Chatham-Kent news

• Woman faces assault charge

  08-08-2026 18:23 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  A 34-year-old woman faces an assault charge after a recent incident in Dresden.On Aug. 6, just before midnight, Chatham-Kent police officers responded to a report of an assault involving two individuals who were not known to one another on North Street.Through investigation, officers learned a 17-year-old female from Florence was walking when she was approached by the accused.The woman was accused of striking the victim in the face, causing minor injuries, police said. No additional medical att
  
  Read more

• Ricco Cash and Carry grocery opens in Chatham

  12-08-2026 20:17 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  The latest wholesale-style grocery store that has spun off from a food distributor has opened in Chatham.Ricco Cash & Carry Chatham, at 496 Riverview Dr., had a soft opening July 18, but is gearing up for its grand opening Aug. 22, retail manager Chris Perkins said.Chatham is the third grocery store to come from Ricco Food Distributor, based in Strathroy, which serves a range of customers including restaurants, legions and service clubs.Perkins said the company’s first cash and carry
  
  Read more

• Council OK's Sandys Street property for addictions treatment centre

  12-08-2026 16:08 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  Chatham-Kent council has voted unanimously to provide 110 Sandys St. for an addiction treatment and recovery centre.The municipality first must buy the property from Jarlette Health Services, which currently runs a long-term care home there. Then it will be sold for $1 to the Quiring Foundation, a charity with a track record in providing addictions services.In his deputation to council Monday, foundation executive chair Peter Quiring said the agency has an outreach team in Chatham and is ready
  
  Read more

• Children’s Safety Expo returns Sept. 12

  12-08-2026 15:11 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers is once again inviting families to attend its Children’s Safety Expo in September. The free event, which debuted last year, will be held Sept. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the St. Clair College Chatham Campus. The event is meant to help children and parents learn about community safety through hands-on activities, educational displays and demonstrations from emergency services. “We are very excited for this year’s Children’s Safety Expo as it
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Work on Chatham-Kent Hub on schedule and budget

  11-08-2026 23:24 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  Construction of the new Chatham-Kent Community Hub is on track and on budget, a report that went to council Monday says. The project at the former Sears building in downtown Chatham began construction in December and is 22 per cent complete as of July 21, the report by Edward Soldo, infrastructure and engineering services general manager, said. The contract has so far been reduced by $8,327 through two change orders “that have provided a credit to the original contract,” the report
  
  Read more

• See who's running for Chatham-Kent council

  11-08-2026 20:15 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  During the nomination period, questionnaires have been completed by the following council candidates in the upcoming municipal election. For the most up-to-date list on those running, visit https://www.chatham-kent.ca/localgovernment/elections/Pages/Candidates.aspx MAYOR Lauren AndersonMichael BondyNelson BurmDarrin CanniffRyan GowRandy Hope WARD 1 – SOUTH WEST KENT Tom Askew (no submission)Mark AuthierMichael BondMelissa HarriganAndréa PalmerGerhard Taves WARD 2 – SOUTH EAST
  
  Read more

• Chatham-Kent urges residents to weigh in on Dresden waste facility plan

  11-08-2026 19:05 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  Chatham-Kent is urging residents to submit comments to the province about York1 Environmental Waste Solutions Ltd.’s proposed Dresden waste facility.In a release, municipal officials said they got copies of notices about the plan and understand other Dresden community members, including adjacent property owners and tenants, will get them.The notices outline York1’s applications to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) related to two proposed operations at 29
  
  Read more

• Local Bhutanese Nepali community hosting first-time event in Canada

  11-08-2026 18:09 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  The local Bhutanese Nepali community hopes a sacred, week-long spiritual event beginning Friday will attract 10,000 devotees, international visitors and families from across North America to Chatham-Kent.Chuda Bajgai, president of the Bhutanese Nepali Community of Chatham-Kent, said it’s the first time a grand Shrimad Bhagwat Saptaha Gyan Mahayagya is being held in Canada.“This unprecedented festival serves as a vital bridge of cultural connection offering the general public a rare,
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Chatham Collegiate class of 1981 reuniting for 45th anniversary

  11-08-2026 01:13 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  A group of former classmates from Chatham Collegiate Institute are reuniting for the 45th anniversary of their high school graduation. The class of 1981 will meet at Sons of Kent in Chatham on Friday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. “We’re a very tight-knit class and we usually get together,” Allyson Morris, one of the students, said. “Our first one was 20 years, then 25 and 35 and now 45.” Morris, who moved to Toronto at 18 and moved back to Chatham two and half years ago,
  
  Read more

• CK VOTES: Karen Robinet running for council in Ward 7 North East Chatham

  11-08-2026 01:12 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  Name: Karen Robinet Age: 66 Ward: 7 Why are you running for council? I think the next four years are going to be very critical ones for Chatham-Kent as there are a number of pressing issues that need to be tackled. I’d like to be part of the team moving our community forward during these challenging times. What are some important issues you plan to address if elected? A lack of affordable housing, homelessness and drug addiction are big issues that impact many people in our community. Home
  
