylor explained, noting it is a “very, very tough message, but an important one.”
Plus, he added, restrictions allowing only one property as an encampment isn’t advised, as that would mean the municipality is sanctioning a single encampment location.
North Kent Coun. Rhonda Jubenville, who brought the motion forward to change the setbacks, said that while she does not agree with encampments, the municipality has no choice.
“Based on legal knowledge that has been presented to council and the public tonight, removing encampments in Chatham-Kent is not an option,”
Jubenville said, noting sanctioning one site is not a solution.
“Clearly there is no win or no quick fix to this dire situation, as we have all discovered over the past few weeks,” Jubenville stated, noting she sympathizes with both sides.
The councillor acknowledged C-K must balance the rights of housed residents with the rights of encampment dwellers.
“Encampments are not the answer...I personally would like to vote for removal of encampments. I find they are breeding grounds for enablement, but unfortunately as we have heard tonight, we cannot vote this way or we will face a Charter challenge.”
West Kent Coun. Melissa Harrigan, who seconded the motion, said the issue needs to be addressed from a policy perspective, noting smaller C-K communities will likely face encampment issues in years to
come.
Under the new rules, council voted to spend up to $100,000 per exempted site on items such as waste disposal and fencing, with the money coming from the housing services operational reserve.
In addition, council approved hiring Royal Protective Services at a cost of $238,882 to monitor the encampment sites, but how this will roll out is still in the works.
The four-hour Aug. 25 meeting was the third straight meeting where the topics of encampments, mental health and addictions dominated the session.
A majority of the deputations on the night urged council to move the encampment away from the Grand Avenue East property.
Others asked that the encampment be moved to the Chatham water tower site on Irwin Street, and a few implored council to exempt the Thames Grove Conservation Area as a possible location.
Crime, a drop in property values, feeling unsafe and enabling addiction through harm reduction were among the issues brought forward by citizens.
Others affirmed the benefits of harm reduction carried out by agencies such as R.O.C.K. Missions, with one mother saying harm reduction protocols helped save her son’s life and he now
has six months of sobriety. However, another mom said she is taking legal action against
R.O.C.K. Missions for enabling her daughter to continue on in her addiction.
People fall through the cracks between detox and recovery
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative
pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Chatham-Kent council has directed administration to do a deep dive in an attempt to address the root causes of homelessness and addiction.
Based on a motion prepared by councillors Ryan Doyle and Rhonda Jubenville, council asked staff to prepare a report exploring costs and the possibility of streamlining services for C-K residents, filling a gap between detox and recovery treatment. The directive includes investigating partnerships and probing the possibility of establishing a treatment centre and specialized supportive housing facility. It includes contacting a lengthy list of relevant agencies, arranging a minimum of two collaborative meetings with all involved, and to reporting back prior to the 2026 budget process.
“This doesn’t necessarily mean that Chatham-Kent will be funding all of this,” Jubenville told council. “It just means that we will be working together cohesively with all agencies to have a full wrap-around program.”
Doyle echoed Jubenville.
“There’s a gap between detox and recovery and a lot of people fall through the systems because they get out of detox and there’s nowhere for them to go,” Doyle said. “If we can cut down that gap, and sometimes that’s up to a six-month wait, to get people into recovery homes, that will help on the beginning side of it.”
As well, he said, people leaving recovery homes after treatment often have no place to go.
After reaching out himself, Doyle said all three treatment centres in Chatham-Kent are willing to sit down with the municipality to discuss options.
Not only would this help people living in en-
Grace and Bill on
campments, Doyle said, it would also help prevent people from falling into homelessness.
“We could maybe save them before they get to the homeless stage,” he added.
In response to the motion, CAO Michael Duben said it was unlikely that the report could come back in time for budget, stating it would probably take about six months.
Duben said a facilitator may need to be hired for the initiative as well.
Both Duben and chief financial officer Gord Quinton said a placeholder for
costs could be included at budget time.
An amendment from Coun. Marjorie Crew also asked staff to find ways to seek additional provincial funding for services.
“These gaps have existed and we’ve fought and advocated to close them because we know there are gaps,” Crew said. “This is not new. If this is the day that lightning is going to strike and we’re going to get it done, so be it. The province needs to be stepping up and doing this.”
According to Crew, the Chatham-Kent Drug
Awareness Council has long been working on the Chatham-Kent Community Drug Strategy in an attempt to improve services.
The report also asks staff to approach the province about establishing a Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) hub facility in the municipality. Despite submitting an application, Chatham-Kent was bypassed in
the initial round of HART hub funding.
In addition, staff has been asked to reach out to a facility in St. Thomas that provides wraparound services.
Opinion
Walking a tightrope
Council has been pushed out onto a tight rope on the homeless issue, and is looking for a way to safely reach the ground.
The trouble is, the province is at one end of the tight rope, having underfunded social issues in Chatham-Kent to the point the rope is unravelling.
And at the other end are homeowners, who are sawing away at the rope. They don’t want council making a call that could send a homeless encampment towards their neighbourhoods, or they want the ones that are there to move.
Council is struggling to move on that rope. At times, they’ve tried walking boldly, seeking to change setbacks to 100 metres from private property. However, all that did was ... cause a gust of legal wind from below, powered by Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and standing Ontario case law that forced them into one tight spot on that rope. Thames Grove Conservation Area would have been the only area where the setbacks “worked.”
Most recently, they crawled back towards the middle of the political tight rope, reducing setbacks down to
25 metres.
So, they started at 10 metres. When people living near the green space around the Public Utilities Commission property on Grand Avenue East complained loudly, the shift went to 100 metres of setback.
And when they realized the decision would eliminate nearly every piece of municipal greenspace from housing a place for our homeless, they had to shift again.
Most of council’s working summer has been spent trying to find a way off that tight rope. Yet is there an escape route?
There certainly is no quick fix to this problem. Homelessness is a three-headed monster that claims lives and negatively impacts those in the camp and living nearby. Lack of affordable housing, addiction and mental health are tightly intertwined. Fixing one does not remedy the issue. All elements have to be tackled in unison.
That’s a tall order, one that a municipal government can’t be expected to attempt to navigate on its own.
Yet here we have our local politicians walking that damned tightrope…
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Province puts our communities at risk
Editor: The province’s recent actions regarding the proposed Dresden landfill are a matter of grave concern for every citizen in our community. With the passing of Bill 5, the government has, in effect, washed its hands of its responsibility to protect us and the environment, placing a significant and unfair burden on the Municipality of Chatham-Kent and, by extension, on us, the taxpayers.
Bill 5 grants York1, the company behind the project, an exemption from a comprehensive assessment. For a project of this scale and potential impact, this assessment is a crucial safeguard. It’s a process by which we determine the risks to our drinking water, air quality, and local ecosystems. By bypassing the assessment, the province has removed its own oversight and public accountability, creating a dangerous precedent that prioritizes cor-
porate interests over public well-being.
