Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
RE-ELECT
Measles exposure in C-K
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
If you’ve been exposed to measles and are part of a vulnerable sector of the population, contact public health immediately.
That’s the advice of Dr. Shanker Nesathurai, Chatham-Kent’s acting medical officer of health. The physician spoke to reporters Friday after the news broke that patients at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance’s emergency department may have come into close contact with as case of the highly infectious disease.
“Time is of the essence,” Nesathurai explained. “It’s not something I would defer.”
According to a media release from Chatham-Kent Public Health, two potential windows of exposure occurred. The first took place Jan. 26 from 9 p.m. to Jan. 27 at 2:30 a.m. The second occurred Jan. 29 from 10 p.m. to Jan. 30 at 5:30 a.m.
Nesathurai said those most at risk are babies under one year of age, pregnant women, people who are unvaccinated and the immunocompromised.
If infected, Nesathurai said symptoms will likely present in 10 to 12 days. Patients will generally feel unwell, with a runny nose and possible respiratory symptoms. This is usually followed by a blotchy red rash that will normally resolve itself.
However, in rare cases, brain swelling and even death can occur.
CKHA president and CEO Adam Topp, who joined Nesathurai to
speak to media, said no details about the case will be released in order to protect patient privacy.
However, Topp did say that patients with measles “typically” don’t know they have the illness when they visit the emergency department.
Chatham-Kent’s last confirmed measles exposure occurred in 2014, Nesathurai added, pointing out that many young doctors and healthcare workers have never observed a case.
If measles are suspected, some patients may be eligible for preventative treatment, Nesathurai stated, which is why pa-tients need to call public health right away. They also need to notify their health-care provider or the hospital if they visit so agencies can take precautionary measures.
According to public health, people who may have been exposed are advised to watch for symptoms for at least 21 days, even if they’re up-todate on their vaccinations. If unvaccinated, those who were exposed at the ER are considered to be a “susceptible” exposure.
Those individuals should avoid contact with vulnerable populations including pregnant women and children for the three-week period.
Nesathurai stressed that the best defense against measles is vaccination. Infants typically get their first shot at age one and another between four and six years of age.
“The benefits are so much greater than the risk,” the doctor said, adding it not only protects the individual, it protects other people.”
Support cash falls short: McGregor
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
When it comes to provincial funding to address homelessness and mental health initiatives, it looks like Chatham-Kent is being left out in the cold.
That according to Chatham Coun. Brock McGregor following the news that C-K was bypassed to host a new HART (Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment) Hub, as well as only receiving $282,800 to address encampment issues, while smaller jurisdictions received millions.
“Chatham-Kent faces many challenges, “ McGregor told The Voice, “but none larger than the lack of provincial support for the growing social issues our community faces.”
A total of 18 new HART Hubs will take shape in Ontario this spring, including centres in Sarnia, Windsor-Essex, London and Oxford County.
When completed, there will be 27 hubs in Ontario, with some of the hubs located at former safe drug consumption sites the province closed down. All told, the government is creating 540 supportive housing units and addiction recovery and treatment beds under the HART program, as part of $529 million in investments.
program, while neighbouring Sarnia-Lambton received close to $3 million.
Rural Norfolk County, with a population of less than 80,000, got $2.3 million – 10 times the amount awarded to Chatham-Kent.
“Chatham-Kent faces many challenges, but none larger than the lack of provincial support for the growing social issues our community faces.”
- Coun. Brock McGregor
Critics are wondering if Norfolk’s hefty cash influx has anything to do with the fact Mayor Amy Martin is running for the Progressive Conservatives to try and unseat Haldimand-Norfolk independent MPP Bobbi Ann Brady.
said there are 126 people in that municipality on what’s called the by-name list. Norfolk does not have a shelter but it does operate an Emergency Housing Program (EHP) with 14 beds and an Out of the Cold room used for placements after hours, which runs as a quasi-shelter. Support staff is on hand to help with re-housing clients, the official said, and a local church group helps house people overnight during the winter months.
At present, Chatham-Kent has 222 names of homeless individuals on its by-name list and an overall population of around 111,000. McGregor said C-K is facing significant challenges in addressing encampments and homelessness, noting Ontario municipalities continue to face budgetary pressures related to provincial downloads.
As for recently announced provincial cash to “wind down” encampments, Chatham-Kent was near the bottom of the list, eclipsed only by the City of London which only received $75,000. The city of St. Thomas garnered $4.1 million under the
Brady, a former assistant to long-time PC MPP Toby Barrett, has clashed with Premier Doug Ford at Queen’s Park. In April 2024, Ford pointed his finger at Brady in the Ontario Legislature and told her she would be “out of a job” in the next election.
Brady is again running as an independent.
In an email message, the acting director of housing for Norfolk
“We’re picking up the slack and providing services that have traditionally been the responsibility of the province,” he added. “When funding opportunities do open up from the province, it is disappointing to see Chatham-Kent under-supported.”
Eric Labadie, the municipality’s head of communications, said the latest funding will be divided amongst 51 households, providing cash for housing supports, such as paying first and last month’s rent.
Attempts to contact Chatham-Kent-Leamington MPP Trevor Jones and Lamb-
ton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Steve Pinsonneault about the funding were unsuccessful.
Image courtesy Metro Creative Chatham-Kent received $283,000 in recenty homeless support funding from the province when smaller mmunitipalities received upwards of ten times that amount.
Growers hope to tap into Lake Erie
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
A group representing local greenhouse growers wants to see them be able to take water straight out of Lake Erie, and municipal officials would love it if that were to happen.
Despite being in agreement on that matter, both sides are at odds.
In a previously published report, Richard Lee, executive director of the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG), said group members in Chatham-Kent and Windsor-Essex are frustrated with a lack of investment in water infrastructure in the region.
