Chatham-Kent news

• Chatham-Kent chamber calls for ‘thoughtful’ response to tariff threats

  24-07-2026 15:55 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  Officials with the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce are calling for a shared commitment to protect Canadian jobs following new threats of 50 per cent tariffs from the United States. The local chamber issued a news release stating these new trade actions create “legitimate risks” for businesses in sectors like agriculture, automotive and manufacturing, which support thousands of jobs in Chatham-Kent. U.S. President Donald Trump recently announced the new tariffs on certain Canadian g
  
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• ‘Avoidable’: Chatham-Kent Public Health warns residents to stay away from wildlife

  28-07-2026 16:48 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  Following an increase in encounters with bats and raccoons, Chatham-Kent Public Health officials are reminding residents to avoid direct contact with wildlife. According to a news release, more people have required treatment after potential rabies exposure due to these incidents. Rabies is a rare but serious viral disease that affects the nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, the release said. Timely medical intervention can treat rabies, but public health officials sa
  
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• ‘Avoidable’: Chatham-Kent Public Health warns resident to stay away from wildlife

  28-07-2026 16:48 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  Following an increase in encounters with bats and raccoons, Chatham-Kent Public Health officials are reminding residents to avoid direct contact with wildlife. According to a news release, more people have required treatment after potential rabies exposure due to these incidents. Rabies is a rare but serious viral disease that affects the nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, the release said. Timely medical intervention can treat rabies, but public health officials sa
  
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• Lots of cash, low debt will help Chatham-Kent address $2.6B infrastructure gap

  28-07-2026 16:45 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  Chatham-Kent, like many Ontario municipalities, needs to make major infrastructure investments to address aging assets and accommodate growth.The municipality is facing a $2.6 billion infrastructure gap, but the good news is the municipality is in a good financial position thanks to low tax-based debt that is only at $4 million and reserves amounting to about $300 million.Administration gave a detailed presentation to Chatham-Kent council on Chatham-Kent’s long-term financial plan during
  
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• Josiah Henson Museum's Emancipation Day event set for Saturday

  28-07-2026 16:31 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  The Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History will be inviting visitors Saturday for emancipation day. The free event will feature entertainment, speakers and exhibits from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Dresden site. Emancipation day commemorates the abolition of slavery throughout the British Empire on Aug. 1, 1834, while recognizing the ongoing legacy, resilience and achievements of Black communities in Canada. Activities, guests and entertainment include:Master of ceremonies and award-winn
  
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• Chatham-Kent Hospice volunteer recognized with provincial award

  27-07-2026 17:39 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  A Chatham-Kent Hospice volunteer has received a provincial award. Sadie Bruette has been recognized with the June Callwood Circle of Outstanding Volunteers award. The honour celebrates exceptional hospice volunteers across Ontario who exemplify the compassion, dedication and service championed by the late June Callwood, a release from Chatham-Kent Hospice said. “Sadie is a compassionate and humble volunteer who brings comfort and dignity to everyone she meets,” the release said. &ld
  
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• Migrant worker soccer championship fosters bonding, cultural awareness

  27-07-2026 16:30 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  On the heels of the FIFA World Cup, there was still excitement on the pitch in Chatham this weekend, with friendly bragging rights on the line.The Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG) migrant worker community program (MWCP), and North Lambton Community Health Centre (NLCHC) were hosting their first regional soccer championship.St. Clair College’s Chatham Campus set the stage Sunday evening, as Golden Acre Farms, near Leamington and Kingsville, took on Forest-based Roelands Plant Fa
  
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• Two-vehicle crash claims life of Chatham man

  27-07-2026 15:29 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  The Chatham-Kent police traffic management unit is investigating after a Chatham man died following a two-vehicle collision west of Chatham on the weekend.Police said the vehicles, being driven by a 46-year-old Tilbury man and 57-year-old Chatham man, collided on Queen’s Line. Both men were the sole occupant of their vehicles, police added.Emergency services responded to the crash that occurred between Bloomfield Road and Dillon Road at approximately 12:06 a.m. Sunday, police added.Both d
  
