Author: Mohsin Abbas

By: Saeed Akhtar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter

RONA, a leading Canadian home improvement retailer, has reopened stores in Belle River, Comber, and Tilbury, giving residents access to a wide range of hardware, building materials, and renovation products. The goal of these reopenings is to lift the local economy, create jobs, and support local homeowners and contractors. Customers are encouraged to stop by for exclusive promotions and the latest products.

Shawn and Brandy Sauve, the fifth-generation owners of Sauve’s RONA, celebrated the grand re-opening of three renovated stores in the area. To mark the occasion, teams from Sauve’s RONA, local partners, and leaders from RONA’s dealer support team gathered recently to honour the modernization and expansion of the Belle River, Tilbury, and Comber RONA locations.

“The expansion will allow us to improve and serve our customer abse and offer an expanded product selection to our mix,” said Sauve, whose family has run a business in Belle River for 150 years. “My father bought this business 33 years ago. This is our third expansion.”

He says that the expansion will assist in serving the community more efficiently and alleviate the need for customers to travel to Windsor for their DIY needs.

“All three locations were designed with one goal in mind: to better serve our customers,” explained Sauve. “From improved layouts to expanded product offerings and professional services, these upgrades reflect our deep roots in the community and our ongoing commitment to evolving with our customers’ needs.”

The Belle River store saw the most significant transformation, doubling in size to now offer 10,000 square feet of retail space. The upgrades include a new entrance, expanded parking, and a complete interior redesign. Customers now enjoy a dedicated Pro Desk, an enlarged Paint Desk, and access to a 3-acre lumberyard with 10,000 square feet of indoor storage.

In Tilbury, the fully renovated 12,000-square-foot store features a large garden centre and a full-service lumberyard, along with refreshed branding and new exterior signage. The Comber location now has a rebranded 5,000-square-foot store, which includes a compact lumberyard and a revitalized garden centre.

The Comber location has also been completely revamped. The now rebranded 5,000-square-foot store includes a compact lumber yard and a revitalized garden centre, extending its reach and relevance in the region.

Sarah Regan is the chair of the Belle River BIA. They are thrilled to see the expansion go ahead in the town.

“Super excited to be here today. Sauve’s is a long-standing pillar of our community, we are thrilled for their success and look forward to the future.”

Sauve says that serving the community is very important to his family, with the business getting involved in a number of charitable projects throughout the town over the years.

lain Ménard, Senior Vice-President, RONA Affiliated Dealers, added: “The Sauve family embodies what it means to be a RONA affiliated dealer — visionary, dedicated, and deeply connected to their community. Their ability to grow while staying true to their roots is what makes Sauve’s RONA such a valued partner. We’re proud to support their continued success and to celebrate this exciting new chapter.”

By: Georgia LeBlanc, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter

The Tilbury Horticultural Society has been dedicated to beautifying the town of Tilbury with fresh, colourful flowerbeds and greenery since 1986.

Linda Henderson is one of the original members of the Tilbury and District Horticultural Society. The society will be celebrating its’ fortieth anniversary next year. Henderson said the society was originally founded after an ad was posted in the Tilbury Times.

“In 1986, there was an ad put in the Tilbury Times asking if anyone was interested in establishing a horticultural society, and that we wanted to start one up in Tilbury,” said Henderson. “There were about seventy people who came to the meeting at the public school, and we talked about it. We decided it was a good idea at that point, so it was started.”

Henderson said the society started work when the downtown area of Tilbury was still being developed.

“The first year, members planted in ground level beds that were present when Tilbury’s streetscape was being developed,” said Henderson. “What is there now certainly is not what was there forty years ago. Our members are older and today we prefer raised beds for planting as opposed to ground level ones. Many of these original ground level beds have disappeared and have been replaced by planters.”

Despite this, Henderson said she is very satisfied with what the society has become over the years. She also said she enjoys the aspect of comradery the Horticultural Society provides.

“My favourite part about the Horticultural Society is the friends you make in a group like this,” said Henderson. “Just the fact we work together and get to see the fruits of our labor.”

