C-K has not given up on housing software
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.comChatham-Kent’s involvement in an eight-member municipal social housing
software project continues to plod toward the finish line.
Dubbed the Housing Collaborative Initiative (HCI), the joint effort seeks to streamline key business processes to manage C-K’s housing data and address provincial reporting requirements in a one-stop model.
And even though the HCI effort has been drawn out over the past 10 years, municipal officials believe it’s a worthwhile project.
According to Ray Harper, former director of housing services for Chatham-Kent, the municipality is “not rethinking” its role in the collaboration.
“Chatham-Kent Housing Services remains committed to the HCI collaboration, though staff acknowledge there have been delays to the project development due to the complex arrangement
of working with multiple municipalities,” Harper said, adding that once completed, staff believe the software’s integrated nature of the software will benefit housing applicants, housing providers and municipal staff by melding current systems into one.
“There’s no service delivery issues or negative issues,” Harper said with regard to HCI. “We’re simply trying to streamline processes and delivery.”
The software project, which includes the City of London and Kitchener-Waterloo, has been called into question recently because of its slow progress and high costs in partner cities.
As reported by the CBC, London politicians have questioned why the city has spent at least $400,000 on software it has never used. The news outlet also reported that the consultant spearheading the work has been paid close to $800,000.
However, Harper said that Chatham-Kent’s piece of the pie has been less than three per cent of the total cost to date, with the municipality having spent $53,880 so far. None of the work has been outsourced in C-K either, as it’s been handled by municipal staff in house.
Harper said that HCI, which is expected to be completed next year, was undertaken to streamline systems that are nearing their end of their useful life expectancy.
The project is now in its final testing stage, Harper said, on modules connected to items such as waitlists, rent supplements, finance and risk management.
“Since the modules are developed and released incrementally, we are using a staggered approach to allow for sufficient testing and training activities on the project,” he said, adding the roll out will also be done incrementally in 2024. The City of London is the overseer of the collaboration.
Juggling fun
Voice
A comedic juggler is coming to Chatham-Kent in August for a couple of days of entertaining.
Craig Douglas, Comic Juggler is coming to town through the Chatham-Kent Public Library on Aug. 17 and 18.
Performances are free. Douglas kicks off his visit Aug. 17 at 11 a.m. in Kingston Park in Chatham.
At 2:30 p.m., he performs inside the Wallaceburg branch of the library.
And at 6 p.m., he will do his show in the Jim Kish Theatre in Bothwell. The following day, Douglas starts off by performing at the Blenheim branch of the library at 10:30 a.m., following up with a show at the Tilbury Memorial Arena at 2 p.m.
Councillor faces 90-day pay ban
Integrity Commissioner recommends Jubenville receive salary suspension
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.comThe Integrity Commissioner for Chatham-Kent is recommending that North-Kent Coun. Rhonda Jubenville’s pay be docked for 90 days.
According to a 47-page report prepared by Mary Ellen Bench, the sanction relates to social media posts made by Jubenville, plus her behaviour.
“I absolutely disagree with the report. It infringes on my Charter Rights and is filled with half-truths, untruths and subjective opinions.”
The commissioner said both at times are in violation of two sections of C-K Council’s Code of Conduct.
The councillor does not agree with the commissioner’s findings.
“I absolutely disagree with the report. It infringes on my Charter Rights and is filled with halftruths, untruths and subjective opinions,” Jubenville, who has retained counsel, said in an e-mail.
ceived an additional complaint May 2 in conjunction with comments made by Jubenville on social media relating to flying the Pride flag and the Canadian flag at Blenheim District High School. On her Facebook page, Jubenville stated it wasn’t an “accepted practice,” and advised those who felt “impassioned about this to please, respectfully” let high school officials know.
Days later, a man was cautioned by Chatham-Kent police after threats were made against the school about taking down the Pride flag.
Jubenville engaged “in behaviour that unduly used her influence as a public official and did so to be intimidating and use bully tactics to silence her critics.”
In the report’s conclusion, Bench states that Jubenville breached the code by “engaging in behaviour that unduly used her influence as a public official and did so to be intimidating and use bully tactics to silence her critics.”
- Mary Ellen Bench’s report
In the report, Bench explained she had received “many complaints” about Jubenville’s actions in the period from April to June 2023.
The document indicates the chain of events leading to the inquiry began with C-K council denying Life in Motion – the educational arm of Right to Life Kent – the opportunity to fly its flag at the Chatham-Kent Civic Centre.
Subsequently, at the April 24 council meeting, Jubenville brought forward a motion that would allow only three government flags to be flown at municipal sites – the Canadian flag, the Ontario flag and the C-K’s municipal flag. However, council, in a 12-to-5 vote, defeated the motion. Bench goes on to say she re-
Bench noted that while not all of Jubenville’s posts violated the conduct code, some were concerning.
“The nature of certain complaints and the response of the councillor however, require me to complete a formal investigation and report to council,” said
Bench in the report. The report says the complainants – the commissioner is keeping their identities anonymous – cover a number of objections to Jubenville’s words, ranging from singling out other councillors, to targeting the 2SLGTBQ community, to creating a toxic work environment within council.
Bench also points out that somewhere along the way, media reports made the flag issue synonymous with the Pride flag, indicating Jubenville is opposed to the 2SLGTBQ community.
However, Jubenville has stated publicly she’s is not against anyone in the gay community and “loves” people within it.
In the report, Bench said she believes Jubenville “was aware of the power she wields through her use of social media and the influence she has on her supporters,” citing comments she made to the media as examples that demonstrates this, especially when Coun. Jubenville “exercises her voice to call others to action.”
