Month: March 2026

By: Michael Bennett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Ridgetown Independent News

 

Chatham-Kent Public Health issued its second alert regarding drug overdoses in Chatham-Kent in the last month.

 

Public Health released a public alert last Friday afternoon about an increase in drug poisonings and unexpected reactions to substances in Chatham-Kent. The concern was based on elevated opioid-related EMS calls over the last several days.

 

There are reports about the presence of strong tranquillizers in the local drug supply, resulting in heavy sedation.

 

Public Health issued a statement on Jan. 29 regarding the evidence of a veterinary sedative in the local illicit drug supply that led to an increase in overdoses and unexpected reactions to substances.

 

Partners and people with lived experience are concerned that Medetomidine may be present in the local drug supply, contributing to increased risk of drug poisoning.

 

Medetomidine is a veterinary sedative, similar to xylazine (tranquillizer), but significantly stronger.

 

Health officials said multiple doses of naloxone may be necessary to reverse an overdose. 

 

Medetomidine can cause deep sleepiness, a slow heart rate, low blood pressure, very low or no pulse, and hallucinations.

 

Withdrawal can occur rapidly, within hours of last use and peak within 18-36 hours.

 

Medetomidine withdrawal is considered a medical emergency and may require hospitalization.“This serves as an important reminder that the unregulated drug supply is unpredictable and always changing,” read a statement from Public Health. “Substances may not be what individuals expect, increasing the risk of harm or death.”

 

In its latest Opioid Surveillance Report, Public Health said that January had the highest number of EMS calls, Emergency Department visits and suspected drug deaths since the summer of 2024.

 

Chatham-Kent EMS responded to 35 suspected opioid poisoning calls and nine non-opioid overdose calls in January.

 

EMS responded to 164 opioid poisoning calls and 114 non-opioid drug overdose calls in total during 2025.

 

There were also 20 opioid poisoning visits to the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Emergency Department in January.

 

Public Health reported 109 ED visits in 2025, a rate of 97.3 percent per 100,000 people, while the Ontario average was 58.6 percent per 100,000.

 

Public Health reported 12 suspected drug-related deaths in the three-month period from November 2025 to January 2026.

 

There were 23  suspected drug-related deaths in 2025. Public Health also reported five confirmed/probable opioid poisoning deaths between August and October in 2025, and nine in total in 2025.

 

In 2025,  Chatham-Kent experienced higher rates of suspected drug and opioid deaths and a higher rate of opioid ED visits compared to Ontario.

 

Public Health noted that men and individuals aged 30-59 are most affected.

 

The report also stated that half of all opioid toxicity deaths occur among people living in areas experiencing the highest level of poverty.

 

The CKPH unit reminds the public that in case of an overdose:

 

– Call 911;

 

– Give naloxone if an opioid overdose is suspected (it may take more than one dose);

 

– Do not leave the person unattended;

 

– Stay with and assist the person until paramedics arrive.

 

To learn more about where you can get a free naloxone kit, visit www.ckphu.com/harm-reduction. To view the most recent Opioid Surveillance Report, visit www.ckphu.com/opioids

 

By: Michael Bennett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Ridgetown Independent News

 

Council voted unanimously at its February 23 meeting to move forward with plans for a multi-million dollar Chatham-Kent Waste to Energy Project, in partnership with Greenfield Global.

 

If approved, a facility will be built on Bloomfield Road, across from the Greenfield Global plant in West Chatham.

 

An industrial anaerobic digester will convert industrial, commercial, and institutional organic waste into Renewable Natural Gas, diverting material from landfills and producing a clean energy source.

 

Council also approved establishing a Municipal Services Corporation and beginning the loan process for the proposed plant.

 

The project has been in the development stage between the municipality and Greenfield Global since 2021.

 

The current estimated cost is $160 million.

 

The report to Council stated that approximately $60 million in funding has been secured from upper levels of government – $45 million from the Federal Clean Fuels Fund as an interest-free loan repayable over 10 years once profitable;  $10 million in combined grant and loan funding for Greenfield Global through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Organic Waste to Energy program; and $5 million from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.

 

The municipality and Greenfield Global would be responsible for $40 million in an equity investment – $16 million from Chatham-Kent and  $24 million from Greenfield Global.

 

The remaining $60 to $70 million will have to be financed through debt, including up to $25 million from the Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporation.

 

The report to Council said the municipality could not borrow the entire required debt amount from Infrastructure Ontario.

 

The project team decided to recommend borrowing $25 million from Infrastructure Ontario for a term of 15 or 20 years, with the remaining debt secured through private commercial sources.