As designer of the floral displays that are planted around town, Henderson said she likes to keep things fresh and different each year.

“Every year I try to change the look,” said Henderson. “We have thirty-eight hanging baskets, thirty-three planters and eight butterfly gardens.”

Henderson also said the Horticultural Society’s work isn’t limited to downtown.

“We also contribute to the surroundings at Northside Park and Memorial Park,” said Henderson. “We are constantly replacing dead and dying trees as well as native perennials which have not survived due to severe weather or mice and deer buffets. Improvements are constantly being made to each park entrance as well as inside the parks themselves.”

Henderson said when Chatham-Kent was involved in the Communities in Bloom program, Tilbury was one of the destinations visited by the judges.

“Chatham-Kent has earned several awards over the years,” said Henderson. “First, we received top honours at the local level, then at the provincial level. Finally, we were recognized at the national level. This is quite an accomplishment as the criteria is quite strict and these awards recognized our hard work.”

Along with designers and planters, there must be someone who maintains these colourful downtown displays. The man who has been responsible for this of eighteen years is Jim “The Water Guy” Bulley. Bulley said his passion for flowers and greenery first blossomed at a very young age.

“My mom, dad and grandma have always had flowers and I’ve always been a fan of trees,” said Bulley. “My dad worked in the department of highways for many years in the forest recruit, so we were always talking about trees and stuff. It’s kind of a family tradition, I guess.”

According to Bulley, the citizens of Tilbury make it very apparent they appreciate his work.

“I take great pride in my work,” said Bulley. “Everybody sees the work I do. If I’m a little late watering because I got called into work, I always get a phone call saying, ‘The flowers are looking a little wilted!’ I always say ‘Yes, I’m done work at eight o’clock. I’ll be there at eight-thirty, don’t worry!’”

Bulley also said he is often recognized by local “fans,” and recently received a hand-made token of appreciation.

“I had a really nice moment the other night,” said Bulley. “There’s a group home down past the bowling alley and one of the people who lived there was a supporter of the Horticultural Society. She came up to me with a drawing she made that said ‘Flower Power.” She said, ‘This is for you, Mister. You do a nice job.’ I thought it was very touching.”

Even though they are doing very well, Henderson said the Horticultural Society is in need of new, younger members to carry on their legacy.

“We have monthly meetings and we welcome new members,” said Henderson. “Some people are hesitant to join because they think they do not know anything about flowers. We want to dispel that because we are not experts. Existing group members can answer questions that might arise.”

Henderson said a membership is ten dollars per year. This includes a discount on live plants of twenty per cent at local nurseries and flower shops.

To join the Tilbury Horticultural Society, you can attend a meeting at the Tilbury Legion on the second Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. Alternatively, more information can be found at gardenontario.org/society-listing under the letter “T”.

By: Georgia LeBlanc, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter

Ninety runners, walkers, and cyclists lined up behind a red ribbon for a five-kilometer marathon of hope.

Sunday, Sept. 14 marked the forty-fifth annual Terry Fox Run, this year being held at the Tilbury Arena.

At noon, ninety runners, walkers and cyclists lined up behind a red ribbon waiting to take off on a five-kilometer marathon of hope. Once the ribbon was cut, the marathoners sped off in honor of everyone battling the horrific disease.

Mark Authier has been organizing the Tilbury Terry Fox Run for eight years. He said the last organizer had to retire due to health issues.

“My wife Lynn and I decided to take over because of how many family members and friends have either had or passed from cancer,” said Authier.

Authier said the community run has raised over thirty-two thousand dollars this year and a grand total of eight hundred and seventy-eight thousand dollars since the tradition began.

“I’m hoping it benefits all cancer patients,” said Authier. He points to a poster depicting recent cancer statistics. “Cancer mortality has decreased by thirty-seven per cent since 1988. This is how I believe the money raised goes into, obviously finding a cure.”

Also, according to the poster, survival rates have increased from twenty-five per cent to sixty per cent since the 1940s.