Bench further stated Jubenville “used the influence of her office to promote causes that
JOE’S
were important to her and in doing so failed to uphold the high standard of ethical behaviour” council members are required to adhere to under the current rules.
The code states that no member of council shall use the influence of her or his office for any purpose other than for the exercise of her or his official duties.
Bench said that she had reached out to Jubenville in April following the Life in Motion flag flap in an attempt to resolve the matter. The commissioner said the councillor was open to discussion and removed some of the posts in question, but refused to re-
move others.
Jubenville also made posts decrying a workshop for Lambton Kent District School Board teachers to learn how to facilitate a Drag Queen story time, tying such events to the “normalization of pedophilia,” the report said.
To that end, Jubenville received a number of online messages that wished her dead but did not threaten specific acts of violence against her. She has also received a great deal of support from online followers. Some of those supporters even sent messages to Bench, despite the fact the probe was not made public and only Jubenville knew. The commissioner also received six phone calls.
Continued on page 4
- Coun. Rhonda Jubenville
Council to vote on recommendation
Continued from page 3
One of the messages sent to Bench said the commissioner’s “harassment of Coun. Jubenville” was “disgusting and contemptible.”
Another stated that the “real violence will be incited if this investigation results in her being disciplined or shut down by this finding.”
In her conclusion, Bench has
A Warm, Accessible Space to Say Good-Bye
not prohibited Jubenville from using social media in the future, but she said the first-term councillor should use her social media presence “responsibly” to uphold the values laid out in the code of conduct rules.
“(The) real violence will be incited if this investigation results in her being disciplined or shut down by this finding.”
Trust
459 St. Clair St., Chatham - 519-351-2040
76 Main St. E., Ridgetown - 519-674-3141
141 Park St., Blenheim - 519-676-3451
www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com
Jubenville has repeatedly told media outlets that flag flying is a matter of fairness and that municipal sites should raise all special interest flags or none at all. A response from Toronto lawyer Michael Alexander, who is acting as counsel for Jubenville on the matter, was also included in the report.
Alexander’s letter
states that Jubenville’s comments are protected under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and censuring her is a “violation of the Charter and a betrayal of our democratic way of life, and it would enable the true enemies of freedom – the complainants and their supporters – to take control of public discourse.”
According to Alexander, the IC report’s recommendations will “violate Ms. Jubenville’s right to freedom of expression guaranteed under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.”
Currently, Chatham-Kent has no official flag flying policy and whatever flag flies is up to the discretion of the mayor’s office. However, a policy is in the works. A motion made by Cha-
tham Coun. Marjorie Crew has asked administration to explore the issue and return a report to council this fall.
The matter of Jubenville’s pay suspension is expected to come before council at the Aug. 14 meeting as the first order of business. Council as a whole will vote on the Integrity Commissioner’s recommendations. Jubenville disagreed with the proposed disciplinary action. “The three month suspension of pay is absolutely not fair, nor justified,” she said. “If I actually committed the breaches of conduct that I am accused of, I would humbly concede. That is not the case.”
The commissioner states it is “council’s role to set the policy, direction and vision for the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, and when a member of council does not agree with that direction, that member is expected to accept it.”
- Jubenville supporter
Students to benefit from added funding
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.comNew funding for the Learning Disabilities Association (LDA) Chatham-Kent is creating a win-win situation. Staff will be paid better wages and will work full time, meaning they’ll be able to assist more students.
The added funding, all $197,700, came in the form
of an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant.
Linda Soulliere, executive director of the LDA, was ecstatic upon learning they had been approved for the funding.
“They gave us exactly what we asked for. They approved the entire thing,” she said.
As for “the entire thing,” it entails making improvements at the association
across the board.
Those upgrades start with staffing. Soulliere said additional staff will be hired, and those on board will receive a raise to a “living wage” level.
“The additional staff will help with programming –the tutoring and the social skills programs – and we’re increasing hours so we can serve more children,” she
said. “The lack of steady funding before this was always a challenge. Our staff was only able to work part time.”
Now, with the staffing and volunteer support, Soulliere said the association can help about 40 students a week. Students are usually in the association’s programs for a two-week period, she added.
“All the students get one-on-one tutoring,” she said. “In social skills, we have 12 kids for a session. We work with the younger kids and then 12 older ones...24 every two weeks.”
Soulliere said the LDA serves children with learning disabilities and ADHD.
“It helps them get through and keep up their levels,” she explained. “Once they get the right one-on-one attention and some di-
rection on how to focus, it makes a huge difference.”
Some of the Trillium funding will also be used to help upgrade technology at the association, starting with staff computers.
Plus, a portion will support Tilly’s Tales, a weekly podcast put out on Facebook by the LDA.
“It’s something we do to promote early literacy,” Soulliere explained. The podcast goes out every Friday morning at 10 a.m. A guest in the near future will be the man who handed over the Trillium funding, Chatham-Kent–Leamington MPP Trevor Jones.
The LDA of Chatham-Kent has been in operation for more than three decades and operates out of Chatham-Kent Secondary School.
“We cram a lot of stuff into a very small space,” Soulliere said.
Decision in council’s hands
Three months’ docked pay.
That’s the recommendation from the municipality’s Integrity Commissioner in penalty for the actions of North Kent Coun. Rhonda Jubenville.
Some will say that is incredibly harsh; while others will decry it as too mild.
Jubenville defends her comments as freedom of speech.
The reality is that nothing is set in stone just yet on the penalty for Jubenville’s posts on social media and her related behaviour.
Mary Ellen Bench, the Integrity Commissioner, in a 47-page report, said in both instances, the councillor is in violation of C-K council’s Code of Conduct.
Bench said she had received “many complaints” in regard to Jubenville’s actions between April and June of this year. She added that she discarded many of those complaints, but said there were grounds for penalty in several instances.