He spoke out about high development fees that have led to a pause on greenhouse construction in Chatham-Kent, and claimed he had not been in contact with anyone from the municipality in the better part of a year.
Greenhouse growers would love to tap into Lake Erie
Chatham-Kent officials said such a move would also reduce
Bruce McAllister, general manager of community development for Chatham-Kent, begged to differ. He said development charges implemented by the Public Utilities Commission last year led to the OGVG appealing them, taking the issue to the Ontario Land Tribunal.
There was an initial meeting in November involving municipal staff as well.
“Mr. Lee was there,” McAllister said.
The Chatham Voice sought out Lee for comment, however, calls were not returned.
water,” he said.
“Through discussions, there was one initial Tribunal call in November. We agreed we’d certainly be open to explore potential settlement discussions outside the Tribunal,” McAllister said.
“We’re waiting on them.”
He added a stakeholder group was established with various greenhouse owners.
A private water line feeding greenhouses would circumvent some of the development charges, asserted Lee, again in a previously published report. McAllister agreed.
“We’re looking at opportunities to investigate alternative solutions. We don’t need to provide greenhouses with fully treated water through the (water) treatment plants. They don’t need chlorinated
However, Gary Wheeler, a spokesperson with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks, said one cannot simply slide a pipe into a water source and begin pulling large quantities of water out of it. In Ontario, by law, you must have a permit if you plan to take 50,000 litres or more of water in a day from the environment.
And when seeking to take water from a Great Lake, one must adhere to the Great Lakes St. Lawrence River Basin Sustainable Water Resources Agreement.
Greenhouses are thirsty productions.
Continued on page 5
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
directly for water, cutting development charges.
strain on the municipal water system.
C-K gets $12M in Wheatley aid
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
When it comes to recent provincial funding announcements, there’s good news and some not so-good news for Chatham-Kent.
On the plus side, the Ontario government has provided $12.3 million to support the municipality’s recovery efforts relating to the 2021 Wheatley explosion. The money is to be used to cover costs associated with investigation, emergency management, demolition and remediation that included purchasing properties in the affected area.
Chief administrative officer Michael Duben made the Wheatley announcement at the
Jan. 27 council meeting.
“Today has been a really good news day for Chatham-Kent,”
Duben told council, noting the province has allocated $16 million to help Ontario communities manage oil-and-gas-related issues, with $12.3 million coming to Chatham-Kent.
Duben said he believes the funding came in part as the result of “relationships” forged with the government, adding the municipality is “very happy” about the cash infusion.
Most of the money has already been spent, he said, noting a portion of the funds were utilized to purchase affected properties, something he said was key.
Originally, the province had allocated $3.9 million for the properties, Duben explained,
which ended up costing $4.3 million, noting the new announcement covers the cost of all the purchases as well as demolition.
The entire cost of emergency management is also covered, he said, and $1 million has been set aside for rehabilitation work.
Duben said a community celebration is in the works for Wheatley in the spring. In the meantime, emissions monitoring continues at the site.
“Things are looking really, really good,” he told council. “We definitely have a stable site now. And we think the work ultimately has re-
Greenhouses don’t need full water treatment
Continued from page 4
Darren Galbraith, general manager of the PUC, said when a 100-acre greenhouse is operating in the middle of the summer months, it can use 2.8 megalitres of water in a single day.
“In comparison, 4,900 homes would use that amount per day. That’s not people, that’s homes,” he stressed. “They (greenhouse operations) use a massive amount of water, and rightfully so.”
There are more than 500 acres of greenhouses in Chatham-Kent.
Hacienda North Farms just east of Wheatley is one local greenhouse that has a permit to draw water directly from Lake Erie. It’s a 160-acre operation.
“They put in their own water intake. They had to go through the permitting process with the province.,”McAllister said. “They do have their own treatment facility.”
Galbraith said he’d like to see it so greenhouses could get off the treated water grid.
“They don’t need it (water) so refined. They need it cleaned up. They need a little bit of filtration,” he said. “It would take the strain off our systems at the end of the day.”
He added that it makes financial sense for greenhouse operators as well. Getting away from treated water and using their own system would eliminate development charges for water.
Galbraith said he understands where the growers are coming from.
“The ultimate goal of greenhouses is food security for North America. These greenhouses in Chatham-Kent and Leamington are a big part of that.”
In the meantime, McAllister said he expects both sides to continue to talk.
solved the issue. It’s all good news and I think the province has been a great partner on this particular file. I want to take
this opportunity to thank our team. Many, many people have worked very hard on this.”
Continued on page 7
scott@scottstanley.ca scottstanley.ca
Opinion
Immunizations
The Earth is flat; the Holocaust was a hoax, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is Ukraine’s fault, and vaccinations kill.
Those are things you can find arguments for on the Internet, but that doesn’t mean they’re correct. What we’re focusing on at this moment are vaccinations; specifically vaccinations against the measles.
Dr. Shanker Nesathurai, Chatham-Kent’s acting medical officer of health, said it best when discussing immunization.
There was potential exposure to the serious illness recently in the emergency department at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, according to CK Public Health.
Two potential windows of exposure occurred. The first took place Jan. 26 from 9 p.m. to Jan. 27 at 2:30 a.m. The second occurred Jan. 29 from 10 p.m. to Jan. 30 at 5:30 a.m.
It’s been more than a decade since a case of the measles has been reported in Chatham-Kent? Why?
Vaccinations. They work.
Imagine that.
However, CK Public Health data indicates that 95 per cent of people aged 17 and up have been immunized against measles. That means one in 20 of us is not.
And they walk among us.
Immunizations are not just about the individual. They are about everyone they could potentially come in contact with.
