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  • Chamber chat focuses on tariffs

    By Pam Wright, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

    When it comes to the Canada-U.S. trade war, Ryan Donally says Ontario’s southwest region is on the front lines.

    And according to the Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, the world is watching.

    “Everyone is looking at Canada and how we handle this,” Donally said in the keynote address to the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce’s 137th annual general meeting March 27.

    “Windsor-Essex, Chatham-Kent…we are the tip of the spear,” he stressed.

    In his talk titled ‘Bracing for Impact,” the chamber leader spoke about how the on-again, off again tariffs will affect business – particularly in the automotive industry.

    Sustained tariffs in the sector could put 53,000 Ontario jobs at risk, he said, noting 6,400 of those jobs are located in Chatham-Kent.

    Donally’s comments came on the day President Donald Trump announced a new 25 per cent duty on all finished vehicles imported into the United States would begin April 3.

    Word that more tariffs on auto parts, possibly all parts, could come within weeks, has thrown the industry into turmoil.

    But while tariffs will damage Canada’s economy, they’ll also devastate the sector south of the border. Donally said he’s learned from his American counterparts that 530,000 U.S. workers could be at risk – ten times that of Canada.

    The North American industry is deeply integrated, he said, with vehicles or parts crossing the border up to eight times.

    “The relationships and the advocacy are all intertwined,” Donally explained, adding that dividing the industry would be very difficult, likening it to a breakup.

    “I’m not saying we should alienate the United States, by any stretch,” he said, adding Windsor and Detroit just can’t sell their houses and move.

    The relationship between Canada and Michigan is enmeshed and just can’t get a divorce, Donally said.

    “Nor do I think, we want to.”

    A former pro hockey player, Donally took over the helm at the Windsor-Essex chamber just two months ago. He immediately found himself in the eye of the storm, and has since given 50 interviews about tariffs to the likes of Fox News and the BBC.

    The day after he took over, Premier Doug Ford called the Ontario election in Windsor.

    “Since that morning, I’ve realized my life is going to be thrown upside down,” Donally admitted, noting the Trump administration has made 10 different tariff announcements so far. “And that’s OK, because I think this is an opportunity for the Chamber of Commerce to provide full value to the entire region. If we take care of the region, the membership will be supported.”

    In order to handle the tariff impact if Trump follows through, Donally said business leaders need to examine their supply chains and pinpoint where they are sourcing products. It’s also important, he said, to find out what American companies are employing Canadian workers and support them appropriately. He also urged business owners to continue to invest and to move forward.

    “I think you’re in a tough spot if you just start pulling back everything,” he said, noting owners should keep trying to grow their businesses, but spend their dollars “wisely.”

    Trump’s goal of repatriating jobs to the U.S. can’t – and won’t –happen quickly, Donally explained, as barriers exist in terms of the time it takes to build manufacturing facilities, as well as in the ability to attract world-class skilled labour.

    Mass deportations in the United States are another negative, he said, noting immigrants make up a sizeable portion of the workforce

    “It’s mass confusion down there,” Donally said of Trump’s Made in American idea. “You just can’t flip the switch. There is no strategy, there is no plan, and if there is, it’s not being shared beyond the very close circle of the Trump administration.”

    In his comments to the chamber, C-K Mayor Darrin Canniff acknowledged that tariffs could be devastating.

    “It’s almost economic genocide that’s being imposed upon us,” Canniff said, meaning it is “more important than ever to come together” noting chamber organizations have an important voice.

    However, he acknowledged there’s an upside to the threat.

    “During my life, I’ve never seen us step up as a nation as much as we have here,” Canniff said, noting “shop Canadian” is taking off – a theme businesses can take advantage of.

    Another positive, he said, is that Canada will be able to draw top talent away from the instability of the United States.

    Both Donally and C-K Chamber of Commerce president Rory Ring say they plan to collaborate with other chambers, with a goal of educating their American friends on the advantages of working together.

  • Visa issues keeping family from laying father to res

    By Sam Leishman, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lethbridge Herald

    The family of a Lethbridge man is running out of options to lay him to rest more than two years after his death.

    Peter Teny Both left his family in Ethiopia about a decade ago to follow a job opportunity here in Lethbridge. Both’s daughter, Elizabeth Wal, told the Herald that Both would send money back home to pay for the family’s living expenses as he made arrangements for them to come and join him in Canada.

    “My dad was everything to us,” says Wal. “He supported us financially, emotionally and he advised us to do good all the time when he called us here in Ethiopia. My dad was a great man who liked to help other people around him and he never looked down upon anybody.”

    In a heartbreaking turn of events, Both died unexpectedly on March 9, 2023.