Those include what occurred in regard to her notice of motion to ban all special-interest flags from flying from municipal flagstaffs. Bench also addressed comments made by Jubenville on social media in regard to the Pride flag flying underneath the Canadian flag at a local high school. It ultimately led to police cautioning a man after threats
were made against the school about removing the flag. In the report’s conclusion, Bench states that Jubenville breached the code by “engaging in behaviour that unduly used her influence as a public official and did so to be intimidating and use bully tactics to silence her critics.”
Council will vote on the matter Aug. 14. That meeting should prove to be very interesting indeed, not just in terms of what is on the agenda, but also who attends and how they may act.
Jubenville has supporters and haters. It appears there is little middle ground, at least judging on the social media comments made on our stories on the councillor’s efforts to date.
The councillor has surely seen the quick and en-masse response from her supporters in her online urgings. Bench believes the councillor is “aware of the power she wields through her use of social media.”
The problem is that encouraging people to take action can empower some individuals to go to extremes. One Jubenville supporter warned Bench that the “real violence will be incited if this investigation results in her being disciplined or shut down by this finding.”
That is downright worrisome, for council, the municipality and the police.
Chatham Voice advertising policy
The publisher of this newspaper, CK Media Inc., reserves the right to clarify or refuse any advertisement based on its sole discretion. The publisher reserves the right to reject, discontinue or omit any advertisement without notice
Investment in healthcare capacity needed
or penalty to either party.
Liability for errors or non-insertion is limited to the amount paid for the cost of space occupied by the error. Claims of errors must be made prior to the next publication date.
Editor: In as much as I am delighted with the news of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance receiving a $4.2-million boost from the Ontario government, I am equally disappointed in a trend – a lack of equal level of investment in enhancing the community’s capacity in maintaining our health in Chatham-Kent and in the rest of the Province of Ontario.
There is no doubt that the non-profit public hospitals, which provide medical services (acutecare treatments, surgeries etc.,) need more funding in keeping up with an ever-increasing cost of operation. Their needs are a priority also.
As a senior citizen of Chatham-Kent, I appreciate and support CKHA. And as a satisfied patient, I attest to the fact that
CKHA provides a quality of medical services.
However, since there is more to health care than hospital-based care, I believe that any investment in this area does not necessarily translate into enhancing the community’s capacity, as far as our overall health is concerned. Misunderstanding between the overall health with acute care happens when we assume “health” with the “acute care/treatments in the hospital.”
When I advocate on behalf of the community-based resources, I mean investing in all those factors which enhance our overall health, factors which promote prevention, after-care and all the emotional and social supports which we need to remain healthy
and keep ourselves out of the hospitals.
I believe that any investment in health should include a fully funded strategy in the development of an alternate level of care to support a transition of acute care services to the community. This will require much greater levels of collaborations within the various departments of the Ministry of Health and among the various ministries as well.
The fact remains that the community-based health resources remain an orphan child of the healthcare system in Ontario. In my experience, successive governments over the years have not recognized the value of the community, as much as they should have, in the delivery of overall health services.
Continued on page 7
Supports needed in local health care
Continued from page 6
I strongly suggest that we continue to preserve hospital resources for those who really need them, but at the same time, enhance the community’s capacity to receive services and supports closer to our homes and families/ friends.They who take on the burden of providing informal supports at a significant cost to their lives. Their sacrifices reduce the cost of acute care in the hospitals. Family/friends too need supports in supporting their sick relatives. Evidence substantiates the fact that by providing necessary services and supports within the community allows people to receive linguistically and culturally appropriate services that meet the needs of diverse, multicultural communities, including Aboriginal peoples. Sufficient research data indicates a reduction
in overall costs in the institutional care (hospitals and jails) when investments are made in the community-based resources, i.e., prevention, health promotion, psycho-social supports, home care, supportive housing, family supports, supported employment, drop-ins, peer supports self-help, etc. The “medical model of care” doesn’t necessarily provide the same benefits in the community when compared with the psych-social model of care and supports.
Let’s not repeat the same mistakes of the past where institution-based services were reduced but sufficient resources were not invested in the community to respond to the new demands created by the deinstitutionalization. We must strengthen the linkages between the hospitals and the community-based care, as well as address the regional differences such
SHOP LOCAL. SAVE LOCAL
Support the local businesses that support your local newspaper.
as transportation issues from the isolated rural communities to the resource rich urban centers. Let’s learn from past mistakes as we address the pressures related to the health-care. Funding must be tied with the ex-
pected results, and those who can demonstrate through their outcomes must be rewarded. This means, developing comprehensive outcome measurements and applying it to all the service providers equally. Even
the community-based services and supports must go through an accreditation process to justify their funding and their quality of services. We don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Enhancing the community’s
capacity in taking care of its citizens in a cost-effective manner is the only answer as we struggle with the defined resources.
Build underway without homeowners
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.comConstruction on a new Habitat for Humanity duplex is underway in Chatham, but the non-profit is still looking
for the folks who will call it home.
“We definitely need some families,” said Anne Taylor, volunteer manager for the Chatham-Kent branch of the global charity. Taylor said the agency is currently
taking applications, and those interested can start the process by filling out a questionnaire on the organization’s website. The new semi-detached dwelling on Houston Street is rising on land gifted to Habitat by an
anonymous donor. The donor wanted to help a family secure their own home. Little did they know their gift would end up helping two families.
“The cool piece and exciting thing for us is that
the donation will help two families,” Taylor acknowledged. “We doubled his wishes and we’re pretty proud of that.”
