The Chatham Voice, April 4, 2024

Influx expected for eclipse

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

A once-in-a-lifetime solar eclipse will cast Chatham-Kent in total darkness April 8 and officials want to make sure the municipality is ready.

South Kent Coun. Trevor Thompson, a self-proclaimed eclipse aficionado, raised the issue at the March 25 council meeting, saying C-K needs to prepare for the “deluge” of people expected to travel to C-K to view the phenomena.

The total eclipse, occurring only once every 360 years, will begin around 2 p.m., Thompson said, with totality expected around 3:15 p.m. He described the culmination of shadows, birds roosting and the sight of the coronas around the sun as “life changing.”

Thompson told council he went to Kentucky in 2017 to view an eclipse, noting it was an “awe-inspiring” experience and he has plans to travel out west in a few years to view eclipses there.

“To see a total eclipse, it’s something that not a lot of people get to see and we are

going to have the opportunity to see one here,” Thompson said, noting C-K will get about two-and-a-half minutes of total darkness near Lake Erie, stressing that every lakeside community “is going to be busy.

Thompson said the number of vehicles at the Kentucky event amounted to an “eight hour” traffic jam.

“It was like nothing I’d ever experienced,” he said, adding that he’s spoken with C-K residents and businesses along the lake, and people expected to arrive from all over Canada and the U.S. to see the eclipse.

The Erie-O Motel and Marina is one of the spots where the eclipse can be viewed. Owner Paul Renaud said all 10 rooms are booked and he has 100 pairs of specialized glasses on hand to distribute to those who gath-

er.

“We are offering a viewing location,” Renaud told The Chathan Voice, adding folks can bring their lawn chairs. “We very excited about it. We have a place here where we can share the experience with others.”

Thompson said he was curious how municipal staff planned to manage the event.

Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue

Chief Chris Case said emergency services held an eclipse planning meeting recently, adding that Chatham-Kent police have developed a traffic management plan and all municipal fire stations will be staffed as well.

Fire & Rescue will also be putting a boat in at Lake Erie as well as at Mitchell’s Bay, Case explained, “because we’re quite concerned people will take to the water.”

in 1999, agreeing with Thompson that it’s “quite the spectacle. We expect quite a lot of people to show up.”

Administration is also exploring the possibility of having park washrooms open the day of the eclipse.

According to chief administrative officer Michael Duben, a committee has been working on the issue for the past year.

“We have been talking about this for some time and I’m confident we have it under control,” Duben said. “We understand it’s going to be a big deal for the region and we’re working on it.”

In his comments, Mayor Darrin Canniff stressed the issue of eye safety, as eyes can be severely damaged if the eclipse is viewed without proper eyewear.

An EMS command centre will be set up at the Erieau firehall too, the chief said.

“Aside from that, we are not seeing any huge events that are being planned,” he added. “Most of the provincial planning is looking towards the Niagara region, which is expecting well in excess of a million people.”

The former U.K. resident said he experienced an eclipse there

The Chatham-Kent Public Library has some specialized viewing glasses available to lend, and glasses can also be purchased online.

“Make sure you have them –you need them,” Thompson said. “Safety first.”

Chatham-Kent–Visit CK has devoted a special webpage outlining safety tips that can be viewed online at chatham-kent. ca/visitck/planyourtrip/Pages/Solar-Eclipse-2024.aspx.

The sessions take place April 4, 11, 18 and 25 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the meeting room at the Chatham branch. Space is limited. Attendance at all four sessions is recommended but not required. Register for this free four-week in-person program at your local CKPL branch or by contacting Ask CKPL by phone at 519-354-2940; text at 519-401-7174 or via email at cklibrary@chatham-kent.ca.

Fight against Dresden landfill continues

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Continue to make your concerns known.

That’s what opponents of the York1 Dresden landfill project are saying in response to the latest wrinkle in the saga of the proposed expansion of the dormant facility

Irish School Road.

Posted on the Environmental Registry of Ontario March 26, a document acknowledges that the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MOECP) is aware of the flood of concerns from the community and wants to gather further input.

mental Disposal (C.A.R.E.D.) aren’t convinced the community is in the clear.

“Without a sitting member of provincial parliament, it’s every citizen’s job to look out for the community and let the government know that Dresden is opposed,” said C.A.R.E.D. executive member Stefan Premdas.

“Without a sitting member of provincial parliament, it’s every citizen’s job to look out for the community and let the government know that Dresden is opposed.”

- Stefan Premdas

Located on the registry’s webpage, the document states, “We are proposing to designate York1 Environmental Waste Solutions Ltd. to re-establish landfill operations and re-establish and expand on-site waste transfer and processing operations in Chatham-Kent,” as part of a project under the Environmental Assessment Act to require a comprehensive environmental assessment of the project.

But even though MECP minister Andrea Khanjin has stated that a full environmental assessment will be conducted on the York1 proposal, members of Dresden Citizens Against Reckless Environ-

He added that while the announcement of the EA has spawned cautious optimism, the assessment could still be used as a “stepping stone to create a facility we don’t want.

“We can only hope the environmental assessment will show all the reasons, in a scientific way, why this is a bad idea,” Premdas stressed.

Khanjin’s pledge that a comprehensive EA would be conducted on the project – issued via a X (Twitter) post – caps off a tumultuous two months starting at the end of January when the public became aware of a application by York1 to dramatically expand land use at the site.

pany is seeking permission to operate around the clock, seven days a week, which could see as many as 700 trucks a day hauling debris to the site.

The wave of protest against the project continues. Opponents say the sensitive Sydenham River watershed will be contaminated; critical farmland will be affected; infrastructure will be overloaded and quality of life and land values will plummet for people living near the facility.

The Dresden landfill has become a hot-button political topic with leaders and environmental critics from all opposing parties calling on the Ontario government to nix the project.

