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Protesters let York1 officials know they don’t want to see a landfill/recycling facility established just north of Dresden. Mississauga-based York1 hopes to do just that on Irish School Road. See stories on pages 2 and 3.

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 2

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

News

Residents trash landfill notion The Chatham Voice

Nearly 200 Dresden residents turned out recently for a meeting to hear a proposal for a potential landfill and recycling facility just outside the community.

The site of the possible several-hundred-acre landfill and recycling centre sits on Irish School Road and is located just

over a kilometer from the edge of the community and the east branch of the Sydenham River.

The meeting, sponsored by York1, a Mississauga firm that owns the property, took place at the Rotary Wheelhouse. Attendance was limited to 100 residents, but nearly that number remained outside for much of the two-hour meeting, wav-

ing protest signs and playing music.

Dawn Sullivan, who owns three properties near the site, said the suddenness of the proposal is concerning.

“We’re hearing that they (York1) have owned the property since 2022 and haven’t told the public anything about their plans. We have 45 days to give input. It doesn’t seem fair.”

Sullivan said she is very concerned about wells on her property and others as well as truck traffic and odour, light and noise pollution.

Sullivan and her friend Amber Montgomery brought several children to the demonstration.

“This is about our future and more importantly their future,” Montgomery said.

“There has been a lot of effort to help our community with the Night Markets and Christmastown events. We don’t want to be known as a garbage drive-through for Toronto with 150

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trucks a day going through as well as soil to be recycled or town.” landfilled.

Sullivan said children love to York1 has also purchased ango to Molly’s Creek just south other 150 acres near the site of the proposed landfill. and is in the process of acquir“The area has ing more. loads of turtles, “We’re hearing that The company minnows, rab- they (York1) have is relying on a bits and wildlife.

1979 provincial Having it down- owned the property approval allowstream of a dump since 2022 and haven’t ing the land to be that feeds into the told the public anything used as a landSydenham River about their plans. We fill and a waste makes no sense,” have 45 days to give transfer station. she said.

On its website, A proposal filed input. It doesn’t seem https://york1.

Jan. 31 and list- fair.” com/rrf/, York1 ed on the Envi- - Resident Dawn Sullivan is touting the ronmental RegDresden site as a istry of Ontario, https://ero. regenerative recycling facility ontario.ca/notice/019-8205 is “that will focus on recovering for an amendment to Environ- valuable resources for recymental Compliance Approval cling and reuse. The facility No. A020401 for a 0.8-hectare targets the recovery and benwaste processing site used for eficial re-use of 80 per cent of the storage, transfer and pro- the construction waste that cessing of non-hazardous solid would have otherwise gone to waste, located at 29831 Irish landfill, helping the environSchool Rd. ment and conserving valuable The proposal seeks to expand materials.” use on an 85-acre site to bring A number of attendees leavin up to 6,000 tonnes each day ing the Feb. 10 meeting who on a 24-hour, seven-day per didn’t want their names used week basis. were highly suspicious of the The site would accept process. non-hazardous waste from “They’re a bunch of salesmen construction and demolition selling to people they think are small-town yokels,” said one man who operates a Dresden business.

A second public meeting will be held March 1 at the Ken Houston Memorial AgriculturTues. May 2 Tues. June 25 al Centre at 6 p.m.

Stratford Huron County Wed. Nov. 27 Individuals can also make Festival Theatre Playhouse Victoria Playhouse SOMETHING their views known online at FIDDLER Petrolia ROTTEN! the Environmental Registry of ON THE ROOF STARBRIGHT Revival Hessenland CHRISTMAS Ontario at https://ero.ontario.

Restaurant Inn Actor’s Restaurant ca/notice/019-8205#connect$215 $155 $150 with-us until March 16.

York1 will be providing upEach trip includes a Badder coach from Chatham, prime theatre seats and one great meal at noon (entrée, dessert, tea/coffee) as well as taxes and gratuities for the servers and driver. dates to the public through an email subscription list at For more info call Cathy Telfer 519-359-1665 https://york1.com/rrf/. or email bustrips2024@chathamkiwanis.com Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9:15am - 3:30pm

71 Sass Rd Unit #4, N7M 5J4

519-397-2020

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Deadlines for booking ads: Friday prior to publication date 12:00pm Give us a call at our local office today!

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

PAGE 3

News

Questions galore over proposed recycling/landfill site

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

When it comes to the proposed Regenerative Recycling Facility near Dresden, there are more questions than answers.

And until there’s more information from the province, those opposed to the Irish School Road development will be in the dark about what’s in store for the site north of Dresden.

Queries about water, noise and air pollution, as well as the effects of truck traffic on infrastructure, safety and quality of life continue to pepper social media, along with questions as to how the Ontario government can le-

gally bypass the Municipality of Chatham-Kent in the decision-making process.

The issue of a new recycling facility came to light when nearby property owners were informed of a current application by York1 to the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks to triple the size of the waste disposal site and have the potential for it to operate 24/7.

Unused for some time, the property is said to have been a tile yard prior to its former incarnation as a wood pallet processing facility.

Dave Willson, a neighbour who lives directly across from the property, has been a vocal critic of the expansion. He attended the Feb.

10 York1 information meeting in Dresden but said he doesn’t feel “reassured.”

Willson said that while the proposal will impact his family directy, he’s more worried about the effect on Dresden.

“It’s going to hurt our little town,” Willson said.

According to a report published in the Petrolia Independent, York1’s George Kirchmair told the meeting the Ministry of the Environment approved the site as a landfill and waste transfer station in 1979.

He said York1 plans on building a large structure where materials can be recycled and repurposed into other products. Materials that can’t be recycled will be

landfilled.

Continued on page 5

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PAGE 4

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

SCRCA has flood plain concerns with York1’s plans The Chatham Voice

Officials at the St. Clair Regional Conservation Authority said the owners of a proposed recycling/landfill facility out-

side Dresden have not been exactly open with their information sharing.