The foundation has been poured on each of the 1,100-square-foot units, which are the eighth and ninth Habitat homes to be built in Chatham-Kent. The basements won’t be finished, Taylor explained, noting residents can treat them like a “blank canvas” shaping them to their own family’s needs.
There are strict guidelines in place for those who become owners of a Habitat for Humanity build. To qualify for an interest-free mortgage, owners must find a way to commit 500 worth of volunteer hours to the construction or to the organization in lieu of a down payment, and they must also be spending no more than 30 per cent of their income on housing.
Potential homeowners must also be employed in order to qualify, with a median income as outlined in the HFH guidelines.
ReStore manager Mike Coyne said increased costs across the board have changed the way Habitat homes are built in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Because COVID regulations prohibited groups on site, more work is now being done by contractors, with volunteers coming on site to undertake lesser-skilled work,
such as painting, often as part of a team-building exercise. Coyne said there is a lot of work that only licensed tradespeople can do, such as roofing, electrical and putting up trusses.
Every build is different, he said. “It depends on the project. There’s also a shortage of people so we find the easiest way to make it smooth as possible.”
Yet even though the methodology has changed, Habitat’s goal remains the same.
“Everything is costing more,” Coyne said. “But we’re still trying to put families in homes that will make generational change.”
Taylor agreed.
“It’s the evolution of where we’re at,” she said. “At the end of the day, we want to put houses up as soon as possible.”
The need for affordable housing is real. According to the C-K Habitat for Humanity website, one in six residents in the municipality lives in poverty, including one in five children. Currently, there are 1,000 people on a waitlist for social housing, with the average wait time listed as 4.5 years.
In another new development, Habitat for Humanity C-K is planning to build a new ReStore outlet at the corner of Sass Road and Junction Road. It will be one of the first builds in the industrial park located off Park Avenue East in Chatham.
Chatham-Kent council approved a zoning bylaw amendment for the build at a recent planning meeting.
Taylor said the charity needed to find a new home as the lease at the store’s long-time Riverview Drive location in Chatham is expiring.
The winner of the $50 Gas card was Marion Lucio
@ROYALLEPAGEPEIFER
BROKERAGE - INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED
Amber Pinsonneault Broker of Record Cell 519-784-5310
Marco Acampora* 519-784-4348
Ashley Amato* 519-365-5677
Dane Appleton* 519-436-7195
Kelly-Anne Appleton* 519-365-7155
Megan Canniff* 226-626-7133
Stephen Carroll* 519-355-9774
Anna-Marie Clark* 519-354-7890
Ron Collins* 519-401-8464
Lisa Everaert* 519-330-8548
Eric Fitzgerald* 519-436-4865
Michael Gibbons* 519-365-5634
Jeff Godreau* 519-365-4852
Darren Hart* 226-627-8580
Michelle Hetherington 519-401-2635*
Gwen Liberty* 519-784-3646
Wayne Liddy* 519-436-4810
Krista Mall* 519-365-7462
June McDougall* 519-358-5199
Sylvia Moffat** 519-355-8189
Ghassan Najjar** 519-355-8668
Heather Najjar** 519-355-8666
Cass Opiela* 519-355-7804
Meg Palin* 226-627-2078
Chris Papple* 519-350-1402
Brian Peifer** 519-436-2669
Elizabeth Peifer* 519-436-8959
Patrick Pinsonneault** 519-360-0141
Chris Polley* 905-903-0505
Scott Poulin* 519-350-5320
Katherine Rankin* 226-542-2964
Deborah Rhodes* 519-401-5470
David Smith* 519-350-1615
Michael Smyth* 519-784-5470
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
Elliot Wilton* 519-358-8755
Tori Winters* 226-881-0334
Lisa Zimmer* 519-365-7325
Ground breaks for new LTC residence
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.comYears in the making, the new 160-bed St. Angela’s Meadow Care Centre is about to take shape in west Chatham.
According to officials, construction will get underway at 20 Merici Way adjacent to St. Angela’s Meadow Retirement Lodge within one week’s time.
Ontario Minister of Long-Term Care Paul Calandra paid a special visit to the municipality July 24 to help break ground on the long-awaited announcement.
“Today marks a significant milestone for Cha-
tham-Kent,” Calandra told the crowd. “When construction is completed, 160 residents will have a new place to call home, near their family and friends.”
Calandra praised the efforts of the Ford government for doubling down on its commitment to improve long-term care, explaining the Chatham-Kent community is getting 500 new beds, which he said is more than the Liberals accomplished in two previous governments.
“I want to put that in context,” he added, noting the Liberal government only built 611 long-term care beds in the province in eight years.
Calandra said his government has been “trying to catch up” from day one and will build 30,000 new beds in Ontario by 2028. By way of a $10-billion investment, he said Ontario has 31,705 new and 28,648 upgrade beds in the planning, construction and opening stages.
As well, he said, Ontario is investing $5 billion in staffing with a goal of hiring 27,000 additional LTC workers.
He said progress in LTC entails taking down old out-dated homes and replacing them with modern facilities, noting it’s “important to transform long-term care.
“It’s not just about building homes,” he said. “We
listened. For far too long governments in Ontario treated long-term care like an institution, whereas you and your staff and your teams told us these are homes.”
Meadow Park Chatham administrator and emcee
Anne Marie Rumble was all smiles as she kicked off the event.
“This is actually so surreal,” Rumble said, “and hard to believe we are finally here and ready to officially break ground for a new home that we
have been hoping, wishing and dreaming of for so long.
“This is something our community and residents and team members are so deserving of,” she said.
Continued on page 11
160 new LTC beds
Continued from page 10
“Today we break ground, this is a tangible step forward for our Meadow Park community.”
North York-based Corebuild Construction has the contract to build the new home, with completion slated for the spring 2026.