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• PHOTOS: Dresden Exhibition draws a crowd

  25-07-2026 21:13 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  There are many fun activities for those of all ages at the Dresden Exhibition this weekend.Hosted by the Dresden Agricultural Society, the annual attraction features exhibits, vendors, entertainment and refreshments.For more information, including a schedule of events, visit https://dresdenex.com/?page_id=6266Trevor Terfloth photos.
  
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• CK police report drop in crime severity index

  25-07-2026 17:18 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  Community engagement, proactive policing and focused enforcement are being credited for a drop in Chatham-Kent’s crime severity index (CSI) in 2025.Statistics Canada’s CSI measures both the volume and seriousness of police-reported crime. Compared to 2024, Chatham-Kent police noted there were decreases across all three CSI categories:Overall– 65.7, down from 74.5Violent– 73.5, down from 78.2Non-violent– 63.1, down from 73.7These trends reflect the efforts of CKPS s
  
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• Chatham-Kent police report drop in crime severity index

  25-07-2026 17:18 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  Community engagement, proactive policing and focused enforcement are being credited for a drop in Chatham-Kent’s crime severity index (CSI) in 2025.Statistics Canada’s CSI measures both the volume and seriousness of police-reported crime. Compared to 2024, Chatham-Kent police noted there were decreases across all three CSI categories:Overall – 65.7, down from 74.5Violent – 73.5, down from 78.2Non-violent – 63.1, down from 73.7These trends reflect the efforts of CKP
  
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• CK police and St. Clair board partner on emergency preparedness

  24-07-2026 19:33 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  Chatham-Kent Police Service and St. Clair Catholic District school board have partnered on emergency preparedness and enhancing public safety.The board has provided access to local school facilities, enabling CKPS to deliver immediate rapid deployment (IRD) training to all front-line officers while also supporting training for officers from several neighbouring police services.IRD training prepares officers to respond effectively to critical incidents in schools, as well as the community. To me
  
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• CK VOTES: Fred Hooper running for council in Ward 2 South East Kent

  24-07-2026 17:59 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  Name: Fred HooperAge: Not providedWard: 2 Why are you running for council? I’m running because not enough is being done to help the community. I’m a homeowner in Blenheim and a family guy. Costs are through the roof. What are some important issues you plan to address if elected? My plans are:Lower property taxes, housing affordability, lower food prices. Stop the corporate greed.Safer streets. My car was broke into two nights in a row. And my big one is to help the seniors. So many
  
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• Taylor Avenue tenants discuss renoviction worries

  23-07-2026 20:57 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  Fearing possible renovictions in their future, tenants at 43 and 49 Taylor Ave. in Chatham gathered Wednesday evening to learn more, as well as discuss next steps.An information session, facilitated by the concerned father of one of the residents, was held outside the building, with about 40 people in attendance.Doug Wilson, whose son lives at 49 Taylor Ave., said there are currently 21 units in each apartment building, with plans to add 14 to each, creating micro-bachelor units at a higher pri
  
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• CK VOTES: Lauren Aziz running for council in Ward 3 North East Kent

  23-07-2026 19:57 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  Name: Lauren AzizAge: 30Ward: 3 Why are you running for council? After advocating alongside my neighbours in my ward regarding proposed wind turbine projects last year, I left feeling discouraged and frustrated. During such an important vote, only one of our two ward councillors attended and cast a vote. That experience reinforced how essential it is to have representation that is present, engaged and accountable.Many of my neighbours shared the same concern. Our community deserves someone who
  
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• Upcoming public events to commemorate 1957 Dresden tragedy