The province has framed this as a matter for the municipality to handle, saying it’s up to Chatham-Kent to enforce its own bylaws. On the surface, this might sound like a victory for local control by council. It is nothing of the sort.
This decision is a calculated move that sets our community up for a costly legal fight. By refusing to change our bylaws to accommodate the landfill, our municipality is standing up for the will of the people and defending our community.
But this noble act comes with a high price. York1 has already shown its willingness to launch legal challenges against the province. There is little doubt they will do the same to Chatham-Kent.
Such a legal challenge would be long, and expensive, and funded by tax dollars.
The province’s end game is to pass the political and financial hot potato onto Chatham-Kent. The province avoids saying yes to the landfill outright while creating a path for York1 to proceed.
So, if the company wins in court, the province only has to say it’s a legal matter and not the fault of the province. If Chatham-Kent wins in court, we will have spent perhaps millions of dollars of our own money to defend ourselves from a project the province should have stopped in the first place.
The actions by the province is not governance but a profound dereliction of duty. We must hold our provincial representatives accountable for this act, which puts the health of our environment and the financial stability of our municipality in jeopardy. John Cryderman Chatham
Kudos to Jubenville for sticking to her guns
Editor: After reading her comments following her recent court-awarded reimbursement of $20,000, North Kent Coun. Rhonda Jubenville should be commended for such a forgiving attitude.
During the spring of 2023, Jubenville’s proposal to
only fly flags related to the appropriate governing authorities, to avoid accusations of bias towards other special interest groups, made sense. There are some groups, however, that have developed a false sense of entitlement, due to the poor decisions of past administrations. Current administration could have diplomati-
cally taken Jubenville’s proposal under advisement. Instead, the majority of her fellow workers chastised her in order to accommodate politically correct driven intimidation, rather than supporting freedom of speech and equal representation.
Brock Turner Chatham
THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CHATHAM-KENT FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2024
Consolidated Statement of Operations and Accumulated Surplus Year ended December 31, 2024 with comparative figures for 2023 (stated in thousands of dollars)
The entire 2024 Audited Financial Statements are available on our web site at www.chatham-kent.ca. Copies can also be obtained from Service Centres or by calling 519-360-1998.
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
December 31, 2024 with comparative figures for 2023 (stated in thousands of dollars)
Dropping a line in the water
Enough with the smoke and mirrors
Editor: On Aug. 25, council was backed into a corner under threat of a potential $1 million-plus lawsuit. That “bomb” was conveniently dropped during an in-camera session, right before the public meeting. Coincidence? Doubtful.
many times over –through plummeting property values, safety concerns, and broken trust. And all while the municipality ignores its lawful duty under the Safer Municipalities Act to maintain safe communities for all residents.
Residents delivered heartfelt deputations while council sat dejected, knowing the decision was already made. What a farce.
BIG MOVE
With no time to explore alternatives, council again played the cards dealt to them by the municipal executive team – the same team that moved the encampment without council’s approval or public input. (Editor’s note: The municipality cannot direct where homeless can go, but only where they can NOT go.) Council was played. Again.
The result? PUC neighbourhood residents will in effect pay for the lawsuit
Council didn’t write this plan. They were pressured to endorse it. Other locations – that admittedly meet required distance criteria – exist, but were not shared. Now there’s talk of “enhancing” the PUC encampment with services no other site offers.
Let’s be honest: this is no longer a temporary solution. It’s a sanctioned encampment in disguise. Where is the leadership?
While Barrie’s mayor, Alex Nuttall, made it clear – “If you don’t want help or support, this isn’t the place for you” –we get more hollow promises of enforcement and cleanliness. How’s that working so far? (Editor’s
note: An encampment in Barrie was removed in the wake of a double homicide and the fact the provincial Ministry of the Environment ordered the camp’s removal to protect surface and groundwater due to the amount of waste within the encampment.) Residents and businesses were promised a voice, under the encampment bylaws. Instead, key decisions continue behind closed doors – without input from the community or even council. Meanwhile groups with a vested interest in maintaining the status quo exert undue influence. Those who benefit most from one sanctioned encampment seem to be steering the ship. Stop blaming funding. If homelessness is truly “the biggest issue in the municipality” (according to Mayor Canniff), then treat it that way. Redirect resources toward real solutions, not grandiose civic centres and recreation upgrades. Perhaps then we’d qualify for provincial support. The current approach entices people to stay, not seek change. “Stayers”? That label says it all. Encampments have become no-enforcement zones. It’s time to change the approach – encourage progress, not permanence. Hold individuals accountable for the choices they can control. And if they reject help or refuse to follow the rules, then – like Barrie’s mayor said – this isn’t the place for them.
Chatham can’t afford to be Ontario’s “soft city” any longer. It’s time to cut the puppet strings, end the manipulation, and give residents the voice they were promised and deserve! We’ve had enough.
Claire McDowell Chatham
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
The sky at Mitchell’s Bay was a mood on a recent Saturday afternoon and Lynndi Shill of Chatham enjoyed the view as she tried her hand at fishing.
Voices of C-K report released
The Chatham Voice
The local United Way is hearing Voices.
In fact, United Way Centraide Windsor-Essex Chatham-Kent has officially released Voices of Chatham-Kent: Shaping Our Community’s Future Together – a new report that highlights the priorities, concerns, and ideas shared by nearly 600 local residents.
The report marks a step forward in how the United Way and its partners will invest in and support the Chatham-Kent community, with a renewed focus on equity, prevention, and long-term impact.
“This is more than just a report—it’s a call to action,” Lorraine Goddard, CEO of the local United Way, said in a media re-
lease. “People across Chatham-Kent were incredibly clear: they want bold, collaborative solutions that address root causes and create real, lasting change. We’re committed to working alongside our community to make that happen.”
Between January and June 2025, the United Way engaged residents through surveys, focus groups, and conversations across the region.
Residents identified their top priorities, which include affordable housing, mental health and addiction support, food security, youth development, and employment and transportation.
Officials said residents want services that are easy to access, better connected, and focused on preventing problems be-
fore they grow.
“We believe that lasting change is built from the ground up,” Goddard said. “This report was shaped by the voices of local people – and their voices will continue to guide our next steps.”
Officials are exploring a collective impact approach that brings residents, service providers, funders, and decision-makers together around shared goals.
One promising model under consideration is Cradle to Career – a community-driven strategy with a track record of improving outcomes for children and youth from early childhood through to employment.
The Voices of Chatham-Kent report is available at weareunited.com/ voicesofchathamkent.
Contributed image
Lorraine Goddard, CEO of the United Way Centraide Windsor-Essex Chatham-Kent shares news the organization is listening to the public in how it will approach the future of its programming.
Wheatley lawsuit against C-K dropped
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative
pamwrightlji@gmail.com
A $100-million class action suit launched against Chatham-Kent relating to the 2021 Wheatley explosion emergency response has been dropped.