“The benefits are so much greater than the risk,” the doctor said. “When you are vaccinated, you’re not only helping yourself, you’re helping someone across town. Some diseases can’t be prevented, but measles is not one of them.”
Sure, some folks will argue about their personal rights, and say it’s their choice.
Great, but if, heaven forbid, someone with that mindset contracts the measles and ultimately spreads it to an infant that is exposed in a store, for example, the infant could be in for the fight of his or her life before their parents have been able to get them inoculated.
On the topic of immunizations, there were more than 1,700 students in Chatham-Kent schools that, as of mid-January, did not have their list of immunizations up to date.
Public Health follows the provincial Immunization of School Pupils Act and keeps track of such things.
What is not tracked is the immunization records of school staff, who work closely with students and thus could expose the kids to illnesses if they aren’t up to date themselves.
We can do better, people.
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United in exodus?
Editor: Chatham-Kent council and administration have certainly brought our communities together in a short period of time. After announcing the last tax increase, they have brought together Ridgetown, Wheatley, Tilbury, Wallaceburg, Blenheim and area, Highgate, Orford, Bothwell and Zone.
What is unfortunate is that the reason for all of these communities coming together is their desire to LEAVE Chatham-Kent.
This should be a huge red flag for the mayor and council, as well as administration. We are tired of the way this municipality is being run and we are speaking out.
Then there’s the CAO (Chief Administrative Officer) replacement. In not many positions does the person leaving the position do the hiring for their replacement. And
how many people are hired four years before they take the position to learn it – especially when they are suggesting that the CAO replacement will come from within? Shouldn’t that person already know the workings of the municipality?
How stupid do you think your constituents are? CAO Michael Duben was hired externally and didn’t take four years to learn the position.
Now let’s talk about council choosing how many representatives are required to sit on council. Their answer is a little biased. There are too many opinions around the table, and that is getting nothing accomplished but adding to the taxpayers’ bill. Perhaps this should be something voted on from outside of the council chambers. Let
the public vote. Having council decide is like asking a child if they want seven friends at their party or 12. Of course they are going to say 12. When you hire a consultant, and the consultant recommends something, then perhaps you shouldn’t fluff their recommendation off as a “suggestion”. They are professionals, they know what they are talking about. Perhaps you should listen to them. And last, but not least, when you are raising our taxes (every year beyond our ability to pay), and comparing us to other communities like Sudbury, Brantford, etc., remember that they have industry and companies who help pay for the increase.
Continued on page 7
Province ponies up to help Wheatley
Continued from page 5
In a media statement, Chatham-Kent-Leamington MPP
Trevor Jones said proactive management and prevention of oil-and-gas- related issues are “essential to ensuring public safety.”
Jones, who serves as the associate Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response, said the investments represent a “key component of our gov-
ernment’s comprehensive plan to enhance Ontario’s readiness, resilience, and ability to respond effectively to any emergency.”
Funds from Ontario’s Legacy Oil and Gas Wells Action Plan will go towards helping nine municipalities manage related issues. Ontario has records for approximately
Props to CKHA personnel
Editor: I just had an unplanned visit at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.
We had the usual wait to register. Once they were aware of my problem, it did not take long to get help.
Both in the emergency department and continuing care, the staff was professional, caring and kind. Well done.
Keith Groen Chatham
Deliver industry
Continued from page 6
The largest employer in Chatham-Kent is the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. Other than the municipality, C-K is becoming a retirement community and retirees don’t have the same funds as industrial companies to pay taxes.
Bring industry to Chatham-Kent, bring jobs to Chatham-Kent, and bring tax relief to the citizens who elected you to do the job of representing us in our best interest.
Karen Pynenbrouck Chatham
27,000 wells in Southwestern Ontario, primarily located on private land.
But on the downside, a second application to the provincial housing and water systems
fund was turned down. Duben said the money would have given C-K the ability to increase water services to northwest Chatham, opening up more properties for development.
“Unfortunately, we were not successful with that,” he said, but noted there’s another round for disbursement and the municipality will apply a third time.
Legion helps add new scopes for CKHA
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
Members of the Chatham branch of the Royal Canadian Legion have helped open airways at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.
The Legion, supported by the provincial command team, donated $6,750 to the CKHA Foundation recently.
The funds will be utilized to acquire three la-
ryngoscopy units for the surgical units at the alliance.
Len Maynard, spokesperson for the Royal Canadian Legion, said the goal of the Legion in passing on such funding is to “help the community.
“The donations go to help veterans and the community at large and this grant is on behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion Ontario Provincial
Command Branches and the Ladies’ Auxiliary Charitable Foundation,” he said.
Andrew DeBoer, communications manager for the CKHAF, said the contribution will allow for the CKHA to put a laryngoscope in all six operating suites in the hospital in Chatham.
“These video kits are for intubation. It helps guide the tube through a patient’s airways,” he said.
Legion members and Chatham-Kent
Marianne
purchase three
“By having one in each suite, they will be available when surgeons need them. This will make a world of difference in the OR (operating rooms).”
More input needed on condo project
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative
pamwrightlji@gmail.com
A nine-storey, 87-unit condominium project proposed for the south end of Chatham is getting a deeper look.
The issue came before Chatham-Kent council at the Jan. 27 meeting. It drew deputations from nearby residents of the proposed build at 50 Indian Creek W. near the Links of Kent golf course. The residents expressed concerns about the building’s height, possible effects on privacy and
how increased traffic will affect the area.
As part of the presentation, the project was outlined by municipal planner Anthony Jas, and Bryan Pearce, a planner representing the numbered Ontario company looking to develop the property.
According to the staff report, the site of the development encompasses 2.25-acres. Living spaces will occupy eight storeys of the complex, with the ninth devoted to amenities. A total
of 125 parking spaces will be added, with 40 of them underground.