  23-07-2026 17:15 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  Members of the public will be able to commemorate the six Dutch immigrant workers killed in a 1957 workplace disaster in Dresden.Tragedy Forgotten is a week-long exhibit beginning Aug. 9 at Turns and Tales in downtown Chatham. There also will be a special presentation about the documentary Dresden 1957 at the Capitol Theatre on Aug. 14, the anniversary of the excavation collapse that claimed the lives of the workers.The disaster occurred during construction of a pumping station beside the Syden
  
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• Council to receive quarterly updates on Chatham-Kent Hub project 

  23-07-2026 16:24 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  Chatham-Kent council will receive quarterly reports on the status of the Chatham-Kent Community Hub project.Chatham Coun. Alysson Story recently put forward a motion asking for regular updates on the financial, schedule and site status of the $52.8 million project. The motion passed 16-0.Storey said the purpose of the motion was to ensure the project was on time and on budget.“This is, from my perspective, not the purpose or opportunity to discuss the hub and where your position might be
  
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• Take photos with sunflowers while helping local Alzheimer Society

  22-07-2026 22:24 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  Puddleford Tree Farm is gearing up to welcome the public to its field of sunflowers for their photographic and selfie-taking pleasure.The Kent Bridge area farm officially opens for the season Aug. 1 and will go for as long as the sunflowers bloom.Providing access to its field of sunflowers, with seed provided by its local Pioneer dealer, is a fundraiser for the Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent’s day program, said Gail Whitney, who operates the U-cut Christmas tree farm with her husband M
  
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• Trail dedicated in memory of popular Tilbury politician Bryon Fluker

  22-07-2026 22:20 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  Bryon Fluker, who served the Tilbury and area community for more than four decades, also was frequently seen around the community engaging with residents.A favourite place for the late politician to walk was the trail in Tilbury’s Memorial Park. On Tuesday, the Bryon Fluker memorial trail was unveiled in the park.Current West Kent Coun. Melissa Harrigan, who received unanimous council support to have the trail named in Fluker’s honour, provided details of his political career that b
  
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• Gilberts: Author Doris Parkin Keil, a life of note

  22-07-2026 19:40 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  After discussing The Ploughboy and the Nightingale last week, we promised more about its author Doris Parkin Keil. We knew her daughter was a Bradley, so we turned to the Bradley family for help. Thanks so much to Lauren and her father, Brock Bradley, who were happy to give me details and share memories of their grandmother and great-grandmother.Doris Arvilla Parkin was born on Nov. 8, 1900 and lived most of her life in Chatham-Kent. Nevertheless, she was a world traveller and endlessly curious
  
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• CK VOTES: Jeff Comiskey running for council in Ward 6 North West Chatham

  22-07-2026 17:17 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  Name: Jeff ComiskeyAge: 54Ward: 6 Why are you running for council? Nearly two decades ago, I opened my first business. As an independent business owner, I always have believed the customers’ needs are paramount and always No. 1. When elected, I will lead with the same principles as your representative in Ward 6, to ensure the needs of all citizens are always front and centre. What are some important issues you plan to address if elected? I promise to be your voice to ensure Chatham-Kent a
  
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• SCRCA awards four students with scholarships

  21-07-2026 17:49 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority has awarded scholarships to four students for their academic achievement and commitment to the environment. Greg Grimes, conservation authority chair, presented the students with a total of $3,000. The funds come from the St. Clair Region Conservation Foundation and its donors. “These students have demonstrated a remarkable commitment to both academic excellence and environmental stewardship,” Grimes said in a news release. “Their pa
  
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• Chatham project seeks safe, affordable housing for youth leaving care

  21-07-2026 15:54 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  A Chatham native, who grew up in foster care, is working to provide safe, affordable housing for youth leaving care.Ryan Donais, executive director of Tiny Tiny Homes, has had success building tiny homes in Toronto, but that’s not what he has planned for Chatham.Tiny homes are a “great temporary solution,” because they’re cheap, easy to build and “rapidly deployable to get someone out of the elements,” he said.But real long-term success comes with housing, no
  