The matter came before council Aug. 25, when West Kent councillors Melissa Harrigan and Lauren Anderson brought forward a motion directing administration to contact the municipality’s insurance company, asking them not to seek the $250,000 deductible from the representative plaintiffs paid out by the insurer when the lawsuit was launched.
Chatham-Kent and the province, which provided more than $8 million to affected residents and businesses.
All told, the Ontario government funneled $30 million towards the extensive investigation and well capping work.
“We are relieved that this matter has been resolved and the community can move forward.”
- Coun. Melissa Harrigan
“A good-news story that the class action lawsuit is over and also a reflection of the significant effort that was done in support of Wheatley both around this table and the province really stepping up,” Taylor said of the recent development.
Both Harrigan and Anderson said the Wheatley community can now focus on renewal.
The remainder of the legal costs incurred during the case were supplied by the municipality’s insurance provider.
According to C-K director of legal services Dave Taylor, the lawsuit was dropped as a result of the “significant” compensation and service from
“We are relieved that this matter has been resolved and the community can move forward,” Harrigan said in a media statement after the meeting. “The focus can now remain on focusing on Wheatley’s recovery, rather than on a lengthy legal process.
We are extremely grateful to the province of Ontar-
io for its partnership and the funding it provided to support residents, businesses and mitigation work.”
In her comments, Anderson said the “outcome allows us to focus on what matters most: supporting the community and continuing the journey towards recovery and revitalization.
“The people of Wheatley have shown incredible resilience throughout this ordeal,” she added. “I am very pleased that council supported our motion to ensure the municipality will not seek to recover its deductible from the representative plaintiffs.”
Information circulating that the municipality itself is attempting to recoup legal costs isn’t accurate, Taylor said.
“The piece that we really wanted to clarify is that this is not a decision to seek legal costs against those persons,” he said, adding it’s the insurer’s decision if they proceed in trying to recoup the money.
Planning is underway to transform the property where the blast occurred into a community park.
Attempted murder in Blenheim
A Ridgetown man faces serious charges after someone freaked out while getting terminated from their job Aug. 27. Chatham-Kent police say a man was informed he was being let go from a James Street business in Blenheim that morning. He didn’t take it well.
Police say he became agitated and refused to leave. When confronted by two supervisors, things got physical. The man used a knife and a hatchet during the scuffle, resulting in multiple wounds to both supervisors, police say.
A witness called police about 8:30 a.m. to report the matter.
Both victims were treated for non-life-threatening injuries, while the accused was also treated before being transported to police headquarters.
A 36-year-old Ridgetown man is charged with two counts of assault causing bodily harm, one count of using a weapon in a dangerous manner, and attempted murder.
The Chatham Voice
Tree Service
McKINLAY WOODLANDS . . . A LIVING MEMORIAL
Sunday, September 7, 2025
Gathering 1:30pm Service 2:00pm
DEDICATION SERVICE to be held at C.M. Wilson Conservation Area
This Memorial Tribute is dedicated to those for whom trees have been donated at CM Wilson, Skakel, Big Bend, Rowsom’s Tilbury West and Sharon Creek Conservation Areas from September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2025. Due to the newspaper publishing times, our program and tree service may include additional names. Please see next week’s paper for the Ridgetown T.R.E.E.S. Memorial Forest name list.
CM Wilson/Skakel Allaert, Roger Allison, Andrew James Allison, Clarence Anderson, James ‘Bun’ Ashton, Shirley Audet, Georgette Baribeau, Denis Batch, Liz Baughman, Leslie ‘Slim’ Beatty, David Bedard, Paul Bellehumeur, Rick Bernicky, Diane Bhangav, Gurdeep Blackwell, Richard Blair, Maxine ‘Max’ Boismier, Cheryle Boismier, Daniel Bond, Lorne Bond, Michael James Bond, Nicholas John Borchiver, Marilyn Bower, Dwight Brennan, John Brink, Corry
Brisley, Irene Brown, Joanne Buchanan, Brian Harvey Butler, Aubrey Button, Ruth Byatt, Brian Calhoun, Kay Campbell, Anne Campbell, Helen Carroll, Dean Cartwright, Lyle Chapman, Brock Cibulka, Marc Clark, Jacquie Clark, Murray Couture, J.P. Couture, Marie Jeanne Crawford, Murray Cromwell, Brock Crouch, Simon Crow, Jacqueline Dakin, Robert Dang, Van-Cuc De Andrade, Agostinho Monteiro de Leeuw, Catharina
Deas, Janet ‘Nettie’ Deline, Ralph Demers, Nicola Dieleman, Jane
DJK of San Diego California Dobbin, Andrew Doher-Bradley, Cathie Dorner III, Chas Doucette, Jenny Doucette, Rosetta Mary Douglas, Rev. H. Lane Downey, Shirley Doyle, Shaun DuBois, Gloria Dubois, Rose Marie Duddy, Al Dunlop, Stuart Duquette, Clara Duquette, Phil Dykema, Mary Ann Ellis, Leland Everitt, Brad Fieldus, Marilyn FitzGerald, John Galbraith, Gerald Gales, Garry
Galviz, Donaldo Saravia
Gazarek, Jerry John
Gerow, Edna
Gilbert, Janet
Giles, Gail
Ginter, Mildred Goetzman, Anne
Gore, Barbara Elaine
Gould, Charlie
Gould, Sandy Gray, Alan Gray, Pat Greaves, Joanne Green, Dot Haggitt, Jean Hamaguchi, Glen
Harmon, Beverley
Hawley, Mary Louise
Hebblethwaite, Lee
Hedley, Bill
Hermitt, Lloyd
Heuvelmans, Phyllis
Holling, Bill
Howe, Debby
Impens, Willie
Jackson, Brenda
Jackson, Clifford
Jacques, Marjorie
James, Maryke
Jeffrey, Paul
Jenner, Betty
Johnson, Joe
Johnston, Trish
Kattel, Pabi Maya
Keller, Gail
Kelly, Joanne
Kerr, Doug Kloostra, Sieger
Knights, Bob Kominek, Carol Kominek, Nancy Kroeze, John Kroeze, Robin
Kumpess, Michael
Lacina, Mary
Lamb, Anna
Lamb, Bill
Lamond, Ken
Lamond, Shirley
Lansens, Phil
Lauzon, Linda
Lawrence, Yvonne
Lawton, Janet
Lee, Betsy Maureen
Legue, Brice
Lesperance, Emil
Leuthel, Zachary Cooper
Leveille, Sabrina
Littlefield, Marion
Lucier, Inez
Lucier, Louis
Luu, Lam
Lyon, Phyllis
MacDonald, Reginald ‘Reg’
Maceyovski, Loretta Macklin, Jack
Mann, Anne
Marchand, Ernie
Marchand, Robert ‘Roger’ Martin, Vivian
Maschke, Gordon
Maynard, Ruth
McBrayne, Betty
McBrayne, Jim
McBride, Robert
McClatchey, Donna McCormick, Karen McDonnell, Mary
McKinlay, Rob Ernest McLagan, Marilyn McWhirter, Bruce Metcalfe, Betty Joan Miller, David Miller, Judi Mitivier, Kenny Montminy, Francis Moody, Eileen Moulton, Vera Mulcaster, Donald Narvasa, Jenny Naud, Charles Neill, Gillian Nisbet, Lisa Northcott, El O’Brien, Alex O’Neill, Colleen Osborne, John Oxley, Ruth Ann Paling, Barbara Parker, Charles Pelletier, Marlene Peltier, Dianne Pettipiece, Richard Phillips, Helen