Owned and operated by Jarlette Health Services, St. Angela’s Meadow Care Centre will provide 61 new beds and 99 upgraded beds in private and semi-private rooms. It will be air conditioned and offer large communal spaces. Seniors currently housed at Meadow Park will be moved to the new facility when it’s ready.
The Chatham home is only the second of its kind in Ontario to utilize the holistic “butterfly”
model in its design and approach, offering emotionally centred care for dementia patients and others with memory issues, that honours the legacy of their lives. The other new butterfly build, also being constructed by Corebuild, is located in Temiskaming.
Chatham-Kent–Leamington MPP Trevor Jones said the new facility will provide a “campus of care” with state-of-the-art technology and diagnostic services that are usually carried out in a hospital.
Jones said the new home is more than just a building and is a “game changer” for Chatham-Kent.
“Our loved ones deserve to live their golden years in an environment that is modern, safe and
YOUR SOURCE FOR CHATHAM-KENT REAL ESTATE FEATURED PROPERTIES
292 Gregory Dr. E. $1,100,000
128 Landings Pass $698,900
31 & 35 Notre Dame $134,900 per lot
equipped with all the necessary resources to provide the excellent care our seniors deserve.”
The LTC minister commended Chatham-Kent municipal officials for their willingness to spur the new project forward, noting some Ontario municipalities “put up roadblocks,” delaying efforts. Calandra also encouraged other municipalities to get on board because new homes are getting built no matter what, noting the province will “remove those obstacles” if necessary.
“The people of this province have had enough and we are making serious investments and we expect our partners at all levels to help us make these investments,” Calandra added.
OPEN HOUSE SAT. AUG 5, 1-3
2 + 1 bed, 2 bath ranch on stunning 3 acre parcel located on the edge of Chatham. Call Bill Myers** @ 519-365-2094.
10 Hall, Blenheim $369,900
Ideal starter home with this 3 bedroom, 1 1/2 storey home located in Blenheim. Call Tony Reed** @ 519-355-8032.
Coming Soon!
Country living on approx. 3 acres, located on paved road with natural gas. Contact Laurie DeHaw* @ 519-809-0513 for details!
New captivating 3 bedroom, 2.1 bath 2 storey located in the Landings subdivision. Offering 1824 sq. ft. Call Bill Myers** @ 519-365-2094.
821 Markham Drive $319,900
Vacant Building lots in Pain Court. 2 to choose from. Call Bill Myers** for more information. 519-365-2094.
298 Lorne Ave., Wallaceburg $209,900
Build your dream home or cottage! 100 x 150 ft. canal front lot at Lighthouse Cove. Call Laurie DeHaw* for details @ 519-809-0513.
18133 Fifth Ave., Rondeau $579,000
Adorable 2 bdrm bungalow close to amenities! Perfect retirement or first time buyer’s home. Call Tricia Weese*** @ 519-365-7435 to view.
27 Notre Dame $589,000
Walk to the beaches of Lake Erie or Rondeau Bay. Cottage or year round 3 bdrm home. Call Sheila Young** for more details 519-436-7485.
3 bed, 3 bath ranch with pool located on large lot in the community of Pain Court. Call Jodi Vlasman* @ 519-365-5851.
EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE
* Sales Represtentative **Broker ***Broker of Record
551 Queen St., Chatham • 519-352-9400
Lucky win for Chatham man
A Chatham man has pocketed $100,000 courtesy of the OLG.
Marcel Parker matched the last six of seven En-
core numbers in exact order in the July 14 Lotto Max draw to win the cash. Parker, a 59-year-old father, said he’s been playing the lottery every Friday for quite some time.
He occasionally plays instant tickets but is loyal to Lotto Max and Lotto 6/49. Parker always says yes to Encore and this is his first big win. Early one morning, the
truck driver got home from work and decided to check his ticket on the OLG App.
“I didn’t have my glasses on when I scanned it,” he
said in a media release. “I was shocked to discover I’d won!”
With his prize, Parker plans to complete some home renovations, share
with family, and enjoy the rest.
The winning ticket was purchased at Ken’s Variety on Vanier Drive in Chatham.
Thamesville bridge dip impacting motorists
By Michael Bennett Local Journalism Initiative The Ridgetown IndependentTenders are expected to go out shortly seeking a contractor to fix a major depression in the roadway on the north side of the new Thamesville Bridge.
The new bridge on Victoria Road over the Thames River
opened in 2019, replacing the original bridge that was built in 1937.
The new span was barely two years old when a depression developed in the southbound approach on the north side.
The sudden dip mostly affects motorcyclists, recreational vehicles, and pickups pulling trailers.
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has fielded a large number of complaints and has been monitoring the situation since 2021.
A “bump” sign was installed to warn motorists of the dip.
“A lot of people are asking, ‘Why don’t you just pave it?’ But there is a lot more to it than that,” said Brendan
Falkner, Chatham-Kent’s manager of infrastructure and engineering services.
Falkner said the depression results from soil shifting under the roadway since the bridge opened.
The Mitchell's Bay Area Association would like to THANK all the anglers, sponsors, volunteers and spectators for making our 9th Annual such a SUCCESS! We look forward
Community Events
Thursday, August 3, 2023:
• Master Your Health Diabetes, Thursdays, August 3—Sept 7, 2023, 1:30pm—4:00pm. Join us and learn how to take control of your health! All workshop materials are provided for free. Free registration by using link: https:// myhdiab_aug3.eventbrite.ca.
• Sombra Museum Trivia Night. Starting at 6:30pm. Contestants will be provided popcorn and refreshments to fuel them in their quest for trivia stardom over the course of this roughly 2-hour event. $5.00 per person. 3470 St. Clair Pkwy. RSVP by August 2 by calling the Sombra Museum at 519-892-3982 or by messaging on Facebook or Instagram @ sombramuseum or emailing us sombramuseum@stclairtownship.ca. Individuals and groups welcome (recommended group of 5-6 people).
