Chatham-Kent news

• 30th anniversary of Freedom Walk swings through Chatham-Kent

  08-07-2026 16:05 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  Maryland-based historian Tony Cohen admits his reasons for walking are different from when he first made the journey three decades ago.The Tony Cohen Freedom Walk 2026 is in Chatham-Kent for three days as part of the 30th anniversary of his historic 750-kilometre trek, which retraced one of the routes freedom seekers travelled along the Underground Railroad.“When I did it 30 years ago, I was this budding, upstart historian, who had two months between jobs to go do something,” the 62
  
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• Sun shines on newcomers at annual picnic

  12-07-2026 01:07 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  With Mother Nature co-operating, numerous cultures were celebrated at Chatham’s Kingston Park during the annual newcomer picnic.Organized by Adult Language and Learning, Saturday’s event featured activities, games and lunch, and of course, plenty of soccer.The community non-profit organization helps provide settlement assistance, as well as language courses. Networking events help them feel welcome, create relationships, and also promote Chatham-Kent’s diversity.“Couldn&
  
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• Brotherly surprise from China at new airport cafe

  11-07-2026 16:17 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  In the middle of the lunch hour rush at his new restaurant, Brian Morgan wasn’t expecting the visitor who greeted him in the dining room.His brother, Justin, had flown in from China as a surprise, with the family on hand Friday at Hangar 6 Cafe, which recently opened at the Chatham-Kent airport.Brian, who thought Justin wasn’t coming home this year, walked out of the kitchen and gave his brother a big hug.“It’s great. I didn’t think he was coming down. I don’
  
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• Wallaceburg man faces multiple weapons charges

  10-07-2026 21:32 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  A Wallaceburg man faces multiple weapons charges after a recent traffic stop, provincial police say.Following a traffic stop in Tilbury, Police searched a property on July 7.A 32-year-old man was arrested and charged with the following:Operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code. Possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm. Possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order (three counts). Failure to comply with release order. Carrying a concealed prohibited
  
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• Little change in Chatham-Kent home sales in June

  09-07-2026 22:11 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  Chatham-Kent home sales changed little from the same time last year, despite a surge in new listings in June, real estate officials say.The number of homes sold through the MLS system of the Chatham-Kent Association of Realtors totalled 115 units last month, down just 0.9 per cent (one sale) from June 2025.Home sales were 3.5 per cent below the five-year average and 14.7 per cent below the 10-year average for the month. On a year-to-date basis, home sales totalled 593 units during the first six
  
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• Chatham-Kent staff seek to outline next steps for municipal buildings

  09-07-2026 19:36 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  Chatham-Kent staff will recommend future reports to council concerning next steps for several municipal buildings at Monday’s meeting.If approved, these reports would discuss the relocation of Chatham-Kent Fire Station 1 and the redevelopment of the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent site.Staff also will ask council for authorization to seek updated appraisals next year for the civic centre, Chatham library, library parking lot and Station 1 to inform the property dispositi
  
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• Motorcyclist killed in two-vehicle crash in North Buxton: Police

  09-07-2026 18:57 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  A two-vehicle crash in North Buxton has claimed the life of a 31-year-old motorcyclist, Chatham-Kent police say.Emergency crews were called to A.D. Shadd Road and Ninth Line after a northbound motorbike and a southbound vehicle collided about 12:40 p.m., police said. The rider suffered fatal injuries; the other driver was unhurt.A.D. Shadd Road was closed for several hours while officers investigated, police said. It has since reopened.“The police service would like to extend its deepest
  
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• New medical residents training at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance

  09-07-2026 16:30 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  Four new medical residents have begun their post-graduate training at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. Neelesh Taticherala, Sanya Sharar, Amanjot Kaur and Murad Mun are working with the hospital’s health-care team while they complete the clinical portion of their medical training, a news release said. “Chatham-Kent offers an exceptional learning environment where residents can build confidence, expand their clinical skills and become part of a collaborative health care team,” Zek
  
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• Zonta Club unveils new purple bench in Chatham

  08-07-2026 21:32 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  As a symbol of hope and remembrance, the Zonta Club of Chatham-Kent has unveiled a new purple bench, this time on the property of Grand West Homeopathy.The bench joins the global purple bench project, also known as Barb’s Bench, an initiative that honours victims of domestic and family violence while encouraging conversations about prevention, support and awareness.Club member Brigitte Davis, owner and operator of Grand West Homeopathy, offered her property as the permanent home for the b
  
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• Ground breaks for Wallaceburg housing project

  08-07-2026 18:49 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  Construction for a 72-unit mixed-income housing development in Wallaceburg is underway.The federal and provincial governments officially announced more than $6.7 million in combined funding, through the Ontario priorities housing initiative (OPHI) and the Canada-Ontario community housing initiative (COCHI), during a groundbreaking event held this week.Located at 199 Westcourt Blvd., the project will transform a vacant, municipally-owned site into a housing development consisting of 50 affordabl
  
