The Chatham Voice, June 20, 2024

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PAGE 2

THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2024

News

Homelessness a ‘humanitarian crisis’

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM) are calling on govern-

ment step up to help solve the province’s growing homelessness problem.

Dubbing it a “humanitarian crisis,” OBCM chair Marianne Meed Ward said the Ontario

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government needs to take action as the problem grows bigger day by day.

“This is something we’ve been advocating to the government for several years and the time is now to act,” the Burlington mayor said.

“This is a humanitarian crisis that is affecting every single municipality, large and small. People are dying on our streets and it doesn’t need to happen.”

Meed Ward’s comments came as the OBCM gathered in Chatham-Kent on June 14. The issues of Ontario’s rising rates of homelessness, mental health and addiction topped the agenda with mayors and municipal CAOs sharing ideas and brainstorming to find solutions.

“We are standing ready as partners,” Meed Ward said, with municipalities ready to do their part to tackle the challenge.

“We can’t do this alone.” she said. “We need the government to help us.”

Co-ordinating an Ontario-wide response is key, Meed Ward said, noting municipalities don’t have the funding – or capacity – to deal with the issue. She said the province needs to appoint a “point person” and an action table needs to be created.

Meed Ward was blunt about lack of response from government.

“The answers are there, now we need action,” she said.

“There’s an election coming and this will be an issue. It’s in every town and city across Ontario, and indeed across the country. Residents are saying

to us, you need to act. We are accountable and we have the tools, but we don’t have the funding.”

Meed Ward pointed out the issue crosses several provincial ministries, noting it is both a public safety and public health issue. She went on to say that homelessness is “killing” the downtown areas of towns and cities and something must be done.

“We need to ask governments to work with us to solve this crisis,” Meed Ward said. A formal request from the OBCM to government will be forthcoming after the conference, she added.

London Mayor Josh Morgan, OBCM vice-chair, said there are solutions that work, including the creation of “highly effective” supportive housing projects.

Continued on page 3

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PAGE 3

News

Big city mayors seek provincial support Continued from page 2

Morgan highlighted a partnership between the City of London, London Cares and the London Health Sciences Centre hospital system, noting it greatly reduced pressure on the system. A total of 24 spaces have been built to date, he said, and 25 more are in the pipeline.

Morgan said the project has led to significant reductions in emergency room visits via land ambulance, as well as interactions with police.

He cited two examples where the program had been effective. One man had been to the hospital 221 times in one year, but only three times in the six months after being housed.

Another man had 800 contacts with police in a year, Morgan said, but none the following year after being lodged in supportive housing.

“In fact, the police reached out to see if the person was still

alive,” Morgan added.

But he also emphasized that upper levels of government need to get behind solutions.

“These (supportive housing builds) can be transformative,” Morgan said, “but what we have is a scale problem. We are trying solutions across different municipalities that are working. We need to find the right balance of ideas, and fast forward, we need government to help scale those.

Morgan said all of the ideas need to be co-ordinated in a “much more effective” way.

Meed Ward said the group will also be conveying their concerns about the province’s Building Faster Fund, particularly what she calls the “wildly inaccurate” data used by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation to come up with numbers.

“Real money is being tied to that data and it needs to be cor-

rect,” she said.

Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff said the mayors coming together as a group is “essential,” with best practices being shared.

“We come together as one voice to the province and to learn from each other,” Canniff said.

OBCM is made up of 29 single and lower-tier cities with populations of 100,000 or more.

For many of the mayors, it was their first visit to C-K. “Awesome, unique and incredible” were some of the adjectives used by the mayors to describe their first impressions of Chatham-Kent.

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Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff is seen here with Ontario’s Big City Mayors chair Marianne Meed Ward on June 14 at a retreat held east of Erie Beach for 29 mayors of the province’s largest cities.

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PAGE 4

THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2024

News

Firefighting 101

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

A unique made-in-Chatham-Kent education experience continues to expose local youth to careers in emergency services and firefighting.

The program, a collaboration between the Lambton-Kent District School Board and Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue (CKFR), is one of the

first in the province to bring the world of firefighting right into the classroom.

Dubbed the “Firefighter in a High School Exploration Initiative,” the effort started in Ridgetown in 2023.

This year it expanded to high school students in Tilbury and Blenheim, while marking its second year in Ridgetown.

Bringing fresh recruits to the fire service is vital, CKFR Chief Chris

Case said, because Chatham-Kent is a growing community.

“Now more than ever, we need to be ready to influence the firefighters of tomorrow,” the chief said while attending the graduating ceremony of the Blenheim District High School class, noting the work of a firefighter is multi-faceted and is more than kicking down doors and going into burning buildings.

The job’s many rewards include fire prevention and keeping people safe, Case said.

“Our number one priority is to prevent fires and we’re really good at doing it,” Case said, noting that’s a side of the job people don’t see.

The course, which started after March Break, saw Station 18 firefighters visit the classroom once a week, sharing real-life stories of what it means to be a firefighter and first responder and the journey to get there.

All aspects of the job were presented, as well as the role firefighters play with other agencies and community supports. Subjects such as

Contributed image

Chatham-Kent firefighter Scott Jeffords helped Blenheim District High School students get a feel for what it’s like to be a firefighter.

math and chemistry are also incorporated.

CKFR public educator Whitney Burk said the course is getting a positive response.

“As we tell our stories, we’re also impacting what type of education they need to get and especially the impor-

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BDHS Grade 12 student Ashley Pepper is considering a career as a first responder and is currently looking at the educational requirements to become a 911 dispatch operator.

Though she didn’t take the course, she took part in the graduating ceremony of the Blenheim class, as students tried their hand at handling a firehose.

Firefighting is out as she’s not crazy about heights, but Pepper thinks dispatching is a good career choice.

“You’re still helping people, you’re still doing the job, you’re still in touch with everything that’s going on,” Pepper said. “It’s something I want to look into.”

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

Bass tourney returns on July 5, 6

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Eighty or more teams of anglers are hungry to fish Lake St. Clair next month in the 10th annual Canadian Tire Mitchell’s Bay Open Bass tournament.

Tom Beaton, one of the organizers of the tournament, said teams are eager to hit the water for the July 5 and 6 event.

“They’re from all across Ontario, Michigan, Kentucky and Ohio.

They’ll compete for over $55,000 in prizes and money,” he said.

The tournament continues to give back to the Mitchell’s Bay region and through the Mitchell’s Bay Area Association (MBAA).

“Through this event, the MBAA strives to promote the sport of fishing to all ages while leading by example in the support of nature conservation,” Beaton said. “All proceeds (from the tournament) are used to protect and enhance the natural habitat of Lake St. Clair and Mitchell’s Bay.” Including the anglers of tomorrow remains a key component to the fishing weekend. Beaton said the tournament will once again feature a collaboration with VON and its Kids Circle bereavement support program.

“Working with the VON program, we will bring 20 of these children together for a memorable day by way of a morning of fishing, a barbecue, a nature interpretive hike along the shores of Mitchell’s Bay guided by the Sydenham Field Naturalists, and each child will be gifted with a full complement of fishing gear,” he said.

Beaton can understand why the tournament is down from its high of 95 boats last year.

“It costs a lot of money to be in tournament angling. You’re travelling all over Ontario and maybe into the States. There’s the upkeep of the boats, insurance…you’ve

got to pre-fish the lakes and stay in the communities. Some guys are taking a break.”