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am–9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am–1:30pm. Senior Euchre at 1:00pm. The Ladies Auxiliary will be holding their monthly bingo. Sale of cards starting at 6:00pm and Bingo at 7:00. Everyone is welcome.
Friday, August 4, 2023:
• Adult Colouring at the CKPL Chatham Branch Community Living Café. 2:00pm until 4:00pm. Are you looking for a creative outlet? Need some time to escape the everyday? Come and connect with people of all ages and skill levels while colouring away the stress of the day. Come alone or bring a friend. No registration required, come and go as you please.
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open from 11:00am–9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch from 11:00am–1:30pm. Supper will be served from 4:00-6:00. No orders after 5:30pm. Tonight’s specials are cheeseburger & fries or fish & chips. Take out is also available by calling 519-351-8733 or 519-3515639. Fun Darts start at 7:00 p.m. Everyone Welcome.
• Friday night supper at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St is a Salisbury steak with
Fun Stuff
potatoes, vegetable, coleslaw and a bun. Dine ins $12 and pickups $13. Please call daily at 519-3528291 to place your order. Everyone welcome.
Saturday, August 5, 2023:
• 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-10:30am. Take out only.
• Art on the Boulevard in Erieau from 9 am to 4 pm. Stroll down our tree lined boulevard during this free event and meet and purchase works of over 100 artists from across Ontario. This year we have brought back the Home and Cottage Tour. Tour cottages and homes in the village from 10am–2pm at a cost of $20 per ticket. Tickets can be purchased at the information table. Local musicians DAM will be playing in the gazebo on the boulevard throughout the day. Come enjoy your day.
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. There will be a meat draw at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch from 3:00pm-5:30pm. Entertainment by Exit 31 from 4:30-9:30. Come check out our menu. Everyone Welcome.
• Community Creative Expression Antibullying Murals with Shannon Rose Artist & Photography at Thamesville Sertoma Club. 12noon-3pm.
Sunday, August 6, 2023:
• Creekside Church - 10:00 a.m Sunday’s at the Active Lifestyle Centre, Merritt Ave. Haven’t been to church in a while? Come find community with us. creeksidechurch.ca.
• The Spanish Ministry from West Park London will perform for the Dresden Christian Concerts on the property of Total Grain Systems (1233 North St. in Dresden). Rain location is Dresden Christian Reformed Church. Starts at 6:30pm. Listen from your vehicle or bring your lawn chairs. The concert is free but an offering will be taken.
• Community Creative Expression Antibullying Murals with Shannon Rose Artist & Photography at Greenview Park & Zoo, 12734 Talbot Trail. 1pm-4pm.
Tuesday, August 8, 2023:
• Chess Club at Chatham Branch of CKPL. 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Drop in program. Great opportunity to learn new strategies by playing with different players. All ages and all skill levels are welcome.
• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am-9:30 pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am–1:30pm. Today’s special is Spaghetti with meat sauce. Come play Euchre at 1:00 or spend the evening playing Shuffleboard starting at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome.
Wednesday, August 9, 2023:
• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am–9:30pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am–1:30pm. Our daily special is meat loaf Dinner. Come check out our other daily specials. We have Fun Darts at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome.
Thursday, August 10, 2023:
• Community Creative Expression Antibullying Murals with Shannon Rose Artist & Photography at Red Barn Brewing Company, 20466 Lagoon Road, Blenheim. 7pm-9pm.
• Come join us at The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham from 11:00am-9:30 pm. The kitchen is open to serve lunch from 11:00am–1:30pm. Come check out our daily specials. Senior Euchre starts at 1:00pm. Everyone is welcome.
Are you affected by someone else’s drinking? Al-anon can help! Call - leave message519-350-3462
Alcoholics Anonymous, we can help! Information Line 519-360-5246.
Submit your coming events to bruce@chathamvoice.com or michelle@chathamvoice.com
CLUES ACROSS
1. Indicates tire pressure
4. Request
7. Clairvoyance
10. 007’s creator
11. Adult male
12. Scandinavian god of battle
13. Cloths spread on a coffin
15. Breeze through
16. Ladyfish genus
19. It’s good to take them
21. Noble-governed territory
23. Members of U.S. Navy
24. Card game resembling rummy
25. Affected by injury
26. Member of a Semitic people
27. Left
30. Woman’s cloak
34. S. American plant
35. Prohibit
36. Offense
41. Dish soap brand
45. Ottoman military commanders
46. Ancient Greek City
47. Makes unhappy
50. Discuss again
54. Medical instrument
55. Promote
56. A beloved carb
57. Tag the base runner to get him out
59. Prehistoric people
60. Large African antelope
61. Vehicle
62. Georgia rockers
63. Scientific instrument (abbr.)
64. A major division of geological time
65. Attempt CLUES DOWN
1. Plant of the nettle family
2. Fit to be sold
3. Rather
4. Collected
5. A baglike structure in a plant or animal
6. Patella
7. Ageless
8. Lists of course requirements
9. Pokes at
13. TV network
14. They __
17. Cooking hardware
18. U.S. Army title
20. Iron-containing compound
22. Swiss river (alt. spelling)
27. Former French coin
28. Electronic countermeasures
29. Taxi
31. Helps little firms
32. Woeful
33. Midway between northeast and east
37. Glowing
38. Tasks which should be done
39. An informal body of friends
40. Intrinsic nature
41. Neural structures
42. Brews
43. Where ships unload cargo
44. Singer
47. Sino-Soviet block (abbr.)
48. Southwest Scotland town
49. Most worthless parts
51. Viscous
52. Put to work
53. Old world, new
58. Swiss river PUZZLE ANSWERS
ON PAGE 19
Abraham office opens in Chatham
The Chatham Voice
Abraham Orthodontics is now open on St. Clair Street in Chatham.