    Nicolas Salmon, funeral director at Salmon and Sons Funeral Home, confirmed to the Herald that Both’s body was embalmed and has been held at the funeral home ever since.

    Over the last two years, Wal, her step-mother and her two brothers have been denied three times for temporary resident visas in order to visit Canada for two weeks. Ethiopia is among a long list of countries in which travellers require visas in advance of arriving in Canada.

    Denial letters from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provided to the Herald by Salmon state that the government is not satisfied that the family will leave the country at the end of their stay, based upon a lack of sufficient funds.

    “We do not have jobs because we are still students and our mom is a housewife with no job, too,” Wal explained. “The money we have in our bank account was the money our dad used to send us when he was still alive. The Ethiopian and South Sudan Nuer community in Canada are willing to take care of our flights and they are able to accommodate our stay.”

    Wal says locals have already contributed $17,000 toward the family’s immigration lawyer and visa application fees. Another sum of money has been set aside to cover their flights and accommodations, if their visas are ever approved.

    “This affects us mentally, physically, emotionally and financially. We didn’t even get to see each other for the last time. We didn’t get to tell him how much we love him and how much he meant to us. His only last wish was for his family to lay him down. We would like to make sure we witness that our dad is buried in our presence.”

    Salmon says this is an extremely unusual situation and he’s been doing everything he can to advocate for the family, including writing a series of letters to government officials.

    A response from IRCC says the department cannot comment on specific cases unless requested by the applicant or a designated representative, but immigration officers are expected to review “all applications objectively and consistently to ensure fair and equitable treatment of all applicants.” It goes on to explain that it is the applicant’s responsibility to provide documents that prove they have a valid reason to visit Canada, they are in good health, they have no criminal history and they have sufficient funds.

    However, the letter warns that there is no specific document that can guarantee visa approval and the decision ultimately comes down to the officer’s independent opinion about the applicant’s intentions.

    Wal says the family has provided all the documents requested by their immigration lawyer, but they have not come any closer to securing visas.

    The next option is to transfer Both’s body to Ethiopia. Salmon says he’s helping the family start that process, but the Canadian government has already indicated that it will not help with the expenses. That cost will either be covered by the funds raised by the local community or by the funeral home.

    Salmon says he just wants the family to have some sense of closure, and the funeral home is willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen.

  • Hindu Community in Tilbury Area Marks Ugadi with Colorful Traditions and Festivities

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

    The Hindu community in Chatham-Kent came together today to celebrate Ugadi, marking the Telugu New Year with vibrant traditions, delicious food, and joyful festivities. This annual celebration, rich in cultural significance, brought a sense of unity and joy to the local Indian community as they gathered in the area to ring in the new year.

    Ugadi, which marks the first day of the Chaitra month in the lunar calendar, is a major festival for Telugu-speaking people in India, particularly in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The occasion is seen as a time to celebrate new beginnings, offer prayers for prosperity, and look forward to the year ahead.

    In Chatham-Kent, where a growing Indian community has flourished in recent years, the celebration of Ugadi has become a beloved tradition for local families. With several generations now living in the area, the community has embraced Ugadi as a way to connect with their roots while sharing their cultural heritage with the broader community.

    Ratnam Kumar, a local business owner in Tilbury, spoke about the significance of Ugadi for his family and the community. Kumar, who owns a small store in Tilbury, has seen the celebration of Ugadi grow in recent years as more people join in the festivities.

    “For many of us, Ugadi is not just a religious festival, it’s also a time to connect with family and community,” said Kumar.

    “We gather to celebrate our culture, share food, and enjoy each other’s company. It’s beautiful to see how much our community has grown here in Chatham-Kent region, and it’s a joy to witness the younger generations participating in the traditions and learning about their heritage.”

    The day began with prayers and religious rituals at the local Hindu temple, where families offered flowers and incense to deities. The temple was filled with the sound of chanting and the scent of incense as devotees celebrated the arrival of the new year. The rituals were followed by the customary offering of “Ugadi Pachadi,” a traditional dish made from a combination of six ingredients that symbolize different emotions — sweet, sour, salty, bitter, spicy, and tangy — representing the diversity of experiences one may face in the year ahead.

    For the community in Chatham-Kent, Ugadi isn’t only about religious practices. The festival is also a time for socializing, eating, and enjoying traditional foods. Families and friends gathered at various homes and community halls to share a meal, dance, and enjoy the festivities together. The aroma of rich Indian dishes, such as biryani, samosas, and the famous Ugadi sweets, filled the air as people celebrated in traditional attire.