By having a smaller pool of competitors this year, Beaton said it’s more manageable for the volunteers. However, “we’d love to see everybody back again.”

Beaton said the tournament is still stacked with familiar faces, such as Bob, Wayne and Darren Izumi, as well as Joslyn Leung.

“We also have several state champions from the U.S.,” he said, adding the tournament remains popular. “Last year, we were the largest international Canadian bass tournament. And we have all our American friends coming up for this year. They just love our tournament.”

Beaton said it helps to have 50plus volunteers to run a smooth tourney. So does the fact Lake St. Clair is a bass factory.

PAGE 5

News

Chatham Voice file photo

Ontario anglers Steve Voros of Springfield and Nick Cousvis of Brooklin show off their catch at the 2023 Canadian Tire Mitchell’s Bay Open. The tournament returns to Mitchell’s Bay July Age With Attitude 5 and 6.

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In terms of volunteers, Beaton said a core group has been around since 2012, when initial planning began.

“You see them at each and every event to this day. It’s the same group,” he said, adding they are injecting new blood into the volunteer pool every year, however.

The volunteers and the dedicated sponsors for the tournament are vital, and Beaton thanked them for their continued support.

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PAGE 6

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2024

Opinion Much ado about nothing

Can someone please explain to us what the hub bub was all about over the fact Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM) group met at a property owned by Rob Myers?

For those who don’t know, OBCM is made up of mayors from cities in the province with populations of more than 100,000. The group represents municipalities that contain about 70 per cent of Ontario’s population.

The OCBM grouping gives a voice for the mayors of Ontario’s largest cities when lobbying provincial and federal levels of government.

The group is chaired by Marianne Meed Ward, mayor of Burlington.

London Mayor Josh Morgan is the vice-chair.

Yes, Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff is on the executive committee. But…EVERY mayor in the group is on that committee. All 29.

The OBCM chose the location and handled all contractual arrangements.

Nothing is in the hands to C-K municipal staff.

So, what is the issue with this group meeting at Myers’ property on Talbot Trail? He’s revamped the beautiful location as an executive business retreat. Good for him, and his wife, Cathy, whose hand is in many of the interesting and intricate pieces of art on display there.

How is Myers renting this to the

OBCMgroup a bad thing? He’s showcasing the property, with a grand view of Lake Erie, to 28 out-of-town mayors and their handlers.

That’s a good thing. Perhaps a few opt to bring their executive management teams out for a retreat someday, or share their experience with business owners in their respective municipalities who opt to utilize the Myers property.

That’s good for C-K tourism.

Any thought that Myers providing the venue is a conflict of interest is laughable in our opinion. Yes, Myers is part of the ownership group of the Downtown Chatham Centre that recently sold the Sears property to the municipality for potential relocation of key municipal services.

But how does showing off the Talbot Trail property to out-of-town mayors potentially influence a transaction regarding another property located more than 20 kilometres away? Of the 29 key attendees to the conference, only one, Canniff, is from C-K. And he’s already behind the move to the Sears building.

Some C-K councillors are hurt they were not invited to the big city mayors gathering. Last we checked, they weren’t mayors. And it’s not like Canniff is the head of the OBCM and making all the decisions for the group.

Our letters to the editor policy The Chatham Voice welcomes letters to the editor. Our preferred method to receive letters is via e-mail to bruce@ chathamvoice.com (use “Letter” in the subject line).

You can also drop them off or mail

them to us at The Chatham Voice, 71 Sass Rd., Unit 4, Chatham, Ont, N7M 5J4.

The Chatham Voice reserves the right to edit letters to the editor for brevity and clarity. All letters need to be signed.

The contents of this newspaper are protected by copyright. No material from this edition may be reproduced without expressed written consent of CK Media Inc.

A member of:

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

Focus on the realities Editor: In the private sector, business owners cannot draw on tax dollars to survive. The private sector dare not rely on image over reality, by merely pretending all is well when it is not, or they risk going out of business.

Seemingly, all levels of government consciously exhaust their budgets, specifically municipal government. This results in going back to the trough to get more tax dollars from the province, which means reaching into taxpayer wallets, which means the continuous money-grabbing circle continues to the peril of the taxpayer and to a benefit to those employed

within government.

Provinces have allowed local governments to be less accountable.

Local governments are required to file annual financial reports to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. The province only requires a general overview of finances from local governments – no details.

I suspect the main reason why local governments don’t display tax-dollar spending details in their annual budgets is because they don’t have to. Millions in spending transactions yearly is hidden from the public and even council.

Would you buy a car

without a safety check or inspection, expecting it to be road worthy? Local government mirrors what the province allows. The provincial party in power relies on keeping municipalities happy, since, of the 650,000 public-sector workers in Ontario, about 40 per cent work for municipal governments.

That represents a lot of votes.

When citizens cannot responsibly scrutinize how their money is being spent – and they cannot with C-K’s annual budget – such leaves ample opportunity for poor spending decisions.

Continued on page 7

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Liability for errors or non-insertion is limited to the amount paid for the cost of space occupied by the error. Claims of errors must be made prior to the next publication date.

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2024

PAGE 7

Opinion

Park idea great, legends placement a concern Editor: Re: New Legends Park in downtown Chatham area.

First off, I think the idea of putting a park in at the corner of King and Third Street is a good idea.

I like it better than putting a parking lot there! I wince at the cost, but all good things nowadays cost money.

My only concern is that

turning this into a Legends Park – the legends statues or plaques would be better off being put in another park in the city; one that is not prone to spring flooding.

This area is a flood zone as I recall and I would fear that there could be serious damage done to the legends plaques from

such flooding.

It would be better to put the plaques in another park, be that Tecumseh Park, McKeough Park, some park that is also in

the downtown area, but not as prone so much to flood.

I hope that these plaques are not made of copper! With the way copper thieves are at large in our area, there

should be something made that will discourage thieves and vandals.

Otherwise, the idea of putting a park in this area is a good idea. A few benches, something to sit on while enjoying the

park and maybe having a snack sounds good.

It may be rather expensive to construct but is a good idea all the same.

Frank Doyle Chatham

IORS LIVING SENIORS LIVING SENIORS LIVING

Just the facts

Continued from page 6

The mayor has recently made various media comments of how well C-K is doing. I guarantee that no one will experience any reduction in taxes and general living costs proportionate to how much better the mayor describes C-K is doing. In fact, I guarantee all will see an increase in living costs and a reduction in living standards in spite of the mayor’s comments.

As meaningful as Mayor Darrin Canniff may be his comments: “Doctors have the pick of the litter but chose to come to Chatham-Kent,” can be misleading. I believe doctors had an incentive to come here. Over $100,000 in C-K tax dollars were spent in C-K’s physician recruitment and retention program.

Canniff said 300 new businesses were created in Chatham-Kent in 2023. That should mean C-K has a record of each new business with each tax code and generated revenues from new taxes, including generated utility revenues and insurances paid, etc.

He also recently stated around 5,000 new residents relocated to the municipality in the past three years. Are these residents that add to an economy or live off it?

We do agree with Mayor Canniff that some are moving from larger centres, however, the information we secured from the province and from C-K does not support to confirm the accuracy of 5,000 new residents.