Rankin, Mary
Reaume, Bill Rhyno, Dianna
Richie, Yvonne Rintjema, Jack
Phillips, Walter Pittuck, Margaret Plank, Terry Plante, Marcel Plaquet, Louise Praill, Jeff Ramsdale, Howard
Rochon, Dennis Russchen, Margaret Rylett, Colin Samways, Sandy Sattler, Don Scheibli, Alice Segeren, Leo Sewell, Megan Shillington, Jack Shreve, Greg Slaughter, Joan Ann Sloan, Eva Smith, Donna Marie Smyth, James ‘Jim’
Smythe, Carolyn
St Amand, Leandre ‘Frenchy’
St. Pierre, Pearl Stall, Mike
Stimpson, Kathy Stoffyn, Jean
Tetzlaff, Kenneth W. Tewkesbury, Elaine
Thompson, Darlene
Tofflemire, Murray
Trepanier, Mary-Ellen
Trotechaud, Kevin
VanDerMolen, Cindy
VanGassen, Patricia
Verstraete, Peter
Veverka, Robert ‘Bob’
Ware, Dolly
Warnock, Krystal
Whittington, Margaret
Whittington, Marie Williams, Ted Wither, Frances Woodcock, Paula
Zimmer, Ed Zmuda, John
Big Bend Little, David
Rowsom’s Tilbury West
Velcic, Gina
Sharon Creek
Kightley, Gerry
Warwick, Isabel
Wellington, Robert
Kightley, Ryan Skinner, Payton
Cenotaph rededicated in Chatham
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative
pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Following two years of restoration and upgrades, Chatham’s cenotaph has been rededicated.
And a bright new mural depicting local war heroes was also unveiled at the ceremony at Memorial Square Aug. 24.
According to Royal Canadian Legion Branch 642 president Len Maynard, the goal of the project is to commemorate the site’s
“sacred ground,” and raise awareness about the people who have served in the Canadian war effort.
“We wanted to do something so the public could see what it’s all about,” he told The Voice. “People think it’s a war memorial but it’s a peace memorial. It honours the Canadians who paid the price for freedom. We want to honour them every day of the week, not just Nov. 11.
“I am thrilled that we as a community have made a stand to protect this mon-
ument and its history and meaning.”
Part of the Gathering Our Heroes Project, the mural showcases the images of five veterans. Adjacent to the art is a sign with their names and a scanning code where people can delve further into the history of each individual.
The idea of renewing the cenotaph started two years ago, following acts of vandalism on the monument. Maynard got together with Mayor Darrin Canniff, who along Coun.
Brock McGregor, made funding available through the Hydro One Community Fund.
Now there’s a new iron fence, spotlights and cameras protecting the King Street marker that’s steeped in history.
After the horrors of the First World War, the community, with the support of the City of Chatham, came together to construct the cenotaph. The initiative was led by the 24th Regiment Kent IODE and the First Presbyterian Church. As well, during the War of 1812, the area is where the British militia and Chief Tecumseh and his braves, held the line fighting off advancing American forces.
Continued on page 17
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
Lainey Little and Serena Poirier stopped to take a look at the new war hero mural in downtown Chatham. At a special ceremony held Aug. 24, the mural was unveiled, and the Chatham Cenotaph was redediciated following an extensive two-year renewal project that saw many upgrades at the historic site.
Hsu pledges to stand up for Dresden
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative
When it comes to fighting the York1 landfill, Ted Hsu isn’t giving up. And he’s doesn’t want Dresden to either.
“I want to thank all of you for standing up,” he
told a crowd of 50 gathered at a Dresden Together community meeting Aug. 22. “What you’re doing here is standing up for every community in Ontario.”
Hsu, Liberal MPP for Kingston and the Islands, serves as the party’s critic for agricultural and rural
affairs, energy, mining, forestry and natural resources. He’s keeping a close watch on the York1 situation and has vowed to advocate for the community and keep the “Dresden Promise.”
Since coming to light early in 2024, the controversial landfill has seen strong opposition. Grassroot community groups have formed, and leading organizations – such as Environmental Defense Canada – are going to bat for the community.
The proposed landfill to be located at 29831 Irish School Rd. would be capable of accepting 6,000 tonnes of construction waste per day, and the site would also feature a regenerative recycling facility, soil washing and
a new leachate ponding system.
Following the outcry, former Environment Minister Andrea Khanjin agreed to place a comprehensive environmental assessment on the development, However, that was reversed when the province passed Bill 5 – Unleashing Our Economy to Protect Ontario Act on June 5.
The legislation specifically named the York1 Dresden project, with Premier Doug Ford stating the landfill needs to go ahead because of U.S. President Donald Trump.
According to Ford, Ontario’s landfill capacity will be overwhelmed if
Trump closes the border to Ontario’s garbage, stating 40 per cent is now shipped to Michigan and New York state.
But Hsu said it doesn’t wash and the entire province should be worried.
“Everybody should be perplexed...why Dresden?” Hsu questioned.
“Why was Dresden singled out in Bill 5?
“The government in Bill 5 has given itself a lot of discretionary powers,” he added, noting the province has “immense discretionary executive powers to exempt any company or project from any law” in the legislation.
It’s the second time Hsu
has visited the area since the York1 news broke in 2024. This time around, Walpole Island First Nation officials took him on a tour of local waterways showing him Molly’s Creek and how it links to the Sydenham River and the Great Lakes system. Molly’s Creek is adjacent to the site.
Earlier this year, Hsu sought an Ontario integrity commissioner probe into political ties between donors affiliated with York1 and Ford and three ministers. However, he recently learned the request was denied as it did not meet the necessary evidence threshold.
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice Liberal MPP Ted Hsu spoke in Dresden recently at the Old Czech Hall. Hsu has become a vocal critic of the York1 landfill project and Ontario’s Bill 5.
C-K to have a say over landfill after all
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Chatham-Kent will have a hand in zoning the area around the York1 landfill project at Dresden after all.
That’s according to C-K legal services director Dave Taylor, who spoke to the matter at the Aug. 25 council meeting.
Taylor told council the municipality received a “good” letter from the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation
and Parks, in response to a query made to York1 and the province from planning director Ryan Jacques earlier this summer.