Both the Municipality Chatham-Kent and nearby Township of Dawn-Euphemia in Lambton County have expressed opposition to the project as host communities.

“Everybody needs to make their feelings known, not just in groups, but as individuals.”

- Mayor Darrin Canniff

C-K Mayor Darrin Canniff said that while the EA announcement is encouraging, the fight needs to continue.

“Everybody needs to make their feelings known, not just in groups, but as individuals,” Canniff said.

The GTA-based company is looking to build a regenerative recycling facility and expand the current landfill to receive demolition construction waste and soil. The com-

There’s a 45-day window to receive public comments, ending May 10. These can be submitted online or mailed to Dresden Landfill Comments, Environmental Assessment Branch, 135 St. Clair Avenue W, Toronto, Ont., M4V 1P5.

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice Signs are sending a message locally, but opponents of the proposed York1 landfill/recycling development near Dresden urge concerned citizens to write to the province and let their opinions be known.

Council to get added security

Security measures enacted for council meetings due to ‘suspicious behaviour’

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Citing an increased need for safety, the municipality has adopted a new security system at the Chatham-Kent Civic Centre.

Chief administrative officer Michael Duben made the announcement at the start of the March 25 council meeting. Duben didn’t offer specific details, but said that “unfor-

tunately and regrettably,” there have been instances of “suspicious behaviour in the building in and around council meetings.” Duben pointed out the situation is not unique to Chatham-Kent as many other municipalities have had to deal with violent behaviour in council chambers.

According to the CAO, staff has been discussing the issue for a while and had planned to come for-

ward with report later this spring. However, administration decided to adopt temporary measures prior to the report.

“We feel pretty strongly that we need to make people feel secure while they’re in the building. It’s unfortunate, but it’s one of those things we have to address.”

- CAO Michael Duben

“Just to be clear this is not just about the safety of council, but the safety of staff and the safety of visitors that

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come here to participate in the process,” Duben said. “We feel pretty strongly that we need to make people feel secure while they’re in the building. It’s unfortunate, but it’s one of those things we have to address. We

have an obligation to keep people secure and safe. We were hoping we wouldn’t have to get to that, but given some of the situations we’ve had to deal with, we really don’t have any choice.”

All visitors and media will be issued passes at the front door of the King Street facility so staff can track who is in the building at all times.

Duben said the upcoming report will include

recommended changes to the physical space, as the current set-up poses some security challenges.

He said administration will recommend policy changes as well regarding the use of banners in the council space.

The civic centre joins the Chatham-Kent Public Library Chatham branch, which has a security guard on the main floor during hours of operation.

Fundraising tops $400K

Sponsor a Champion underway for Special Olympics games

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

When it comes to fundraising for this year’s Special Olympics Ontario School Championship Games, Chatham-Kent can already claim gold.

The fact that local fundraising efforts doubled its $200,000 target in less than a year has organizers hopeful the same kind of results can be achieved with the Sponsor a Champion campaign.

Launched at the Chatham-Kent Civic Centre March 27, the drive allows an individual or business to sponsor an athlete for $250 to help pay for their attendance at the School Championship Games taking place across C-K June 10-12.

According to Jason Herder, co-manager of the games, the streamlined tool makes sponsorship simple. “Anyone from the province can go online and sponsor one of the athletes coming to the games under schoolchamps.ca,” the Cha-

tham-Kent police sergeant said. “This makes it easy for people to send a friend or loved one to the games. Sponsor a Champion opens it up province-wide and people can support someone or support the games in general.”

If the past 11 months are any indication, success for Sponsor a Champion is on the way. Herder said the Chatham-Kent games were given a 13-month window to bring in $200,000, with the provincial body agreeing to kick in another $200,000. It costs a minimum of $400,000 to host the games.

But thanks to a community-wide effort – that included more than $70,000 raised by the Polar Plunge – Chatham-Kent has managed to fundraise the entire cost of the games.

“This is a big, exciting deal for us,” Herder said. “We had a short window and we managed to do it.”

There are currently 7,000 high school Special Olympics athletes in Ontario competing to qualify for the

June games with around 1,000 heading to C-K. The athletes, aged 14 to 21, and their coaches will take part in five sports, including soccer, track and field, basketball, floor hockey and bocce ball.

Locally, Herder said it’s hoped athletes from every Chatham-Kent secondary school will be able to take part.

Herder pointed out that the benefits of sponsoring a young athlete go beyond the physical, adding sponsorship boosts an athlete’s mental health as well.

“It’s nothing but positive for everyone,” he said.

A number of athletes from John McGregor Secondary School and Chatham Christian School were on hand at the Sponsor a Champion launch, along with representatives from some of the lead sponsors, including Winmar Property Restoration Specialists, Enbridge Gas, Ridge Landfill Community Trust, Waste Connections of Canada, Maple Mutual Insurance, Teksavvy Solutions, and the C-K Police Association.

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice

There were smiles all around at the recent launch of the province-wide Sponsor a Champion fundraising initiative at the Chatham-Kent Civic Centre. Local Special Olympics athletes attended the kick-off, along with representatives from the major sponsors. The Special Olympics Ontario School Championship Games will take place across Chatham-Kent June 10-12.

Opinion

How did it come to this?

“Papers!”

That could be the demand in the not too distant future for taxpayers seeking to attend a Chatham-Kent council meeting.

The municipality is bringing in stronger security measures for council meetings.

To help our elected officials and municipal staff to feel safer, there will be security guards on site during council meetings.

All visitors and media will be issued passes to allow staff to track who is in the building at all times.

According to municipal CAO Michael Duben, there have been instances of “suspicious behaviour in the building in and around council meetings.”