He has said Chatham-Kent has secured a $10 million in a community host agreement with Hydro One. This sounds great, but who and how is this being paid?

The most disturbing of the mayor’s comments is his foregone conclusion municipal hall will be moving to the Sears building. We’ve attempted to get a comparison costing between the Sears project and our Civic Centre. C-K is refusing or does not have a costing for the Sears project in order for taxpayers to know what is going on.

By the way, if council chambers remains where it is the Civic Center an upgrade would only be around $24-$26 million to upgrade the Civic Centre.

Such was taken from cost estimates we were able to obtain.

We’re filing a Freedom of Information application in an attempt to obtain honest, accurate and comprehensive information John Cryderman Chatham

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THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2024

News

Big fire plan comes with big costs

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Chatham-Kent has a new Master Fire Plan.

Four years in the making, the comprehensive

document is to be used as a blueprint for change for C-K’s Fire & Rescue Service over the next 10 years.

“The idea behind this is we want to bring you the concept, and then in

future years, future budget processes, we can then bring to you some of the details if it comes up through implementation,” Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue Chief Chris Case told council at a re-

cent meeting, noting the document is to be utilized to shape strategic change.

In 2020, council awarded a contract to Dillon Consulting to develop a C-K community risk assessment. Completed in 2022,

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the Master Fire Plan incorporated the results of the assessment.

Dillon’s Suzanne Charbonneau-Dent, who presented the Master Fire Plan to council, said the goal is to work towards bringing the entirety of Chatham-Kent’s fire service into a fully-integrated “composite” fire service model.

According to Charbonneau-Dent, a divide still exists between full-time career firefighters and volunteer firefighters, leftover from when C-K’s 19 fire stations were blended in amalgamation.

The plan did not include any dollar amounts, but its recommendations have hefty financial implications, including hiring more staff and the relocation of Station 1, Chatham’s main firehall.

Currently, the plan recommends that a new fire hall be constructed in the vicinity of Richmond and Lacroix Streets.

Hiring more staff would include the addition of two career district fire chiefs that would be onthe-job 24/7, Charbonneau-Dent said. To accomplish that, CKFR would need to hire 12 firefighters to staff both positions.

The role of a district chief would be that of a “change maker,” Charbonneau-Dent explained.

The plan also recommends hiring additional staff for administrative, training, inspection and public education and fire prevention roles.

Changing the title of volunteer firefighter to “on-call paid volunteer firefighter,” is another recommendation, Charbonneau-Dent said, to ensure volunteers are engaged and “feel valued.

“The big thing is how it’s portrayed in the community,” she added. “If you’re asking volunteers

to sign up and become volunteer firefighters, it makes it sound like there’s no compensation for that.”

At present, excluding the chief and four assistant chiefs, 72 career firefighters man the two Chatham stations and the Wallaceburg station. Each site has four captains and 16 firefighters, with Wallaceburg also having 10 volunteers ready to provide backup.

Changing the volunteer title more accurately reflects there is compensation for their service and individuals who step into the role are not just serving the community, Charbonneau-Dent noted. The plan also recommends career and volunteer firefighters receive the same training, something not currently standardized within the service.

At C-K’s rural fire stations a total of 322 volunteer firefighters are part of the service, with 340 slots available.

An additional apparatus truck to deal with C-K’s increase in taller buildings would also require more staff, and is also recommended, council heard, as well as the possibility of building a third fire station for Chatham.

Improving response time is another goal of the plan. It recommends that 15 firefighters arrive on scene in a nine-minute turnout, plus travel time for up to 90 per cent of fire suppression incidents in urban areas, and that six firefighters arrive on scene in a 14-minute turnout time, plus travel time, to 80 per cent of suppression calls in rural areas.

Chatham Coun. Marjorie Crew urged council to support the plan, calling it a “roadmap” for the future, noting all future financial requests will need to be approved by council during budget.

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2024

PAGE 9

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE10

THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2024

News

Chatham-Kent home sales down in May The Chatham Voice

The number of homes sold in Chatham-Kent and the average price of those homes were down in May compared to the same month in 2023.

Home sales were down nearly 15 percent in May compared to May of 2023, according to Chatham-Kent Association of Realtors (CKAR) figures.

As well, the price obtained for homes sold was down, but only by about

0.4 per cent as compared to May 2023.

In relation to the fiveyear average, home sales were down 13.1 per cent in May, and off nearly 20 per cent as compared to the 10-year average.

Still, home sales to date are almost on par with the first five months of 2023, with only 10 fewer homes selling over that time period, a dip of two per cent, according to CKAR figures.

Carrie Patrick, president

of CKAR, said prospective buyers aren’t as quick to jump into the market these days.

“After rising modestly earlier in the spring, demand has tapered off as we near the summer months,” she said in a media release. “Although sellers are still out in stronger numbers than almost ever, buyers have decided once again to retreat to the sidelines despite accelerating levels of inventory and prices roughly back on

par with where they stood three years ago.

Patrick said the high inventory levels offer buyers great selection.

“There’s plenty of choice and good deals to be had as our market flirts with buyer’s territory but it seems they are still holding back their purchasing decisions for the time be-

ing,” she said.

The number of new listings was up by 1.1 per cent from May 2023.

There were 273 new residential listings in May 2024. This was the largest number of new listings added in the month of May in a decade.

New listings were 14.6 per cent above the five-

year average and 19.4 per cent above the 10-year average for the month of May. Active residential listings numbered 474 units on the market at the end of May, an increase of 26.4 per cent from the end of May 2023.

Active listings haven’t been this high in May in more than five years.

729 St. Clair St Chatham

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2024

News

Tracking species at risk

By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com

As a cool wind and spitting rain whips across the marshlands near Rondeau Park, a PhD student and a biologist are slogging waist-deep through a combination of water, muck and weeds.

For Dominique Rumball and Craig Paterson, there is no place else they’d rather be.

Dominique is a PhD student with the Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences at the University of Toronto Scarborough while Craig is the manager of biology at the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority.

The two are in the third year of an in-depth habitat assessment at the Keith McLean Conservation Lands, a 130-hectare property donated to the St. Clair Region Conservation Foundation by McLean,

Ashley Wilton

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an ardent conservationist who died in 2012 at the age of 90.

The property, located just east of Rondeau Provincial Park, includes farmland, forests, ponds, wetlands, and prairie. The property is open to the public and features four kilometres of trails. It is visited by thousands of hikers and birders each year.

A big part of the work includes restoration of the spawning areas used by the Spotted Gar; a fish listed as endangered under the Species at Risk Act. Rumboll said the species only exists in three areas in Canada, Long Point Bay, Point Pelee, and Rondeau Bay. The estimated local population of the gar, known for its distinctive long beak-like mouth, is just over 8,000.

Rumboll said it was discovered that common carp pose a serious threat to gar spawning as the bot-

PAGE 11

Jim Blake/The Chatham Voice

As part of an in-depth habitat assessment at the Keith McLean Conservation Lands, fyke traps are placed in ponds on the property so fish can be caught, measured and released. Here Craig Paterson and Dominique Rumball haul in their traps.

tom-feeding carp root up areas where eggs are laid.

Serving Call Call The plan is to install barritham-Kent 519-350-1615 519-350-1615 Cha ers to keep the largest carp Peifer Realty Peifer Realty Inc. Inc. 80 nce 19 siBus. out of the area.