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• Canadian Motorcycle Cruisers sell out fundraiser for Chatham Goodfellows

  20-07-2026 21:53 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  Members of the Chatham Goodfellows and Canadian Motorcycle Cruisers have delivered $20,000 to the winner of their sold-out 50/50 fundraiser. Rob Hill, who purchased his ticket in Tilbury in early April, recently accepted his cheque from the organizers. He was “astonished upon being notified of his win, having barely recalled purchasing the ticket,” a news release from Chatham Goodfellows stated. Nadine Giroux led this year’s fundraiser. The motorcycle group reached its goal of
  
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• Food for Thought: Lake Erie-caught fish often overlooked as local food

  20-07-2026 19:51 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  Buying local food continues to be a trend across Canada. How many of us think about fish when we talk about local food?In Southwestern Ontario, we have a vibrant sport fishing sector, but we also have a huge commercial fishing sector.Wheatley is the largest fresh water commercial fishing port in the world.The head office of the Ontario Commercial Fisheries’ Association (OCFA) is in Blenheim.The OCFA represents a sector that has been a part of the history, culture, and economy of our part
  
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• African-Caribbean culture featured during Taste of Chatham-Kent festival

  20-07-2026 19:47 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  The local African-Caribbean community showcased its culture Sunday as part of the ongoing Taste of Chatham-Kent (TOCK) celebration of diversity.Called the No Wahala African Caribbean Hub, one of the organizers, Elsie Oluku, said it was an “African-Caribbean party” to show area residents “a bit of our food, dance and music.”It was also a chance to teach people the meaning of No Wahala.“That simply means no worries,” Oluku said. “It’s slang back hom
  
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• A Long Ride Home premieres to appreciative audience at Capitol Theatre

  20-07-2026 05:57 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  The TV series, A Long Ride Home, showing in Bell Fibe TV, initially written as a movie screen play, hit the big screen at the Chatham Capitol Theatre as it was originally created.The movie version, filmed in Chatham-Kent, was loudly cheered by the hundreds of people attending the red carpet premiere Saturday night.The compelling story is based around lead character Mick Gale, played by London actor Geoff MacDonald, who returns to Chatham 25 years after running away from an abusive father, after
  
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• CK Votes: Brent DeNure running for council in Wallaceburg and Area Ward 5

  18-07-2026 18:21 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  Name: Brent DeNureAge: 47Ward: 5Why are you running for council?Chatham-Kent is at a turning point. We must fix our vital infrastructure—including bridges, roads, and arenas—while keeping the tax burden within reason. Rural areas currently feel disconnected and void of a voice. My goal is to champion Community Councils to reinstate decision-making power to non-Chatham communities, helping them maintain their distinct identities and bringing essential course-correction before it&rsqu
  
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• CK Votes: Dustin Gawne running for council in Ward 7 North East Chatham

  18-07-2026 17:03 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  Name: Dustin GawneAge: 43Ward: 7Why are you running for council?I’m running because I believe Chatham-Kent deserves leaders who listen, show up, and aren’t afraid to ask difficult questions. I’ve spent much of my life advocating—not only for myself after a spinal cord injury, but for others facing challenges with addiction, mental health, accessibility, and navigating complicated systems. Those experiences taught me resilience, accountability, and the importance of treat
  
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• Better data, acquisitions and inflation contributing to Chatham-Kent's asset replacement costs

  17-07-2026 22:38 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  The replacement costs of Chatham-Kent’s assets grew by $300 million since last year, but part of the reason for the increase is better data available, the municipality’s manager of asset and quality management told council recently. Sean Hilderley said at the July 13 council meeting that the cost to replace all municipal assets is $13.3 billion, up from $13.03 billion in 2025. These numbers represent what it would cost today to replace these assets, rather than the historical costs
  
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