Our initial tongue-in-cheek response is to look around the council table and spot “suspicious behaviour” – the inattentiveness by some councillors for various deputations to council, or others who check their cell phones and update their social media in the middle of meetings where their undivided attention should be on the situation that is right in front of them.

Seriously, councillors should feel safe as they make decisions for what they believe is the betterment of the

municipality. There should be no opportunity for the public to attempt to bully, shout down, or spit on our elected officials.

The fact councillors and staff may not feel safe when the public shows up in support or opposition of a motion or individual is quite sad and is a testament to the ludicrous feeling of empowerment certain individuals seem to have, not just here, but across North America.

If you want to deliver a message to council, do so at the polls come next election. Don’t agree with how they operate? Vote in different politicians. That’s how democracy works. But if you don’t bother to vote, don’t expect things to change.

And considering only about onein-three eligible voters bother to cast their ballots at the municipal level, councillors should not feel all that concerned.

Delivering a message via threats of violence against a municipal politician is ludicrous. You may not like a council decision, or a councillor, but there is no place for bullying behaviour.

Thankfully, this is not Michigan, where gun-toting militia occupied the state capitol building in 2020.

Editor: Re: “Big-city problems land in Chatham.” That’s the headline I read in the March 21 Chatham Voice, written by Bruce Corcoran. Well, it’s right on; an excellent article.

Not too long ago, I had a letter in The Voice where I had viewed some home movies taken in 2007 and said how Chatham was not so beautiful now. But I was talking about the parks and the look of Chatham in general.

Yes, it is also not a safe place to be in some areas. When I heard that Bruce had viewed a cell phone video of some teenagers knocking a man down in Tecumseh Park and

putting the boots to him, that tells me it will only get worse, as we are not getting the patrols we need from the police.

As Bruce says, maybe, just maybe, we can get the police to walk the beat. Yes, that will be when you-know-what freezes over.

If these instances are happening very late at night, where are some of the parents of these teenagers? Those kids should be at home.

I for one would not be running around. I was even working at a young age, paying board. I had to be in at 10 p.m. unless I was at a special event.

If I came in on a normal night past 10 p.m., I didn’t get to go out for the rest of the week in the evenings.

I did protest to some degree, but that was useless. My mother said there was nothing much to be out very late for, and you are not just standing on street corners.

Now that I’m mature, I can say she was right. Yes, we need to shake up Chatham. Respect and discipline have gone to the dogs in lots of cases.

Ruth Draper Chatham

More traffic needed in Chatham’s core

Editor: I am an avid supporter and reader of The Voice. It’s so important and vital to have a local paper in this community targeting what is happening in and around this region.

As we all know, the topic of what’s happening to the Downtown Chatham Centre is a continuous one filled with lots of rumours, suggestions, speculations and controversies.

The latest idea about an idea of having city hall and the library move into the DCC may appear as a great one, but in my opinion it will not ad-

dress the root cause – the decline of our downtown people traffic.

I believe this move will only exacerbate the empty core scenario.

Even if this deal goes through, again after much debate and research and discussions, city hall moving into the old Sears would not solve, in my opinion, the issue of building traffic in our centre thus helping the struggling small businesses there.

Perhaps those people that are being paid huge consulting fees to figure it

Old-school fixes needed for ‘big-city’ problems

Editor: I would like to comment on the big-city problems land in Chatham (“Big-city problems land in Chatham,” in the March 21 Voice). I am going to lay it out to everyone without being politically correct. You see these teenage swarmings happen because, thanks to our laws, discipline in our schools doesn’t exist anymore. The old saying goes, “Spare the rod, spoil the child.” They suffer no consequences of their bad actions.

all out should look at what is the biggest challenge to our downtown. It’s not the buildings, it’s the people traffic flow. Getting people to come to the core is the issue.

Employees of the current city hall would be moved into their new fancier offices, but the surrounding businesses would not benefit any more since the number of people working at city hall would remain the

same as usual. No greater numbers would be generated; just same old, same old, except on new premises.

The consultants should look at ideas that will not disrupt the current downtown any more

than needed, but instead enhance it.

We need another Wheels or a centre of learning that will bring more people to our core.

Regina Stockus Chatham

Today a kid could charge the parents for assault if they wanted to. As for the homeless, I see daily these people walking, riding their bikes – they have tattoos, cell phones, new shoes, but don’t work. I’m talking about 20-30 somethings that look like they’re capable of working. It’s pure laziness.

Why can’t they, for example, sit on the back of a planter during planting season and plant tomatoes?

In closing, I hope that I didn’t offend anyone.

Dave Prokop Blenheim

Municipal Act, 2001, c 25, s. 379 (2)

O. Reg 181/03, s. 5(1), Form 6 FORM 6

SALE OF LAND BY PUBLIC TENDER

The MUNICIPALITY OF CHATHAM-KENT

Take Notice that tenders are invited for the purchase of the land(s) described below and will be received until 3:00 p.m. local time on April 18, 2024, at the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, Civic Centre, 315 King Street West, Chatham, Ontario, N7M 5K8.

The tenders will then be opened in public on the same day as soon as possible beginning at 3:15 p.m. at the Council Chambers of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, located at 315 King Street West, Chatham, Ontario, N7M 5K8. Tune into our Municipal Facebook page or the Chatham-Kent YouTube channel for a virtual event where the tenders will be opened live beginning as soon as possible at 3:15 p.m.

Description of Land(s)

Minimum Tender Amount

All lands are in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, the following are the geographic descriptions and municipal addresses.

