Author: Mohsin Abbas

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

On Aug. 16, the Tilbury Vikings hosted a swim meet sponsored by local businesses at the town pool.

Welcoming over 220 swimmers from all across southern Ontario, both the parent council and team members of the Vikings alike said the event was a huge success.

Vice president of the Vikings, Julia Gregoire, said several swimmers came from far and wide to attend this year’s event.

“A lot of the teams came from as far as Wyoming, Ontario to Windsor,” said Gregoire. “It’s a well-respected swim meet.”

Fourteen-year-old Vikings member Adele Grieves, who has been swimming since she was eleven, said the event was a blast.

“It was amazing,” said Grieves. “It was one of the biggest swim meets of the year. Everyone there was fantastic, including the staff and people helping out.”

President of the Vikings, Randy Borean, has two daughters who are avid swimmers of the group. When former president Jon Orr’s kids grew out of the team, he retired. Following this, Borean said he ran for president to preserve the team for both his daughters and the rest of the members.

“I was elected because there were few people who wanted to or were able to commit the time and effort,” said Borean. “I didn’t want to see my daughters not have the same experience they were having before.”

Borean said the main purpose of the event is to create a friendly atmosphere for kids to swim and practice good sportsmanship.

“Everyone usually looks forward to our event, so we tried our best to make it the best we could,” said Borean. “It’s all for the kids to have fun and enjoy being in the pool with friends, along with a little bit of friendly competition.”

Gregoire said her favourite part of helping to oversee the team is watching the effects it has on young swimmers.

“It’s been great to watch the friendships grow,” said Gregoire. “We have a large range of age groups from nine to fifteen, and they just support each other across the entire team. It’s just an all-around good team and good sport.”

Gregoire’s ten-year-old daughter Sloan, won first place overall for her age group at the event. Nonetheless, Sloan said people at the meet were supportive of everyone, no matter how they placed.

“Everybody’s so supportive, no matter if you’re first or last,” said Sloan. “They always cheer you on and say you rocked it.”

Grieves said she is also one of the twenty-six Vikings members who enjoys the friendly atmosphere of the swimming community.

“I’ve gotten to make so many new friends,” said Grieves. “It’s such a great experience to get to know more people, whether it be kids or adults.

Both Borean and Gregoire said the team’s parent council is independently responsible for planning and executing the Viking’s home event. They also register and manage the team at events that are away from home.

“This event couldn’t happen without the parents,” said Borean. “I think we’re one of the only teams or clubs that are solely run by parents.”

However, this year, Borean said the council received some generous help from local businesses.

I want the community of Tilbury to know how much it was appreciated for their donations and support,” said Borean. “We were only looking for small donations. The local businesses and even just the community in general were absolutely more than generous.”

Gregoire also said she would like to thank the CK Lifeguards at the Tilbury pool who coach the team from Monday to Friday.

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

Calvary Community Church in Tilbury was filled with music, laughter and creativity this summer as 43 children took part in the “God’s Word for Me” Vacation Bible Camp. The week-long event blended Bible lessons with hands-on activities, including crafts, sports, snacks and lively puppet performances.

Led by a dedicated team of 27 volunteers, the camp aimed to teach children about faith in a fun and engaging way. Each day featured themed lessons, interactive storytelling and musical worship, helping participants connect with the teachings of the Bible in a meaningful and memorable way.

Organizers praised the strong turnout and the enthusiastic support from families across Tilbury, Chatham-Kent and Lakeshore. “We’re so grateful for the community’s involvement,” said one volunteer. “It’s amazing to see children learning and growing in their faith while having such a great time.”

The puppet shows were a particular highlight, drawing laughter and excitement from campers while reinforcing the day’s spiritual messages. Volunteers also guided children through creative art projects and outdoor games, ensuring a well-rounded experience that nurtured both body and spirit.

“This camp is a joyful expression of our mission to share God’s love with the next generation,” said Rev. Harold J. Morden, lead pastor at Calvary Community Church. “Seeing the children so engaged and excited reminds us of the power of faith to inspire and uplift.”