Dr. Maxwell Abraham and his team’s innovative service, affordable braces and Invisalign solutions, and expertise are now locally available to families of all ages.
Abraham Orthodontics has opened a new stateof-the-art facility at 729 St. Clair in Chatham, their second location since launching in Leamington in 2016.
“We are so excited to launch our orthodontic practice, not only for the many families who have travelled to Leamington to see us for years to get perfect smiles, but also for the opportunity to connect with their friends and families and serve them close to home,” Abraham said in a media release.
“We take pride in making treatment as transparent as possible by providing free smile assessments and records, flexible, interest-free payment plans
with no down payment, and efficient service.”
Although most children will not receive treatment until they are teenagers, Abraham recommends that the first visit be made by the age of seven to provide families with an understanding of current and future issues that need to be addressed.
The Abraham team is excited to give back to the community as a long-time supporter of schools throughout Chatham-Kent.
“Our newest team members are from Chatham, and they are excited to be back in the community and supporting our patients in their schools and on the field in all corners of Chatham-Kent,” Abraham said.
A referral is preferred but not required to schedule a free smile exam, and fam-
3.78L 20% off*
ilies can do so by calling 519-398-8101 or visiting abrahamorthodontics. com.
Realty Energy Group is on the move
The Realty Energy Group, a Royal LePage Peifer Realty team, is mov-
ing in right beside Abraham Orthodontics.
The team is comprised of Patrick Pinsonneault, Darren Hart, Carson Warrener and Marco Acampora.
“We are very excited to launch the new Royal LePage satellite office in
the Abraham Orthodontics building. Max (Abraham) has really raised the bar for local development with this build and we didn’t hesitate in being a part of the success of this location,” Warrener said in a media release.
“Investments like this, take years of planning and development and add tremendous value to our community through employment and competitive professional services,” he added.
Continued on page 18
9
Real estate office moves to St. Clair
Continued from page 17
“We identified last year that our team would require a modern and fully accessible office space and Max has certainly delivered.”
Phyllis Urry
The office is a full service real estate office and is the only Royal LePage commercial office in Chatham-Kent. The REG team expects their office improvements to be
OBITUARIES
102, Tuesday, July 25, 2023
Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Mary Theresa Mailloux
64, Saturday, July 22, 2023
McKinlay Funeral Home
Roger Laprise
82, Tuesday, July 25, 2023
McKinlay Funeral Home
Art Bisschop
91, Sunday, July 23, 2023
Kendrick Funeral Home
Rose Marie Shepley
84, Friday, July 21, 2023
Nicholls Funeral Home
Wilma Mini Eliza McCarthy
82, Saturday, July 22, 2023
Nicholls Funeral Home
Corrie Dymock
69, Saturday, July 22, 2023
Nicholls Funeral Home
James DeWolf
73, Saturday, July 22, 2023
Nicholls Funeral Home
Trevor Slater
70, Thursday, July 20, 2023
Life Transitions
Lewis Pope
Friday, July 21, 2023
Life Transitions
Barbara Johnson
Saturday, July 22, 2023
Life Transitions
Kimberly Wood (Dudley)
52, Saturday, July 22, 2023
Life Transitions
Gary Irving
70, Saturday, July 22, 2023
Life Transitions
Gary Riedstra
78, Saturday, July 22, 2023
Life Transitions
Tammie Rivest (Crawford)
60, Sunday, July 23, 2023
Life Transitions
Joseph Marcel Lacombe
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
Life Transitions
Kathrine Landon
Wednesday, July 26, 2023
Life Transitions
See full obituaries at chathamvoice.com/obituaries
completed in mid-August.
Tea time
Mrs. Bell’s Tea Room has a rather busy month
planned. On Aug. 10, the Third Street business is hosing a S’mores Tea Party, with sittings at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
MUNICIPALITY OF CHATHAM-KENT HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAYS
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent in conjunction with Waste Connections of Canada Ridge Landfill will be holding eight Household Hazardous Waste Days between April and November in 2023. The events will be held:
Location: Veolia Environmental Services
141 Prosperity Way, near Chatham Day:
Time:
Tuesday, August 8, 2023 8:00am - 1:00pm
Saturday, September 9, 2023 8:00am - 1:00pm
Tuesday, October 10, 2023 8:00am - 1:00pm
Tuesday, November 14, 2023 8:00am - 1:00pm
For more information please visit www.chatham-kent.ca, your nearest Municipal Centre or call 311 or 519-360-1998. This event is provided by Waste Connections of Canada’s Ridge Landfill and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.
A day later, Zen by Jen pops by to host a chair yoga class, which will be followed by tea and treats. The class begins at 10 a.m.
On Aug. 17, the evening will be alive with poetry, beginning at 6:30 p.m. and featuring Michael Dudley and Tavis Lea.
A week later, on Aug. 24, is the Just Bee-Cause Tea Party, an ode to the honeybee.
Seafood fare
Small Plates, located inside Gentry Manor, is having an Under the Sea dinner on Aug. 26.
From oysters to crab, salmon, tuna and more, the meal is a treat to the taste buds.
Call 519-351-5600 for tickets.
• 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.