1. Roll # 3650-110-004-10315 - PT LT 10, CON 8 (RALEIGH) AS IN 399716 RALEIGH. Being Elizabeth St., North Buxton. P.I.N. 00872-0094 (LT)

2. Roll # 3650-140-002-30901 - PT LT 9 CON 1 RIVER THAMES SURVEY HARWICH PT 1, 24R4232; CHATHAM-KENT. Being 9641 Fairview Line., Chatham. P.I.N. 00886-0059 (LT)

3. Roll # 3650-240-002-51903 - LT 1 PL 807; CHATHAM-KENT. Being 42 Richard St., Ridgetown. P.I.N. 00693-0001 (LT)

4. Roll # 3650-260-001-16550 - RDAL BTN LT 16 CON 16 AND INDIAN RESERVE #47 ORFORD; PT RDAL BTN CON 15 AND CON 16 ORFORD AS IN OR4398; CHATHAM-KENT. Being River Trail, Bothwell. P.I.N. 00648-0002 (LT)

5. Roll # 3650-260-005-16300 - PT LT 6 CON NORTH MIDDLE ROAD ORFORD AS IN 467957; CHATHAM-KENT. Being 19816 Duart Rd., Duart. P.I.N. 00662-0194 (LT)

6. Roll # 3650-360-002-35910 - PT LT 14 CON 1 CAMDEN AS IN CA15643, NE OF PT 5, 599767 EXCEPT PT 1, 380728 AND 601465; DESCRIPTION MAY NOT BE ACCEPTABLE IN FUTURE AS IN CA15643; CHATHAM-KENT. Being Station Rd., Thamesville. P.I.N. 00731-0077 (LT)

7. Roll # 3650-410-005-47810 – PT LT 8 CON 12 CHATHAM PT 1, 24R7356; S/T 133536 AS AMENDED BY 160075; S/T CH32289 CHATHAM-KENT. Being 9576 Bush Line, Tupperville. P.I.N. 00754-0095 (LT)

8. Roll # 3650-420-027-08200 - PT LT 8 S/S HARVEY ST PL OLD SURVEY AS IN 498561; CHATHAM-KENT. Being 110 Harvey St., Chatham. P.I.N. 00506-0125 (LT)

9. Roll # 3650-420-028-19002 - PT LT 80 PL OLD SURVEY AS IN 396059 (THIRDLY); S/T EXECUTION 95-0000689, IF ENFORCEABLE; CHATHAM-KENT. Being Jahnke St., Chatham. P.I.N. 00504-0075 (LT)

10. Roll # 3650-442-004-05300 – LT 55 PL 119; CHATHAM-KENT. Being 35 Hiram St., Wallaceburg. P.I.N. 00576-0041 (LT)

11. Roll # 3650-480-002-17300 - PT LT 5 PL 428 AS IN 661564; CHATHAM-KENT. Being 24224 Winterline Rd., Pain Court. P.I.N. 00784-0137 (LT)

12. Roll # 3650-480-008-37200 - LT 45 PL 769 S/T 498816, 666058, 274685, 643051, 318206, 663844, 388313, 396731, 400913, 664880, 668566; CHATHAM-KENT. Being Dunlop Cres., Mitchells Bay. P.I.N. 00764-0382 (LT) This parcel is submerged under water.

$11,114.36

$19,477.45

$27,234.43

$11,808.33

$14,162.68

$10,986.16

$28,718.17

$16,505.67

$13,311.83

$36,403.91

$9,999.99

$6,501.69

Tenders must be submitted in the prescribed form and must be accompanied by a deposit in the form of a money order, bank draft, or cheque certified by a bank or trust corporation payable to the municipality (or board) and representing at least 20 per cent of the tender amount.

Except as follows, the municipality makes no representation regarding the title to or any other matters relating to the land to be sold. Responsibility for ascertaining these matters rests with the potential purchasers.

This sale is governed by the Municipal Act, 2001 and the Municipal Tax Sales Rules made under that Act. The successful purchaser will be required to pay the amount tendered plus accumulated property taxes and any taxes that may be applicable such as the land transfer tax.

The lands do not include mobile homes situate on the lands. The municipality has no obligation to provide vacant possession to the successful purchaser. Purchasers must retain a lawyer to complete the purchase of any property for which their tender is accepted.

A copy of the prescribed form of tender is on the Municipality of Chatham-Kent website, www.chatham-kent.ca and on the website of the Government of Ontario Central Forms Repository under the listing for the Ministry of Municipal Affairs.

For further information regarding this sale and a copy of the prescribed form of tender contact:

Precautions will help you enjoy the eclipse

OK, folks, most of what I’m about to say is common sense, but it seems more and more people are either allergic to that, or just choose to ignore it these days.

So, for the sake of children and our health-care system then, I offer some tips on viewing the total solar eclipse this week.

We’re in a great spot to watch the April 8 event. The moon will pass in front of the sun entirely along a 160-kilometre-wide path across North America, and we are inside that pathway.

In mid-afternoon, the moon will briefly blot out the sun.

Why is the eclipse full when the moon is so much smaller than the sun? Well, the sun is about 400 times bigger than the moon, but it’s also 400 times farther away from Earth, so when their orbits collide, the result is a total solar eclipse.

The event will turn day into night.

But the time before and after that event is when our eyes are most susceptible. Looking directly at a solar eclipse can be very damaging to the naked eye.

Instead, use specialized eye protection. Glasses are available at your local library, in some stores and online, for example. There are solar eclipse viewers as well. They are held essentially in the same manner as welders’ glass – in front of your eyes.

Regular sunglasses will not preserve your eyes, no matter how dark the lenses are.

And please don’t pull out your telescope or binoculars during the event. The eclipse glasses aren’t strong enough to protect you.

Perhaps NASA puts it best:

“Viewing any part of the bright sun through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will instantly cause severe eye injury.”

If you don’t have eclipse glass-

Corcoran

es, you can still watch the eclipse using a pinhole projector. I did this years ago as a teenager during a partial eclipse, and it works great, without any threat to your vision.