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• CK VOTES: Albert Pilbeam running for council in Ward 2 South East Kent

  07-07-2026 23:47 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  Name: Albert PilbeamAge: 54Ward: 2 Why are you running for council? For more than 30 years, I’ve had the privilege of serving the people of Chatham-Kent as a police sergeant, volunteer firefighter, youth sports coach, community volunteer, and now as manager of campus safety at the University of Guelph, Ridgetown campus. Every role has been about serving people, solving problems, and giving back to the community.My wife and I chose Chatham-Kent as the place to build our lives, raise our fa
  
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• Sydenham River slope stabilization project open for comment

  07-07-2026 21:59 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  Municipality of Chatham-Kent staff members have identified their preferred option for stabilizing a section of the slope on the Sydenham River in Dresden, but the public can weigh in before work moves forward. The area in question is near 455 and 459 Sydenham St. in Dresden. According to an engineering report, the pavement on the street is in “poor condition” and there is some soil loss on the riverbank. The wire and wood guardrail is also considered to be in poor condition and requ
  
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• Woman charged after people threatened with hammer

  07-07-2026 17:55 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  A 41-year-old Chatham woman faces multiple charges after residents were threatened in the night by a person with a hammer, police said.A person with a hammer banged on the door of a residence on Burton street on Tuesday around 1:50 a.m. and threatened to kill the occupants and smash all the windows, police said. The person was bound by conditions not to possess weapons.A Chatham woman, who is bound by release conditions not to possess weapons, is charged with:Possession of a weapon for a danger
  
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• Planned hydro outage slated for Friday

  07-07-2026 16:40 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is advising residents of a planned Hydro One power outage scheduled for Friday, to allow crews to complete essential maintenance on the local electrical system.The planned outage will take place from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and is expected to affect approximately 613 Hydro One customers, according to a municipal media release.“The work is part of Hydro One’s ongoing efforts to maintain and upgrade the local electricity grid, helping ensure the safe and rel
  
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• Crime Stoppers reminds residents to protect their vehicles

  06-07-2026 22:13 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  With summer vacations and road trips come opportunities for thieves, and Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers is urging residents to protect their vehicles.While organized theft is more common in larger cities, crimes of opportunity continue to occur in the community.Unlocked vehicles in driveways, shopping centres, parks and other recreational areas are often targeted, especially if valuable items are left inside.“Auto theft is a very real problem for people, especially those who may be travellin
  
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• CK VOTES: Denise Maynard running for council in South East Kent

  06-07-2026 19:07 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  Name : Denise MaynardAge: 41Ward : 2 Why are you running for council? I am a single mother, neighbour and long‑time community volunteer running to provide pragmatic, accountable representation for residents living paycheque to paycheque, carrying debt, and struggling to cover basic needs. I’m not a career politician; I bring lived experience, practical skills, and a commitment to policies that protect families and strengthen small communities. What are some important issues you plan
  
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• Extra services offered for area residents cleaning up storm damage

  05-07-2026 20:27 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is temporarily providing additional yard waste disposal and curbside brush collection services to help residents affected by the recent storm.A powerful storm ripped through the region Friday night leaving a trail of branches in communities across Chatham-Kent that were snapped off trees by strong winds that also caused many trees to be uprooted.The Harwich Leaf and Yard Depot, located at 21633 Communication Rd., will open Monday from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m, in
  
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• PHOTOS: Sun shines on Chatham-Kent Ribfest

  05-07-2026 00:20 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  Chatham-Kent Ribfest may have got off to a rough start after a powerful storm halted the event Friday night, but it was back in full swing on Saturday thanks to some sunny weather and hard work by organizers.The ribbers are set up in Chatham’s Tecumseh Park offering delicious ribs and chicken and there is a full line up of entertainment including plenty of activities for the children.Saturday night’s headline act is KISS tribute band Destroyer, who are slated to hit the stage at 8:3
  
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• Complaints prompt enhanced enforcement of C-K’s campaign sign bylaw

  04-07-2026 23:51 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  Enforcement of the election campaign sign bylaw is being enhanced due to numerous complaints received through 311 about improperly placed election signs, says Chatham-Kent officials.“This by-law, which has existed unchanged since 2009, is intended to balance candidates’ ability to campaign while ensuring signs do not create safety hazards for drivers, cyclists or pedestrians,” states a Municipality of Chatham-Kent media release.Election signs have been removed during past elec
  
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• Chatham-Kent steps up campaign sign bylaw enforcement as complaints fly

  04-07-2026 23:51 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  Chatham-Kent is stepping up enforcement of its election campaign sign bylaw after numerous 311 complaints about improperly placed election signs, officials say.“This bylaw, . . . unchanged since 2009, is intended to balance candidates’ ability to campaign while ensuring signs do not create safety hazards for drivers, cyclists or pedestrians,” a municipal release said.Election signs have been removed during past elections for violating the bylaw, which has been applied consiste
  
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• Belgian exchange student turns award into generous gift for fellow student