519-354-5470 BROKERAGE BROKERAGE INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED OWNED AND OPERATED In order to monitor INDEPENDENTLY the health and numbers of aquatic species in ponds and a culvert on the property, nets are placed to capture samples.

Known as fyke nets, they use “wings” to guide fish along the outside of the nets and funnel them inside where a series of chambers and baffles make it difficult for the fish to escape.

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Continued on page 12

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE12

THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2024

News

Charting nature at work near Rondeau Jim Blake/The Chatham Voice

Craig Paterson holds a tank containing a juvenile Spotted Gar. The fish live up to eight years.

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Continued from page 11

Every 24 hours the nets are pulled and data is entered regarding the size and species of fish and minnows caught. Spotted Gar are tagged using a PIT (Passive Inte-

grated Transponder) system.

Gar have bone-like scales which aid in protecting them from predators, but make them challenging to tag. Rumboll uses a hypodermic needle placed carefully behind a fin

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to attach the tag.

Rumboll said the tags (under 1cm long and only 1-2mm in diameter) “allow us to identify a fish, if we have captured it before and where, and can also give us some insight towards where the gar move, spend time, and over time if they are growing/surviving.”

One hundred fish have been tagged this year, compared with 60 in 2023. In addition to gar, sunfish, crappie, warmouth, bowfin and various species of catfish have been netted.

Spotted Gar live up to eight years and can reach a length of 50 to 75 centimetres.

Although gar monitoring is a significant portion of the work, the main objective of the project is to conduct an in-depth habitat assessment of the area, including water quality and temperature (also measured daily) vegetation and control of invasive species including phragmites, a long reed-like plant that grows in wetlands whose dense nature crowds out native plants and damages wildlife habitat.

“We are in the process of conducting a before and after control impact study,” Rumboll said. We are studying sites that have been controlled and impacted by humans along with the 27 hectares of the wetland which was restored by the Conservation Authority in 2007.”

Paterson said “coastal wetlands are one of the rarest wetlands areas we have left. We need to reclaim and restore it where we can and develop best management practices with the agricultural sector because we need both sectors to thrive. I am absolutely convinced we can achieve that balance.”

He said there has been an increased awareness in recent years of how critical coastal wetlands are to the health of the Great Lakes.

“Wetlands are critical to help in areas such as water temperature, flooding control and overall health of the ecosystem,” he said. “Wetlands can actually help adjacent agricultural land become more productive.”

Continued on page 13

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2024

PAGE 13

News

Tagging Spotted Gar is difficult, dirty work Continued from page 12

Jim Blake/The Chatham Voice

The bony scales on spotted gar make them difficult to tag.

Craig Paterson and Dominique Rumball use a PIT system which allows the insertion of a small tag which provides researchers with growth information which can be analyzed using a wand if the fish is recaptured in the future.

He said programs designed to allow conservation authorities and private landowners to collaborate are beneficial to every stakeholder.

“If we can combine our knowledge, we can help landowners develop practices and we can unlock funding which will make efforts more economical and beneficial for everyone.”

Rumboll is in the first year of her five-year PhD program through the Mandrak Lab supervised by Nicholas Mandrak and Scott Reid, and hopes to be able to continue her work which takes place each May and June.

“We have a unique opportunity to examine this area, much of which was cleared and drained for farming in the 1950s, to determine what effects that has had, to see how the restoration work is proceeding and learn so much,” she said.

Funding for the program has been provided provincially by the Ministry of the Natural Resources and Forestry ($75,000) and federally

through fisheries and Oceans Canada under the Canadian Nature Fund for Aquatic Specias at Risk ($136,580). Paterson is seconded to the project for one month each year.

While it takes time, in some ways nature is already returning the re-

stored area to what it once was.

“We have great jobs,” Paterson said.

“If people could see what we see on a daily basis, they would recognize the value of this work and the incredible ability of nature to take care of us if we give it a chance.”

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE14

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2024

PAGE 15

News

C-K Hospice hires executive director The Chatham Voice

Jessica Smith has removed two part-time hats to wear one full-time one as the executive director of the Chatham-Kent Hospice.

The hospice board of directors said Smith was their choice following an extensive recruitment process.

“Jessica, through the co-operation of St. Andrew’s Residence, has been providing executive director services for hospice since its inception, and now with this appointment, she will be solely dedicated to leading our organization into the future,” Graham Kemble,

chair of the Chatham-Kent Hospice Board, said in a media release.

Born and raised in Chatham, Smith’s career started in health care nearly 25 years ago. She began as a student dishwasher at St. Andrew’s Residence in high school where she discovered a passion for caring for people at some of the most vulnerable times in their lives.

This inspired her to obtain degrees from McMaster University, studying social work and gerontology.

Smith was involved in the early planning stages of establishing a residential hospice in Chatham-Kent and has been

serving as a shared executive director for St. Andrew’s Residence and Chatham-Kent Hospice since 2014.

“I’ve had the privilege of being involved in the history of Chatham-Kent Hospice since it was a grassroots volunteer campaign. I can remember when the conversation of building a residential hospice in this community was just a whisper,” she said. “I am incredibly honoured for this opportunity to deepen my role at Hospice and to build on this history.”

Smith will officially switch hats July 22.

Contributed image

Jessica Smith will move, but only slightly, as she takes the full-time position as executive director of the Chatham-Kent Hospice. Smith held the position in a part-time manner, while also overseeing St. Andrew’s Residence.

Beautification effort underway in C-K The Chatham Voice

It’s time to give some love to Chatham-Kent’s front and backyard beauties.

From now to July 13, local residents are encouraged to nominate their favourite area for a “Growing Together” award.

The initiative, a collaboration between the Municipality of Chatham-Kent and Glass-

house Nursery, will recognize innovation and creativity in gardening.

Nominations will be reviewed by local beautification and horticultural committees.

According to a municipal media release, winners will also receive a gift certificate from the nursery, as well as a special sign of recognition to put in their garden.

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In anticipation of Growing Together 2024, Mayor Darrin Canniff said he is “beyond excited” to see what Chatham-Kent res-

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idents will come up with.

“Let’s make this year’s Growing Together program the greenest one yet,” the mayor stated.

Nominations will be received on C-K’s municipal webpage at letstalkchatham-kent.ca.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE16

THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2024

News

New post for MPP Jones The Chatham Voice

Chatham-Kent–Leamington MPP Trevor Jones has been named Associate Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response for Ontario.

In his new role, Jones will work under the Treasury Board Secretariat to enhance the province’s readiness and response to emergencies.

The appointment was

made by Premier Doug Ford June 6 and is effective immediately.

“It’s a continued honour to advocate for Chatham-Kent–Leamington and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my professional experience to contribute to a safe, and prosperous Ontario,” the former OPP officer said in a media release. “Thank you to Premier Doug Ford

for entrusting me with this portfolio.”

The appointment is part of Ford’s cabinet shuffle, prior to government heading into an extended summer break.

Since coming to government, Jones has served as Deputy Government House Leader and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Economic Development.

Contributed image

Chatham-Kent–Leamington MPP Trevor Jones is seen here with Ontario Premier Doug Ford after being named Associate Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response recently.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2024

Local teens shine with Y awards The Chatham Voice

The top-notch accomplishments of 11 local youth were recently acknowledged at the 10th annual Chatham-Kent YMCA Celebration of Youth Awards.