All you need are two pieces of cardboard.

Punch a small hole in one piece. Then, with the sun at your back, hold the two pieces in front of you, with the cardboard piece with the hole held above the other. The idea is to allow the sunlight to penetrate through the hole and onto the second piece, which is the viewing area.

It’s a very simple concept, but it allows you to safely observe the eclipse as the moon begins to block out the sun.

Now, when the moon is briefly covering the sun entirely, it is safe to look up, but remember that time is quite short. You will know it is safe when you can no longer see any part of the sun through your eclipse glasses or solar viewer, NASA’s experts state.

However, as soon as you see even a little bit of the sun reappear from behind the moon, put those protective glasses back on!

Again, it is all common sense; information that can prevent serious harm.

For folks out on the road during the event, police remind you to put on your headlights.

They also ask that you don’t pull off a highway and just watch the event from there, but rather seek a safer parking area in which to view the eclipse without having other vehicles whiz past you.

Bruce

Marco Acampora* 519-784-4348

Ashley Amato* 519-365-5677

Dane Appleton* 519-436-7195

Kelly-Anne Appleton* 519-365-7155

Sarah Callow* 509-809-5446

Megan Canniff* 226-626-7133

19

Janet was raised farm-strong in Grey County, Ontario. After obtaining degrees in science and urban planning, Janet spent time travelling in North and South America and Europe. She has enjoyed an eclectic career, including academic research, and working with children, new immigrants, and seniors. She enjoys helping people by listening to their needs and creatively solving problems. She tackles challenging problems analytically and with compassion. For the past six years she has co-owned and operated Catalyst Painting with her husband, learning all about small business administration. She moved to Chatham-Kent from Calgary in 2020 with her daughter and husband, and is enjoying the richness of life CK has to offer - especially the warm weather and beaches! Janet values fairness, honesty and integrity, and likes to take the time and effort to do things right. She is eager to use her new career in real estate to contribute to and serve the communities of Chatham-Kent. You can contact Janet at 226-881-0098 or janet.ellen@royallepage.ca

Stephen Carroll* 519-355-9774

Terry Chauvin* 519-437-8498.

Anna-Marie Clark* 519-354-7890

Ron Collins* 519-401-8464

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June McDougall* 519-358-5199

Sylvia Moffat** 519-355-8189

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Katherine Rankin** 226-542-2964

Deborah Rhodes* 519-401-5470

David Smith* 519-350-1615

Chris Spafford* 519-917-2635

Kate Stenton* 519-436-8377

Carson Warrener* 519-809-2856

Cindy Weaver** 519-360-0628

Ashley Wilton* 519-437-7564

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C-K to explore rural housing options

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Rural Chatham-Kent may be seeing increased housing development in the countryside.

A motion brought forward by West Kent Coun.

Melissa Harrigan was endorsed unanimously by Chatham-Kent council March 25. It’s asking administration to compile a report to prepare a further draft official plan and zon-

ing bylaw amendment, including public consultation, to implement policies permitting additional detached dwellings in rural areas.

Both farm and non-farm properties are to be included. The motion also calls on staff to examine a further division of nonfarm properties in rural areas for new residential uses.

“We know in Chatham-Kent we are facing a housing crisis and we

also know that we are a very rural community,”

Harrigan said in speaking to the motion, acknowledging that staff has done a lot of work on the urban development piece.

The councillor said the motion directs staff to “showcase” the opportunities that may be available and to examine what some other municipalities are doing in that area.

“This motion has come up for me because I’ve had a number of families

“This motion has come up for me because I’ve had a number of families reach out to me and ask about secondary dwellings specifically in rural communities, largely because they’re looking at farm succession planning or keeping their family members close to home.”

- Coun. Melissa Harrigan

reach out to me and ask about secondary dwellings specifically in rural communities, largely because they’re looking at farm succession planning or keeping their family members close to home,” Harrigan said, as well as “kids and grandkids wanting to build a house and live in the country with more space.”

However, Harrigan said that she’s also heard from residents that there needs to be a “careful balance,”

when it comes to development in rural areas.

According to Bruce McAllister, some draft policy documents will be brought forward at the meeting in June. Following that, council will decide on a public stakeholder strategy.

Both North Kent Coun. Rhonda Jubenville and East Kent Coun. Steve Pinsonneault spoke in favour of the motion.

The report is to come back to council in June.

Municipality set to unveil new mobile stage

The Chatham Voice

Chatham-Kent council has set the fees for Chatham-Kent’s new mobile

stage. The state-of-the-art equipment will be rented out to not-for-profit groups for the first day at

a cost of $816, with additional days at $405 per day.

Private and for-profit events will cost the renter $960 for the first day and

$450 for each subsequent day.

Mainstreet Credit Union has committed $100,000 to the project for a 10-year

term.

The portable stage will be introduced to various agencies on April 9 at the John D. Bradley Convention Centre.

Anyone wishing to rent the stage or make inquiries can contact ckspecialevents@chatham-kent.ca.

R.O.C.K. finds new location in Wallaceburg

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

A local non-profit group found a last-minute home in Wallaceburg to continue to provide assistance to those in need.

R.O.C.K. (Reach Out Chatham-Kent) Missions is setting up shop in downtown Wallaceburg once again, with operations running out of 233 Nelson St. R.O.C.K. officials announced in February that a change in funding support from the United Way forced the operation to leave its location at 7 Generations Indigenous Cultural Friendship Centre on Dufferin Avenue on the west side of Wallaceburg. But thanks to funding from the municipality and a donation from an anonymous family in Wallaceburg, the organization was able to remain in operation in the Glass

Town.

R.O.C.K. executive director Renee Geniole said the chance to land the new location eased a great deal of stress.