Organizers say they’re already looking forward to next year’s program.

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

Every year thousands of boaters take to the local waters without basic navigation and boat handling skills and knowledge and lack proper safety equipment.

Proper education and safety equipment can mean the difference between a great day on the water and potential disaster.

Which is why organizations Guardian Marine Rescue and CanBoat/NautiSavoir have partnered up to offer free recreational vessel courtesy checks (RVCC) at several marinas throughout Essex County over the summer.

“We’re here to offer a little bit of public education, making sure that boaters are aware of the required basic equipment and knowledge, so we don’t have to go out and do a rescue,” said Guardian Marine Rescue treasurer, Tyler Burniston. “It’s a way to help people stay proactive and safe when they venture out on the waters.”

The group works closely with Windsor Police, OPP, LaSalle Police, RCMP and Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary and other local agencies to deliver effective and coordinated search and rescue operations. Although the organization has no powers of enforcement, the aforementioned policing services do.

“For instance, boaters are required to keep a flashlight on board for a reason, personal floatation devices are required for a reason, if something happens, you have the tools to stay safe.” said Burniston, who joined the Canadian Armed Forces at 17, and served with the Navy and Coast Guard.

“I’d rather somebody comes up to me and says, yeah, I really did need that piece of safety equipment because we ended up using it, as opposed to getting that ‘come save me’ call.”

Guardian Marine Rescue is a volunteer-based non-profit organization dedicated to marine search and rescue. Established in 2011, they are committed to saving lives and promoting safe boating activities in our communities. Their team operates out of Colchester and Lakeshore, providing critical services across Lake Erie, the Detroit River, and Lake St. Clair.

With a fleet that includes the Colchester Guardian and the Lakeshore Alida, the group is equipped to respond swiftly to emergencies on local waterways. Volunteers undergo rigorous training to ensure they are prepared for a variety of situations. Guardian Marine Rescue collaborate closely with the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary and other local agencies to deliver effective and coordinated search and rescue operations.

At Guardian Marine Rescue, their mission is to prevent loss of life and ensure the safety of boaters in our region 24/7. They also engage in public education initiatives to raise awareness about boating safety and the importance of being prepared on the water.

“We also engage in public education initiatives to raise awareness about boating safety and the importance of being prepared on the water,” added Burniston. “Through the support of our community and generous donors, we continue to enhance our capabilities and expand our reach, making our waters safer for everyone.”

Burniston says he loves being out on the water. “If I can help people safe out there, it’s even better.”

Peter Steeves is the commander of the Windsor Power and Sail Squadron.

“We offer boating education, so if you are out on the water, you know you’re going to be safe,” said Steeves. “Today, we are offering our courtesy boat check, where we ask people if they would like to have us inspect their boats. Do you have the basics…fire extinguishers, life jackets…that kind of stuff that the government regulates. A little bit of education helps those beginners get started.”

Steeves recommends boaters getting your Pleasure Craft Operator Card, taking a course on basic navigation and handling, as well as a Maritime Radio course/VHF Radio Certification. For more information visit windsorpowerandsail.ca

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

Chatham-Kent Council has approved a series of amendments to its Encampment Protocol following a special meeting aimed at addressing concerns from residents and exploring new strategies to support those experiencing homelessness.

The meeting focused on the current encampment location, its impact on the surrounding community and potential measures to assist neighbouring residents. Council reviewed the existing protocol and discussed ways to navigate the evolving situation.

A total of 28 deputations were submitted, with 16 presented in person in Council Chambers.

Following public input and council discussion, Mayor Darrin Canniff introduced a motion originally containing nine points. After amendments, council voted in favour of several revisions to the Encampment Protocol.

Administration will continue working with ROCK to engage individuals and prioritize them for services and housing as they become available. Efforts will also be made to voluntarily transition as many people as possible to the new transitional cabins program, reducing the number of encampments.

Council directed administration to actively pursue all options to reduce and end encampments in Chatham-Kent. This includes exploring permanent supportive housing and expanding transitional cabin availability. A report outlining options and costs will be presented to council and shared with provincial and federal governments for potential funding.