According to Taylor, Jacques’ letter was an attempt to clarify the municipality’s position in relation to applications made by York1 to allow waste processing, storage and landfill use at the former dump that was once used to dispose incinerator ash.
“What York1 had argued in the past was that their
property enjoyed the right of prior non-conforming use,” Taylor explained. “We disagree with that and we firmly told them it was not the case. Mr. Jacques reflected that in that letter.”
Taylor said the ministry’s response indicates that zoning changes will need to come back before C-K council for approval.
“Whether to approve land-use changes, zoning changes and official plan changes lies with this municipal council,” he said. “It tells us, from the
province’s perspective, according to that letter, if York1 wants to expand that property use and change that property use, they have to come and ask council for approval through zoning, official plan and other land-use planning approvals.”
However, he did say any decisions could be subject to appeals.
The fight against the York1 project located north of Dresden at 29831 Irish School Rd. has hit the 18-month mark. Opposition from a wide array of
Vintage barn remains on display at C.M. Wilson
It still stands and is enjoyed by the community.
The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) has had it for half a century, but the Stenton Barn is much, much older.
The barn, donated by Horace and Irene Stenton in 1972 to the LTVCA and put in place at C.M. Wilson Conservation Area two years later, is thought to be about 250 years old. It is believe to be the first barn built west of Charing Cross.
The Stentons donated the barn in an effort to preserve the functionality and historic value of the barn.
“Over the past 50 years, the barn has become a popular venue for events and a backdrop for family photos,” Genevieve Champagne, manager of conservation lands and services for the LTVCA, said in a media release.
To recognize the Stenton family’s years of dedication, a new sign was installed at the barn last summer, officially naming the barn in recognition of the Stenton Family. Inside, a picture of the original barn will be on display alongside a
plaque reading “This barn was generously donated in 1974 by Horace and Irene Stenton.”
“It was time the original donors were formally recognized. We’re grateful the family reached out, allowing us to honour Horace and Irene Stenton after all these years” Champagne said.
Never forget the sacrifices
Continued from page 14
Maynard said he hopes that education about the military will continue, noting the public doesn’t realize the “sacrifice” people serving in the military make during modern day tasks, conflicts and duties.
“No one wants war, but Canadians, local and across this great nation will always stand the line for freedom,” he said.
Spearheaded by the IODE Kent Regiment chapter, the Gathering Our Heroes, Chatham-Kent WW I and WW II Enlistments project is a collaboration between the Chatham-Kent Museum, Abstract Marketing and historian Jerry Hind, curator of the initiative.
Currently, Gathering Our Heroes
has 10,143 listings in the Chatham-Kent heroes directory. The information is available on their website free of charge.
environmental agencies, opposition leaders and municipal governments –including Chatham-Kent, Dawn-Euphemia and Lambton County – has coalesced against the proposed expansion.
A comprehensive environmental assessment had been placed on the
project by former Environment Minister Andrea Khanjin in 2024. But in June of this year, it was removed through the passage of Bill 5 – Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act which empowers the government to create special economic zones.
The Chatham Voice
Safety Expo set for Sept. 14
The Chatham Voice
The focus is on safety, with a side order of fun.
Families across Chatham-Kent are invited to take part in the annual Children’s Safety Expo Sept. 14, put on by Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers.
It takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Brad-
ley Centre in Chatham on Richmond Street.
Admission is free.
Organizers said this year’s rendition “promises to be both educational and fun, offering a unique opportunity for families to learn, connect, and strengthen their knowledge of child safety and protection. With interactive demonstrations,
hands-on activities, and expert guidance from first responders, it’s a day designed to empower children and parents alike.”
Eric McIntosh, co-ordinator of C-K Crime Stoppers, said the Expo is bigger than ever.
“This year’s Children’s Safety Expo is the biggest one that Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers has held.
We have so many partners joining us to make this an educational day that is also a lot of fun,” she said in a media release. “This event is open for everyone and is free. I can’t wait to see all of the families and kids coming out to have a blast. After all, it’s not every day you get to see a car rollover, watch a vehicle be ripped
apart, or even try out a fire extinguisher.”
Demonstrations by local emergency services will provide children and families a chance to experience safety education up close. Kids will be able to try out a fire extinguisher, watch the Jaws of Life in action, see the rollover simulation, and more.
The Expo will also fea-
ture several free clinics to help families take proactive steps in keeping their children safe, including a car seat clinic and fingerprint clinic.
On display will be various emergency services vehicles, including the Chatham-Kent Police Service armoured vehicle.
Learn more by visiting www.ckcrimestoppers.ca.
No brisket? No problem
I failed recently; failed to bring home a brisket.
However, the fallback worked out just fine.
I went to Lenover’s after seeing they had brisket on sale. The afternoon that I went, they had two awesome briskets on display.
But they were waaay too big for the Big Green Egg. The Egg has a cooking area that’s 18 inches in diameter. These briskets were at least twice as long. And the butcher had left for the day by the time I got there.
Instead, I left with three New York striploin steaks. So, rather than a long Sunday cook on the Egg for a brisket, we seasoned those beauties with
Bruce Corcoran
Espresso BBQ Rub that I had picked up at Crossroad Pellets in Blenheim, and cooked them that evening.
Three minutes a side. About 400 F. Delicious. We’ve decided striploins are our favourite go-to steak. Ribeyes from Schinkels’ earlier this year were really good, don’t get me wrong. But the Egg, the way it holds in moisture in meat as you cook it,
you don’t need steaks with excess marbling. Past striploins from Schinkels’ have trumped the ribeyes.
Of course, beef tenderloin is the best option, but it is also the most expensive. But when we get it on sale, man is it good. So, we ate steak one night and then on the weekend, at our daughter’s request (one I was very happy with, I must add), I cooked up some burgers.
They were store-bought Black Angus frozen burgers. Nothing special. But give them a dose of Pit Boss Sweet Heat, topped with Brie or cheddar cheese, and I had a hit for the house.
I put all eight burgers on the grill that day. Sipped a 1792 from Sons of Kent while the smoke poured out of the Egg as the meat cooked.
Some classic rock on the
Bluetooth speaker added to the backyard ambience that day as well.
I posted a photo at the time to Facebook, and had multiple questions from friends I encountered the next day. The Egg does the work, not me even on simple efforts, such as burgers. I have not given up on the brisket. I just have to time it better.
Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice
If photos were scratch and sniff, meat lovers would be in heaven from this one.
Community Events
Thursday, September 4, 2025:
• Blenheim Summer Concert Series featuring Big Shiny Toons - rain or shine. Starts at 7:00pm. Lawn chairs recommended. Talbot Trail Place, 24 John St. W., Blenheim.
• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am-9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am-1:30pm. Come check out our daily specials. Senior Euchre starts at 1:00pm. The Popular L.A. Bingo starts at 7:00pm. Everyone welcome.
• Lunch at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 11am1:30pm. Daily specials or menu items available. Everyone welcome.