  Read more

• July a strong month for Chatham-Kent home sales

  10-08-2026 22:02 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  The number of home sold in Chatham-Kent in July hasn’t been seen in five years.The 133 units sold last month was a gain of about 17 per cent from July 2025 with residential sales not reaching this level in the month in five years, said the Chatham-Kent Association of Realtors in its monthly media release.Home sales were 11.8 per cent above the five-year average and 2.2 per cent above the 10-year average. The 726 units sold over the first seven months of the year is one shy of the total se
  
  Read more

• Resolution court date set for man facing historic sexual assault charges

  10-08-2026 19:41 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  A resolution is coming in the case of a British Columbia man facing historical sexual assault charges.Jason Timothy Davidson, 53, of Campbell River, B.C., appeared in a Chatham court by video Monday.His lawyer Julie Santarossa told the court after numerous Crown pre-trials and judicial pre-trials, a court date has been set for Oct. 23 for a plea to resolve the matter. Davidson, who was previously denied bail, will be brought to court in person that day.Davidson is charged with four counts of fo
  
  Read more

• CK VOTES: Michael Gibbons running for council in Ward 7 North East Chatham

  10-08-2026 17:06 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  Name: Michael GibbonsAge: 54Ward: 7 Why are you running for council? I want to ensure Chatham-Kent stays on the path to growth. There are candidates running because they are angry about certain issues, believing so heavily they can beat the system, and make all the problems go away. That’s not how good governance works. I have the knowledge and experience that’s desperately needed by council and the public. I understand what the administration says, and can translate it for the publ
  
  Read more

• Canadian Cowgirl dreams bring rider and her family to Chatham-Kent

  09-08-2026 19:51 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  When Sydney Dykstra was nine, she sat on Terry Jenkins’ lap to get her autograph following a Canadian Cowgirls performance, before announcing to her idol she would one day join the famous riding team.Now, at the age of 15, she’s doing just that, after six years of riding lessons and practices.“It feels amazing,” the Ridgetown District High School student said. “I feel very honoured to become one. … I’ve made so many friends along the way.”In 2024
  
  Read more

• WAMBO draws crowds to downtown Wallaceburg

  08-08-2026 22:20 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  The 38th Wallaceburg Antique Motor and Boat Outing drew large crowds and nearly 250 vehicles downtown this weekend.In addition to checking out classic cars, trucks and motorcycles, as well as watercraft on the Sydenham River, visitors could enjoy entertainment and other activities. Trevor Terfloth photos.
  
  Read more

• PHOTOS: WAMBO draws crowds to downtown Wallaceburg

  08-08-2026 22:20 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  The 38th Wallaceburg Antique Motor and Boat Outing drew large crowds and nearly 250 vehicles downtown this weekend.In addition to checking out classic cars, trucks and motorcycles, as well as watercraft on the Sydenham River, visitors could enjoy entertainment and other activities. Trevor Terfloth photos.
  
  Read more

• Woman faces assault charge: Chatham-Kent police

  08-08-2026 18:23 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  A woman was charged after a woman was struck by a stranger in Dresden, Chatham-Kent police say.Officers called to North Street just before midnight Aug. 6 learned a Florence female, 17. was walking when she was struck in the face by a stranger, suffering minor injuries, police said. No additional medical attention was required.Officers arrested a suspect soon after, police said.A woman, 34, is charged with assault, police said. She was held for bail. Police foil break-in A Chatham resident face
  
  Read more

• Teen struck in face by stranger in Dresden

  08-08-2026 18:23 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  A 34-year-old woman is charged with assault after a teenager was hit in the face Aug. 6 in Dresden.A 17-year-old from Florence was walking on North Street around midnight when she was struck in the face by a stranger, suffering minor injuries, Chatham-Kent police said.Officers arrested the woman soon after and she was held in custody pending a bail hearing. Police foil break-in A Chatham man is charged after police responded to a break-in in progress Aug. 6.Officers called to a Joseph Street ho
  
  Read more

• CUPE raising alarm over funding, capacity issues in Ontario hospitals

  07-08-2026 22:41 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  A new research report on Ontario’s hospitals is raising the alarm over funding and capacity issues.CUPE is currently touring the province to discuss what it called chronic underfunding and increasing privatization of health-care services, with union officials making a stop in Chatham on Thursday.‘Pushed Over the Brink: The Escalating Assault on Ontario’s Hospitals’ notes this is creating additional strain on an existing crisis within the sector.Michael Hurley, president
  
  Read more

• CK VOTES: Marc Westerman running for council in Ward 6 North West Chatham

  07-08-2026 16:51 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  Name: Marc WestermanAge : 52Ward: 6 Why are you running for council? I believe the best ideas don’t begin at the council table, but with the residents who live here, work here, raise families here, and build businesses here.One of the worst feelings is powerlessness, especially when something needs to change but no one seems to listen. Local government can’t solve every problem, but it can make sure people know their voice matters.Throughout my career and personal life, I’ve o
  