Administration will also explore local housing options that could be quickly converted into supportive housing and report back on feasibility and costs.

The amended protocol now includes a provision allowing only one tent per person, with personal items stored inside the tent—excluding bicycles and small pet shelters. Items in violation will be removed following notice. Refuse collection at encampment sites will be increased.

Council directed administration to bring forward a bylaw to enforce the updated protocols and hire an additional temporary bylaw officer. Recommendations on staffing and costs will be reported back.

Chatham-Kent Police will install CCTV cameras at encampment sites where operationally required, at their discretion.

A report will be presented at the Sept. 8 council meeting outlining a plan to engage partners in mental health, medical support, addictions, housing and crisis response. The report will include creative solutions and best practices from across Ontario, along with associated costs.

Regular communication with residents and business owners near the 325 Grand Ave. E. property will begin immediately and continue until further notice.

Councillor Alysson Storey successfully moved to refer the first point of Mayor Canniff’s motion back to administration. The original recommendation would have restricted encampments within 100 metres of residential or commercial properties, 25 metres from construction sites and 10 metres from recreational paths.

Storey’s motion stated: “That recommendation 1 be referred to administration in order to ensure an informed and transparent decision process to the August meeting where administration can report back with locations that fit within the setback radius; permitting the public to provide feedback and deputations on the implications of setback distances in the bylaw.”

In response to the final motion point, a dedicated Let’s Talk page has been launched to provide residents with updates and information about the encampment.

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

The 166th annual Comber Fair is being hailed as a great success by organizers, with strong attendance and enthusiastic community support throughout the weekend.

A large number of volunteers helped make the event possible, contributing to another memorable year for one of Ontario’s longest-running agricultural fairs. From the parade to the demolition derby, thousands of visitors took in the festivities.

“The heat didn’t stop the crowds from coming out to celebrate the 166th Comber Fair,” said Grace Pearson, first vice-president of the Comber Fair, speaking to the Tilbury Times Reporter.

“We had great attendance for our new events throughout the weekend, including figure-eight racing, wrestling, an escape room and stage entertainment. It was wonderful to see so many new and familiar faces—some even travelled from Toronto just to take part, including in the pie-eating contest. We also awarded eight $2,000 bursaries to students pursuing post-secondary studies in agriculture.”

Among the crowd was longtime attendee Mark Dupuis of Essex County, who said the fair continues to be a highlight of his summer. “There’s something special about the Comber Fair,” he said.

“It brings everyone together—families, farmers, kids—and there’s always something new to enjoy.”

The three-day event featured a parade, car show, antique farm equipment contest, dog show, live entertainment, fireworks, a beer garden and the ever-popular demolition derby.

“We’re so excited to see thousands come through. This was one of the best fairs ever,” said Ron Chambers, president and event organizer. Chambers was busy throughout the weekend assisting vendors, volunteers and visitors to ensure the fair ran smoothly.

“Great attendance, great weather—the derby was the highlight of the whole weekend,” he said. “And the baby show was over the top with more than 50 participants. The car show and the 4-H Club put on a fantastic event. We had another successful parade as well.”

The Comber Agricultural Society recognized outstanding community contributions by presenting the Volunteers of the Year awards and the 2025 Comber Fair Bursary.

“Celebrating their 166th anniversary! On behalf of council and residents of Lakeshore, I would like to congratulate the Comber Fair Board on this remarkable milestone,” said Lakeshore Mayor Tracey Bailey, who attended the fair alongside members of council.

“Volunteers—the people who make this event possible—help nurture our need for community spirit and connection with others. The impact of their countless hours of volunteerism is immeasurable.”

First-time visitor Priya Singh, who attended with her family from Windsor, said she was impressed by the variety of activities. “We didn’t expect so much to do,” she said. “The kids loved the animals and the fireworks. We’ll definitely be back next year.”

Chambers and the organizing committee extended their thanks to all volunteers who helped make the event a success.