Wanted
Bernadette Marie DeMars
August 7th, 1972 - July 3rd, 2022
You are Stardust
Always missed, dearly beloved by mom, husband Carl, sons Christian (Brittany) and Cameron (Kiley)
Obituary
Obituary of Roger J. Laprise
Peacefully surrounded by family, Roger Laprise passed away at Chatham-Kent Hospice, on July 25, 2023 at the age of 82. Born in Chatham on August 13, 1940, Roger was the son of Treffle and Caroline (née Roy) Laprise. Roger was the beloved husband of over 60 years to Rose Marie (née Houle). He was married to the love of his life on February 23, 1963. Loving father to Richard Laprise (Bonnie), and Lucien Laprise (April).
Roger will be greatly missed by his grandchildren Dawson, Derek, Madison, Tiffany, Logan and Griffin. Missed by his siblings Florent Laprise (Bernadette), Caroline Laprise, Guy Laprise (Penny), Jean-Marie Laprise (Lucille), Colette Laprise (Mike Maynard). Predeceased by his brothers Gerard Laprise (Aline), Claude Laprise (Marie). He will be fondly remembered by his many in-laws Dorothy Pinsonneault (Charles), Jeannette Durocher (Whitey-Richard), Corinne Lanoue (Lawrence), Philip Houle (Noella), Madeline Collier (Gary). Roger will be missed by many nieces, nephews, friends and extended family. Roger was a long time member of the NAWCC National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors - Chapter 92 (London). He was an avid farmer, who enjoyed spending time with his family. A Memorial visitation will take place at Immaculee Conception Catholic Church on Friday, August 4th at 9:00 am until the Mass of the Resurection at 11:00 am. Arrangments have been entrusted to McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham . Donations in memory of Roger may be made to the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation or for a Mass at Immaculee Conception Catholic Church.
It’s been a year since Gloria passed away. You will always be in our hearts. Wemissyoudearly.
Tulp - Hornick Families.
ROBERT OUELLETTE
• Hot Asphalt
• Pot hole repairs
• Catch basin repairs
• Hot rubber crack repairs
• New driveways, parking lots, etc.
• 24 inch
Milling Machine
Wanted
We carry premium oil based sealer! BACKHOE, MINI EXCAVATOR, TRUCKING & BOBCAT SWEEPER SERVICE
519-354-9157
Wanted: scrap air conditioners and electric motors. Phone 226-229-2614.
For Sale
Silk Cemetery Saddle Arrangements. Everyday/ Holidays. Ready-to-go. Many colours available. $40. 519-354-3411
For Rent
Bungalow for Rent. 111 Van Allen. 2 small bedrooms, 3pc bath, laundry, kitchen stove, fridge, kitchen island with 4 bar stools, driveway for cars. Contact 647.639.4528.
Wanted to Buy: Antiques, costume jewellery, gold, silver, coins, military, furniture, tools. We Buy All - Paid Cash. 519-727-8894.
Wanted
Wanted to rent or buy 1 or 4 acres of land in Chatham-Kent area. No buildings or utilities needed. Rural area preferred. 519-3525414 or 226-627-5414.
Help Wanted
Property Maintenance Worker
Legion Villa & Villa View
Legion Villa/Villa View is a 48 unit senior’s apartment complex in Blenheim Ontario.
Location: Legion Villa/Villa View- Non Profit Housing, 330 Catherine Street, Blenheim ON N0P 1A0
legionvilla185@bellnet.ca
Purpose of this Position:
Working under the direction of the Board of Directors and Property Manager, the Maintenance Worker position maintains the day-to-day operations and assumes responsibility for maintaining the physical asset of the property.
Major Responsibilities:
The main responsibilities for the Property Maintenance Worker include, but are not limited to:
• Accountable to the Board of Directors but under general supervision of the Property Manager
• Maintains accurate and complete maintenance service and repair orders
• Ensure vacant units are prepared for rent in a timely manner
• Report items that require repair and/or maintenance immediately to the Property Manager
• Monitoring supplies and utilizing materials
• Assisting in the scheduling and inspection of units
• Assist in monitoring all work being performed by outside contractors
• Monitor and maintain all building systems
• Physically inspects, identifies, and corrects unsafe conditions in and around property
• Maintains grounds in a neat and orderly manner (landscaping, laundry rooms, etc…)
• Performing move-out cleaning and maintenance
• Maintain all building common areas, cleaning, vacuum, etc.
Ministry
Healing Love Ministry is an all night prayer line with counsellors available from 12:00am7:00am. Also, a male support group for those struggling with sexual addiction. A home based ministry, private and confidential. 519-354-3532.
• Being aware of emergency maintenance and fire safety procedures and executing requirements of Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHIMIS)
• Performs additional duties as assigned.
Position may involve some travel so a reliable vehicle is required.
A basic set of tools is also a requirement.
Desired Skills and Experience
The successful candidate will have the following experience, skills and education:
• Maintenance of two (2) years or more
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Working knowledge of the Building Code, Fire Code, and the Occupational Health & Safety Act of Ontario
• Ability to lift 50 pounds
• Knowledge in a variety of trade areas common to the field of building maintenance
• Knowledge of the use and operation of hand tools, power tools, and equipment
• Carpentry, basic plumbing, drywall work, painting and commercial kitchen equipment repair skills are an asset
• Must possess good oral and written communication skills
• A reliable vehicle and basic set of tools is required
Position will also require the completion of a Criminal Record Check.
Schedule: 24 hours per week.
Submit resumes to legionvilla185@bellnet.ca or Legion Villa/Villa View, 330 Catherine Street, Blenheim, N0P1A0
This Weeks Puzzle answers. Puzzles on page 16.
Special Draws for Great Gifts
Participant draws start at 11am and are held every hour on the hour until all gifts are gone. All winning numbers will be posted on the board at the prize table. Check often so you don’t miss out, as prize numbers will not be broadcast. Must be present to win!