As mentioned before, Authier’s family has been affected by cancer, including his brother-in-law, Jeff Vander Pryt.

“I was diagnosed with brain cancer in April of last year, we volunteered for a few years prior,” said Vander Pryt.

Despite volunteering, Vander Pryt said this is his second year participating in the five-kilometer trek.

“Last year was my first walk, this year is going to be my second walk.”

Vander Pryt said the event is a great opportunity for Tilbury to come together and support a good cause.

“I have several family members coming to walk with me,” said Vander Pryt. “My wife and kids are going to walk with me. It’s very supportive.”

So far, Vander Pryt said he enjoys the walk as a social event.

“It’s a great walk,” said Vander Pryt. “It’s kind of a mosey around and stop at all the water stations and socialize.”

Long-time volunteer Mike Taylor said he has been involved in the Terry Fox Run for thirty-five years.

“My dad was a huge volunteer with the Optimist Club, and I was always tagging along with them,” said Taylor.

Taylor said his motives come straight from the heart.

“I feel that everybody should give back to the community,” said Taylor. “I’m sure it’s something I get more out of than what I give.”

Taylor also said it’s the community that makes the walk so successful.

“It’s a show of support,” said Taylor. “Tilbury has always been phenomenal when it comes to supporting anything there’s a need for. We raise a heck of a lot of money and not just for Terry Fox, but for any event that takes place.”

Also on the poster Mark Authier was referencing was a reminder from the icon of hope himself. Terry Fox continuously reminds us to keep raising awareness since it brings us closer to finding a cure for good.

“Even if I don’t finish, we need others to continue. It’s got to keep going without me.” -Terry Fox

Along with Terry Fox himself, cancer survivors at the Tilbury walk and around the world stand as icons of hope. With all the awareness they raise, the slogan “FINISH IT,” comes closer to becoming a reality every single day.

By: Matt Weingarden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter

The Chatham-Kent Police Service is appealing to the public for assistance in identifying a suspect involved in a gasoline theft that occurred earlier this month.

On September 1, 2025, at approximately 7:00 a.m., a blue 2008 Ford Ranger was seen fueling up at the ESSO Gas Station located at 3613 Queens Line in Tilbury. The male driver reportedly left the premises without making any payment.

The suspect is described as a man in his mid-30s, wearing a brown coat, black shorts, and flip-flops. A brown dog was also visible inside the vehicle at the time of the incident.

Police noted several distinctive features on the truck:

Horizontal aftermarket red lighting on the rear bumper

White spotlights mounted under each taillight

Large “HD” stickers on both upper corners of the rear windshield

A yellow tote and jerry can in the truck bed

An Oakley sticker on the lower left corner of the rear windshield

Authorities conducted a license plate query, but it did not yield any identification.

Anyone with information about the suspect or the vehicle is urged to contact Constable Cole Brigley at coleb@chatham-kent.ca or call the Chatham-Kent Police Service at 519-352-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

By: Saeed Akhtar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter

West Nile Virus Detected in Mosquitoes from Tilbury and Chatham, CK Public Health Urges Vigilance

Mosquitoes collected in Tilbury and northwest Chatham have tested positive for West Nile Virus, CK Public Health confirmed Tuesday, marking the first positive cases from those surveillance traps this season.

The mosquitoes were captured on Aug. 19 as part of the municipality’s ongoing West Nile Virus monitoring program. The virus, which is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, poses a seasonal health risk across Ontario, particularly during late summer when mosquito activity peaks.

While most people infected with West Nile Virus show no symptoms, some may experience mild illness such as fever, headache, body aches and fatigue. In rare cases, the virus can lead to serious complications including neck stiffness, nausea, difficulty swallowing, vomiting and even paralysis. Older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness.

CK Public Health is reminding residents to take precautions to reduce exposure to mosquitoes. Recommended measures include wearing light-coloured, long-sleeved clothing, using insect repellents containing DEET or Icaridin, staying indoors during peak mosquito hours (dusk to dawn), repairing window and door screens, and eliminating standing water around homes to prevent mosquito breeding.