  Read more

• Children's mother testifies at ER doctor's sex assault trial

  07-08-2026 15:58 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  Editor’s note: The following contains details some readers may find disturbing.The mother of two children who the Crown alleges were sexually assaulted by a Chatham-Kent emergency room doctor at his home testified this week at his trial.Robert Nathanial Wismer, 44, has pleaded not guilty to three counts each of sexual assault, sexual interference and invitation to sexual touching involving individuals younger than 16 in connection with alleged incidents between Aug. 29 and Oct. 12, 2024.T
  
  Read more

• Man accused of arson in Chatham fire receives bail again

  06-08-2026 17:52 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  A man accused of arson after a fire at a Chatham housing complex earlier this year received bail again, this time under GPS monitoring.David Anderson, 73, appeared in a Chatham court Wednesday by video from the Elgin Middlesex Detention Centre.He is charged with arson with disregard for human life in connection to a January fire at 99 McNaughton Ave. W. in Chatham that displaced some residents living in nearby units.Anderson, who previously was released on bail in late February to live in the c
  
  Read more

• Survey opens ahead of Chatham-Kent Museum move

  06-08-2026 17:27 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  Chatham-Kent residents can have their say in shaping the Chatham-Kent Museum as it prepares to move to its new location. The municipality launched a survey for the museum, which will be part of the new Chatham-Kent Community Hub in downtown Chatham. “The Museum Exhibition and Interpretive Plan survey is an opportunity for residents to have their say on the Chatham-Kent stories, people, places and moments the museum should preserve and share, and on the types of experiences it will provide
  
  Read more

• Banknote fraud trial: Investors detail alluring pitch, big losses

  06-08-2026 15:29 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  Good word-of-mouth and a compelling back story helped draw people into investing significant sums of money with a Chatham investment company, three investors testified on Wednesday.Three people who testified at a trial in Chatham for two men accused of defrauding investors of more than $11 million described hearing great things from family and friends about an “investment club” that purported to want to give local people a chance to make big returns.Michael Dziedzic and Justin Foss,
  
  Read more

• Pickup driver dies in collision with dump truck near Tilbury

  05-08-2026 22:17 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  A 44-year-old man was killed in a two-vehicle collision in Tilbury Township on Tuesday, Chatham-Kent Police say. Emergency vehicles responded at about 6 p.m. Tuesday to a crash at the intersection of Jeanettes Creek Road and Coutts Line about 10 kilometres northeast of Tilbury. A pickup truck travelling west on Coutts Line collided with a dump truck travelling south on Jeanettes Creek Road. The man driving the pickup truck died, police said, and the driver of the dump truck suffered minor injur
  
  Read more

• $11M fraud trial begins with one of three accused not present

  05-08-2026 16:11 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  A multi-day trial of two Chatham men accused of defrauding investors of more than $11 million began Tuesday, but a third accused man, who has not been seen in Canada for about three years, was still a big part of the discussion.Michael Dziedzic and Justin Foss, who were Banknote Capital Inc. directors when investors lost their money between November 2020 and August 2023, were charged with fraud over $5,000 in April 2025 by the Ontario Securities Commission.Ryan Rumble, another Banknote director
  
  Read more

• Two Chatham-Kent councillors seek action to address vandalism

  04-08-2026 17:53 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  Two Chatham-Kent councillors plan to bring motions to the upcoming council meeting to address vandalism in the community.Wallaceburg Coun. Carmen McGregor recently served notice to council she is bringing a motion due to the fact the L.O. Stonehouse pedestrian bridge in Wallaceburg has been vandalized for the second time this year.She said the vandalism has resulted in “significant damage to the electrical infrastructure that operates the bridge and renders the lift-span inoperable.&rdquo
  
  Read more

• Gift of pen symbol of its power to bring about equality, justice

  03-08-2026 21:21 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  DRESDEN – When Hugh Burnett returned to his hometown here after serving in the Second World War, he soon discovered he was not allowed in local restaurants, even when in uniform, because he was Black.According to history provided by the Ontario Heritage Trust, Burnett wrote to then federal Justice Minister Louis St. Laurent informing him of this situation. He was shocked to receive a reply that racial discrimination was not illegal in Canada at that time.Having taken up arms in the war, B
  
  Read more

• Cornerstone from original local animal shelter on display at PAWR

  03-08-2026 15:45 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  An important piece of local animal welfare history has been preserved for future generations.Pet and Wildlife Rescue (PAWR) has unveiled a commemorative display at its shelter at 405 Park Ave. E. in Chatham that features the original cornerstone from the former Chatham-Kent animal shelter.The stone, which marked the construction of the original shelter at the same site in 1974, is the last remaining physical piece of the original building after its demolition, said PAWR in a media release.&ldqu
  
  Read more

• Generations of families keep Dover Centre Memorial Park going strong

  02-08-2026 01:16 via chathamdailynews.ca
  
  For the past eight decades a 3.5 acre parcel of land has connected generations of families from the Dover Centre area.Many of those families gathered over the weekend to celebrate the 80 th anniversary of the Dover Centre Memorial Park, located at the corner of Dover Centre Line and Baldoon Road.The park officially opened in 1946 to honour the memory of three local residents who lost their lives in the Second World War – Jimmy Lundy (Air Force), Alvin Graham, (Navy), and Michael O’N
  
  Read more

Follow @NewsChathamKent on Twitter!