Ken Phillips, general manager of the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority, said the authority

had a meeting with York1 in mid-2023, and there hasn’t been any additional communication.

“We’ve received nothing official from York1. We had a meeting last sum-

mer. We told them our requirements and have heard nothing back from them.”

Phillips said there are concerns over setback distance requirements in

case of flooding, as part of the property is on a floodplain.

Molly’s Creek runs along the southern border of the property.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

PAGE 5

News

C-K councillors concerned about site’s ramifications

Continued from page 3

In the letter circulated to adjacent homeowners, York1 said the site will be upgraded to meet current environmental standards, including a compacted clay liner, a geomembrane line and leachate collection and extraction system that would include a leachate pond. Monitoring wells would also be installed and berms as high as 80 feet could be constructed.

Located on the former Highway 21, the proposed site is approximately a kilometre away from Dresden and three kilometres away from the east branch of the Sydenham River. Molly’s Creek, located near the site, runs into the Sydenham.

North Kent councillors Rhonda Jubenville and Jamie McGrail attended the meeting. They said they are taking the matter seriously.

According to Jubenville, Chatham-Kent hears the concerns, recognizing that the majority of people in Dresden and the surrounding area are “vehemently against” the proposal for a variety of reasons.

Sensitive environmental waterways and water wells are at risk, Jubenville said, adding an influx of traffic in the area is of grave concern.

Jubenville said it’s important that people provide

comment to the ministry by the mid-March deadline to make their concerns known and encouraged people to “stick to the facts,” when doing so. She urged people to attend the next York1 public meeting March 1 at the Ken Houston Memorial Centre in Dresden.

McGrail also continues to emphasize the importance of public input.

“I want to continue to reinforce the municipality is very invested in this,” McGrail said, noting the process has landed Chatham-Kent in uncharted waters.

“We are dotting our i’s and crossing our t’s,” McGrail said. “I cannot stress enough that it is extremely important for the public to submit their comments to the province.”

While the current site does not need municipal approval for expansion, any changes to adjacent properties will.

An update by C-K planning services will be presented to C-K council at the Feb. 26 council meeting, according to department director Ryan Jacques.

Jacques said the municipality was not aware of York1’s plans until late January.

“Chatham-Kent received notices from the Ministry of Environment on Jan. 29, 2024 that they had received an application from York1 to

Bothwell power outage planned The Chatham Voice

Bothwell residents will be blacked out next Sunday morning.

Entegrus has announced Hydro One will pull the plug on all of Bothwell between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. Feb. 25 as crews work to repair damaged equipment.

amend an existing environmental compliance approval specific to waste transfer,” he said.

Jacques expects the municipality to receive a similar notice in the near future in regard to “an existing environmental compliance approval regarding landfill.”

He added communication with York1 has been “very limited” since the firm took over the property in 2022.

In comparison, Waste Connections Canada, which operates the Ridge Landfill is in regular communication with Chatham-Kent personnel.

Jacques said municipal staff are seeking the advice of outside experts in regard to the York1 issue, and hope to have the information ready for the Feb. 26 council meeting.

The municipality has until mid-March to submit its response to the York1 proposal.

The Voice was unable to contact York1 as of press time.

Chatham Voice photo

A view of Molly’s Creek, which abuts a portion of the York1 property that is proposed for a landfill/recycling facility just north of Dresden.

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 6

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

Opinion Too many unknowns Imagine Chatham-Kent being host to a facility that endeavours to recycle almost all the rubbish that is trucked into it.

Sounds great for the environment, right?

Or how about hosting a site that is grinding up materials and having trucks deliver waste at all hours of the day and night, with the fear that anything put into a landfill there could send contaminants into a nearby creek?

The former is kind of what York1 officials say they want to do on Irish School Road just outside of Dresden.

But the latter is what area residents worry will become the reality.

There are some glaring concerns.

First off, the company has so far barely dealt with the municipality, communicated briefly with the conservation authority overseeing the area where they want to set up this facility, and seems intent on gobbling up nearby property.

Provincial regulations may state York1 has done nothing wrong to this point, getting its proverbial ducks in a row with the Ontario government, and only informing the municipality at the end of January.

But the smart way to go about this,

if everything company officials claim on their website and in a recent public meeting are to be believed, would have been to be incredibly open right from the start.

Transparency allays suspicion. Let municipal officials and the public know from the very start what is planned for the property. Return calls to the media.

By holding one’s plans so close to one’s vest, trust will now be extremely hard to come by for York1.

The site may not be ideal. St. Clair Region Conservation Authority officials said part of the property is located on a flood plain. For landfill sites, a top, top priority is ensuring nothing leaches off the property. Being close to a creek and having land in a flood plain, given our increase of extreme weather events, does not sound like a smart environmental decision.

Then there is the proximity to a gem of a small-town community in Dresden. Seeking to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week does not sound enticing to nearby residents.

Having transport trucks come through the heart of Dresden at all hours also won’t win any friends.

York1, you have to do better.

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A member of:

71 Sass Rd., Unit #4, Chatham, ON, N7M 5J4 Tel: 519-397-2020

A night to remember Editor: I am in my third year as a resident of Chatham, a Black Canadian transplanted from Toronto.

Although I lived most of my life in Toronto, I have also lived in three of Canada’s other largest urban centres, Montreal, Vancouver and Hamilton.

Out of all these cities, I have found Chatham to be the warmest (and I speak not just of climate), most welcoming community to an outsider.

I recently had the plea-

sure of attending Chatham’s first Black Excellence Awards gala. The sold-out event celebrated our local Black community and its lengthy and rich Black history.

Typical of Chatham, the event was well attended not just by the Black community, but by politicians, business leaders and sponsors from all local communities.

I am proud to call Chatham my new home

and encourage other Torontonians to make the move.