 

While the prospects of the municipality resorting to debt financing for the project may raise some red flags in the community, Mayor Darrin Canniff said it is a great deal for Chatham-Kent.

 

“Yes, we’re going to borrow money, but we’re going to make a profit doing it,” Canniff said. “This investment, subject to the financials, will more than cover the interest, and we will be getting additional revenue, which will offset taxes.

 

“The taxpayer will benefit from this project.” Canniff declared.

 

Municipal staff will begin the administrative work to create a Municipal Services Corporation under the Municipal Act, with the initial board consisting of Gord Quinton, Chief Financial Officer; Dave Taylor, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer; and Darren Galbraith, General Manager of the Public Utilities Commission.

 

If approved, the waste entering the plant will mainly come from the Greenfield Global facility and the Chatham-Kent PUC.

 

Local curbside organic waste will not be going to this facility.

 

“I know that was the thought four years ago when we started, but that became way too expensive an option,” Quinton told. “It would add about $40 million to the project.”

 

“If we were forced by upper levels of government to have a curbside organic program, it would be much cheaper to truck it down the 401 to somewhere else,” Quinton said.

 

A final engineered estimate by administration and the Greenfield Global Board of Directors will be made available before a scheduled final vote at the April 27 Council meeting.

 

Complete financial projections, including a third-party auditor review, will accompany the final report.

 

By: Michael Bennett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Ridgetown Independent News

 

Chatham-Kent Council approved a request from a local company to turn the former Salvation Army Thrift Store into a combined commercial and residential complex.

 

Council also approved funding for several Ridgetown and East Kent organizations through the 2026 Together CK Grant program at its Feb. 23 meeting.

 

Main-Ridge Inc. was approved through the consent agenda for assistance under the Community Improvement Plan and the Property Tax Increment Equivalent Grant Agreement.

 

The company will receive an annual grant equivalent to 100% of the increase in municipal property taxes resulting from the development of a Mixed-Use Commercial/Residential Use in a Downtown Area for five years.

 

The Property Tax Increment Equivalent Program provides an incentive to reduce the tax increase when a property is developed, redeveloped or rehabilitated.

 

Main-Ridge Inc. plans to redevelop the existing buildings at 14 and 18 Main Street, East, into three businesses and nine residential units.

 

Three commercial units and two residential units are planned for the ground floor, with an additional seven residential units on the second floor.

 

The total construction value is estimated at $1,300,000.

 

Meanwhile, Council voted unanimously to approve grants to 66 applicants, totalling $375,000 in funding from the 2026 Together CK Grant program.

 

Five local organizations were among 22 successful applicants sharing in $134,783 in the Community Projects category.

 

The Ridgetown & District Horticultural Society will receive $8,022 for their community garden restructuring and optimization project.

 

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 243 was granted for $6,775 for its ‘Renewing The Heart of Br. 243’ project.

 

The Erie Street United Church will get a $2,622 grant for air conditioners in its community hall.

 

The Duart Community Hall was approved for an $8,022 grant for its stage and storage product.

 

The Friends of the Bothwell Catholic Cemetery received $4,438 for its walking with history project.

 

Four local events were among the 39 successful candidates for Community Events’ funding, sharing in $137,607.

 

The East Kent Celebrates Committee was granted $4,522 for its summer concert series.

 

The Ridgetown & Area Adult Activity Centre received $4,050 for its 5W’s event.

 

The Ridgetown BIA is getting a $4,022 grant for its Canada Day Weekend celebration.

 

The Bothwell Royal Canadian Legion Branch 252 was approved for $3,522 for its 100th anniversary celebration.

 

Five organizations were approved to share in $102,610 major funding under the Significant Event category.

 

The Thamesville Threshing Festival Inc. received $20,022 in funding for its 2026 event, as its theme is ‘Honouring The Past, Measuring The Future,’ scheduled for June 19-20 in Ferguson Park.

 

Chatham-Kent Crowfest received $22,522, the Dresden Sidestreets Youth Centre (Dresden Night Market), Historic Downtown Chatham BIA (Retrofest) and Wallaceburg Antique Motor & Boating Outing were all approved for $20,022.

 

“This is extremely good news,” Mayor Darrin Canniff said after Council’s unanimous vote to approve the 66 successful applicants. “This impacts organizations across Chatham-Kent and helps volunteers to put their most resource – their time – in helping them to make these events and projects make our community even better.”

 

Canniff said the Together CK grant program is about investing in the people and communities that make Chatham-Kent such a vibrant place to live.