Nearby resident Dan Myers took to the podium to express his strong opposition to the project, asking council to turn down the project. The Lacroix Street resident told council that to consider “such a sizable structure at this location is inappropriate,” as it doesn’t fit in with the quiet south Chatham landscape.
The area is currently zoned sin-
gle unit, low density and needs to be changed to high density to accommodate the build.
In his comments, Myers pointed out that many in the neighbourhood have backyard pools and due to the height, condo residents will have “complete visibility” into the surrounding properties.
He said the complex will increase traffic on an already busy street in an area that’s home to John McGregor Secondary School, Indian Creek Public School and St. Teresa of Calcutta elementary school.
He called the fact that council is considering the build “egregious and absurd.”
Holly Snow, another nearby resident, also expressed opposition to the project.
“We as community members had to go out and notify individual households,” Snow told council, reading from another neighbour’s letter urging council to listen to concerns before making a decision and to “not approve” the proposal.
Snow said outside developers should not come in and profit “off the backs” of local residents.
Continued on page 10
Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice
Health Alliance Foundation staff, from left, J.P. Presley, Tracy Oswald,
Burke, Emily Sellner and Len Maynard celebrate the delivery of funds to
laryngoscope kits for operating rooms at CKHA.
KFA calls added funding good news
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
In advance of calling an election this month, the Ford government announced a number of spending initiatives, including an additional $100 million to aid farmers.
The Ontario government is increasing annual funding for its Risk Management Program (RMP)
from $150 million to $250 million to enhance support for farmers and the province’s $51-billion agri-food sector, according to provincial officials.
The $100 million increase will support farmers in responding to market challenges while boosting their long-term business confidence and competitiveness.
Jim Brackett, president of the Kent Federation
of Agriculture called the funding good news.
“On behalf of the Kent Federation of Ontario and all Ontario farmers, we are happy to hear the announcement of an additional $100 million for the Risk Management Program by our Ontario government,” he told The Voice. “This comes at a perfect time, given the current market instability.”
Indian Creek condos
Continued from page 8
A public meeting on the development was held at Links of Kent last November, attended by 35 residents. A total of 12 citizens were notified of the meeting in keeping with the official plan rules that only citizens who required notification were those living 120 metres from the complex. Jas said staff are rec-
ommending the project move forward as there are “no issues” with the plan, noting it’s consistent with provincial guidelines.
Farm baskets at Farm Show
Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice
Lisa Persyn of Farm Lending Inc. displays a gift basket designed specifically for farmers at the Chatham-Kent Farm Show held last week. The basket features a cup with the motto Carry On and Farm On.
Strong debate over deputy CAO
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
An attempt to put the hiring of a deputy chief administrative officer (CAO) under Chatham-Kent council’s purview has failed.
The decision was reached following an hour-long discussion at the Jan. 27 meeting that saw the majority of a motion by Chatham Coun. Alysson Storey turned down.
Storey’s three-part motion called on the CAO’s office to provide a job description for the deputy CAO role; a financial analysis indicating how the role will be paid for, and comparisons with other municipalities to see if they have deputy CAOs on staff.
However, only the job description item passed.
A friendly amendment by South Kent Coun. Ryan Doyle to allow council to review the deputy CAO posting, participate in candidate interviews for the position and to be part of performance reviews and compensation decisions was withdrawn.
In putting the motion forward, Storey said that when the CAO and deputy CAO’s roles are combined, they equal more than $500,000 annually.
“I believe that warrants more discussion,” she told council. “When the average household income is $79,500, I just think this is the type of expenditure that council and the public should be reviewing. It is part of our role under the municipal act to discuss senior management decisions.”
According to the job posting on Indeed, the deputy CAO has a salary range of $196,000 to $240,000.
CEO Michael Duben receives an annual salary of $319,000.
Storey said she thought the matter should have been brought out in open
council.
Chatham Coun. Michael Bondy said he felt the new hire “further erodes” council’s ability to make an objective decision in hiring the next CAO, when the deputy CAO is already on staff.
“You’re going to choose the next CAO, not us,”
Bondy told. “Strangely.
That’s why I have difficulty with this.”
In response, Duben said there are people currently on staff who could step into the CAO role when the time comes but they “may not be here, in three to four years.”
He added he discussed the idea of a deputy CAO role with council in closed session in December, noting the new role is primarily about succession planning and enhancing advocacy with upper-tier governments. Discussing an individual employee’s circumstances isn’t appropriate in open council, he added.
Storey didn’t attend that meeting.
Duben pointed out that Chatham-Kent has a delegation of authority bylaw in place that puts control under his responsibility.
The CAO job is the only position that council hires and this is carried out by the CAO Performance Review and Compensation Committee, with the final decision to be made by all of council.
The CAO is then responsible for hiring the rest of the executive management team.
In explaining the deputy CAO job, Duben stressed the position wouldn’t cost taxpayer’s extra money. He said the salary would be covered off by a future retirement on the executive management team and the fact that another senior management position has been vacant for two years and won’t be filled.
Duben said he didn’t ask for council’s approval on
the deputy job because he doesn’t require it under the bylaw.
“Now is a good time for us to look at what this organization is going to look like in the next couple of years,” the CAO said. “From my perspective, we can use a deputy CAO.”
Duben said the role will have a positive impact on the tax base, adding it’s his job to save Chatham-Kent money. He said he would have asked for the position to be part of the budget process if he thought the role would cost additional dollars.
Another goal of filling the deputy CAO post, he said, is to have at least one individual on staff who could share an enhanced advocacy role – something he said Chatham-Kent is “falling short on.
“Many municipalities have a person who is in charge of government relations; we don’t have a person who in charge of government relations,” he said. “My suggestion is that this is something this deputy would do. There are many times we are triple or quadruple booked and we simply can’t participate,” he added. “And we’re missing out.”