Kudos to Shannon Prince, Michelle Robbins and Doug Robbins for initiating this wonderful event, and also to my fellow Chatham citizens, nominees, sponsors, attendees and supporters. I look forward to participating in this new Chatham tradition annually.

Emile Carrington Chatham

Questions to council Editor: One of the letters recently published in local media regarding council’s decision to proceed with purchase of the Sears building to replace the Civic Centre stated that the new facility would reintroduce the “wow” factor to downtown Chatham.

I happen to agree. I can visualize a visitor to the new location saying, “Wow. What group of boneheads made this decision?”

I have four questions regarding the council decision which have not

been addressed in anything that I have been able to read on the subject.

How many (if any) councilors received donations to their election campaign funding from any of the members of the consortium selling the property to the municipality, or from associates or family of those consortium members?

If any councilors received such donations, how many declared a conflict of interest and refrained from voting when

the question was called to decide on the municipality’s course of action?

What will become of the fire hall when the Civic Centre is sold and potentially repurposed?

Does this mean that there will be another facility that will miraculously surface just when the municipality needs a new fire hall, for which the taxpayers will be on the hook for millions of dollars to repurpose?

David Goldsmith Chatham

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

PAGE 7

News

Black excellence celebrated in C-K

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Contributed image

Tammy Lucas celebrates her win as female of the year at the recent Black Excellence Awards.

The Black Excellence Awards and Gala was such a hit Feb. 10 that organizers anticipate making it an annual event.

More than 225 people gathered at Retro Suites to celebrate the rich Black heritage that is such a part of Chatham-Kent, and to fete local citizens and businesses for their contributions.

Michelle Robbins, curator of the Buxton National Historic Site and Museum, and one of the organizers of the Feb. 10 event, said the evening was “fantastic.

“We had a great turnout. It was sold out. Seeing everyone dressed up and celebrating together was amazing,” she said. “It was great to see the support of the community and beyond.”

Shannon Prince, who also cochaired the event, appreciated the community support as well.

“It’s great to see our community

Special menu

and the greater community celebrated. We have never assembled such a prestigious group of community leaders,” she said.

Mike “Bear” Rhan was named Citizen of the year, while Tammy Lu-

cas took female of the year honours, and Blake Handsor earned male of the year accolades. Yardie Vibes captured Black-owned business of the year honours.

Continued on page 8

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 8

News

Black excellence

Continued from page 7

Kiaya Farms was named agriculturalist of the year, and Camryn Dudley received the youth of the year award.

Artis Lane was named trailblazer.

“This person is selected on their positive impact and accomplishments to our community and culture,” Robbins said of Lane.

She added that choosing the winners in each category was no easy task.

“The people who were nominated definitely earned every nomination,” she said. “The incredible people we have within our community is

just amazing.”

Doug Robbins, also co-chair of the awards, agreed.

“They say it’s an honour just to be nominated and it truly is. Everyone that stood for nomination has had a profound effect on our community and our culture, and for that they should all be applauded,” he said.

Michelle Robbins said it was a great night for the Black community of Chatham-Kent.

“It was just an amazing night to see so many people support the excellence in our community. Our ancestors would have been extremely proud of the

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

Contributed image

Top winners from the recent Black Excellence Awards showcase their hardware. The sold-out event celebrated the contributions of Chatham-Kent’s Black community.

event,” she said.

Planning is already un-

derway for next year’s event. Michelle Robbins,

who thanked the support of the sponsors this year,

said many want to be involved again in 2025.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

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Ashley Amato* 519-365-5677

Terry Chauvin* 519-437-8498.

Eric Fitzgerald* 519-436-4865

Wayne Liddy* 519-436-4810

Heather Najjar** 519-355-8666

Elizabeth Peifer* 519-436-8959

Deborah Rhodes* 519-401-5470

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 10

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

News

Home sales in C-K rise in January The Chatham Voice

The home-sales rollercoaster ride in Chatham-Kent continued in January.

According to figures from the Chatham-Kent Association of Realtors (CKAR), home sales were up about seven per cent from January of 2023, as 61 units changed hands.

Still, the sales were more than 27 per cent below the five-year average for January sales in C-K and

nearly 15 per cent below the 10-year average.

The January bump has local realtors hopeful.

“Sales activity has been on a gradual rise over the past four months as buyers seems to be cautiously leaving the sidelines and returning to the market,” said Carrie Patrick, president of CKAR, in a media release. “Whether it’s because interest rates seem to have definitively plateaued for the time being and future rate move-

ments are biased to the downside, or maybe because some buyers can no longer keep waiting and need a new place to call home, our market seems to be on a steady path to recovering.”

The average price of homes sold in January 2024 was $399,470, down slightly from January 2023.

The dollar value of all home sales in January 2024 was $24.4 million, up by 6.3 per cent from

the same month in 2023.

The number of new listings saw an increase of 4.6 per cent (seven listings) from January 2023. There were 160 new residential listings in January 2024.

This was the largest number of new listings added in the month of January in more than five years.

New listings were 30.1 per cent above the fiveyear average and 30.7 per cent above the 10-year average for the month of January.

Active residential listings numbered 288 units on the market at the end of January, a slight gain of 0.3 per cent (one listing)

from the end of January 2023. Active listings haven’t been this high in the month of January in more than five years.

Active listings were 69.4 per cent above the fiveyear average and 20.1 per cent above the 10-year average for the month of January.

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

Farmers team up to help food banks

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

In celebration of local agriculture, members of the Kent Federation of Agriculture joined forces Feb. 13 to offer support to the food banks in Chatham.

The date, the second Tuesday in February, marked Canada Ag Day, a time across the country where agricultural contributions are recognized.

Here in C-K, it’s a time for farmers and ag businesses to give back.

Paige Handsor of the KFA, said the day is special locally.

“It’s a time to really celebrate agriculture, the generations that are in it, the new generations to come and all the hard work we put into producing the food,” she said.