“It seems like the community is really embracing these types of events,” said Bailey. “The energy throughout was fantastic—a true hometown feel.”

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

Lakeshore Mayor Tracey Bailey and members of council joined Linda McKinlay for a ceremonial groundbreaking of a new public square in Comber that will bear her name.

“We are proud to honour and recognize a leader of the community of Comber by naming this new space after Linda McKinlay,” said Bailey. “Linda has contributed to the community of Comber, as well as all of Lakeshore, for over five decades. Her work on council for Lakeshore, as well as Tilbury West, is just a part of the incredible impact she has had on generations of community organizations and residents.”

McKinlay, speaking to the Tilbury Times Reporter, said: “It’s humbling to be honoured in this way. I’ve always believed that when you give your time and heart to your community, the rewards come back tenfold.”

The space in Comber, formerly dubbed the “Comber Gathering Centre,” was purchased in 2024 as part of the Phase 1 projects under the Community Support Agreement with Hydro One. The square will feature new landscaping, a gazebo, seating and a digital welcome sign to help share information and events with Comber residents.

At the meeting of May 20, 2025, Lakeshore council approved the use of McKinlay’s name for the space.

Construction of the square will start in the coming weeks. Upon completion, which is expected later this year, Lakeshore will host a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for members of the public.

McKinlay has a long history of community work in Comber and Lakeshore. In her early years, she volunteered as a Brownie leader, PTA member and baseball coach. She served on the Comber Agricultural Society board for 25 years and was a member of the Comber Chapter IODE for 45 years, including several tenures as president. A longtime member of St. Andrew’s United Church, she taught Sunday school, serves on the trustee’s committee and continues to serve as chair of the official board. She also sits on the Comber and District Historical Society board.

Her political career began as a councillor for Tilbury West, where she served from the late 1980s until amalgamation in 1999. During that time, she oversaw the development of the Comber Community Centre and the Tilbury Arena and sat on the amalgamation board.

After amalgamation, she was elected to Lakeshore council in 2010 and served three terms before retiring in 2022. She chaired the Committee of Adjustment and co-founded Lakeshore’s Arts Advisory Committee. McKinlay was instrumental in the renaming of the municipality, an effort that recognizes Lakeshore’s formation as a “community of communities” and honours its history. She also chaired the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority and the Water Source Protection Striking Committee.

Though retired, she continues to serve on the Committee of Adjustment and remains an active and engaged community member in Comber and beyond.

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

Tilbury District High School recently hosted its annual Athletic Awards ceremony, drawing more than 200 students, staff, family members and community supporters to celebrate the achievements of student athletes.

The event, held at the school, recognized dedication, sportsmanship and academic excellence across a variety of categories.

The top four awards this year were presented to standout individuals who demonstrated exceptional performance both on and off the field. Senior male and female athlete of the year honours went to Shelby Kemp and Noah Friesen, while junior male and female athlete of the year awards were earned by Spencer Arnel and Jules Orr.

Academic athlete of the year recipients were Nora Dufour and Noah Friesen, recognized for balancing athletic commitment with strong academic performance. The most dedicated athlete awards were presented to Carley Johnston and Kimberley Brebric for the female category, and Jordan Sasson for the male category.

“It was a great community event,” said organizer Todd Grainger.

The ceremony served not only as a celebration of athletic success, but also as a reflection of the school’s commitment to fostering teamwork, perseverance and school spirit.

Coaches and staff praised the athletes for their hard work throughout the year, and families applauded the students’ accomplishments with pride. The event concluded with refreshments and photo opportunities, leaving attendees inspired and looking forward to another strong season ahead.

By: Mike Su, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter

Chatham-Kent—Leamington MP Dave Epp has been appointed to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food, a key federal body responsible for reviewing and shaping policies that impact Canada’s food and farming sectors.

Epp, who represents the riding as a member of the Conservative Party, said the appointment is both a professional honour and a personal milestone, given his long-standing ties to agriculture.