Duben pointed out that C-K’s last recruitment process, prior to his hiring, didn’t go “all that well.”
He also acknowledged that the deputy CAO role may irk the public.
“I understand from the public’s perspective...they see a posting, it’s big dollars, so the sky is falling,” he said. “I get it, I understand that.”
When Mayor Darrin Canniff weighed in on the matter, he said it probably wouldn’t have been an issue if the job had a different name.
Canniff said the problem is in the title.
“We are kind of hung up on the deputy CAO title,” he told council, adding that he’ll be supporting hiring the “best person” to
replace Duben when the time comes and it won’t necessarily be the person in the deputy CAO role.
According to Duben, 40
people have already applied for the deputy’s position.
Storey said she was uneasy with the discus-
sion as there are so many “unknowns,” wondering why a decision couldn’t be made when there are more details.
Community Events
Thursday, February 6, 2025:
• Afternoon Jamboree with all singers and musicians welcome 1-4pm at the Merlin Legion. Come out & enjoy good music and great company. Donation welcome. Call 519-350-8937 for info.
• Messy Thursdays. 4:30pm at the Merlin branch of the CKPL. Every Thursday is something new and maybe messy. All ages, no registration required.
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am–9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am–1:30pm. Check out our daily specials. Senior Euchre starts at 1:00pm. “BINGO” hosted by our Ladies Auxiliary starts at 7pm, come early to pick your cards. Everyone is welcome.
• Lunch available at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St. from 11am-1:30pm. Daily Specials and menu available. Everyone welcome.
Friday, February 7, 2025:
• Bill’s Place Community Space Drop-In from 3:30-6:30pm. 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.
• Faith with Pride Group, 48 Centre St., Chatham. 6:30pm. We are a peer-led 2SLGBTQIA+ group about faith & inclusivity. Our mission is to create a brave space for spiritual exploration, combat stigma, & support those healing from religious trauma. All are welcome. This month we will be planning for the group in 2025.
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am–9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am–1:30pm. Supper served 4:00–6:00. No orders after 5:30pm. Specials are cabbage rolls or fish & chips, $13.00. Take out available by calling 519-351-8733 or 519-351-5639. Fun Darts at 7:00 pm. Everyone welcome.
• Lunch available at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St. from 11am-1:30pm. Daily Specials and menu available. Everyone welcome.
• Friday night supper at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St is a Lasagna dinner with a Caesar salad and a bun. Dine ins $13 and pickups $14. All meals are served at 6pm. Call 519-3528291 to order. Everyone welcome.
• Family Friday Fun Feast at the Merlin Legion. Choose from Smokehouse burger, chili dog or chicken nuggets - all with fries included. Only $10!! Served from 4:30-7pm. Call 519-689-4884 to place your order, there are limited quantities of each option. Take out also available
Saturday, February 8, 2025:
• The Mary Webb Centre for the Arts will bring Jeremy and Jazzy to Highgate at 2:00pm. They are a fun, interactive singalong show for a family audience featuring the Juno-nominated music from the hit animated television series on CBC. Performed by Jeremy Fisher as “Jeremy” and Nadia Casandra as “Jazzy. Tickets $25 in advance, $30 at the door, taxes in. Doors open at 1:00pm, concert begins at 2:00pm. More info re tickets at marywebbcentre.ca.
• 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 10:00am–9:30pm. Line Dancing lessons 10:00am-12 noon. Meat draws at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30pm. Kitchen open from 3:00pm–6:00pm. Come check out our menu. Entertainment by- Exit 31 - from 4:30-9:30. Everyone is welcome.
Sunday, February 9, 2025:
• Calling all Veterans. The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham will be hosting a Buddy Check for all Veterans 10:00am–12:00pm. Enjoy a coffee and talk to other Veterans. This venue is for Veterans Only.
• Breakfast at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St from 9am to Noon. All meals are cooked to order. Everyone welcome
Monday, February 10, 2025:
• All is welcome to attend the Ridgetown and District Horticultural Society Meeting at 6:30pm, at the Church of the Advent Parish Hall, 16 Church St.
Ridgetown. Michelle Olson from OPH beekeeping will speak on the importance of bees, pollination, health and benefits to our ecosystem. Social time and refreshments to follow.
Tuesday, February 11, 2025:
• Messy Thursdays at 4:30 pm. Every Thursday is something new and maybe messy. All ages, no registration required.
• 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. Come play Euchre at 1:00 or spend the evening playing Shuffleboard or Evening Euchre at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome.
Wednesday, February 12, 2025:
• Ostomy Support Group: We are a support group for anyone who is or may be facing live living with an ostomy. We meet every 2nd Wednesday of the month(except for July and August) starting at 7pm. We are located at Wellwise By Shoppers on the corner of Mc.Naughton Ave. And St. Clair St. right here is Chatham. We are in Facebook (by invitation, just request) and we can also be reached at ostomychatham@ gmail.com.
• Preschool Storytime at 10:30am at the Blenheim branch of the CKPL. Join us for songs, rhymes, and stories! Best suited to children 5 years and younger. Drop-in. No Registration required.
• 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. Come check out our other daily specials. We have Fun Darts at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome.
• CK Jobs presents: Biz Connect Networking Night with Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce. Join us for a night of networking in partnership with Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce. 4:30-6pm at the Retro Suites Hotel - Derby Room, 2 King Street West Chatham. Get tickets at eventbrite.ca. This is a free event.