Held at the Chatham Y, the event was attended by more than 60 people, including members of the selection committee, YMCA staff and award sponsors.

According to Y officials, the Celebration of Youth Awards is one example of the Y’s commitment to invest in young people and recognize outstanding talents and achievements that make a difference in the community.

Each award winner received a $1,000 prize. The Agriculture & Environmental Award, spon-

sored by Sylvite Agri-Services and The Andersons Canada went to Emma Ouellette.

The Apprenticeship Award, sponsored by Kent-Erie Glass & Lock, was awarded to Ede Brecevic.

The Frank and Mary Uniac Foundation Business Spirit Award went to Teya Meredith.

Riley Lawton was the winner of the Alan Stevenson Memorial Award, sponsored by the Canadian Mental Health Association.

Fifelayomi Betiku was the recipient of the Leadership/Entrepreneurship Award, sponsored by the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.

Payton Perry was given the nod as the winner of the Frank and Mary Uniac Foundation’s Health Sciences Award.

Jack Smolders received the

Changes to King Street?

The Chatham Voice

Reconfiguring King Street in downtown Chatham could be in the municipality’s future.

At the June 10 C-K council meeting, Chatham Coun. Conor Allin said he will be bringing a notice of motion forward later this month regarding possible change.

Making parts of the street one way and introducing angle parking were two of the ideas brought forward by Allin.

The matter will return to council June 24.

Stay in the loop and receive daily news updates right to your inbox Visit chathamvoice.com/subscribe

PAGE 17

News

Contributed image

Winners show off their hardware and smiles at the 10th annual Chatham-Kent YMCA Celebration of Youth Awards.

Maple Mutual Insurance Science & Technology Award.

Riley Graham was the winner of the Sports & Recreation Award, sponsored by First Ontario Credit Union.

Oluwanifemi Koleosho was named as the Volunteerism and Community Award winner. The award was sponsored

by North Kent Wind.

The Thames River Revue

A Lively Outdoor Variety Show Enjoy stories, juggling, quizzes, comedy, games & much more!

Saturdays 11:30am to 2pm

The Chatham-Kent YMCA Foundation’s YMCA Youth Leadership Award went to Teryn Romanick.

The Community Living Wallaceburg sponsored Champi-

on of Inclusive Communities Award went to Olivia Corbin.

The awards are recognized as one of Ontario’s premier awards for young people.

SC H O OL IS O UT

S U M M ER C A M PFIRE AT CHA

T H A M R E S O R T!

Say goodbye to school and gather ‘round the crackling campfire with friends & family as we roast s’mores & hot dogs! Its the perfect way to unwind and kick off the summer season! A fun event for the whole family!

JUNE, 26 AT 6:30 PM WHERE: THE COURTYARD AT CHATHAM RESORT

PLEASE RSVP: 519-351-7777

starts June 22 in front of I need that Comics and Games, 199 King St. W. & Barrypatch Boutique, 201 King St. W., Chatham

See You At The Revue theverandapresents.ca

25 Keil Dr N, Chatham info@chathamresort.ca www.chathamresort.ca

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE18

THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2024

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2024

PAGE 19

News

‘All systems go’ for Kenesserie

By Michael Bennett Local Journalism Initiative The Ridgetown Independent

It’s “all systems go” for another great summer at Kenesserie Camp.

Close to 200 people attended the annual open house earlier this month. Campers and their parents toured the facility, and Kenesserie supporters got a first-hand look at the ongoing renovations.

Kenesserie’s annual walk-athon was held the same day. It raised more than $20,000, easily topping the goal of $12,000.

“We had a good turnout, considering it rained all morning,” said Dan Richards, executive director at Kenesserie Camp, of the open house and walk-athon turnout. “We were worried the weather would keep people away.

“We had parents who wanted to show their children the camp before they sent them here and supporters to see how the changes are coming along,” Richards said.

Kenesserie is in its second year of drastic changes after a public health inspector deemed portions of the campground unsafe less than a month before the camp opened last summer.

The biggest project is a 1,600-squarefoot addition to the Spirit Centre for a new kitchen. Richards said wet weather delayed concrete work for over two weeks.

“Our contractor is ready to keep going, and all the tradesmen are lined up,” Richards said.

“Fingers are crossed because there’s no Plan B.” “We have to get that kitchen done by July 7,” he said, looking ahead to the first of the seven weeklong camp sessions.

Camp officials were forced to rent a commercial kitchen trailer and purchase tents, tables, and chairs last summer. The former kitchen and dining hall was one of the amenities ordered closed by health inspectors because it was inside the bluff danger zone.

Three cabins that couldn’t be used last year will be moved into the safe area before camp opens next month. Richards said moving the cabins is less of a concern than finishing the kitchen renovations.

Camp officials are pleased with the pre-registration for the 2024 season. The all-girls and primary camps (ages 5-9) are close to full, while the other weeklong sessions still have openings.

“It’s tracking along similar in numbers at this point as last year,” Richards said, as more than 450 campers attended Kenesserie in 2023.

“Generally, we see June is when we get the second bump in registration,” he said, as the open house and school day visits in June typically generate more interest.

Kenesserie launched its Solid Ground & Soaring Future campaign earlier this year to raise funds for critical infrastructure upgrades so that the camp can continue to operate in the future.

The campaign fundraising goal is $500,000, which includes a $300,000 Building Fund, $100,000 Equipment Fund and $100,000 Sustainability Fund.

Immediately after the campaign’s launch, more than $142,000 was raised from private donors and funding from the United Church of Canada, the incorporated ministry of the Kenesserie Camp Corporation.

“We’ve had a strong response so far and anticipate a continued strong response from our longtime supporters,” Richards said.

Image courtesy The Ridgetown Independent

Dan Richards stands in front of the addition to the Spirit Centre at Kenesserie Camp. The space will be used for a new kitchen, and it is hoped that it will be ready for the first campers to arrive on July 7.

PASSPORT CLINICS

Wednesday, June 26th Highgate

10:00am - 12:00pm Highgate Hall 256 King St. S.

Tilbury

2:00pm - 4:00pm Tilbury Knights of Columbus 20 Dupuis Ave “Are you planning a trip or summer get away and need a passport? Join me at my convenient Passport Clinics to get everything sorted with ease!”

Dave.Epp@parl.gc.ca

888-326-9655

PAGE 20

THE CHATHAM VOICE

Community Events

Thursday, June 20, 2024: • The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am1:30pm. Come check out our daily specials. Senior Euchre starts at 1:00pm.

Everyone is welcome.

improv comedy, games, mysteries, little plays, audience participation, and much more. It will be from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of i need that Comics and Games, 199 King St W. and Barrypatch Boutique, 201 King St W. More at https://theverandapresents.ca.

• Join us for a fun filled afternoon Jam Session at the Merlin Legion. Bring your instruments or singing voices from 1 -4:30pm. All are welcome with a $2 donation. From 4-7pm: homemade panzerotti plus menu available.

Sunday, June 23, 2024: • Boulevard of Dreams Erieau Car Show!

12noon-4:00pm. Free. No registration or spectator fee. Open class, non-restricted, rain or shine! Door prizes! Visit facebook page Boulevard of Dreams-Erieau Car Show.