West Nile Virus has been present in Ontario since 2001, with annual cases fluctuating depending on weather conditions and mosquito populations. In 2022, Ontario reported 36 confirmed human cases, including one in Chatham-Kent.

CK Public Health continues to monitor mosquito activity through weekly trapping and testing. Surveillance data and prevention tips are available at ckphu.com. For more information, residents can also visit canada.ca or call CK Public Health at 519-352-7270.

By: Matt Weingarden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter

Just ahead of the fourth anniversary of the gas explosion that shook downtown Wheatley on August 26, 2021, a $100-million class-action lawsuit against the Municipality of Chatham-Kent has been officially withdrawn.

The decision marks a pivotal moment for the community, allowing residents and officials to shift their focus from litigation to long-term recovery and rebuilding.

The lawsuit’s dismissal comes as the Municipality continues to navigate the aftermath of the explosion, which led to widespread evacuations and significant damage. Since the incident, the Province of Ontario has provided more than $30 million in support, including over $8 million in direct aid to affected residents and businesses.

The funding also covered the municipal investigation and well-capping efforts at the site. Property owners in the primary evacuation zone were compensated for the sale of their buildings at freely negotiated prices, helping stabilize the community and restore confidence.

Although the legal action has ended, financial implications remain. The Municipality was required to pay a $250,000 insurance deductible, while its insurance provider covered the remaining defence costs.

Under the terms of the policy, the insurer may still seek to recover those expenses. Decisions regarding recovery are made by the insurer—not by Municipal Council or administration.

At the August 25, 2025 Council meeting, Councillors Melissa Harrigan and Lauren Anderson introduced a motion requesting that the Municipality advise its insurer not to pursue recovery of the deductible from the representative plaintiffs. The motion passed, though the insurer may still consider recovering other costs. Municipal staff will gather further information and provide updates to Council.

“We are relieved that this matter has been resolved and that the community can move forward,” said Councillor Harrigan.

“The focus can now remain on supporting Wheatley’s recovery, rather than on a lengthy legal process. We are extremely grateful to the Province of Ontario for its partnership and the funding it provided to support residents, businesses, and mitigation work.”

Councillor Anderson added, “The people of Wheatley have shown incredible resilience throughout this ordeal. I am very pleased that Council supported our motion to ensure the Municipality will not seek to recover its deductible from the representative plaintiffs. This outcome allows us to focus on what matters most: supporting the community and continuing the journey towards recovery and revitalization.”

While monitoring of the site continues, the gas issue is now stable. Plans are underway to transform the property where the explosion occurred into a community park, envisioned as a cornerstone of Wheatley’s future growth.

By: Saeed Akhtar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter

Chatham-Kent Council revisited the ongoing issue of encampments across the municipality during its meeting held on Monday, August 25, 2025. After considerable discussion, Council approved a motion to reduce the required setback distance between encampments and residential property lines from 100 metres to 25 metres. The motion also included exemptions for portions of the PUC site and the Water Tower site, allowing encampments to remain in those areas without adhering to the revised setback rule. Additionally, Council authorized up to $100,000 in funding per exempted site to support infrastructure improvements aimed at enhancing privacy and overall community well-being.

During the meeting, Council heard multiple deputations and received legal guidance from municipal administration. Staff emphasized that municipalities are bound by legal precedents which affirm the rights of unhoused individuals to shelter on public lands when no alternative accommodations are available. These court decisions have shaped the framework within which Chatham-Kent must operate.

North Kent Councillor Rhonda Jubenville, who introduced the motion to revise the setback distance, acknowledged the complexity of the issue. While she expressed personal opposition to encampments, she noted that legal constraints leave the municipality with limited options.

“Based on legal knowledge that has been presented to council and the public tonight, removing encampments in Chatham-Kent is not an option,” Jubenville said, adding that sanctioning a single site is not a comprehensive solution.

Following the presentations and discussion, Council voted 10–5 in favour of adopting a formal encampment bylaw, with one councillor abstaining.