 

“From major festivals to grassroots community projects, these investments support connection, culture, and economic activity across the entire municipality,” the Mayor said.

 

Since Together CK was launched 25 years ago, the funding has supported 443 events and 548 projects.

 

By: Michael Bennett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Ridgetown Independent News

 

As the application deadline approaches for the 2026 spring round of grants from the Chatham Kent Community Foundation and the South Kent Wind Community Fund, several charities in the Ridgetown and East Kent area are thankful for the financial assistance they received in 2025.

 

In 2025, a total of $781,609 was granted to 88 organizations across Chatham-Kent.

 

Seven local organizations received funding from the 2025 Chatham Kent Community Foundation and the South Kent Wind Community Fund.

 

The Ridgetown and Area Adult Activity Centre was granted $15,000 for its Lunchtime Connection monthly catered meals program for one year.

 

Feral to Forever Cat Rescue in Ridgetown received $15,000 to offer low-cost spay and neuter services to cat owners and caretakers in Chatham-Kent, particularly low-income individuals and those experiencing homelessness.

 

Wandering Whiskers, based in Thamesville, received $15,125 to run a trap-neuter-release cat rescue, with an additional contribution from the Mary and Al Woods Animal Welfare Fund.

 

The Adult Activity Centre and two cat rescues were among the six organizations that received the most funding of $15,000 or more.

 

The CO, in partnership with the Chatham-Kent Women’s Centre, received the most funding, as its $21,000 grant will support the launch of the enhanced community kitchen initiative.

 

Kenesserie Camp received $14,302 to complete the renovation of its Environmental Learning Centre, funded by the Wonnacott Environmental Legacy Fund and the Dr. Don and Denny Patterson Environmental Legacy Fund.

 

Camp Cataraqui received $6,000 to purchase insulation and panelling for a cabin, archery backstops, and four new steel-and-wood picnic tables at the Scouts Canada facility near Clearville.

 

The Highgate District Agricultural Society is the recipient of two grants. The HDAS received $5,900 to replace the seats and standing planks on eight sets of bleachers at the ballpark, and $5,000 to purchase 20 new tables.

 

The Westover Treatment Centre in Thamesville also received two grants. The centre received $8,000 to replace six twin-size mattresses and 12 tables for programming and events, with an additional contribution from the Garnet George Case Fund. Westover was also granted $7,000 for chimney and roof repairs.

 

Several other organizations that provide services to the Ridgetown and East Kent area received funding.

 

FreeHelpCK received $15,000 to run its Operation Backpack, Senior in C-K, Community Garden, Food Pantries and Prom & Grad Attire Projects, as the volunteer organization operates the food pantry at the Br. 243 Legion and serves the local community with its other charitable services.

 

Four Counties Health Services Foundation, located in Newbury but serving the East Kent area, received $6,000 to purchase an advanced AIRVO 3, a high-flow oxygen therapy system capable of delivering higher O2 flow and longer battery life for patient transport.

 

Funding for Four Counties includes a contribution from the Garnet George Case Fund.

 

NeighbourLink C-K received $10,000 to fund aWAY Opportunities, a program to send local needy children to summer camps in Chatham-Kent.

 

VON Chatham-Kent received $9,885 to expand services in the Kids’ Circle Bereavement Program by adding Music, Art and Drama therapy as well as replenishing library resources.

 

Chatham-Kent Victim Services received $15,000 to purchase bracelets and storage for Project Lifesaver, ensuring the safety of those with Alzheimer’s, autism and other conditions that may cause them to wander. Funding includes a contribution from the Joseph P. and Colleen O’Neill Community Betterment Fund.

 

YMCA of Chatham-Kent was granted $10,000 to support a financial subsidy for low-income and vulnerable population individuals to access Y facilities and programs.

 

Children’s Treatment Centre Foundation of C-K received $10,000 to run the Behaviour Support Program for Children and Youth with Developmental Needs.

 

The DUDES Club of Chatham-Kent received $9,000 to support Indigenous and non-Indigenous men in C-K through holistic wellness programming, job readiness initiatives, and reintegration support.

 

Chatham Kent Women’s Centre received $10,000 to run the Chatham-Kent Trauma Support Program.

 

Two other animal rescue services received funding, along with Feral to Forever Cat Rescue and Wandering Whiskers.

 

The Blenheim Area Prevent a Litter received $5,000 to operate its Trap, Neuter, and Return program for feral and stray cats in the Blenheim and surrounding communities.