• The Active Lifestyle Centre invites you to join our Hand & Foot and Cribbage afternoons at 20 Merritt Ave, Chatham. This group meets from 12-3pm and is open to the public! Come and try your hand, we would love for you to join! Daily user fees apply: $3 for Member, $6 for Non-Members. 519-352-5633.

• Are you craving a good game of Bridge… or 2? The Active Lifestyle Centre would love for you to join in at 20 Merritt Ave, Chatham. The group meets from 9am-12pm and is open to the public!

There is also Relaxed Bridge on Tuesdays from 12:30-3pm. User fees apply, $3 for Members and $6 for Non-Members. 519352-5633.

Friday, June 21, 2024: • The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am1:30pm. Supper served 4:00–6:00pm. No orders after 5:30pm. Tonight’s specials are salisbury steak or fish & chips, $13.00.

Take out available by calling 519-351-8733 or 519-351- 5639. Fun Darts start at 7:00 p.m. Everyone Welcome.

• Join us for our delicious 5pc Perch or 3pc Merlickin Chicken or Combo (3pc Perch & 2pc Merlickin Chicken). Merlin Legion, 519-689-4884.

• The Active Lifestyle Centre would love for you to drop in for our Weights and Cardio Class at 20 Merritt Ave, Chatham.

11am-12pm and open to the public! This class also runs on Mondays from 10-11am.

Daily user fees apply: $3 for Member, $6 for Non-Members. 519-352-5633.

• Friday night supper at the Chatham Moose Lodge. 850 Richmond St is a Roast Pork dinner with potatoes, vegetables, coleslaw and a bun. Dine in $13 and pickup $14. All meals are served at 6pm.

Please call daily at 519-352-8291 to order.

Everyone welcome.

Saturday, June 22, 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.

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am9:30pm. Meat draw at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 3:00pm– 5:30pm. Entertainment by Unity Station from 4:30-9:30. Everyone is welcome.

• Merlin Legion Br. 465 - Join us for our delicious Merlickin Chicken plus menu served 4:30-8pm. Entertainment 7-11pm “Dan Knight”. Call 519-689-4884 for details.

• You’re invited to The Thames River Revue, a lively outdoor variety show, today!

There will be stories, juggling, quizzes,

• Classic Country Jamboree 1:30 – 5:30 at the Merlin Legion. BBQ steak dinner to follow. New - meat draw at 4pm along with 50/50. Dust off your dancing shoes and tune your singing voice to join us for an amazing afternoon! This Jamboree is being held in memory of Gary Comeau – a long time band member of The Marquis.

Please call Lori at 519-476-5870 to book your spot so we can plan dinners!!

• Join Locally Unique Co at Red Barn Brewing Co from 12-5pm for the Barks & Brews fundraising event in support of CK Animal Rescue. Come out and enjoy live entertainment by Big Shiny Toons band, shop local vendors, participate in the 50/50 draw, pet photographer on site & enjoy food and drinks from Smash Burger, Brit Boys & Bay Grind Cafe. Free admission but donations to the CK Animal Rescue are highly appreciated. Event sponsors include Pointer Hill Kennel & Savannah’s Paw Spaw.

• Dawn Valley United Church (507 Dawn Valley Rd & corner of Lambton Line) Super Senior Sundae Sunday featuring LUEY, a local band from Dresden performing traditional country & gospel music. 4:00pm.

Light supper to follow. Free will offering.

Everyone welcome.

• A euchre tournament, $20 per 2-person team, registration is 12:00pm, play at 1:00pm. Refreshments available. Br. 642 Legion Chatham, 39 William St. N. For info, call 519-351-8733.

• Always popular at Two Creeks, The Delvitos. Dance, listen, then dance again.

Hits of the 60’s at Two Creeks, 1km north of Wheatley, 6pm. No admission but we do pass the hat. Food and drink from the Scouts. For more info, see twocreeks.ca.

Lots of parking.

Monday, June 24, 2024: • St.Clair Estates Social Club Euchre 1pm - 9 Dunkirk Street, Chatham.

• The Active Lifestyle Centre invites you to our amazing Woodshop Monday thru Friday at 20 Merritt Ave, Chatham! Open to all members between 9am-12pm! . They have all the equipment you could need to complete your next project! Only $3 a day for Members! 519-352-5633.

Tuesday, June 25, 2024: • Join the Kiwanis Club of Chatham-Kent as they are off to the Huron County Playhouse to see “Fiddler on the Roof” and a visit to the Hessenland Inn. $155 includes Badder Coach from Chatham, prime theatre seats and one great meal at noon. For more info call Cathy Telfer at 519-359-1665 or email bustrips2024@ chathamkiwanis.com.

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am1:30pm. Today’s special is spaghetti with

meat sauce. Come play Euchre at 1:00 or spend the evening playing Shuffleboard or Euchre starting at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome.

THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2024

Fun Stuff

Wednesday, June 26, 2024: • The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am1:30pm. Daily special is meat loaf dinner.

Come check out our other daily specials.

We have Fun Darts at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome.

• Windsor Casino Bus Trip, cost $35/person with $15 free play returned, no refund unless bus is cancelled, enjoy an air conditioned 56 seat bus. Boarding bus 10:15am, departing 10:30am.; call 519-351-8733, Br 642 Legion, 39 William St., Chatham.

• RWTO Retired Women Teachers of Ontario, Chatham-Kent Branch meeting at 9:30am (meal $35) at Hidden Hills Golf Course, Chatham. Bring a friend and join us for coffee, book sale, brief business, a program and socializing with former colleagues. Meal at noon. Call Lynn 519676-5900 by June 22.

CLUES ACROSS 1. Breezed through 5. Supervises interstate commerce Thursday, June 27, 2024: • The Chatham Legion, corner of William 8. Unruly group & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am11. Backs away from 9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am13. Expression of 1:30pm. Come check out our daily specials. Senior Euchre starts at 1:00pm. understanding Everyone is welcome.

14. Have concern for 15. Monetary units • Join us for a fun filled afternoon Jam Session at the Merlin Legion. Bring 16. Congressman your instruments or singing voices from (abbr.)

1-4:30pm. All are welcome to attend with a $2 donation. 4-7pm: homemade panze- 17. Iranian city 18. Eating houses rotti plus menu available.

20. 2,000 lbs.

• Are you craving a good game of Bridge…

21. Grandmother or 2? The Active Lifestyle Centre would 22. They include love for you to join in at 20 Merritt Ave, Chatham. The group meets from North, South and 9am-12pm and is Open to the Public!

Central There is also Relaxed Bridge on Tuesdays 25. In an early way from 12:30-3pm. User fees apply, $3 for Members and $6 for Non-Members. 519- 30. Foes 352-5633.

31. Shuttered British entertainment • The Active Lifestyle Centre invites you to our Chatham-Kent Public Library Presentamagazine tion at 20 Merritt Ave, Chatham. This Pre32.

One who sentation will be from 2-3pm and is open unloads cages to the public. This event will cover all of the free resources the Library wants you 33. Another term for to use! Everything from free online papers sesame to home service deliveries! Call or visit to register, user fees apply: $3 for Members, 38. Formally forbid $6 for Non-Members. 519-352-5633.