  04-07-2026 15:51 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  A Belgian exchange student has been recognized for her technical skills along with teamwork, sportsmanship and generosity.Thea Givair, who recently completed Grade 12 while attending John McGregor Secondary School, received the Mechanic’s Hand Tool Award given annually to the top student in the Transportation Technology class, said a Lambton Kent District School Board media release.The award recognizes excellence in academic achievement, technical skills, responsibility, initiative, teamw
  
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• CK Votes: Melissa Harrigan running for council in South West Kent

  04-07-2026 14:12 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  Name: Melissa HarriganAge: 39Ward: 1Why are you running for council?I am running because I believe deeply in our communities and the people who call them home and I see the strength, resilience, and potential of our small towns and rural communities. It has been a privilege to serve as a councillor for the last two terms, and I want to continue to bring a positive, collaborative voice to the table to move our communities forward, together.What are some important issues you plan to address if el
  
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• Storm wreaks havoc across CK; Ribfest shutdown, resuming Saturday

  04-07-2026 04:46 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  A powerful storm, prompting tornado warnings from Environment Canada, wreaked havoc across Chatham-Kent early Friday night.The gusting, swirling winds and deluge of rain sent people scrambling for cover, who were enjoying the first night of Chatham-Kent Ribfest in downtown Chatham’s Tecumseh Park.The storm toppled trees and blew over tables and structures erected by vendors.Ribfest organizer Chris Glassford said everything was going well; the sun was out, the band 40 Hours Over was perfor
  
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• Storm slams Chatham-Kent, leaves path of damage: 'Pretty crazy'

  04-07-2026 04:46 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  A powerful storm swept through Chatham-Kent Friday night leaving a line of damage in its path along Communication Road between Blenheim and Shrewsbury.“It kind of seems like a tornado touched down here,” said Sara Coutts, referring to an uprooted tree and other trees toppled on the property of her childhood home where her mother still lives.The Chatham resident said no one was home when the storm swept through, but a family friend called Saturday morning after seeing the damage at t
  
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• Storm slams Chatham-Kent, causes chaos at Ribfest: 'Pretty crazy'

  04-07-2026 04:46 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  A powerful storm swept through Chatham-Kent Friday night, toppling trees, flooding roads and forcing people to run for cover at an outdoor festival.The gusting, swirling winds and deluge of rain sent people scrambling for cover at Chatham-Kent Ribfest in downtown Chatham’s Tecumseh Park.Powerful winds toppled trees and blew over tables and tents erected by vendors.Ribfest organizer Chris Glassford said everything was going well before the storm hit: the sun was out and the band 40 Hours O
  
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• CKHA Foundation celebrates committing $1.1 million to local health care

  03-07-2026 22:43 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation is celebrating more than $1.1 million being committed to local healthcare over its past fiscal year.The foundation recently announced, in a media release, the $1,114,578 committed to the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance from April 1, 2025 to March 31 was made possible through the generosity of donors, businesses, service clubs, community organizations, volunteers and event participants across the municipality.The remarkable investment will support vital e
  
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• Woman punched, choked and threatened with hammer: police

  03-07-2026 17:47 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  A man faces several charges after a woman was assaulted, Chatham-Kent police say.A woman, who had been punched, choked and threatened with a hammer, reported the assault a day later, on Thursday at 1 p.m., at police headquarters.A 42-year-old Wallaceburg man is charged with assault, assault causing bodily harm, assault with a weapon and uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm, police said.He was transported to police headquarters and held for bail, police said. Man arrested for break and
  
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• PHOTOS: Life's a beach, especially when it's hot!

  03-07-2026 16:25 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  The hot, sticky July temperatures have arrived in Chatham-Kent and there is no sign of the temperatures cooling off anytime soon. Many people are finding a great way to cool off is to spend time at one of the great beaches across Chatham-Kent. A popular spot in the summer is the beach at Erieau along the shore of Lake Erie. Here are some photos taken on Thursday of people enjoying the beach. Photos by Ellwood [email protected]
  
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• 30th anniversary of historic Tony Cohen Freedom Walk stopping in Chatham-Kent

  02-07-2026 17:50 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  The Tony Cohen Freedom Walk 2026 will visit Chatham-Kent for three days as part of the 30th anniversary of his historic 750-kilometre journey retracing one of the routes travelled by freedom seekers along the Underground Railroad.Cohen walked from Maryland to Canada in 1996 “to honour the courage and determination of those who risked everything in search of freedom,” said a media release.Cohen is returning accompanied by the Harriet Tubman Journey to Freedom sculpture, a 2.7-metre (
  
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• Dave Epp named rural development shadow minister

  02-07-2026 16:47 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  Chatham-Kent–Leamington’s federal representative was recently appointed as the official Opposition’s shadow minister for rural development.MP Dave Epp, who has served the riding since 2019, said he was “honoured and grateful” for the chance to take on the role.“It is a welcome opportunity to now advance and advocate not only for the people of Chatham-Kent–Leamington, but for rural and remote Canadians from coast to coast to coast,” he said in a re
  
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