Friday, September 5, 2025:
• Jordan’s 5K Run the Runway returns to the Chatham-Kent Municipal Airport. Fast and flat, you can walk, run or roll. The event, running from 5:507:30, supports access to programs and services of the YMCA of Chatham-Kent. Register at runtherunway.ca. Early bird registration on now at $50. Presented by Siskinds, the law firm, and sponsored by Enbridge.
• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am-9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am-1:30pm. Supper will be served from 4:00-6:00pm. No orders after 5:30 pm. Tonight’s specials are smoked sausage & perogies or fish & chips, $14.00(HST included). Take out is also available by calling 519-351-8733 or 519-351-5639. At 5:15pm. is our weekly Catch-The-Ace draw (tickets can be purchased at the bar). Fun Darts start at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome.
• Bill’s Place Community Space Drop-In. Come spend some time in a 2SLGBTQIA+ safe space 48 Centre St., Chatham. Hang out and have a chat, have a coffee, do your homework, ask a question, read a book, or find out about our programs and upcoming events. No RSVP needed! Come & go as you please. All ages & allies welcome. 3:30-6:30pm.
• Lunch at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 11am to 1:30 pm. Daily specials or menu items available. Friday night supper is a lasagna dinner with caesar salad
and and a bun. Dine ins $14 and pickups $15. All meals are served at 6 pm. Please call 519-352-8291 to order. Everybody welcome.
Saturday, September 6, 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.
• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 10:00am-9:30pm. Line Dancing lessons from 10:00am-12 noon. Meat draws at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30pm, ending with a 50/50 draw. The kitchen is open from 3:00pm-5:45pm. Come check out our menu. Entertainment by Dave & Chuck from 4:30-9:30pm. Everyone welcome.
• “Discover Local Talent Night” at The Mary Webb Centre for the Arts in Highgate. A 4-part local talent series. Featuring: Kenny & Joel Acoustic Show, Two from Tuesday, Deep Southwest and Jay Allan. Doors and art gallery bar open at 6:00pm, show is 7:00pm. Tickets $30. More info: marywebbcentre.ca.
• Vendor Craft Show. Join us at the Morpeth Hall from 9am-3pm. More than 25 vendors. Something for everyone. Everyone welcome
Sunday, September 7, 2025:
• The Mojo Wailers come to Two Creeks at 6pm. 1km north of Wheatley. Rhythm and blues, soul and rock classics, delivered with a retro vibe. Irresistibly danceable. Food and drink from the Scouts. No admission, but we do pass the hat. Lots of convenient parking. Watch for Two Creeks Indoors starting in October. twocreeks.ca
• Breakfast at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 9am to Noon. All meals are cooked to order.
• Jamboree at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 1 to 5 pm. Come and listen and dance to the great sounds of Hired Hand. Everybody welcome.
Tuesday, September 9, 2025:
• Kent Branch, Ontario Ancestors Webinar at 7pm. The Miscellaneous Collection at the Archives of Ontario.
Free and open to anyone to join. Just register at kent.ogs.on.ca
• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am-9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am–1:30pm. Today’s special is spaghetti with meat sauce. Come play Euchre at 1:00pm or spend the evening playing Shuffleboard or Euchre starting at 7:00pm. Everyone welcome.
• The CK Singers community choir invites you to come out and give us a try from 7pm-9pm at First Presbyterian Church, 60 Fifth St Chatham. No requirement to read music or have an audition - just love to sing and we provide the music and a warm welcome. We perform a variety of songs according to the season for nursing homes, retirement homes, special dinners and other events as requested. If your club or group is looking for some fresh entertainment, we’d like to oblige. For more information about joining or booking our group to sing at your event, please contact Director Nancy Tapley at (519) 354-0463 or nancytapley2@gmail. com or President Bob Mann at (519) 397-2942. Singing together is proven to boost immunity, calm the heart rate and release the “feel good” chemicals in our bodies. Not only the hills “come alive to the sound of music.” You will too!
Wednesday, September 10, 2025: • Ridgetown Summer Concerts at the Ridgetown Legion. Acoustic FM will perform at 7:00pm. 75 Main St. E., Ridgetown.
• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am-9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am-1:30pm. Our daily special is Meatloaf Dinner. Come check out our other daily specials. We have Fun Darts at 7:00pm. Everyone welcome.
Niagara Falls Bus Trip, Taylor Park Fundraiser, cost $60 with $35 free play! Wed., Oct. 15/25, get receipts at Br. 642 Chatham Legion, 39 William St. N., park in Curling Club parking lot off Colborne St., please bring your Receipt & I.D. , for info, call 519-351-8733.
Send events to bruce@chathamvoice.com or michelle@chathamvoice.com
Fun Stuff
63. Chinese dynasty
64. Resembling a wing
65. Small projection on a bird’s wing
66. Of the Isle of Man
67. Derived unit of force (abbr.)
68. Plate for Eucharist CLUES DOWN
1. Vipers
2. Ancient city in Syria
3. Slog
4. Emits coherent radiation
5. “Pollock” actor Harris
6. Bleated
7. Monetary units of Afghanistan
8. Tooth doctor
9. One who takes apart
CLUES ACROSS
1. Fairly large 6. Barrels per day (abbr.)
9. Cover the entirety of 13. Leafy appetizer 14. Showy ornament 15. Norse personification of old age 16. Athletes 17. Closes tightly 18. Attack via hurling items 19. Where the reserves stand 21. Sword 22. Begat 23. Damage another’s reputation 24. Northeast 25. Turf 28. For each 29. Hours (Spanish)
31. Western state
33. One who offers help
36. Flanks
38. A woolen cap of Scottish origin
39. Free from drink or drugs
41. Tunnels
44. Mature
45. More dried-up
46. News organization
48. Steal something
49. Forms one’s public persona(abbr.)
51. Female fish eggs
52. Small petrel of southern seas
54. Edible starches
56. Historical
60. In a place to sleep
61. Horse grooms
62. Off-Broadway theater award
10. Commoner
11. Beat poet Ginsberg
12. Cave deposit material
14. Home energy backup
17. Begets
20. Face part 21. Frocks
23. Hill or rocky peak
25. Giving the impression of dishonesty
26. About ear
27. Male parents
29. Popular grilled food
30. Vaccine developer
32. Not conforming
34. Polite address for women
35. 1970 U.S. environmental law
37. Astronomical period of 18 years
40. One who fights the government
42. Center for Excellence in Education
43. Watches discreetly
47. An electrically charged atom
49. Hymn
50. Arabic given name
52. Popular pie nut
53. City in Zambia
55. Species of cherry
56. John __, British writer
57. Be next to
58. Make angry
59. Give birth to a lamb or kid
61. Unhappy
HipFest raises $6.6K
The
Sons of Kent patrons and fans of the Tragically Hip joined forces to support the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund and enjoy the music of The Hip.