“We were very, very worried. This was a last-minute thing and it was all so quick,” she said. “The new landlords were very gracious and generous.”

Geniold said the building they are now occupying in Wallaceburg – R.O.C.K. has its head office on Richmond Street in Chatham – was formerly an office building.

“We’ll have to do a little bit of work,” she said, adding a contractor is coming in and the hope is to have the facility ready by mid-April.

Geniole likes the location.

“It’s on the main floor, which is very nice for us, and we’re back in the downtown,” she said.

“Our numbers had dwindled a bit moving away

from downtown.”

R.O.C.K. first set up shop in 2019 in Wallaceburg, opening a drop-in centre in St. James Anglican Church.

Geniole said R.O.C.K. serves about 30-40 people a day in Wallaceburg, but anticipates with the new location, numbers will be back up towards the 60-70 they helped daily at the original drop-in centre.

The new centre will be open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. five days a week initially.

The plan is to serve food, offer first aid, harm reduction supplies and hygiene products.

With additional fundraising, Geniole sees R.O.C.K. adding showers and laundry facilities in the future.

“We are super grateful for the Wallaceburg community helping us to

keep the ball rolling,” she said.

Last year, R.O.C.K. pro-

late March, they’d already handed out 4,500 meals this year. Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice R.O.C.K. Missions has a new home in Wallaceburg, having secured 233 Nelson St. to serve as the non-profit’s hub to deliver services to those in need in the community.

vided an estimated 12,000 meals to people in Wallaceburg. Geniole said as of

Every year, the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) organizes Daffodil Month to increase awareness about cancer and raise funds for research and various initiatives.

Purchasing a daffodil pin or making a donation is a good way to show your support.

In addition, Daffodil Month presents an opportunity to advocate for the importance of cancer screening.

What Causes Cancer?

Very few cancers have a single known cause. Most cancers seem to be caused by a complex mix of many risk factors, but sometimes cancer develops in people who don’t have any risk factors. A risk factor is any substance or condition that increases the risk of developing cancer. Cancer risk factors may play different roles in starting cancer and helping it grow. Examples of risk factors for cancer include: getting older, smoking, not protecting yourself from the sun, having certain genetic changes, being overweight or obese, not having a healthy diet, not getting enough

physical activity, drinking alcohol, coming into contact with harmful chemicals at home or at work, having certain types of infections.

Cancer risk refers to a person’s chance of developing cancer. Having information about cancer risk can help you make informed choices about your health.

In general, the more often and the longer you are in contact with a risk factor, the greater the chance that cancer will develop.

It can take many years for cancer to develop after being around a risk factor. Cancer usually develops after being around many risk factors over time. People may be in contact with several risk factors in the course of their daily lives.

About 4 in 10 cancer cases can be prevented through healthy living and policies that protect the public. Risk can be increased or decreased by lifestyle choices and the kind of environment a person lives in and works in.

How Can You Reduce Your Risk?

There’s a lot you can do to reduce your risk of cancer. Making healthy choices can be easy, affordable and quick. You can take small but important steps to stay on the path of great health no matter your age.

Live smoke-free

The single most important thing you can do to reduce your risk of cancer is to live smoke-free.

Be sun safe

Enjoy the sun safely – protect your skin and protect your eyes.

Have a healthy body weight

Besides living smoke-free, having a healthy body weight is one of the best things you can do to reduce cancer risk.

Eat well

Eating well is an important part of reducing your cancer risk.

Move more, sit less

Not enough physical activity and too much sitting increases your cancer risk. Aim for 30 minutes of activity every day and take frequent, short breaks from sitting.

Limit alcohol

Drinking any type or amount of alcohol increases your risk of developing cancer. The less alcohol you drink, the lower your cancer risk.

Help Hope Bloom with your Daffodil Donation!

Visit cancer.ca to donate, order your daffodil pin or to start your own fundraiser!

Friends’ effort supports C-K Hospice

The Friends of Chatham annual gathering held to celebrate friends – both old and new – hit another milestone recently. The group managed to raise $13,000 for Chatham-Kent Hospice through donations, exceeding the $11,900 the event brought in last year. More than 700 people came through the doors of the KBD Club to take part in the day-long initiative. Recently, founders and life-long buddies Mike Dorner, Ray O’Phee and Howie Morton presented the money to hospice. The trio is already gearing up for Friends of Chatham 2025.

CKHA job fair set for April 11

The Chatham Voice

Looking to work in health care? The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance is hosting a job fair April 11. The event takes place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Bradley Centre on Richmond Street in Chatham.

The job fare will offer attendees information on employment opportunities that span the entirety of CKHA’s programs and services. This includes clinical positions such as nursing and personal support workers, as well as allied health professions such as respiratory therapists, physiotherapists, laboratory and diagnostic imaging technologists/ technicians.

The fair will also focus its recruitment efforts on CKHA’s support services departments such as housekeeping, medical device reprocessing, registration,

patient appointment office, nutrition services and more.

“We’re looking forward to hosting our job fair. This will be an excellent opportunity to explore career opportunities available at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance,” said Lori Marshall, CKHA’s president and CEO, in a media release. “At CKHA, we prioritize our staff’s well-being and professional growth, ensuring they’re equipped with the training and resources to deliver exceptional patient care.”

Advanced registration is not required for the job fair.

CKHA is currently accepting applications across a variety of programs and services. Interested candidates are encouraged to visit CKHA’s website atckha.on.ca/ careers and submit an application online.

Preparing for spring

Search firm hired to find new CKHA boss

The search for a replacement for the retiring Lori Marshall is underway by the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.

Marshall, president and CEO of the CKHA, is set to retire this summer. To seek a replacement, the CKHA board has selected Mirams Becker as the executive search firm to lead the recruitment process.

