Wednesday, February 9, 2022
C-K approves 2.79% budget increase
CHATHAM-KENT — Following two online community consultations and four Budget Committee meetings, on Wednesday, February 2, Chatham-Kent Council passed the 2022 municipal budget. The 2.79% budget increase includes service enhancements within both ambulance and police services and an increased investment in senior services, transit, debt reduction and sustainable investments in many services. The increase after the
provincial download is under the 2021 Canada inflation rate of 3.4%. The overall budget increase represents a tax impact of approximately $84 on an average home assessment of $173,700. The budget passed by an 11-7 margin. Voting in favour were Mayor Darrin Canniff and councillors Mark Authier, Anthony Ceccacci, Marjorie Crew, Joe Faas, Aaron Hall, Melissa Harrigan, Karen Kirkwood-Whyte, Clare Latimer, Jamie McGrail and Brock McGregor.
Voting against the budget were councillors Michael Bondy, Amy Finn, Carmen McGregor, Steve Pinsonneault, Doug Sulman, Trevor Thompson and John Wright. Prior to the draft budget being completed, the municipality launched a budget survey to seek input from the residents on areas of focus that were of importance to the public. The survey had over 200 responses, providing the municipality with residents’ ideas and opinions. After the recommenda-
HEPA filters for Agri-food workers
LEAMINGTON — The Ontario government is distributing up to 5,500 free HEPA filters to improve ventilation in agrifood congregate living settings. This will add an additional layer of protection to keep agri-food workers safe and reduce the risk of COVID-19 outbreaks on farms and in workplaces across the food supply chain. HEPA filter units, in conjunction with other prevention and control strategies, can help control and remove harmful
airborne pathogens and improve air quality. Farms and agri-food businesses that employ and provide housing to international agri-food workers are eligible for one HEPA filter unit per employer-provided congregate living setting. These units will be deployed in partnership with the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services at no cost to employers through the voluntary Registry of Employers International Agri-food Workers. “We appreciate the On-
tario government’s commitment to delivering another tool that will assist greenhouses in keeping their workers safe and mitigating COVID-19 risks,” said George Gilvesy, Chair of the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers. “Access to these HEPA air filters will help to support local food production and ensure that fresh vegetables are on grocery store shelves and our tables.” “Ontario’s fruit and vegetable growers have worked hard during the pandemic, adapting to
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tions were presented to council by municipal administration on January 12, administration held online consultations along with a question-and-answer forum on Let’s Talk CK to gather input from citizens on the recommendations. Comments were also received by e-mail. The online consultations resulted in greater public education and understanding of the operations of the municipality, and were well viewed with over 2,500 views. Budget Committee Chair Councillor Brock McGregor said the budget process brings forward a evolving public health requirements to keep our critical agri-food workforce safe,” added Bill George, Chair of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association.
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wide variety of perspectives. “Over the course of the public input and budget sessions, there were many ideas expressed,” he said. “We are a stronger community when we consider all options and find common ground. I’d like to thank the public, councillors and staff for the hard work and input.” Mayor Canniff said the
budget is a reflection of the times. “If inflation was at zero, we would have a 1.6-percent tax decrease,” he said. “We were able to find savings throughout everything else. As well, we added to ambulance service and are spending $4 million more on capital. Inflation was the driver in this budget.”
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Community Calendar ONGOING MUSICIANS AND SINGERS WANTED at the Leamington Half Century Club to join in the weekly singalong every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. Drop in if interested (160 Talbot St. E.). Call 519-326-2521 for more info.