The fund, inspired by Wenjack’s story and Downie’s call to build a better Canada, aims to build cultural understanding and create a path toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
Wenjack was not a residential school survivor. Sadly, his body was found after the Anishinaabe boy had escaped from a residential school in Kenora in 1966. He died of expo-
sure and starvation just trying to get home to his family.
To raise money for the Downie Wenjack Fund, Sons of Kent had Tragically Hip tribute band Grace2 perform at the craft brewery’s outdoor venue. The event raised more than $6,600.
Combined with a 2024 fundraiser, Sons of Kent has raised more than $12,500 for the charity.
The Sons also created a special Downie Wenjack Pilsner for each event.
“The Sons of Kent Hip-
Sons of Kent’s Doug Hunter, second from right, is seen with
raised $6,626 for the Downie Wenjack Fund.
Fest is about more than just great music and good times,” said Doug Hunter, co-founder of the Sons of Kent, in a media release.
“It’s about honouring Gord Downie’s legacy and helping support the important work of the Downie Wenjack Fund. We are deeply humbled by the generosity of our community and sponsors who made this donation possible.”
QUeen of the awards
Chatham-based QUeen Milling has been named as a nominee for the fifth annual Ontario Made Awards.
These awards recognize Ontario manufacturers and retailers that help consumers make informed decisions to increase the sales and awareness of
Navistar dinner set for Sept. 11
A reunion of former Navistar International employees will take place on Sept. 11 at the Moose Lodge in Chatham.
All former employees of the truck assembly plant are welcome to attend the dinner.
The banquet is a social get-together for anyone who ever worked at the plant.
Doors open at 5 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets are $27 and must be purchased in advance by calling Cy
Addley at 519-354-0413.
Cheques payable to Navistar Retiree Banquet can be mailed to 9 Dusk Ridge, Chatham, N7L 0G7.
There is a maximum of 150 tickets being sold as none will be sold at the door.
Ontario-made products.
QUeen Milling is nominated in the Consumer Awareness category.
Until Oct. 5, Ontarians are encouraged to vote for their favourite manufacturer and retailer in each category by visiting ontariomade.awardsplatform.com. Each vote that is cast gives participants a chance to win one of five $250 gift cards to a regis-
tered Ontario Made manufacturer of their choice.
QUeen Milling is located on Richmond Street in Chatham. The company, since 2005, has created various styles of gluten-free flour.
• Business Voice is a bi-monthly column in The Chatham Voice Send your information to bruce@ chathamvoice.com.
The Chatham Voice
Chatham Voice
Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice
members of the band Grace2, during HipFest2025. The event
John Edward Sherman
89, Wednesday, August 20, 2025
McKinlay Funeral Home
Scott McKinlay
69, Sunday, August 24, 2025
McKinlay Funeral Home
Allen Reynolds
83, Sunday, August 24, 2025
McKinlay Funeral Home
Dianna Marie Rhyno
62, Thursday, August 21, 2025
McKinlay Funeral Home
Joan Ann Slaughter
74, Thursday, August 14, 2025
McKinlay Funeral Home
Helen J. Philips
102, Friday, August 15, 2025
McKinlay Funeral Home
Michael Bond
44, Thursday, August 21, 2025
McKinlay Funeral Home
Maria Da Silva
69, Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Hinnegan Peseski Funeral Home
Dennis Gerald McClymont
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Hinnegan Peseski Funeral Home
Alcide Maria Teixeira
67, Tuesday, August 26, 2025 Hinnegan Peseski Funeral Home
OBITUARIES
Nancy Rabideau
68, Monday, August 25, 2025
Hinnegan Peseski Funeral Home
Barbara Stepnowski
59, Sunday, August 24, 2025
Hinnegan Peseski Funeral Home
Patricia Anne VanGassen
81, Thursday, August 21, 2025
Hinnegan Peseski Funeral Home
William Bevan Carruther
83, Saturday, August 23, 2025
Hinnegan Peseski Funeral Home
Richard William Leeson
78, Thursday, August 28, 2025
Badder Funeral Home
Rick Depres
63, Thursday, August 21, 2025
Badder Funeral Home
Peggy Sue Van Acker
71, Saturday, August 23, 2025
Badder Funeral Home
Donald Hitchcock
75, Sunday, August 24, 2025
Badder Funeral Home
Shelley Mason
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Christine Hancock
85, Friday, August 22, 2025
Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
William Alexander
Monday, August 25, 2025
Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Andrew Smith
85, Tuesday, August 26, 2025
Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Karen Ann Bondy
69, Friday, August 22, 2025 Life Transitions
Shirley Elizabeth Ann Harris
87, Monday, August 25, 2025 Life Transitions
Terry Burton Davis
72, Tuesday, August 26, 2025 Life Transitions
Diane Marie Martin-Gardiner
82, Tuesday, August 26, 2025 Life Transitions
Brenda Doreen Mills
74, Wednesday, August 27, 2025 Life Transitions
Diane Ross
79, Friday, August 22, 2025 Nicholls Funeral Home
Monica Bechard 92, Sunday, August 24, 2025 Kendrick Funeral Home
Bram Schoon 89, Tuesday, August 26, 2025 Kendrick Funeral Home
Marie Enns
69, Monday, August 25, 2025 Kendrick Funeral Home
See full obituarires at chathamvoice.com /obituaries
Classifieds
Over the past 75 years, they have shared a life filled with love, faith, and family. Together they raised 4 children, and today their family includes 6 grand children and 5 great-grandchildren. Their enduring love and steady presence in all their children’s lives has been nothing less than remarkable. This special milestone will be celebrated with a family gathering.
Personals
Senior Healthy Chatham Lady interested in meeting gentleman between 75-80 for companionship/ relationship with interest in wintering in Florida, walking, biking, dancing, traveling and wants to spend some quality time and enjoy the senior years. Send responses to PO Box 1063, Chatham PO Main, ON N7M 5L6.