    Shilpa Kurtiwali, a resident of Lighthouse Cove, also shared her experience of celebrating Ugadi in the Chatham-Kent area. For Kurtiwali, who moved to the region several years ago, Ugadi has become an important part of her family’s life.

    “We love being able to celebrate Ugadi with our community here,” Kurtiwali said.

    “We may be far from our hometowns in India, but it feels amazing to come together and celebrate as one community. The food, the rituals, the joy — it all brings us closer to our roots, and we get to share that with our children. It’s a beautiful way to start the new year.”

    While the food and festivities take center stage, Ugadi also serves as a time for reflection. The Telugu community in Chatham-Kent gathers to celebrate their successes over the past year while making hopes and prayers for the future. The theme of renewal and hope is an integral part of the celebrations, where people reflect on challenges faced in the past year and look ahead to better opportunities.

    As the celebration continued, the sounds of traditional Telugu music filled the air, and families shared stories and laughter. In the spirit of unity and goodwill, many also donated to local charities, embodying the spirit of giving that is central to the Hindu faith.

    For the Indian community in Chatham-Kent, Ugadi is not just a celebration of the Telugu New Year; it’s a testament to the resilience and strength of their cultural heritage. As the community continues to grow and thrive, the celebration of Ugadi has become an important part of their collective identity.

    The festivities marked a perfect way to ring in the Telugu New Year, offering both a connection to tradition and a glimpse into the future. It’s clear that Ugadi is more than just a festival — it’s a reflection of the vibrant and growing Indian community in Chatham-Kent, one that celebrates both its past and its future.

    As the event concluded, families began making plans for the upcoming year, filled with hope and anticipation for what Ugadi’s teachings of renewal and prosperity will bring.

  • Chatham-Kent Police Seek Public Assistance in Locating Missing 14-Year-Old Youth

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

    The Chatham-Kent Police Service is requesting the public’s help in locating a missing 14-year-old youth, Meka Dionne, who was last seen in Wallaceburg, Ontario.

    Meka was reported missing on the evening of March 30, 2025, after she was seen heading on foot from Montgomery Drive toward McNaughton Avenue. She has not been heard from since.

    Meka is described as a light/fair-skinned female, approximately 5’5” tall, weighing around 115 lbs. She has brown eyes and long light brown hair. She was last seen wearing grey sweatpants, a black cropped t-shirt, and white and purple Nike shoes.

    The Chatham-Kent Police are concerned for Meka’s well-being and are urging anyone with information on her whereabouts to come forward.

    Anyone who has seen Meka or has any information that could assist in the investigation is asked to contact the Chatham-Kent Police Service at 519-436-6600. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

    The police are actively working to locate Meka and appreciate any assistance from the community.

  • All westbound lanes of Highway 401 reopened after fuel spill in Tilbury

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

    All westbound lanes of Highway 401 in Tilbury have reopened following a significant fuel spill earlier this week, after emergency crews worked for over 12 hours to clean up the incident.

    The spill occurred around 3 a.m. on Sunday, March 30, when a fuel tanker truck overturned on the highway near Exit 56 (Essex County Road 42). The crash resulted in an estimated 20,000 litres of fuel spilling onto the westbound lanes and into a nearby ditch, forcing the closure of Highway 401 between Exit 56 and Exit 48 (Highway 77, Comber Side Road).

    Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and emergency services responded promptly to the scene, and a significant cleanup effort was launched. According to OPP Sgt. Ed Sanchuk, no injuries were reported, and the driver of the tanker was unharmed.

    “The bad news is that thousands of litres of fuel spilled onto the roadways and into a nearby ditch,” Sanchuk said in a social media post. “This posed a major challenge for our teams, who worked around the clock to ensure public safety and reopen the highway as quickly as possible.”

    Crews worked throughout the day, coordinating with the Ministry of the Environment and specialized cleanup teams to contain the spill and prevent further contamination.

    The highway closure, initially expected to last eight to 10 hours, extended into the evening as cleanup operations continued. As a precaution, emergency responders closed both westbound lanes of the highway, diverting traffic onto nearby roads. Local drivers were urged to plan alternate routes during the closure.

    “It was critical for us to get the spill cleaned up as safely and efficiently as possible,” said a representative from the Ministry of the Environment. “Our teams have been on the ground since the spill was reported, working with OPP and other agencies to minimize the impact.”

    By Sunday evening, after more than 12 hours of intensive work, the cleanup was completed, and the westbound lanes were reopened to traffic, allowing the flow of vehicles to return to normal.

    By March 31, all lanes of Highway 401 were fully open, and no further delays were expected. The OPP confirmed that the investigation into the cause of the rollover is ongoing, though no details have been released at this time.