As part of Canada Ag Day in C-K, KFA members donate fresh produce, cash and even meat to Outreach for Hunger and the Salvation Army food banks.

“We usually try to focus on food donations from farmers in Chatham-Kent,” Handsor said.

“This year there have been po-

tatoes, carrots, tomatoes, apples, pears, strawberries – it’s a wide assortment to show the diversity of agriculture that we have here.”

Handsor added more than $5,000 in cash was donated to the food banks as well, plus a great deal of ground beef.

“We’re working with Southwest Meat Packers out of Thamesville and we’re going to be purchasing ground beef that will be donated to both Outreach and the Salvation Army throughout various times of the year. They’ll be getting about 1,000 pounds of ground beef.”

Maj. Larry Bridger of the Salvation Army said the donations are appreciated.

“It means a lot. You get a lot of fresh produce. And that’s something we don’t get a whole lot of. For nutrition value for our clients, you need that,” he said.

“Fresh produce, that helps tremendously. This event is excellent.”

Brenda LeClair of Outreach for Hunger concurred.

“To see the fresh produce coming in and to recognize the la-

PAGE 11

News

Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

From left, Kent Federation of Agriculture’s Mike Vannieuwenhuyze, the municipality’s Rosemarie Montgomery, KFA’s Jacques Tetreault, Salvation Army’s Maj. Larry Bridger, Outreach for Hunger’s Brenda LeClair, KFA’s Stan Brien, Brad Snobelen and Paige Handsor showcase some of the food items KFA members donated on Canada Ag Day to local food banks on Feb. 13.

bour intensity to produce the product and then turning it around and donating it to families who need it the most, that’s special,” she said.

Brad Snobelen, president of the KFA, said members are proud to take part in helping others.

“We love to be part of the community. Agriculture is such a big part of the community. We love to show our support for those in need,” he said.

“Farmers are very generous with the donations.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 12

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

February 28, 2024

This Pink Shirt Day, and everyday, let’s lift each other up!

In 2007, two boys from Nova Scotia took a stand against local bullies and started a movement. When a classmate in their high school was harassed for wearing a pink shirt on the first day of school, David Shepherd and Travis Price decided to do something about it.

The teens bought over 50 pink shirts and handed them out to their classmates, creating a “sea of pink” in support of the boy who’d been bullied. That was the first Pink Shirt Day, an event that has since made its way across the country and is now recognized on the last Wednesday of February every year.

Here are seven ways we should all strive to treat each other every day.

1. Be kind. Treat everyone with kindness and empathy, regardless of how you feel about them. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect, even those you don’t like.

2. Be inclusive. Make it a point to be friendly with everyone you know, even the people who are different from you. You’ll make others feel good and could even make an unexpected friend.

3. Check in. If you know that someone in your life has recently gone through a hard time call or text periodically to make sure they’re doing okay.

4. Listen. Be a sounding board for friends who need to talk. However, don’t offer advice unless they ask for it.

Sometimes, people just need to share what they’re going through in order to come up with their own solutions.

5. Think before you speak — or post. Sometimes we can hurt people without meaning to. Before you say

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7. Speak up. If you see someone getting bullied, don’t just stand there and watch. Instead, say something.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 13

February 28, 2024 For bullied kids, it can be hard to know where to turn. But a helping and supportive hand can make a world of difference!

Remember that whether it’s sending a check-in text, calling out bullying behaviour when you see it, or simply offering your support, there are so many ways we can all help and connect with people being bullied.

Wear pink on Febuary 28, 2024 to take a stand against bullying!

Over 75% of people say they’ve been bullied. Over 90% of bullying incidents have peer witnesses. But when those peers intervene, most incidents are over within 10 seconds. Bullying could be happening to someone you know and care about – take a stand against bullying, and let your peers know that it is not okay.

Together we can stand up and make a difference!

Wednesday, February 22,compassion, 2023 Show kindness, empathy, and and speak out!

With one in five students affected by bullying, chances are that you or someone you know is being impacted. If you’re not sure what to do, #PINKSHIRTDAY reach out to someone who can help. And remember, kindness and compassion can go a long way.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 14

’Burg bridge repairs begin The Chatham Voice

Long-awaited repairs to Wallaceburg’s L.O. Stonehouse Walking Bridge are underway.

The bridge, which connects the downtown core with the community’s southside across the Sydenham River, should be back in working order in time for WAMBO, Wallaceburg’s annual classic car and boat extravaganza.

According to a media release from the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, work began on the structure in January, with completion slated for mid-July of this year.

The river is expected to remain passable for wa-

tercraft at all times during the revamp in accordance with Transport Canada’s navigation season, which begins May 15.

Many upgrades are in the works, including the installation of coloured lighting, similar to what has been installed on the Third Street Bridge in Chatham. However, that portion of the upgrade won’t be finished until fall.

C-K engineering director Marissa Mascaro recognizes that Wallaceburg’s walking bridge is one of the main pedestrian crossings over the Sydenham River.

“Our project team is working hard to get this important project completed and we look for-

News

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

Gas alarms available The Chatham Voice

Chatham Voice file photo

Repairs to Wallaceburg’s L.O. Stonehouse Walking Bridge, closed for several years, are underway.

ward to the community’s excitement with the pe-

destrian bridge opens,” Mascaro stated.

A campaign to provide Wheatley area residents with multi-functional gas alarms is underway.

Beginning Feb. 20, Chatham Fire & Rescue officials will begin distributing the free monitors door to door, starting in the town’s evacuation zone.

The units, which have a lifespan of seven years, provide continuous monitoring of carbon dioxide, propane, and natural gas.

Distribution will continue throughout the week.

Residents living outside the evacuation zone can pick up a monitor at the Wheatley Resource Centre, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and

on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The centre is located at 108 Talbot Rd. E..

Chatham-Kent Fire Chief Chris Case said the “reassurance campaign” continues the municipality’s “proactive and protective measures” for the Wheatley community in an ongoing attempt to bring stability to citizens affected by releases of gas.