41. Make clear 43. Inaccessible Friday, June 28, 2024: • The Chatham Legion, corner of William 45. Get through & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am– 1:30pm. Supper served 4:00–6:00. No orders after 5:30pm. Tonight’s specials are liver & onions or fish & chips, $13.00. Take out is also available by calling 519-3518733 or 519-351- 5639. Fun Darts start at 7:00pm. Everyone Welcome.

Are you affected by someone else’s drinking? Al-anon can help! Call – leave message – 519-350-3462 Alcoholics Anonymous, we can help! Information Line 519-360-5246.

Submit your coming events to bruce@chatham­voice.com or michelle@chathamvoice.com

47. Ancient kingdom near Dead Sea 49. Decameter 50. Type of sword 55. Actor Idris 56. Affirmative (slang) 57. Afflicted 59. One point north of northeast 60. Born of 61. Arabic name 62. Traditional Hong Kong street food: __ pai dong 63. Termination point 64. Email function CLUES DOWN 1. Sign language 2. In style 3. Helsinki neighborhood 4. Unable to hear 5. More rapid 6. An idea accepted as a demonstrable truth 7. In a cagy way 8. Kate and Rooney are two

9. Algerian port 10. Community in Ladakh 12. Midway between south and southeast 14. Town in Galilee 19. Satisfy 23. Italian impressionist painter 24. Brass instrument 25. Chest muscle (slang) 26. Transmits genetic information from DNA to the cytoplasm 27. Records electric currents generated by the brain 28. Woman (French) 29. Aircraft designed to carry lots of passengers 34. Baseball stat 35. Pointed end of a pen 36. Popular sports league 37. Body part 39. Unlikely to provoke dissent 40. Yellowish cotton cloth 41. Domesticated house pet 42. Untruths 44. Set out to attract 45. Spiritual leader 46. Abba __, Israeli politician 47. Repair 48. Genus of flowering plants 51. Swiss river 52. Prejudice 53. River in central Europe 54. Harness 58. Father

Puzzle answers found on page 23

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2024

PAGE 21

Business

Restaurant an iconic feature on Rondeau Bay

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

Not many business owners in Chatham-Kent can say the pandemic was a benefit; Paul Trudell can.

Trudell, owner of Rondeau Joe’s restaurant and pub just outside of Rondeau Provincial Park, is celebrating 15 years in business. He said the COVID-19 pandemic actually sent him business from many kilometres away, and changed people’s mindsets.

The pandemic saw patios open before indoor dining was allowed.

“We have one of the largest, if not the largest, patios in Chatham-Kent.

We had people scouring from big cities where they could go because their city was closed down,” Trudell recalled. “They’d check our website, look at the pictures and decided they were willing to drive here from Toronto to go for dinner.”

Trudell said some of those visitors are still cus-

tomers to this day.

And these days, customers seek out a nice spot on the patio to enjoy the view of Rondeau Bay, or to watch the turtles sun themselves in “Turtle Cove” in the small marina that is part of Rondeau Joe’s.

“Now, on the poorer-weather days, that’s when people go indoors.

Covid changed people’s mindsets,” Trudell said.

“Before Covid, everybody would fill the inside (of the restaurant) first.

They’d then think, ‘Do I have to sit outside.’”

That’s no longer the case.

“Now they say, ‘I want to sit outside.’”

Trudell has put a great deal of blood, sweat and tears into Rondeau Joe’s over the past 15 years. It wasn’t easy. In fact, he said that for the first five

Chatham Voice file photo

Rondeau Joe’s owner Paul Trudell knows he has a good thing going just outside Rondeau Provincial Park. For the past 15 years, he’s been serving up quality food and incredible views of Rondeau Bay.

years, if someone offered him what he paid for the place, on top of what he invested in renovations, he’d have sold it in a heartbeat.

Today, he just shakes his head.

“It’s been a lot of perseverance. I’ve got it (the restaurant) tuned in.

There’s not a lot of renovations left to do. I’ve fixed it up. I’ve invested back into it,” he said.

“You just keep doing the little things year after year and people appreciate it.”

How many restaurant owners can say custom-

ers arrive clapping and cheering? Trudell can.

“On opening night, people came in cheering because we were open,” he said. “It’s kind of a unique experience that way.”

Only being open five months of the year puts pressure on Trudell and the restaurant, however.

“You only have five months to pay all the same bills other restaurants have the full year to pay,” he said.

Some people compared his menu pricing to that of other restaurants in Chatham. He said that’s

an unfair comparison.

“The atmosphere is priceless. Plus, there are different grades of food and I pick the higher ends,” he said.

Trudell endures staffing, food and beverage and maintenance of equip-

ment issues that restaurants in an urban setting typically don’t have. But he wouldn’t change a thing.

All he has to do is stop for a second and enjoy the view.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 22

Business

OBITUARIES

Alfia Biscaro 95, Tuesday, June 11, 2024 Nicholls Funeral Home Robert “Bob” Fox 84, Wednesday, June 5, 2024 Blenheim Funeral Home Lorraine Trinacty 85, Thursday, June 6, 2024 Blenheim Funeral Home Dale Nead 71, Monday, June 10, 2024 Blenheim Funeral Home Larry Throsel 86, Tuesday, June 11, 2024 Blenheim Funeral Home Jim Langford 53, Tuesday, June 11, 2024 Blenheim Funeral Home William “Bill” Wellington 77, Friday, June 7, 2024 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home Manuel Lino Da Silva 81, Sunday, June 9, 2024 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home Lucien “Luce” Cools 84, Tuesday, June 4, 2024 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home Agnes Thorpe 94, Friday, June 7, 2024 Kendrick Funeral Home Douglas “Leroy” Smith 79, Saturday, June 8, 2024 Kendrick Funeral Home Joan Rhodes 88, Wednesday, June 5, 2024 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home Bernice Melvin 95, Wednesday, June 5, 2024 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home Ruth McNeil 91, Monday, June 10, 2024 Alexander & Houle Funeral Home Fred Vriesema 71, Saturday, June 8, 2024 Badder Funeral Home

Abram Klassen Zacharias 49, Monday, June 10, 2024 Badder Funeral Home John “Grant” Rutherford 73, Wednesday, June 5, 2024 Badder Funeral Home Eleanor Deshaw 94, Wednesday, June 5, 2024 McKinlay Funeral Home Robert Stewart Wednesday, June 5, 2024 McKinlay Funeral Home Violet Ellison Spence 100, Saturday, June 8, 2024 McKinlay Funeral Home Gary Lavery 78, Saturday, June 8, 2024 McKinlay Funeral Home George Allen 93, Sunday, June 9, 2024 McKinlay Funeral Home Allan McIntyre 67, Monday, June 10, 2024 McKinlay Funeral Home Jack Rule Mitchinson 99, Sunday, June 9, 2024 McKinlay Funeral Home Jessica Gehl 49, Tuesday, June 4, 2024 Life Transitions Louella Fritz (Bigelli) 86, Thursday, June 6, 2024 Life Transitions Paul Nettleton Thursday, June 6, 2024 Life Transitions Mary Lee Cantelon Saturday, June 8, 2024 Life Transitions Thomas Bushey 48, Saturday, June 8, 2024 Life Transitions Patricia Kendall (Kinny) Tuesday, June 11 2024 Life Transitions

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THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2024

Contributed image

The team at Thames Valley Animal Hospital are ready to serve local residents and their pets.