Hospital officials said in a media release that using an executive search operation helps ensure “the hospital receives specialized knowledge and guidance during the recruitment process.”

“I am delighted that Mirams Becker will be guiding us through this crucial executive search process to find our next president and CEO,” Deb Crawford, CKHA’s chair of the hospital board, said in a media release. “Lori has built a legacy at CKHA that began with a major transformational change in the organization’s culture and operations. Through

challenges such as a global pandemic and a cyber attack, she has continued to lead CKHA with a compassionate approach all while ensuring the organization achieved its goals. It’s imperative for us to seek an executive with solid and compassionate leadership skills and a track record of driving strategic initiatives.”

Man charged over park fight

The Chatham Voice

A Chatham man faces numerous charges relating to the March 18 fight in Tecumseh Park that sent three people to hospital.

Chatham-Kent police have also released additional details in regard to the confrontation. According to police, the middle-of-the-night incident involved four people, two men and two women, and had been prearranged.

Police say the meeting was ostensibly to resolve a dispute.

However, police say a man wearing a balaclava assaulted another man with a knife, injuring the man.

In what police say was an act of self-defence, a woman intervened and injured the attacker, but was also hurt in the melee.

The fourth, the other woman, witnessed what took place, and was not hurt.

All three individuals hurt in the fight received medical attention.

On March 25, police arrested Xander Breynaert, 19, of Chatham and charged him with two counts of aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, two counts of failing to comply with a sentence, disguise with intent and failing to comply with a probation order.

Download the new recycling app

Find your collection day, what’s recyclable, receive service alerts and more!

Ashley Whiting/Special to The Chatham Voice Aurora Exteriors showcased what its team can do for homeowners at the recent Chatham-Kent Home & Garden Show at the Bradley Centre. The show celebrated its 40th anniversary over the weekend. More than 125 businesses showcased services and products to the public in the onestop-shop format.

The Chatham Voice

Community Events

Thursday, April 4, 2024:

• Aging in Place and Downsizing with Ben: 10-11am, Common Grounds Café at the Active Lifestyle Centre, 20 Merritt Ave Chatham. Call for details 519-3525633. $3 members $5 nonmembers.

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am–9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am–1:30pm. Come check out our daily specials. Senior Euchre starts at 1:00pm. Everyone is welcome.

• Jam Session from 1-4:30 pm. All are welcome to attend with a $2 donation. 4-7pm: Homemade Panzerotti + Menu available. Merlin Legion 519-689-4884.

Friday, April 5, 2024:

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

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am–9:30pm. 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. Everyone Welcome.

• Join us for our delicious Merlickin Pork Chop Meal, 4:30-7pm. Served with Scalloped Potatoes or Fries, Veggies, Bun & homemade dessert. Merlin Legion 519-689-4884.

Saturday, April 6, 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.

• KCCC’s Cloverette’s Indoor ‘supporting the Youth Group’ Yard Sale. 8:00am1:00pm. 9092 English Line, Chatham. Everyone welcome! Kitchen open - breakfast & lunch. Trap lines open 11am-2pm.

• Garage/Vendor Sale from 9am-1pm at the Spirit and Life Centre, 184 Wellington St. West. Event is free admission.

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

• Art Show at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 1pm-5pm. Artist David Fife. 850 Richmond St.

• Delicious Merlickin Chicken plus menu served 4-7pm. New: 1st Saturday of every month - Game Night. Your choice of game: cards, cribbage, darts, pool, Jenga, Connect 4, Corn Hole, Tic Tac toe Toss. What would you like to play? Merlin Legion 519-689-4884.

• Support the North Raleigh Fire Department - Annual Fish Fry. 7584 - 6th Line, Chatham. 4pm - 8pm. $30 per ticket. Order your take out - call 226626-6888.

Monday, April 8, 2024:

• Solar Eclipse Watch Party. Backus-Page House Museum is directly in the path of this once in a lifetime event!! Join us from 12pm-5pm. Eclipse glasses will be available to the first 200 at a nominal fee. Throughout the day there will be activities for all ages!

Tuesday, April 9, 2024:

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am–9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am–1:30pm. Today’s special is Spaghetti with meat sauce. Come play Euchre at 1:00 or spend the evening playing Shuffleboard or Euchre starting at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

• Kent Branch Of The Ontario Genealogy Society and with Essex OGS Branch presentation at 7pm- Zoom Presentation. Speaker: Dez Nacario, Archivist, Diocese of Huron Archives . Title: Genealogical Research through Religious Repositories. There will be handouts. Link to Register: Register to attend at kent.ogs.on.ca.

• Join the Chatham-Kent Police Service from 6:30pm-7:30pm at Wallaceburg Branch, Chatham-Kent Public Library as they speak about current online problems such as sexual predators, trafficking and luring. Parents can come by themselves or accompany their children who are 9 years or older for this frank discussion.

Wednesday, April 10, 2024:

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am–9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am–1:30pm. Our daily special is meat loaf Dinner. Come check out our other daily specials. We have Fun Darts at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

• Dart Night For All. Special 1lb Wings + 12 oz Draft for $8.85 + tax = $10. Merlin Legion 519-689-4884.

Thursday, April 11, 2024:

• Retired Workers Chapter Meeting; the perfect opportunity to enjoy coffee and baked goods and visit with friends and former fellow workers. Keep up to date with the community, pensions, benefits and info provided from informed leadership and guest speakers. Spouses are welcome. 10:00am at the Unifor Local 127, 405 Riverview Dr., Chatham.

• Bill’s Place Community Space Drop-In. 330-630pm. 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.

• Jam Session from 1-4:30pm. All are welcome to attend with a $2 donation. From 4-7pm: Homemade Panzerotti + Menu available. Merlin Legion 519-6894884.

• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am–9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am–1:30pm. Come check out our daily specials. Senior Euchre starts at 1:00 p.m. Everyone is 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.

Send your events to michelle@chathamvoice.com or bruce@chathamvoice.com

Fun Stuff

Marvin and Horsley are two

Soak

Partner to cheese

Expression of disappointment

College dorm employee Puzzle answers found on page 19

Realtors support R.O.C.K. effort

The Chatham-Kent Association of Realtors (CKAR) recently hosted its second annual Realtors Rock event in support of R.O.C.K. Missions, a local outreach not-for-profit in Chatham-Kent.

The event raised more than $2,700.

Local realtors showcased their musical talents on stage, fuelling the event, which was headlined by the Courtney Wells Band.

Carrie Patrick, CKAR president, said the evening was a big success.

“It was an amazing turn-

out, and this is most definitely something we want to keep doing year to year,” she said in a media release. CKAR said the event underscores CKAR’s ongoing dedication to en-

hancing the communities in which its members live and work.

Continued on page 18

The Chatham Voice

Contributed image

From left, Barbara McCaughrin; Carrie Patrick, president of the Chatham-Kent Association of Realtors; Renee Geniole, operations co-ordinator for R.O.C.K. Missions; Katherine Rankin; Rachel Szymanski; Anna-Marie Clark; Matthew Romeo; Laurie Dehaw; Tammy Teeuwen; and Robert L’Ecuyer celebrate an evening of fundraising at the Realtors Rock event.

Patti Whittle

OBITUARIES

65, Monday, March 18, 2024

Kendrick Funeral Home

Margaret VanderKaden

83, Saturday, March 23, 2024

Kendrick Funeral Home

Marie Leschyshyn

97, Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Kendrick Funeral Home

Shelley Hewer

65, Saturday, March 23, 2024

Alexander & Houle Funeral Home

Ralph Noah

71, Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Badder Funeral Homes

Jacob “Jack” Langeveld

68, Friday, March 22, 2024

Badder Funeral Homes

Janice Ann Unsworth

77, Saturday, March 23, 2024

Badder Funeral Homes

Sandra Laine Charron

54, Saturday, March 23, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Murray Gladstone

90, Monday, March 25, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Lonnie Smyth

60, Monday, March 25, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

John

Badder

Patricia Day

84, Tuesday, March 19, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Mary Donaldson

87, Saturday, March 23, 2024

McKinlay Funeral Home

Freamond Dennis

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Life Transitions

Ken DeLaet

68, Thursday, March 21, 2024

Life Transitions

Laura Griffith

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Nicholls Funeral Home

Linda Lee Bechard

75, Monday, March 25, 2024

Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Sr. Mary Ann Melechuk

102, Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Theresa DeVogelaere

80, Sunday, March 24, 2024

Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Carol Bradie

83, Sunday, March 24, 2024

Blenheim Community Funeral Home

See full obituaries at chathamvoice.com/obituaires

Roses for Rotary

TransForm alters its service structure

Continued from page 17

TransForm Shared Service Organization has divested itself of its supply chain branch.

The support organization to regional hospitals that include the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Bluewater Health, Erie Shores HealthCare, Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, and Windsor Regional Hospital, transferred the supply chain services to Mohawk Medbuy, effective April 1.

No jobs will be lost as a result of the transfer, and Medbuy will continue to run operations for the regional hub out of Chatham.

and the health care supply chain, officials said.

The agreement aligns with the Ontario Government’s objectives to consolidate procurement activities to create efficiencies and increased savings for Ontario taxpayers and the health system, which will result in more funds directed to front-line care – where it is most needed, officials said in a media release.

The process to transition supply chain services to MMC began last summer, months before TransForm and its member hospitals were hit by a cyberattack in October.

TransForm and MMC have a long-standing history of collaboration in order to provide maximum value to their member hospitals

OFF RETAIL

“TransForm has worked closely with Mohawk Medbuy for over a decade in providing supply chain services for our member hospitals. We already enjoy a strong collaborative relationship with MMC and look forward to our continued collaboration, ensuring our stakeholders receive the best value and service in procurement,” Helga Reidel, TransForm’s board chair, said in a media release.

Hungry Man extends hours

We also BUY estate sales/store closings or bulk sales.

210 King St. W., Chatham mahalo2023@hotmail.com

Hungry Man Restaurant on Keil Drive in Chatham will now be open for dinner.

The popular breakfast and lunch eatery will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturday. Sunday hours will be 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• 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.

Michelle Owchar/The Chatham Voice

The Rotary clubs of Chatham recently held their Roses for Rotary fundraising event. Volunteers, including these Community Living folks shown here dropping off a dozen roses to The Chatham Voice’s Bruce Corcoran, distributed bouquets around the municipality.

Matilda hits UCC stage in May

The Chatham Voice

Excitement is building as the student cast and crew are set to take the stage in May for the UCC production of the musical Matilda.

“This is our first production since the pandemic and we are thrilled to be back,” Jordan Matteis, UCC guidance department head and producer of the show, said in a media release. “Our cast and musicians have been hard at work perfecting their performances; and the crew is working to ensure a topnotch presentation.”

There are about 25 students in

the cast, with a 12-piece student orchestra and another 25 students behind the scenes. Construction and visual arts students have assisted with set building and painting.

Matilda is based on the 1988 children’s novel of the same name. The story features Matilda Wormwood, played by Olivia Gregory. Matilda attends a school run by the tyrannical headmistress, Miss Trunchbull.

Performances are scheduled from May 1 to 4, beginning at 7 p.m. in the UCC theatre. For ticket information, visit the UCC box office at ucctheatre.sccdsb.net/ticket-info.

Contributed image

Members of the Matilda cast include, from left Olivia Gregory, who plays Matilda; and Audrey O’Hara, who plays Miss Honey.