“Agriculture and the agri-food value chain have always been my passion,” Epp said in a statement. “From being a producer to serving on agricultural and agri-food-related organizations and engaging with stakeholders across the entire sector—from before the field to the consumer’s fork—it’s part of my DNA.”

The Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food provides parliamentary oversight and policy direction on issues affecting farmers, food processors, and rural communities. Its mandate includes reviewing federal legislation and programs, hearing testimony from stakeholders, and making recommendations to Parliament on matters such as trade, sustainability, innovation, and food security.

Epp brings decades of hands-on farming experience and policy involvement to the role. Before entering federal politics, he was active in several agricultural organizations and worked directly within the food production industry.

His appointment positions him to continue advocating for the needs of producers in southwestern Ontario and across the country.

“I look forward to continuing to be a strong voice for our local producers and rural communities in Ottawa,” said Epp.

The committee is expected to tackle several major issues in the coming session, including supply chain resilience, food affordability, environmental sustainability, and the impact of global trade disruptions on Canadian farms.

Epp was first elected in 2019 and re-elected in 2021. He currently serves as a Conservative critic for issues related to agriculture and rural affairs.

By: Mike Su, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter

The Comber & District Historical Society Museum recently celebrated 58 years of preserving and sharing local history. Originally opened on Saturday, Sept. 30, 1967, as the Tilbury West Centennial Museum, the site is located about three miles south of Comber on Highway 77, in the former S.S. No. 8 Maple Grove School.

The museum proudly displays a wide range of artifacts — from magneto telephones to farm machinery — with curated sections dedicated to household items, agriculture, medicine, education, military service, carpentry and local government. The first curator, Stan Ford, laid the foundation for the museum’s collection, which has grown steadily thanks to generous donations from area residents.

In 1998, the museum became the property of the Comber & District Historical Society, governed by a board of directors. Today, the society is led by president Mark McKinlay, with board members Betty Wright, Jim Wright, Linda McKinlay and Judy Bridgen. Due to the growing number of donated items, the museum has expanded its physical space, including the addition of a 40-foot shipping container for off-site storage and rotating displays.

Over the past decade, the museum has broadened its outreach efforts to attract more visitors. Annual events include the Comber St. Andrew’s United Church picnic and hosting meetings for local organizations. In 2016, the museum was honoured to receive the British Home Children Memorial Quilt on loan during its Canadian tour from Buckingham Palace. From 2017 to 2020, the museum offered Elder College classes on the history of Comber and farming in Essex County.

The museum also participates in the Comber Legion’s Remembrance Day service each year, placing a wreath at the cenotaph in honour of veterans. In 2017, McKinlay received the Senior of the Year Award from the Good Neighbour Club of Belle River for his contributions to the museum.

Youth engagement has been a growing focus. The Comber Scout Troop visited the museum last year and returned to hold a meeting under the pavilion. The museum also provides pumpkins to the troop each Halloween. A monthly calendar of local events is distributed via email and social media, with the museum’s Facebook group now boasting 1,500 likes and 1,700 followers.

“I think the highlight of all my time volunteering at the Comber Museum was in 2019 when I received the Community Heritage Medal from the Department of History at the University of Windsor for the work our museum has done,” said McKinlay. “This medal recognizes outstanding achievements in raising the profile of local history and heritage in Windsor, and/or surrounding Essex, Lambton and Kent counties as well as in southeast Michigan. This really blew me away!”

Maintaining the museum’s building and grounds remains a challenge. Recent grants have helped fund a new ceiling in the main room and the purchase of a lawn mower to assist volunteers. Like many organizations, the museum faced difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic, including a decline in volunteer support and the loss of senior members.

“I am really looking forward to seeing our annual membership numbers increase this year. We have kept the price down at $15 per membership. I feel it is a small amount to spend and it shows those organizations that provide us with funding that we have the public support to continue our work at the museum for years to come,” added McKinlay.

The museum is open five days a week — Thursday through Monday, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. — between the May long weekend and Thanksgiving. Visitors are always welcome to explore the exhibits and connect with the stories that shaped the Comber community.