Send your events to bruce@chathamvoice.com or michelle@chathamvoice.com
Fun Stuff
3. You plug it in
4. Each
5. Largest English dictionary (abbr.)
6. King of Thebes
7. English name meaning “mythical hunter”
8. Indicates near 9. More herbaceous
10. Gas-powered cars need one
11. Dishonest individual
12. Systems, doctrines, theories
13. The woman
16. The whole of one’s holdings
CLUES ACROSS
1. “The Las Vegas of the East” 6. Cook
10. Manning and Wallach are two 14. Chameleon 15. A way to fill up 17. What MLBers hope to play in 19. Unhappy 20. Indefinite period of time 21. Excites 22. Males 23. Mongol leader Genghis 24. Turfs 26. Soda comes in them 29. Not nice 31. Professional organization 32. Part of a play 34. Sea eagle 35. Emily Blunt’s character in “Sicario”
37. Beige
38. Mental sharpness
39. Valley
40. Alcyone’s husband
41. A place to gamble
43. Flightless Australian birds
45. Call out somebody’s name over a P.A. system
46. US spy group
47. Pancakes from buckwheat flour
49. Swiss river
50. Disfigure
53. Have surgery
57. Formal withdrawal
58. Early English council
59. Square measures
60. 2,000 lbs.
61. Siskel and __, critics
CLUES DOWN 1. Mouths
2. Buffalo
18. Witnesses 22. Doctor
23. Paul __, Swiss painter
24. Kids look for him on December
25. Single
27. Competitions
28. Predict the future
29. Cage for trained hawks
30. Musician Clapton
31. Frozen water
33. Semiformal men’s evening attire
35. Most worn
36. Common soap ingredient
37. Former EU monetary unit
39. Provisions
42. Book parts
43. Republic of Ireland
44. Partner to “Pa”
46. Sammy __, songwriter
47. Dutch colonist
48. Clare Booth __, American writer
49. Solar disk in Egyptian mythology
50. Minute arachnid
51. From a distance
52. Monthly apartment cost
53. Young women’s association
54. Tourist destination
55. “Woman” in Ojibwe language
56. Pointed end of a pen
Peavey Mart shuttering all stores
The Chatham Voice
Staff at Peavey Mart in Chatham received their notices recently that the store will close in April. They’re not alone.
Peavey Industries will shutter all 90 Peavey Marts across the country, and six MainStreet Hardware locations. The company has sought and obtained an Initial Order for creditor protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act from the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta.
According to the company, the decision to seek creditor protection and close all stores was made after “thorough evaluation of available options, in consultation with legal and financial advisors.”
The Canadian retail industry is experiencing unprecedented challenges, including record-low consumer confidence, inflationary pressures, rising operating costs, and ongoing supply disruptions along with a difficult regulatory environment, the company said.
“This was a profoundly difficult decision, but one that allows us to explore the best possible alternatives for the future of the company,” Doug Anderson, president and CEO of Peavey Industries, said in a media release.
“For nearly six decades, our customers’ loyalty,
employees’ dedication, and the resilience of the communities we serve have been the cornerstone of our business. We remain focused on working with our partners and stakeholders to preserve the Peavey brand and the value it represents.”
Peavey Mart is Canada’s largest farm and ranch retail chain.
Chilled Cork closing; new eatery opening
According to a social media post that appeared Friday morning, the Chilled Cork Restaurant will be closing its doors Feb. 28.
The restaurant, attached to the Retro Suites hotel at the corner of King and William streets in Chatham, has been a popular spot for not only hotel customers, but the general public alike.
Restaurant management, in its post, stated, “It has been an incredible ride, with joy, excitement, challenges and memories that will last a lifetime. To our incredible guests and supporters, thank you.”
Also on Friday, it was announced that Suite 46 will be the name of the eatery taking the Chilled
Cork’s place. Renovations are to begin March 1. No timeline as of yet on when it will open.
Gift cards for the Chilled Cork will be accepted until the end of February.
Chamber issues statement on economy
The Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce recently announced its position on the pending tariffs Canadian business could face from the U.S. “While challenges are undoubtedly present, Chatham-Kent’s economic fundamentals remain strong. Our diverse economy, skilled workforce, and strategic resources position us well to navigate the new trade landscape,” chamber chair B.J. Griffiths said in a media release. “By focusing on innovation, strengthening our competitiveness, and articulating our shared values around the world, we are turning potential challenges into opportunities for growth and collaboration.”
Chamber officials added the potential tariffs, and the rhetoric around chal-
this spring.
lenging the sovereignty of Canada is a situation that is “challenging and unsettling.”
However, officials added Canada’s economic resilience and a united front are reasons for confidence.
“Engaging with our American partners is
essential for fostering a prosperous economic future,” Rory Ring, CEO and president of the chamber said. “It’s crucial that we advocate for policies that benefit both nations while addressing emerging global challenges.”
• 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.
Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice
Chatham’s Peavey Mart, like its 89 sister stores across the country, will shut its doors for good
OBITUARIES
Maureen Macleay Argenti
75, Friday January 24th 2025
Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Roy Edward Westendorp
Sunday January 26th 2025
Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Stefan (Steve) Lutz
91, Monday, January 27, 2025
Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Teresa Andrusak
90, Tuesday, January 28, 2025
Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Sandra Gale Watier
75, Friday, January 24th 2025
Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Larry Lachine
63, Tuesday, January 28, 2025
Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Rob Vanderveen
67, Monday, January 27, 2025
Badder Funeral Home
Patrick Cameron Sanderson
73, Friday, January 24, 2025
Badder Funeral Home
Rita Wilhelmsen
70, Friday, January 24, 2025
Badder Funeral Home
Charles Russell Craven
90, Friday, January 24, 2025
Badder Funeral Home
Gary Charles Meadows
80, Monday, January 27, 2025
Badder Funeral Home
Barbara Coatsworth
88, Friday, January 24, 2025
McKinlay Funeral Home
Paula Woodcock
65, Friday, January 24, 2025
McKinlay Funeral Home
Doug Kerr
Saturday, January 25, 2025
McKinlay Funeral Home
Ernest Henri Marchand
87, Friday, January 24, 2025
McKinlay Funeral Home
Catherine Weir Mifflin (nee Whyte)
87, Tuesday, January 28th, 2025
McKinlay Funeral Home
John McEwen
50, Wednesday, January 22, 2025 Life Transitions
Barbara Telesco (Albert)
Friday, January 24, 2025 Life Transitions
Annie “Joy” Clements (Slack) Sunday, January 26, 2025 Life Transitions
Matthew Chouinard
Tuesday, January 28, 2025 Life Transitions
See full obituaries at chathamvoice.com/obituaries
Black Excellence award nominees announced
The Black Excellence Awards committee has released the names for those nominated for the 2025 awards.