“We’re thankful for the provincial funding to be able to provide the people of Wheatley with practical measures to keep themselves, their families, and the community safe,” Case said in a media release.

The alarms were paid for through a $280,000 grant from the province.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 15

Human Human Trafficking is Trafficking happening is in Human happening Trafficking Chathamin is Kent happening

Chathamin Sex trafficking & ChathamKent exploitation Kent forced labour

Sex Sex trafficking trafficking & & exploitation exploitation forced labour forced labour

Get Informed & Get help Chatham KentInformed Women's Centre: 519-354-6360 Get & Get help Chatham Kent Victim Services:519-436-6630 Chatham-KentChatham Women’s Centre: 519-354-6360 Kent Women's Centre: 519-354-6360 Ontario NativeChatham-Kent Women’s Association1-800-667-0816 VictimKent Services: 519-436-6630 Chatham Victim Services:519-436-6630 Ontario Assault Native Women’s Association: 1-800-667-0816 Chatham Kent Sexual CrisisNative Centre: 519-354-8688 Ontario Women’s Association1-800-667-0816 Chatham-Kent SexualKent Assault Centre: 519-354-8688 Sexual Assault Crisis Centre: 519-354-8688 Chatham-Kent Health Chatham Alliance - DV &Crisis Sexual Assault Chatham-Kent Health Alliance DV & Sexual Assault: 519-352-6400 ext 6032 Chatham-Kent Health Alliance - DV & Sexual Assault 519-352-6400 ext 6032

Get Informed & Get help 519-352-6400 ext 6032

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 16

Community Events

Thursday, February 22, 2024: • The 62nd Annual Lenten Noon Hour Interdenominational Service will be held at Christ Church, 80 Wellington St. W., Chatham. 12:10-12:35pm, followed by a sandwich luncheon in the parish hall. The theme is “The Peace That Passes All Understanding.” The speaker this week is The Rev. Albert Lambkin, First Baptist Church. Free will offering to help Outreach within our community.

• 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 is welcome.

• Merlin Legion Br. 465. 519-689-4884.

Jam Session from 1-4:30pm. All are welcome to attend with a $2 donation.

4pm-7pm: New 1lb Wing Special with Fries $8.85 + tax = $10.00 Homemade Panzerotti + Menu available.

• Bracelet Making Workshop at the Ridgetown Area Adult Activity Centre at 1pm. Make your own beautiful beaded bracelet. $7 members, $9 non-members. Call 519-674-5126 or email programs@ridgetownadultcentre.com.

Friday, February 23, 2024: • 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. Tonight’s specials are liver & onions or fish & chips, $13.00. Take out available by calling 519-351-8733 or 519-351-5639.

Fun Darts 7:00pm. Everyone Welcome.

• Merlin Legion Br. 465. 519-689-4884.

Join us 4:30-7pm for our delicious 5pc Perch or 3pc Merlickin Chicken or Combo (3pc Perch & 2pc Merlickin Chicken).

Serving every Friday during Lent.

• Friday night supper at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St is a Chicken parmesan dinner with pasta, caesar salad and garlic toast. Dine ins $13 and pickup $14. All meals served at 6 PM. Please call 519-352-8291 to order. Everyone welcome.

Saturday, February 24, 2024: • 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.

• Merlin Legion Br. 465. 519-689-4884.

Euchre Tournament - In Memory of Oliver Jones. Kitchen opens at 11:30; Registration at 12:15 and Play at 1 pm.

Join us from 4-7 pm for our delicious Merlickin Chicken plus menu.

• New Beginner Line Dance Class at 11:00am every Saturday. The Chatham Legion (39 William St. N.) welcomes everyone to these free lessons.

• Bill’s Place Community Space Drop-In. 11am-3pm. Come spend some time in a 2SLGBTQIA+ safe space 48 Centre St., Chatham. Hang out, have a coffee, do your homework, ask a question, read a book, or chat about life or what we’ve been working on. Get some clothes from our Out of the Closet program, use the Community cupboard & more! No RSVP needed! Come & go as you please.

All ages & allies welcome.

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Meat draw at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 3:00pm-5:30pm. Entertainment by the Marquis from 4:30-9:30. Everyone Welcome.

Sunday, February 25, 2024: • Classic Country Jamboree 1:30-530 at the Merlin Legion. Music by the Marquis. Dinner of ham and scalloped potatoes with sides, dessert with tea & coffee included $13.50 or $18.50 with entry to Jamboree. Jamboree only for $5.00. Please call Lori at 519-476-5870 to join us for a great afternoon!!

Monday, February 26, 2024: • Revitalize Your Life Expo: Explore holistic wellness from 6-8 PM at Active Lifestyle Centre in Chatham. Learn from experts, connect with like-minded individuals, and explore wellness products and services. Free admission but space is limited! Register on Eventbrite.

Tuesday, February 27, 2024: • The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am-1:30pm. Today’s special is Spaghetti with meat sauce. Euchre at 1:00 or evening Shuffleboard or Euchre at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome.

Wednesday, February 28, 2024: • 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 meat loaf dinner. We have Fun Darts at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome.

Friday, March 1, 2024

Cocktails 5:30pm Dinner 6:00pm Comedy Show 7:30pm $45 per person $340 for table of 8

Menu Chicken Cordon Bleu w/ Dijon Cream Sauce.

Roasted Hasselback Potatoes in Garlic Parmesan Butter .

Roasted Seasonal Vegetables.

Shaved Beet and Carrot Salad with Mandarin Shallot Dressing.

Dessert - Brownie Torte with Meringue topping.

Thursday, February 29, 2024: • 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 is welcome.