The bylaw incorporates regulations outlined in the Encampment Protocol, which is publicly available for review. Among the rules included are requirements for tents and structures to be spaced at least two metres apart to ensure fire safety and access for emergency services.

The bylaw enforces a zero-tolerance policy for violence and criminal activity and mandates that encampment sites maintain reasonable cleanliness. This includes prohibiting the presence of used, uncapped needles and excessive garbage or debris. T

o support these standards, sharps containers and garbage disposal access will be placed at strategic locations throughout the community.

West Kent Councillor Melissa Harrigan, who seconded the motion, emphasized the need for a broader policy approach. She warned that smaller communities within Chatham-Kent may face similar encampment challenges in the future and urged Council to prepare accordingly.

Council also approved a motion to single-source enforcement of the Encampment Response Protocol to Royal Protective Services. In preparation for enforcement, the municipality has hired a local contractor to begin cleanup operations at the PUC site, with enforcement of the new rules expected to begin in the coming weeks.

To keep residents informed and engaged, the municipality has launched a dedicated Let’s Talk page where ongoing updates and information about the encampment issue will be shared. The page can be accessed at www.LetsTalkChatham-Kent.ca/EncampmentUpdates.

By: Saeed Akhtar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter

In a powerful demonstration of community leadership and collaboration, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent has announced the successful completion of the first year of CK Cools, a legacy project of the Leadership Chatham-Kent program that provided air conditioning units to 125 low-income households during one of the region’s hottest summers on record.

The initiative was launched in response to increasingly frequent and severe heatwaves across Southwestern Ontario, which pose serious health risks—especially to seniors, children, and individuals with chronic illnesses. According to Environment Canada, Chatham-Kent experienced 17 days of temperatures exceeding 30°C this summer, with heat warnings issued for nearly half of July. For many vulnerable residents, access to cooling is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.

CK Cools was designed and led by Leadership Chatham-Kent participants Steve Brown, Director of Budget & Performance for the Municipality; Tiffany Irwin, School Age Service Manager at the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent; and Christina Bonneau, Director of Finance at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. Their goal: to create a lasting, community-driven solution to heat-related hardship.

“With Chatham-Kent experiencing longer periods of extreme heat, the CK Cools initiative was created to provide important support for people to safely shelter at home,” said Brown.

“The CK Cools team would like to extend a sincere thanks to our community partners NeighbourLink and Grand Avenue Home Hardware for their support. This initiative will undoubtedly have a positive impact on our community for years to come.”

The program was made possible through a partnership with NeighbourLink, Grand Avenue Home Hardware, and Chatham-Kent Employment & Social Services, who helped identify eligible households and coordinate distribution.

Units were provided on a first-come, first-served basis, and while demand exceeded supply, the program’s impact was immediate and profound.

One recipient, a single mother of two living in Wallaceburg, shared that the air conditioner “changed everything” for her family.

“We were sleeping in the basement and using wet towels to stay cool. Now my kids can sleep comfortably, and I don’t worry about heat exhaustion.”

CK Cools is part of a broader effort to address climate resilience and social equity in Chatham-Kent.

The Leadership Chatham-Kent program, launched in 2024, is a nine-month leadership development initiative that brings together professionals from across sectors—education, healthcare, nonprofit, construction, post-secondary institutions, and municipal services—for monthly sessions focused on community impact, collaboration, and innovation.

Legacy projects like CK Cools are a cornerstone of the program, empowering participants to design and implement initiatives that leave a lasting mark on the region.

Other legacy projects from the 2024 cohort include youth mentorship programs, mental health awareness campaigns, and rural transportation pilots.

For residents who did not qualify or missed this year’s intake, the Municipality has confirmed that CK Cools will return in 2026, with updates to be shared through community partners and the municipal website.

As climate challenges grow and community needs evolve, CK Cools stands as a shining example of what happens when leadership meets compassion—and when a simple air conditioner becomes a lifeline.

To learn more about CK Cools or the Leadership Chatham-Kent program, contact Eric Labadie, Manager of Corporate Communications, at 519-360-1998 x 2039 or ericl@chatham-kent.ca.