The event celebrates the achievements and contributions of Black individuals and businesses in Chatham-Kent and beyond. The awards will be presented at the Black Excellence Awards & Gala on March 1 at Retro Suites in Chatham.
Michelle Robbins, co-chair of the event, said the list is impressive.
“Our nominees embody excellence, perseverance, and leadership,” she said in a media release. “Each one has made an incredible impact in
their field and community, and we are honored to recognize them.”
Here’s a list of nominees in their respective categories: Citizen of the Year: Yejide Kilanko, Arnold Robbins and Jason Reynolds.
Male of the Year: Jay Berry, Derek Quigley, Trevor Thompson and Kyle Wright. Female of the Year: Marsaydees Ferrell, Cathy Staal and Rachel Washington.
Youth (13-17): Layla Bardyla and My Carrington.
Youth (18-25): Fifelayomi and Finilayomi Betiku, Jared Eaton, Oluwanifemi Koleosho and Shaleah Miller.
Black-Owned Business of the Year: Solomon Roofing – Kyle Carneiro, The Closet Inc. – Robert Ferrell, Social
LadyBug – Jeral Lumley and Steele Shake & Tile – Brad Steele.
“The Black Excellence Awards shine a light on the remarkable achievements of Black individuals and businesses who continue to shape and inspire our community,” Shannon Prince, co-chair said. “We invite everyone to join us in this celebration of excellence and legacy.”
The Black Excellence Awards & Gala is a formal event that promises an unforgettable evening of celebration, entertainment, and recognition. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this special night.
Tickets are available on the committee’s Facebook page.
CKHA’s top doc
lauds new doc cash
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
As part of its pre-campaign funding announcements, the Ford government committed nearly $2 billion to attack the physician shortage in Ontario.
million in already-approved funding for primary care.
Dr. Zeke Milkovic, CKHA acting chief of staff, said the announcement is good news, especially for a community such as Chatham-Kent, where so many residents lack a family doctor.
and preventable hospitalizations.”
The Ontario government is investing $1.8 billion to connect two million more people to a family doctor or primary care team within four years, provincial officials said. The investment includes $1.4 billion in new funding, alongside more than $400
“CKHA appreciates the provincial government’s significant investment in primary care. This is a critical step toward addressing the needs of the 32,500 residents in Chatham-Kent without a family physician or nurse practitioner,” he said. “Strong primary care is vital for delivering comprehensive health services and easing pressure on hospitals by reducing emergency department visits
Ontario’s Primary Care Action Team, led by Dr. Jane Philpott, will use the government’s historic investment to implement its action plan to build a primary-care system that draws on best-in-class models from across the province and connects everyone to a family doctor or primary care team, provincial officials said.
The plan will implement a broad series of initiatives in collaboration with primary care leaders and health system partners that will close the gap for the remaining 10 per cent of people in the province in need of primary care by 2029, officials claim.
The Chatham Voice
Classifieds
Maureen Macleay Argenti
Suddenly at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Chatham Campus, on Friday, January 24, 2025, Maureen Argenti, age 75, of Chatham. Born in Asbestos Quebec in 1949. Beloved Wife of Peter Argenti. Loving Mother of Kelley (Mike) Shaelyn (Trevor) and Michael (Krista). Missed by her grandchildren David, Kayla, Bella and Anthony. Loving Sister of Eileen. The Family would like to thank all the nurses at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. A private family service to be held at HinneganPeseski Funeral Home, 156 William St. S. Chatham (519-352-5120). Cremation will then follow. Donations to the P.A.W.R and Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated. Online condolences welcomed at www.peseski.com
Looking For
CASH CASH CASH
Will pay cash for Elvis DVDs. Phone 519-917-2339
Watier, Sandra Sandra Gale Watier (Oulds) passed away on Friday, January 24th 2025 in her 76th year. Predeceased by her loving husband André Watier. Beloved daughter of the late Alice & Herbert Oulds of Chatham. Sister of Dennis Oulds & Janet Massender of London. Loving mother of Tammy & Greg Douglas of Fordwich, the late Todd Shuttleworth of Chatham and Michèle & Kevin Wall of Chatham. Fondly remembered by her best friend Brian Mills. Always loved by her grandchildren Zachary Douglas, Desiree Shuttleworth, Tyler Shuttleworth, Alicia Douglas, MacKenzie Shuttleworth, Noah Shuttleworth and Jack Wall. Forever missed by her aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and neighbours. Friends and relatives visited at the Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home, 156 William St. S. Chatham (519-3525120) on Thursday January 30th from 6-8pm. A funeral service was held on Friday, January 31st at 1pm in the Chapel. Burial followed at Maple Leaf Cemetery. Donations to the Poppy Fund and Outreach for Hunger would be appreciated. Online condolences welcomed at www.peseski.com
WE NEED YOUR HELP
Stefan Lutz
Loads of Love is currently looking for volunteers to work in our warehouse and/or assist on the truck for deliveries and pick ups!
• Interested in working in a team environment
•Available 4-6 hours per week
• Able to assist in lifting furniture
Please contact our office at 519-352-0911 for info! Are You?