• The 62nd Annual Lenten Noon Hour Interdenominational Service will be held at Christ Church, 80 Wellington St. W., Chatham. 12:10-12:35pm, followed by a sandwich luncheon in the parish hall. The theme is “The Peace That Passes All Understanding.” The speaker this week is The Rev. MJ Meinzinger, MuchJoy Ministries. Free will offering to help Outreach within our community.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

Fun Stuff

• Merlin Legion Br. 465. 519-689-4884.

Jam Session 1-4:30pm. All are welcome to attend with a donation of $2.

4pm-7pm - New 1-lb Wing Special with Fries $8.85 + tax = $10.00 Homemade CLUES ACROSS Panzerotti + Menu available.

1. Golf scores 5. Shock therapy • Volunteer Orientation & Information 8. Ballplayer’s tool Session at the Ridgetown Area Adult 11. Quench one’s Activity Centre at 1:30pm. Make a thirst difference in your community and learn 13. Female relatives about volunteer opportunities and ways of American war to lend a helping hand at the Centre. To vets (abbr.)

RSVP call 519-674-5126 or email pro14. Every one of two grams@ridgetownadultcentre.com. or more things 15. Member of Muslim • Jewelry Swap at the at the Ridgetown people Area Adult Activity Centre from 7:0016. Play 9:00pm. Swap and “shop” second hand 17. Type of cheese treasures. Drop off your items for the 18. Type of lounge swap between Feb. 8-26 to the Centre. chair Purchase your ticket for $5 and enjoy 20. __ King Cole, light refreshments and participating in musician the swap. Call 519-674-5126 or email 21. Fellows programs@ridgetownadultcentre.com. 22. North, Central and South • Trade your completed jigsaw 25. In an early way puzzles, for a new-to-you puzzle at 30. Foes Chatham-Kent Public Library’s (CKPL) 31. Georgia rockers Jigsaw Puzzle Swap! Ridgetown Branch 32. Cryptocurrency of CKPL will host a jigsaw puzzle swap 33. Narrow path along from 12:00-8:00pm and Friday, March a slope 1 12:00-5:00pm. Receive a voucher for 38. Disallow each puzzle you drop off during library 41. Joyousness hours. Must have no missing pieces and 43. Inaccessible be in good condition. Vouchers can be 45. Evoke emotions redeemed to “buy” a new puzzle on 47. Ancient kingdom February 29 or March 1. Only voucher near Dead Sea holders will be allowed to participate. 49. Boston Celtic Any puzzles that are not selected by punk rockers the end of the event will be put in the (abbr.)

Ridgetown Branch Book Sale, where 50. Sword the proceeds will go towards future 55. Actor Idris programs.

56. Affirmative (slang) Send your events to 57. Afflicted bruce@chathamvoice.com or michelle@chathamvoice.com

We offer programs & services for older adults 50+. Stop in for a tour or see the program line up at www.alc-ck.com 519-352-5633 • 20 Merritt Ave., Chatham

59. One point north of northeast 60. Born of 61. Arabic name 62. Traumatic brain injury (abbr.)

63. Extremity 64. Post CLUES DOWN 1. Pacific Standard Time 2. Protruding ridge on nematodes 3. Indian king 4. Type of milk 5. One who brings home the bacon 6. More comprehensible 7. Connected with sense of touch 8. Red mineral 9. Breezed through 10. Therefore 12. Supplement with difficulty

14. Early kingdom of Syria 19. Satisfy 23. They confuse doctors (abbr.)

24. Brass instrument 25. Domesticated animal 26. Ribonucleic acid 27. Snakelike fish 28. Woman (French) 29. Economically-minded aircraft 34. When you hope to get somewhere 35. Tease 36. Actress Gretchen 37. Midway between northeast and east 39. Inoffensive 40. Yellowish cotton cloth 41. Consume 42. Does not tell the truth 44. Improved something 45. Spiritual leader 46. Abba __, Israeli politician 47. Fix 48. Evergreen tree genus 51. Swiss river 52. Prejudice 53. Major C. European river 54. Long, narrow strap 58. Male parent

Delicious Menu Weekly Specials Great Friends!

Open to the Public Monday to Friday 11am-2pm

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

Business

Craft brewer waits on shift in suds tax

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

Red Barn Brewing Co.’s Denny Vervaet said taxes on brewing craft beer in Ontario make it a challenge to turn a profit. When you add on costs and additional fees for canning, breweries make pennies on each can sold. Enjoying a beverage inside the brewery, however, is a different story.

Along with the ability to sell ment is altering how The Beer age beer.

Scott Simmons, president of ready-to-drink beverages in Store handles craft beer as well.

Continued on page 18 Ontario Craft Brewers, has said convenience stores, the governin previous publications that if changes aren’t made soon, some of Ontario’s craft brewers will NOTICE OF THE PROPOSED ROAD CLOSING Notice is hereby given that at a meeting of the Council of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent on March 4, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Civic shut down.

Centre, 315 King Street West, Chatham, Council will consider, and if approved, may pass a by-law to stop up and close part of the road allowance from Sinclair Rd in the community of Tilbury:

A. GOLD & SONS LTD. Est 1923

•

Part of Property Identification Number 00790 0081, Plan of Survey of Part of the Road Allowance Between Lots 6 & 7 Concession 3 Geographic Township of Tilbury East, Municipality of Chatham-Kent, being Part 1 of Part of PIN 00790 0081 as depicted in 24R11328.

VE THE PLANE A S

T

Denny Vervaet hopes high Ontario taxes don’t ultimately lead to the canning of many a craft brewery in this province.

The co-owner of Red Barn Brewing Co. north of Blenheim said taxes for breweries in Ontario are the highest in the country.

“There are a lot of breweries going under right now. They just can’t catch up from Covid and they face these taxes,” he said. “In Ontario, our taxes are eight times higher than Alberta.”

There is a shift in the works, as the Ford government announced late last year that it intends on reviewing the taxation system on beer in the province.

However, the speed at which government operates could leave some craft breweries circling the drain.

The government did recently opt to freeze beer taxes in the province for at least two years.