 

Chatham-Kent Animal Rescue received two grants, including $9,000 to run the Precious Partners program, which matches seniors with senior pets who need permanent foster care. CKAR was also granted $3,000 to provide eye removal surgery for a cat and to spay/neuter six puppies, with funding for both provided by the Mary and Al Woods Animal Welfare Fund.

 

For the full list of all 88 successful organizations that received grants in 2025, visit www.chathamkentcommunityfoundation.ca/grants/past-grants/

 

For the 2026 round of funding from the Chatham Kent Community Foundation and the South Kent Wind Community Fund, there is $750,000 available for registered charities in Chatham-Kent.

 

Registered charities in Chatham-Kent may apply at www.chathamkentcommunityfoundation.ca by Tuesday, March 31.

 

The Chatham Kent Community Foundation assists in developing the community through grants to registered charitable organizations that focus on education, health, arts and culture, recreation, social services, heritage, and the environment. An organization must be a registered charity and able to provide a Revenue Canada Agency registration number. The organization must also provide programs and services within the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.

 

Full eligibility guidelines and registration are available online at www.chathamkentcommunityfoundation.ca

 

Since its inception, the CKCF has distributed over $6-million to local charities.

 

The South Kent Wind Community Fund is a donor-advised fund within the Chatham Kent Community Foundation.

 

The Fund was created by South Kent Wind LP, a wind power facility owned by Pattern Canada and Samsung Renewable Energy Inc.

 

The Fund began with an initial donation of $1 million in the spring of 2013, and over its 20-year operational life, South Kent Wind LP will contribute another $10 million to the Fund.

 

By: Pam Wright, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Chatham Voice

 

Children shouldn’t grow up in an office.

 

But that’s what’s happening at Linck Child, Youth and Family Supports for youngsters who are falling through the cracks.

 

According to the executive director of the child protection agency, eight children have lived at the Chatham facility, and one, who stayed for four months, was only seven years old.

 

“The reality has been that for the last four years, we’ve been sheltering children in our building,” Teri Thomas-Vanos explained to media recently. “This is an office building. It’s a place of business…it’s not a place to raise a child.”

 

The children who found themselves staying at Linck have complex needs which can’t be managed by caregivers or the foster system. Thomas-Vanos said the affected youngsters need residential treatment. That isn’t available in either Windsor or Chatham, and youngsters must relocate to London or beyond to access the needed care.

 

Initially, Thomas-Vanos said Linck was sheltering an adolescent population – but the age of the children needing residential treatment is getting younger.

 

That concerns her.

 

“Tragically, that age has been declining,” she said. “We had a 10 year old in this building for over 10 months. This year, we’ve had a seven year old for four months. “It’s not okay. We’re not a residential facility.”

 

And while the children’s problems cover a wide range of mental and behavioural disorders, they have one thing in common – a traumatic history, Thomas-Vanos said.

 

The dilemma of caring for these youngsters is stressful for staff who aren’t specifically trained to handle complex needs. 

 

“We’ve had to ask people, we had to make people work shifts they weren’t prepared to do or equipped to do, and they did it,” she said. “Our staff are heroes.”

 

Solving the problem will require capital and resources, Thomas-Vanos added. Caring for these children around the clock is expensive, she said, adding she knows of one incidence where it cost $1 million to care for a single child for one year.

 

Thomas-Vanos said the needs of the troubled children can’t be met until they experience a period of stability.

 

“The right care at the right time in the right place is always in their best interest,” the executive director said, adding they need an “extensive period of intensive treatment” in order to stabilize and regain their wellness. “Having a random response doesn’t expedite their healing.”

 

A forced move away from Chatham-Kent to get help is hard on both the children and their families, she said, as the best care plan includes family members. 

 

“We know that kids do better when their caregivers do better,” she said.

 

Thomas-Vanos said both Chatham-Kent–Leamington MPP Trevor Jones and Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Steve Pinsonneault are aware of the problem and are looking to help.

 

Jones met with one of the children, she said, and he also brought Minister of Community and Social Services Michael Parsa to visit Linck.

 

“The good news is that some of the kids did get the help they needed and were able to return home,” Thomas-Vanos stated.

 

“But it’s been gruelling for our staff,” she concluded, noting the issue has contributed to the agency’s $3-million deficit. Currently Linck is working with the province to manage its debt.

 

The difficulty in housing troubled children is not unique to Chatham-Kent, as the matter is currently the subject of an Ontario Ombudsman probe. 

 

Ontario is facing a severe shortage of residential treatment spaces, forcing children and youth to wait in less-than-ideal spots, such as hotels.

 

Linck officials and the foundation are working on local solutions, including purchasing a property in Blenheim and possibly setting up a tiny home complex.