New Chatham animal hospital open The Chatham Voice

Chatham-Kent’s newest animal hospital, Thames Valley Animal Hospital, is now accepting new clients looking for comprehensive and compassionate veterinary care to the area.

Located just off Richmond Street, on 670 Irwin St. in Chatham, Thames Valley Animal Hospital offers a wide range of services designed to meet the diverse needs of pets and their owners.

“I wanted to open an animal hospital where its main goal was to provide exceptional care for pets while making it affordable and accessible for their owners.” said Dr. Abdul Gafoor Veetil, chief Veterinarian and owner of Thames Valley Animal Hospital, in a media release.

“Our pets are members of the family; I’ve brought in an extraordinary staff who are committed to meeting the pet’s needs with excellence and empathy.”

Pet owners can now access routine wellness examinations, vaccinations, medication, and pet nutrition services for overall health and well-being.

The facility is equipped for

soft tissue surgery, animal dentistry, lab work, and radiology; with the ability to offer ultrasound and orthopedic surgery in the near future.

The vet clinic will be open until 7 p.m. on weekdays and can be accessed via appointment on weekends.

For more information or to book an appointment, visit their website at tvah.ca or call 226-884-5161.

Passport clinics

Chatham-Kent–Leamington MP Dave Epp is hosting two passport clinics next week in Chatham-Kent.

Both take place June 26.

The first is from 10 a.m. to noon in Highgate at Highgate Hall, 256 King St. S. The second is to occur at Tilbury Knights of Columbus Hall at 20 Dupuis Ave. in Tilbury from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Crow City Barbers

Crow City Barbers is up and clipping on Llewellyn Street in Chatham.

Owner Jacob Reed took a circuitous path to running a barber shop. He relocated to Chatham from Edmonton to work on pipelines in the area. He had a tough time finding a barber shop that

suited his tastes.

“Having frequented topnotch establishments out west, I found myself driving to London for my haircuts.

This experience sparked the realization that there was a void in Chatham-Kent that I could fill,” he said.

He forged a partnership with his fiancée, Steph Moore, and her friend, Danielle, who Reed said are “exceptionally skilled barbers.

“Together, we set out to create an unparalleled barbershop experience, offering services such as hot-towel, straight-blade shaves in a welcoming atmosphere where clients can relax, enjoy a cup of coffee, and socialize,” Reed said. “Our goal is to provide a space where individuals can not only receive top-notch grooming services but also unwind and connect with others.”

The shop is located at 33 Llewellyn St. in Chatham.

• Business Voice is a bi-monthly column in The Chatham Voice that highlights some of the achievements made and efforts underway in Chatham-Kent’s business community. Send your information to bruce@ chathamvoice.com.

THE CHATHAM VOICE

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Classifieds

Obituaries Luce Cools Oct 17, 1939 - June 4, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lucien (Luce) Arthur Cools on Tuesday June 4, 2024, at home in his 85th year. Predeceased by parents Michael and Bertha Cools, who immigrated from Belgium, sisters Jean Bruneel (Roger) and Lillian Walker (Harvey). Survived by best friend and spouse, Deanna (Bekaert) and recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary. He will be dearly missed by daughter Vimy Barnard Roberts (Paul), and extended family Linda Neely (Barnard), Craig Barnard (Germaine), and goddaugher Linda Breault. Grandfather to Jolene, Erin, Jordan, Jacob and a proud “Pechie” to Maeve and Addison. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. Luce was born and raised in Ridgetown, Ontario. He started working at a very young age, first with the Hudson Bay Company in the north, but he soon moved back to Ridgetown and started his long and remarkable career as a car salesman, loyally with Dodge-Chrysler. The first few years of work were with Johnson Chrysler-Dodge dealership in Ridgetown and then with Lloyd Dickson in Thamesville. He then moved to Chatham to the Bert Stacey Dealership whose dealership had been purchased and relocated to Richmond Street and was known as the Waekens-Krochak ChryslerPlymouth - this dealership continued until the mid 1990s when new owners named it Kent County Chrysler. That dealership was purchased by a new owner and moved down the street to become Chatham Chrysler. Luce took great pleasure in connecting with people, both in his work and community service. Work was important to him and it brought him so much joy, working up until the day before he passed. He was glad to mentor colleagues, sharing his pearls of wisdom. Luce was a very proud member of the Chrysler Guild, recognized for his unprecedented commitment to service and sales. His salesmanship was formerly recognized by the Chrysler Corporation as he was a member of Chrysler Senate 18 times - recognition of the top 50 Chrysler salespeople in Canada. Luce was recently acknowledged for his 60 years of being a dedicated Chrysler Representative in April 2024. Luce valued community service and giving back. He was a proud member of the Ridgetown Legion. He was a member of The Kinsmen Canada, serving as the Chatham Kinsman Club President and was honored to represent the Club as their District Deputy Governor in his travels across Canada. He also served as a Board Member and President of the Chatham/Kent Crime Stoppers for many years. He was also the President of the Kent Club where he was an active member for many years. His involvement in these organizations resulted in life long friendships, and these connections were something he cherished.

Luce loved football and was a devoted Detroit Lions fan. He held season tickets and had the best road trips adventures to cheer them on with a regular group of friends, but also loved taking friends and family to games. He followed football games closely, loved a good wager, and no one could dispute the stats he would know about football. He was a great man, loved and respected by so many, leaving an indelible impression and a legacy of kindness, loyalty and hard work. Respects can be paid at the Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home at 156 William Street South, Chatham Ontario on Saturday, June 22, 2024, from 1 to 4 pm, or at The Kent Club at 287 King Street West on Sunday June 23, 2024, drop in Celebration of Life, from 1 to 5 pm, remarks at 3 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Chatham Kent Hospice or Chatham/Kent Crime Stoppers would be greatly appreciated.

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Obituaries

Kevin Gray

Denise Tew passed away peacefully, with her loving family by her side, on June 4, 2024 at 11:11 a.m. She will be dearly missed by her husband Mike. Denise will also be remembered lovingly by Geoff Tew (Becky) and Karina Tew. Denise was a retired teacher for Walpole Island and WDSS where she was a favourite amongst her students.

Her fellow teachers enjoyed her soup days on Fridays. As per Denise’s wishes, cremation has taken place. All services entrusted to Life Transitions Burial and Cremation Inc. Online condolences may be made at www.lifetransitions.ca

The years are quickly passing Though still we can’t forget For in the hearts that love him His memory lingers yet.

Love Mom, Fern.

Asphalt

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SWEEPER SERVICE • 24 inch 519-354-9157 Milling Machine

In Memoriam

In Memory of Our Two Sons

This Week’s Puzzle Answers.

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Garage Sale

In Memoriam

40 years that I have missed you

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Rick Papps June 8, 1991

It’s been 33 years since you’ve passed away.

Your presence we miss, your memory we treasure.

Love you always, forgetting you never.

Jim Cobey June 25, 1991

MORTGAGES / LOANS

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Horsemanship lessons, horseback/ pony riding, outdoor games, scavenger hunts, crafts, outdoor farm fun, water games and Camp Achievement Day to finish off the week, with family members welcome to attend. Register your child today, while opening are available. $499 per week plus tax per camper. Call 519-354-7517.

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PAGE 24

THE CHATHAM VOICE

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