It’s a move applauded by the lobby group Beer Canada, but Vervaet is waiting for a shift in the pressures put upon smaller breweries.

A potential game changer for the industry is the announcement that beer, wine and readyto-drink cocktails will be sold in convenience stores in two year’s time. The question is when will the province alter its taxation structure on beer.

“Profit margins are tight,” Vervaet said, adding there is less pressure on the big suppliers. “Someone like me, we employ 17 people. We’re taxed at the same rate for anyone who brews up to 49,000 hectolitres (4.9 million litres). It’s tough.”

One hectolitre equals 100 litres.

Vervaet estimated that in 2022, Red Barn produced 700 hectoli-

tres of beer, yet it is taxed at the same rate as a brewery producing 70 times more.

He said the margins are even tighter for canning one’s brew and selling it in that manner.

“There’s a lot of expense in packaging and there are a lot of government fees,” Vervaet said.

“Having a pint in the tap room helps us stay alive.”

Provincial figures indicate taxes on breweries add up quickly.

There’s a basic beer tax of 39.5 cents a litre and a beer volume tax in Ontario of 17.6 cents a litre. So, on every six-pack of traditional sized bottles of beer (341 ml), that adds a tax of $1.14 onto making the product.

For craft breweries that usually sell larger 473 ml cans, tax on a six pack of those adds up to about $1.62.

Furthermore, an environmental tax of 8.93 cents must be paid on each can used to pack-

PAGE 17

SCRAP METAL WANTED SUPPORT RECYCLING TOP CASH PAID FOR ALL METALS

519-352-0360 info@agold.ca

At this meeting, Council will hear any person or their solicitor or agent, who claims that their land will be prejudicially affected by the by-law and who provide a written submission by email to the Clerk’s office (ckclerk@chatham-kent.ca) by 3:00pm on March 4th. For further information, please contact Amy McLellan, Manager, Revenue at 519-360-1998, Ext 3185.

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 18

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

News

OBITUARIES

Joan Elaine Turnet 94, Wednesday, February 7, 2024 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Carmen Balakowski 63, Monday, January 29, 2024 McKinlay Funeral Home

Harry Wijsman 97, Saturday, February 10, 2024 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Sophie Kaloyanis 98, Sunday, February 11, 2024 McKinlay Funeral Home

John Robert Coke 82, Sunday, February 11, 2024 Badder Funeral Home

Joanne Taylor 88, Monday, February 12, 2024 McKinlay Funeral Home

Douglas Allen Ross 83, Tuesday, February 13, 2024 Badder Funeral Home

Mary “Eileen” Burch 91, Friday, February 9, 2024 McKinlay Funeral Home

Randall Lloyd Jacobs 32, Monday, February 12, 2024 Badder Funeral Home

Madeleine Lloyd 82, Wednesday, February 14, 2024 McKinlay Funeral Home

Elliot Elizabeth Gotelaer-McRitchie Monday, February 12, 2024 Badder Funeral Home

Randy Belleghem Wednesday, February 7, 2024 Life Transitions

Beverly M. Crow 92, Friday, February 9, 2024 McKinlay Funeral Home

Albert McKeegan 86, Friday, February 9, 2024 Life Transitions

Ford Murray Keillor 80, Sunday, February 11, 2024 McKinlay Funeral Home

Aoi Senpimai 53, Monday, February 12, 2024 Life Transitions

Michael Williams 64, Friday, February 9, 2024 McKinlay Funeral Home

Brian Hathaway 53, Tuesday, February 13, 2024 Life Transitions

Margaret Marrian Gilbeault 90, Friday, February 9, 2024 McKinlay Funeral Home

Shirley Gordon 87, Thursday, February 15, 2024 Life Transitions

Nancy Denomy 83, Thursday, February 8, 2024 McKinlay Funeral Home

Thomas “Tom” Thomas 84, Saturday, February 10, 2024 Nicholls Funeral Home

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Off to playdowns

Contributed image

The UCC Men’s Curling Team played their final regular season game Feb. 12, and it’s onto the playoffs. The team finished the season with a perfect 7-0 record. They move into the LKSSA playoffs on Feb. 23 where the winning team heads to SWOSSA.

School’s out for eclipse The Chatham Voice

Area school boards are taking a proactive approach when the skies darken April 8 during a total solar eclipse.

That’s prompted educators to move their coming professional development day

originally slated for April 26 to that date as a way to safeguard children against the dangers of exposure posed by the eclipse that will affect the region from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

According to a joint media release from the public and

Catholic school boards, the decision was reached after consulting with local health units and emergency services, noting the threat to safety as the timing of the eclipse coincides with the end of the school day bus travel.

tions in the past steered Red Barn clear of The Beer Store and LCBO. “The LCBO model has turned into a marketing game.

It has trapped a number of brewers,” he said. “Once they’re in, they can’t go back.

They have to have extra capacity and extra tanks. There are not a lot of options.”

Breweries that work with the LCBO also have to sell at prices determined by the provincial body. And if your beer isn’t a hit, you take the finan-

cial hit.

“The LCBO, if they drop your line or our brand, then you’re in big trouble,” Vervaet said. “If it’s not selling, they’re not going to put it on the shelf.”

Red Barn, which has been around since 2020, instead is on the shelves at agency outlets in Erieau and outside Rondeau Provincial Park.

“It’s a model where we can sell directly to the store manager. For us, it’s a great marketing tool,” Vervaet said.

Tax structure aids big breweries

Continued from page 17

In the past, the government-controlled distributors dictated everything, from who gets to sell beer in their stores to what flavours and brands are to be sold there.

Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy, who issued a flowery joint statement with Simmons last year, said The Beer Store will be required to distribute any brewer’s beer and cannot impose minimum order quantities.

Vervaet said such restric-

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

Maroons urge folks to ‘Be Safe’ The Chatham Voice

The spotlight is on the Chatham Maroons doing their part for youth mental health.