In loving memory of Stefan (Steve) Lutz, who passed away peacefully in Chatham-Kent Hospice January 27, 2025 at the fabulous age of 91. Predeceased by his wife Elisabeth (2019) and son Peter (2022). Loving father to Ralph and Caroline Stuart (Gavin). Steve was born in Secanj, Yugoslavia July 23, 1933. He immigrated to Canada, all by himself and with only a few dollars in his pocket, in 1953. He met our mother at a church picnic in Windsor, ON and they married in 1956. Steve first worked as a plasterer and it was a skill he carried all through his life. He demonstrated it every chance he got by smoothing, to perfect flatness, every swirly frosted cake and pie meringue. Steve then became a toolmaker and ended his career working at Ford Motor Co for 25 years as a Machine Repairman. He could fix anything and we called him whenever we had a problem. In later years he acted as our repair consultant, trying to make us fix items we actually wanted to replace. Steve loved life and it didn’t take much to make him happy. He loved talking and joking around with people. He annoyed our mother constantly by leaving for a 20 minute walk and returning 2 hours later because he talked to every neighbour he could find along the way. Steve loved music, reading and playing cards, especially euchre (and took great joy in giving unwanted tips on how to improve your game). Thank you to all the kind staff at Grand Retirement Village—you had him hooked with the first meal. Thank you to Dr. Matt Milkovic at CKHA emerg, the kind nurses on Medicine A and Dr. VanTil, for all their care. Thank you to Chatham-Kent Hospice for allowing our father to pass pain-free in a calm, caring, peaceful environment. Pops, we will miss your humour, your mouthiness ( a trait we all inherited!), your mischievousness, your strength, your resilience and most of all, your love. To honour you, we will try to enjoy every day, no matter what. We will love you and miss you forever Pops! Donations to Chatham-Kent Hospice in memory of Steve would be appreciated. Online condolences welcomed at www.peseski.com
For Sale
Yardworkz 2 stage snowblower with 208 cc powermore OHV engine, electric start and 24” clearing width. Used 7 times. $400. Call 519-354-7456 between 9am and 5pm.
This week’s puzzle answers, puzzles found on page 16
Native Crafts Moccasins, handmade necklaces, bracelets, dream catchers & more! Open Thursday - Saturday 11am-4pm Cash only, no debit 14911 River Line, Delaware Nation
Silk Cemetery Saddle Arrangements. Everyday/ Holidays. Ready-to-go. Many colours available. $40. 519-3543411
Dimplex 23x19 Electric Fireplace Insert. Remote Control. $200. Phone 519-3516969.
Purebred Rotty Pups. Ready to go home March 16th. Comes with first shots, tails docked. $1200. 4 females, 3 males. Mom and Dad on site. Call 519-360-5843 for more details.
Dan Jones B.A.B.Ed 519-818-1805
House calls available for larger amounts.
Announcement
Chatham Baptist Chapel “Come Out, Join Us” Sundays 11am and 7pm. Wednesdays 7pm, Friday 7pm. Old Hymns and KJV Preaching Go to chathambaptistchapel.com to watch sermons.
Wanted Wanted
Wanted to Buy: Antiques, costume jewellery, gold, silver, coins, military, furniture, tools. We Buy All - Paid Cash. 519-7278894.
Wanted to rent or buy 1 or 4 acres of land in Chatham-Kent area. No buildings or utilities needed. Rural area preferred. 519-352-5414 or 226-627-5414.
Puppies
Local MPPs honour residents
MPPs Trevor Jones and Steve Pinsonneault recently handed out King Charles III Coronation Medals to a handful of area citizens.
Jones distributed the medals at the Royal Canadian Legion, Chatham Branch 642, to recognize outstanding individuals from the community for their exceptional contributions and achievements.
Receiving medals from the Chatham-Kent–Leamington MPP were Len Maynard, retired Warrant Officer after 30 years of service to Canada; Gary Conn, retired Chief of Police in Chatham-Kent; Doug Sulman, who was
recognized for public service, Rotary Club, Heart & Stroke Association and for his 37 years as a municipal politician and three as a school board trustee; and Irene Mable Williams, who has been involved with the Royal Canadian Legion for the past 29 years.
Additional recipients who were unable to attend the ceremony include Marta Anderson, executive director of the Cross Border Institute at the University of Windsor, a fellow at the Wilson Institute, and former vice president at Gordie Howe International Bridge Crossing in charge of procurement; Clifford Hartwick, a retired police officer and volunteer;
Wendy Parson, Leamington Rotarian and manager of the Leamington District Chamber of Commerce; and Wes Thompson, who passed away in 2024, a man who was a mega ambassador and supporter of Blenheim, a philanthropist and longtime volunteer.
“It’s an honour to acknowledge these exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to our community,” Jones said in a media release. “Their dedication and hard work inspire us all, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to recognize their achievements.”
Meanwhile, Pinsonneault, MPP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex,
presented medals to Jim Blake, co-owner of the Chatham Voice, and radio station owner Greg Hetherington.
Blake is a longtime volunteer with a host of local organizations and was the first United Way of
Chatham-Kent campaign chair to top the $2-million fundraising mark.
Hetherington has also been a longtime volunteer and supporter of all things Chatham-Kent and helped initiate the Need to Read program that
brings radio broadcasters into the schools to read to children every week of the school year.
Others who are to receive medals from Pinsonneault include Steve Twynstra, Laurie Stanton, and Bert Vanderheide.
The Chatham Voice
Contributing image
Chatham-Kent–Leamington MPP Trevor Jones, centre, recently gave King Charles III Coronation Medals to, from left, Irene Mable Williams, Doug Sulman, Gary Conn, and Len Maynard.