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ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT SOMEONE’S DRINKING? Al-Anon Family Groups meeting information: 519790-7739 or www.alanonwindsoressex.com T.O.P.S. - Take Off Pounds Sensibly Meetings are held every Tuesday evening at the Leamington Half Century Centre, 160 Talbot St. E. Weigh-in from 6:00 - 6:45 p.m. Meeting 7:00 - 7:30 p.m. First meeting is free. For more inforamtoin call Joan at 519326-2388. Everyone welcome. ERIE SHORES TOASTMASTERS Meeting online at 6:00 p.m. every other Wednesday. Develop your Communication and Leadership Skills in a positive, friendly environment. Next meeting is February 16. Visit a meeting and see how you like it! For more info Email: ErieShoresTM@yahoo.com Facebook: Erie Shores Toastmasters or go to ErieShores. toastmastersclubs.org and click on Contact Us. STRUGGLING WITH MENTAL HEALTH? Reach out to Hope 4 Me Peer to Peer Support Group. Virtual and in-person meetings available. Contact Tracy, Sue or Nancy at hope4mepeer@gmail.com for information about the group. DONATE BLOOD - Leamington Blood Donor Clinic - at the Leamington Lebanese Club, 447 Hwy. 77 Leamington. 1:00 - 7:00 p.m. Book ahead. Book now. Visit: blood.ca or call 1-888-236-6283.
COMMUNITY TAKEOUT IS AVAILABLE at Leamington United Church, 4:00 - 5:00 pm every Monday. St. John’s Anglican Church also has takeout meals available every Wednesday from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Food is available from St. Vincent De Paul at St. Michael’s Parish 226-340-7233, Salvation Army Food Bank, The warming Cross at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Food Cupboard at St. John’s Anglican church, The Bridge (ages 14-24), Food Pantry at Parkdale Variety, neighbourhood pantry at Erie South and Marlborough and the Angel Pantry at St. John’s Anglican Church. All are free. All are welcome.
until noon. Advocacy Services — Confidential assistance to help you access available services. 9 am until noon. Computer Kiosk — Use of computer for residents for such tasks as completing a resume, printing off documents etc. 9 am until noon. Tai Chi — A class for everyone. Join instructor Greg as he leads the class through various tai chi moves. 10 am to 11 am. Self Defence — All ages and skill levels. Greg kicks it up a notch with karate style moves. 10 am to 11 am. Tutoring with Jennifer — Math and language tutoring for children in primary/junior grades. Contact the centre to reserve. 4 pm.
IF YOU WANT TO DRINK, THAT’S YOUR BUSINESS If you want to stop, we can help. Call Alcoholics Anonymous: 519999-1234.
RANDY ATKINSON FUND provides money for extras that OHIP doesn’t pay for or to help with unexpected expenses for cancer patients (e.g. hospital parking etc). If you, your group or organization would like to have a speaker explain the fund and its availability in this area, call 519-682-2580.
MELO CLINIC & PREGNANCY CENTRE, 75 Erie Street South, Unit 103, Leamington, offers free and confidential services provided by registered nurses. Pregnancy tests, STI testing & treatment. Call 24/7 for confidential support 519-3260612. Business calls 519-326-3821. www. pregnancycentre.net. KINGSVILLE COMMUNITY CENTRE PROGRAMS - Located at 1860 Division Rd N., Kingsville. Call 226-773-5830 for more information. Counselling Service with Diane O’Brien — Diane provides counselling in many areas by appointment only. Milk Bag Creations — Help turn clean milk bags into woven mats to be used by those in need. 10 am until noon. Yarn Social Time — Bring your project and enjoy time with others. 10 am until noon. Tuesdays & Thursdays: Centre Café – gather to meet friend or just have a coffee and snack on us. Free wifi. 9 am
PLAY ROTARY TV BINGO GAMES Tuesday nights, live on TVCOGECO from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Can only be viewed in ChathamKent viewing areas. Support the community and purchase your cards from Adamson Guardian Drugs, Wheatley. Pick up your cards early! Play 5 different games on 3 faces in 1 hour. $3 for 15 ways to win and $2000 in prizes. Wellness Together Canada offers FREE, 24/7 MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE SUPPORT WITH NO WAIT TIMES for Canadians of all ages, in every province and territory and in both official languages. Funded by the Government of Canada. More info at https:// wellnesstogether.ca/en-CA. Phone counselling available 24/7 at 1-866-585-0445.
To place your event in the Community Calendar Phone: 519-398-9098 Email: sun@southpointsun.ca or drop off at 194 Talbot St. E. Unit 2, Leamington