The team stars in a new video promoting the Be Safe app for mental health. It was shot in December 2023, and can be viewed on YouTube.

Be Safe was implemented within the Chatham-Kent region in May 2023 as an initiative of the Mental Health Table, a network of non-profit and health-care professionals.

“In the game of life, just like on the ice, teamwork and support are key,” Cathy DeBresser-Knowler in a media release. She is a public health educator with CK Public Health, and Table facilitator.

“That’s why we at the Mental Health Table have joined forces with the Chatham Maroons. A massive shout out to them for their immediate commitment to our mental health initiative, showcasing exceptional dedication from both players and coaching staff.”

Be Safe is a free mobile app that puts help in the hands of those who need it, when they need it. The tool enables a person in crisis to connect to local, up-to-date, mental health resources quickly and easily.

People can also use Be Safe to develop an individualized safety plan.

Kent Hamilton, Maroons assistant coach and assistant manager, said the team is proud of this community initiative.

“The Chatham Maroons have always taken pride in their community and love the fact that the community supports them. When we were approached by the Mental Health Table to help promote the Be Safe app, without delay we agreed to be part of this amazing opportunity,” he said.

Be Safe is available at no cost across Apple and Android devices and is easy to use. It can be downloaded at besafeapp.ca.

Funding for Be Safe in Chatham-Kent is provided by Women United, an affinity group of the United Way of Chatham-Kent.

PAGE 19

Classifieds Obituary

In Memoriam

In Memoriam

With heavy hearts the family announces the passing of Shirley Joan Gordon (nee Green) on February 15, 2024. Born 87 years ago, the daughter of the late Elmer and Helen Green. Predeceased by best friend and life long partner Robert “Flip” Gordon (2004). Sadly missed by sons Randy, Dean, Terry (late Deb) and Rob (Sue). Loving grandmother of Stacey Toews (Brian) and Mitchell (Khloe). Proud GG to Austyn Kate Toews. Missed by surviving siblings Diane McLean (late Ron) and Brad (Stormi). She is predeceased by siblings Jim, Marlene Gobert (Bob), Jerry, Ron (Amy). Fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews. Shirley touched the hearts of many people with her kindness and eagerness to help . She loved to spend time with family and friends.

She will be remembered for her wit and youthfulness until the end.

Cremation has taken place. The family will celebrate her life in private.

Special thanks to Dr. Sutherland & Dr. Bailey for their excellent and compassionate care over the past years also special thanks to the staff and volunteers at CK Hospice. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Chatham Kent Hospice in her memory. All services entrusted to Life Transitions Burial and Cremation Inc.

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Ministry

Redeemer of Love Ministry has a Christian male support group for males struggling with sexual addiction. Coffee and bible study weekly.

Prayer line open 12am-7pm daily and a fellowship pot sharing meal on Sundays at 6pm.

A house based ministry call Doug for more info 519354-3532, if not in, leave a message, your call will be returned.

Events

LARGE AUCTION Life Time Collector Man Cave, Bar Items

St. Simon & St. Jude Parish Hall 267 Meunier St., Belle River

Saturday, March 2nd

Preview: 8:00am, Auction Starts: 9:00am

BONNIE JINKS

March 11, 1951 - February 24, 2021 Three years ago I lost My teenage girlfriend My best friend My wife for almost 50 years The mother of our two sons The grandmother of our two grandsons The love of my life My Soulmate A sister to Lois and Janet Lovingly remembered by Murray, Alan, Elizabeth, Matthew, Colin and Mark

Thank You

I would like to thank all the caregivers from Community-Living, for the care of my step-son Georgie Mouissie.

Thanks also to the nurses, doctors, paramedics, families, police officers who came to our home when my husband’s passing. Thanks to McKinlay Funeral Home for caring through our grief.

So thankful for Pastor Sharon Grainger, for the beautiful message of salvation and for the prayers of the family of God. From Pierrette Mouissie, wife and step-mother.

Go to this website for pictures & more info

www.murrayknappauctions.com

February 22, 2015 Love is a link death cannot sever.

Always in our hearts, Love Jim, Brett, Jimmy and Shannon

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CHATHAMVOICE.COM

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 20

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

News

Fundraising effort tops $62,000

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

The people at the Foundation of the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent (CTCC-K) have more than 62,000 reasons to smile.

The foundation recently announced its holiday fundraising campaign earned a total of $62, 215 in donations, up substantially from the previous year’s tally of about $25,000.

Two caring individuals felt the campaign needed a little push to get started. Little did they know it would lead to an avalanche.

Foundation board mem-

ber Carson Warrener and chairman Kevin Owen each made matching pledges of $5,000 and were pleasantly surprised how the community responded.

“Kevin and I both put in $5,000 to help spur things on. We matched up to that amount,” Warrener said. “But the final tally – we were elated. We more than doubled last year’s campaign.

He added that organizations worked to help spread the word for the fundraiser.

“Huge thanks to you guys (the Chatham Voice), to the radio stations and everybody who contributed in getting

that message out. It was very well received by the community and the numbers showed it.”

Mike Genge, president of the foundation, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the community.

“We are immensely grateful for the unwavering support of our community, our dedicated board members, and everyone who contributed to the success of this campaign,” he said in a media release.

Warrener said the treatment centre has a host of programs and initiatives that help families. It’s what drew him to sit on the board.

“The biggest thing is

Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

Mike Genge, president of the Foundation of the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent; Carson Warrener, foundation board member; and Kevin Owen, board chair, celebrate the success of the foundation’s recent holiday fundraising effort.

providing opportunities for families and the youths that use the various programs. It is a huge asset to the community,” he said of the centre. “It’s essential for families and

kids to have those opportunities.”

The funds raised during this campaign will directly support the CTCC-K in the areas that the foundation directly supports,

including social work, therapeutic recreation and music therapy, and ensure that more children and families have access to the support they need.

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