Obituary
Christine May Hancock May 1940 - August 2025
Christine Hancock (nee Nelson), much loved Wife, Mum, Gram and Dear Friend, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 22nd, at 11:30pm, at Chatham-Kent Hospice in Chatham, Ontario. Chris had a wonderful life. She shared 38 years of marriage with her adored husband and best friend Bob Hancock, along with their blended family of five: Trish Nelson (Bill Myers), David Hancock (Joanne) Jacki Nelson Shilletto (Nick Shilletto), Steve Nelson (Jen), and Kristie Hancock. She was a very proud Gram to Steve’s children Quinzen and Parker. Bob Nelson, Chris’ first husband, predeceased her in 1984. Chris enjoyed more than 20 years as an Executive Assistant with the City of Chatham and created lifelong friends along the way. Chris leaves a lasting legacy of good cheer, grace and gratitude, with a steadfast belief that “Happy Memories Last Forever”. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 13th, 2025, at 1:00 pm in the chapel of the Alexander & Houle Funeral Home, 245 Wellington St. West, Chatham, 519-352-2710. A reception to follow. The service will be livestreamed. The link to attend the service virtually will be made available for friends who cannot attend in person. In keeping with Chris’ wishes, cremation has already taken place. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation, Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation or a charity of your choice. On-line condolences may be shared at www.alexanderandhoulefuneralhome.ca
All that we are, or ever hope to be, we owe to our beloved mother Diane Martin-Gardiner who passed away peacefully on Aug 26, 2025 at Chatham Kent Health Alliance at the age of 82 years. She was surrounded by many family members as she passed to eternal life, which is a testament of how much she was loved. Despite her short stature, she showed a lifetime of unwavering grit and determination, her fun-loving nature and her incredible endurance. She was always seeking her next new adventure, had a keen eye for decorating her home and preparing delicious meals which she enjoyed sharing with family and friends around her dining room table. She is a long-time resident of Chatham-Kent and predeceased by her parents Hector and Freda Lozon and two cherished husbands Vic Martin (1996) and Doug Gardiner (2015) as well as her sister Jean Waddick, brother-in-law Sonny Waddick, and sister-in-law Angie Lozon. She is survived by her brother Jerry Lozon of Ridgetown. She will be eternally missed by her children Ken Martin, Ron Martin and partner Nicole Sanderson, Don and wife Nicole Martin, Janice Martin and partner Jon Oliver, all of Chatham. In addition, her step-daughters; Debbie and her husband Peter Mindorff of London, Joan Quenneville and partner Wayne Johnston of Lighthouse Cove, Kathy Desaulniers of Stoney Point, and step-son; Bill and his wife Jennifer Gardiner of Tilbury. Her precious grandchildren Nolan and wife Diana, Victoria, Brydon, Nick, Nathan and wife Hunter, Joshua, Mathew and fiancée Lindsay, Christopher, Nicholas, Brett and Gray, as well as her great grandson Cooper. In addition, she will be deeply missed by her special friend John Gagner, many brother and sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins as well as several lifelong friends. Thank you to the medical staff at Chatham Kent Health Alliance for their compassionate care, especially to the ICU nurses Mike and Kiersten. Details of a celebration of Diane’s life will be shared in the next coming weeks. Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family.
Help Wanted
Carriers Needed: The Chatham Voice is looking for carriers in the following areas: Baldoon/Finch, Keil Trail N/Dale, St, Clair Estates, Patteson/Spencer. Carrier have 3 days each week to deliver the routes. Great for exercise or some extra money! Great for kids and adults! Email michelle@chathamvoice.com for all the details!
Helen J. Phillips, at the age of 102 of Chatham-Kent, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 15th, 2025 at Fairfield Park Wallaceburg. Born on March 7, 1923, Helen was the daughter of the late Michael and Mary (née Cleaver) Phillips. She lived in Chatham most of her life and worked as an accountant for different banks and firms and then ran her own business as a tax consultant. She completed her last income tax return for a client at the age of 92. Helen was a member of the Zonta Club of Chatham for many years. She loved to travel, loved classical music, and loved to grow special varieties of tomatoes, which she generously shared with friends. She strongly believed in natural and healthy foods and she must have had the right idea since she lived to 102 years of age in the beautiful home she built and designed herself. There was nothing Helen enjoyed more than a good conversation about life and politics. Sister to the late Stella Liggins (the late Percy), the late Nicholas, and the late John. Dear friend of Dianne Schwarz and Linda Cunha. Aunt to Kerry, Karen, Mark, Michael, Dave, Donald, and Rosemary. She will be missed by many cousins, friends, and extended family. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday September 7, 2025 at 3:30 pm at the McKinlay Reception Centre, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham. Family to receive friends from 3:00 pm until the service time. Burial in Maple Leaf Cemetery at a later date. Donations made in memory of Helen to the Peace Christian Church would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com. McKinlay Funeral Home. 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham. 519-351-2040
You
In Memoriam
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our brother Dennis Gerald McClymont at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Chatham on Thursday August 28, 2025. He was born in Chatham in 1945, son of the late Gerald and Louise (Whaling) McClymont. He is survived by his siblings, Sue Grant and her husband Michael, Jim McClymont and his wife Irene, Bob McClymont and his wife Rose. Predeceased by his sister Diana O’Mara (Dennis). He will also be missed by several nieces and nephews. Dennis served in the Canadian Armed Forces from 1970 until 2000. During that time he served several tours overseas and spent many years on Ellesmere Island at CFB Eureka in the Arctic. He retired at the base in Trenton, Ontario as a Master Warrant Officer. Though Dennis never married, he held family and friends close to his heart. He was affectionately known as “Uncle Buck” by his nieces and nephews, a nickname earned through his larger-than-life personality, warm sense of humour, and unforgettable antics that always left those around him smiling. An avid lover of the outdoors, Dennis found great joy in fishing, cooking and spending time at his beloved cottage on Eagle Lake. A life long fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Blue Jays, Dennis rarely missed a game. Dennis will be deeply missed by his extended family and many friends. In honour of his wishes cremation has taken place and the family will have a private gathering at a later date.
The family of Leo Segeren wish to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Chatham-Kent Hospice, VON Chatham-Kent (Mary Beth), spiritual supporters, CK Health Alliance, Dr. Bailey, Dr. Wheeler, Dr. Tran and Dr. Matsuzaki for providing exceptional care and support to our family in recent months.
Also, thank you to McKinlay Funeral Home, Blessed Sacrament Parish and Purple Pansy for the most beautiful celebration of his life. We are also grateful to our friends and family for all the visits, flowers, food, messages and donations. We deeply appreciate your expressions of sympathy and support. Your kindness will forever be appreciated.
Wanted
Wanted to Buy: Antiques, costume jewellery, gold, silver, coins, military, furniture, tools. We Buy All - Paid Cash. 519-727-8894.
Services Offered
My wife Henny was taken from me two years ago by a reckless driver. She deserved so much more.
More time, more joy, and more of the life we had dreamed of together. Now I’m left with memories. I replay them over and over, clinging to the sound of her voice and the warmth of her smile.
No words can fully express the pain of losing her so suddenly and so needlessly. Until we meet again, Rest peacefully my love Rick, Jason, Justin, and Heather
Announcement
Chatham Baptist Chapel “Come Out, Join Us” Sundays 11am and 7pm. Wednesdays 7pm, Friday 7pm. Old Hymns and KJV Preaching Go to chathambaptistchapel.com to watch sermons.
Silk Cemetery Saddle Arrangements. Everyday/ Holidays. Ready-to-go. Many colours available. $40. 519-354-3411 For Sale
In honour of our dear mother, Edna Gerow
(September 1936 - July 2025)
A Celebration of Life will take place on September 13, 2025 at 11 am We’ll gather in the Friendship Centre at Sprucedale United Church in Chatham to share memories, laughter and love.
Cremation has taken place followed by a private family burial in Evergreen Cemetery. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers donations to the WarmAmps Ontario Champ Program, Sprucedale United Church or CK Hospice Foundation would be appreciated.