    The fuel spill serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with transporting hazardous materials, and authorities are urging drivers to remain vigilant while traveling on major highways. The OPP also cautioned motorists to stay updated on any further developments through official channels.

    Motorists affected by the closure were encouraged to follow traffic updates from the OPP’s social media accounts and local news outlets. No additional road closures were reported after the reopening of the westbound lanes.

    While the investigation continues, authorities have assured the public that the highway is safe and that the incident did not result in lasting environmental harm.

    Motorists are advised to monitor local traffic updates and follow any further instructions provided by the OPP or other emergency services in the event of future incidents.

     

  • Lakeshore Partners with Windsor Law’s Centre for Cities to Modernize Housing Development

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

    Lakeshore Council has approved a new partnership with Windsor Law’s Centre for Cities (C4C) aimed at modernizing the municipality’s planning and development processes. The partnership will play a crucial role in supporting the goals outlined in Lakeshore’s Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) Approved Action Plan.

    At the March 25 council meeting, Mayor Tracey Bailey expressed her enthusiasm about the initiative.

    “This is an incredible opportunity to innovate and modernize our planning and development processes to speed up approvals and incorporate the voices of residents in determining the future of our communities,” Bailey said.

    “The partnership will give our staff, community members, and developers an opportunity to work with an integrated team of professionals who will lend their expertise to fundamentally change how we plan and develop.”

    The partnership, which is set to bring together municipal staff and C4C experts, is designed to create effective systems and solutions for addressing the region’s housing challenges.

    “We are working together to develop cutting-edge and needed systems solutions to address the housing crisis in our region and elsewhere, and to put development in the hands of the municipality,” said Dr. Anneke Smit, Director of the Centre for Cities.

    The partnership comes after Lakeshore received a significant boost in funding. In February, the municipality was awarded a $7+ million grant from the Government of Canada’s Housing Accelerator Fund.

    The grant will support nine initiatives, including community design charettes, a review of the Official Plan and Zoning By-law, and the exploration of municipal land use for housing projects.

    Additionally, Lakeshore will develop an affordable housing strategy and Community Improvement Plan to offer financial incentives for new housing projects.

    University of Windsor President, Dr. Robert Gordon, expressed his excitement about the collaboration.

    “As a regionally focused institution, our goal is to build meaningful relationships with all municipalities in Southwestern Ontario. We are thrilled to be moving forward with our MOU with the Municipality of Lakeshore and to see this important C4C-Lakeshore partnership come to fruition as the first collaboration under this new framework,” Gordon said.

    The partnership’s initiatives align with Lakeshore’s broader efforts to enhance its infrastructure and housing capacity. Earlier in March, Lakeshore announced the receipt of nearly $37 million from the Canada Housing and Infrastructure Fund (CHIF), earmarked for improvements to the municipality’s water and wastewater infrastructure.

    Residents of Lakeshore can expect significant opportunities for community involvement as the municipality plans for the future. Those interested in staying up to date on housing developments in Lakeshore are encouraged to sign up for updates at Lakeshore.ca/Housing.

     

  • Chatham-Kent Water Supply Unaffected by Sarnia Oil Spill

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

    A crude oil spill in the St. Clair River near the Suncor plant in Sarnia has raised concerns, but officials assure that there is no immediate threat to the water supply in Chatham-Kent.

    The spill, which was detected at 1:15 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, prompted a response from the Spill Action Centre (SAC). Two downstream refineries have deployed booms to capture contaminants from the river. Despite a public notice issued by St. Clair Township, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent has stated that its water supply remains unaffected by the incident.

    Eric Labadie, Manager of Corporate Communications for the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, emphasized that there is no current concern for local water. “The Wallaceburg Water Treatment Plant, which serves Chatham-Kent residents by processing water from the Chenal Ecarte, is not at risk from the spill at this time,” Labadie said.

    To proactively address any potential risks, the Chatham-Kent Public Utilities Commission (CKPUC) announced that the Wallaceburg Water Treatment Plant will temporarily shut down its water intake on Friday, March 28. The decision is based on the estimated 24-hour travel time for water from the spill site to the intake. This precautionary measure aims to mitigate any possible contamination.

    Suncor, in a statement regarding the spill, emphasized that the safety of workers, the community, and the environment is their top priority. “We are making notifications to the appropriate parties to ensure this response has the necessary support. Community members may notice an odor near the Suncor dock, and further instructions will be issued by the municipality if necessary,” the company stated. They assured that additional information would be provided as the situation develops.

    Chatham-Kent residents are encouraged to sign up for CKAlert, the municipality’s emergency notification system, to receive timely updates. To register for CKAlert, visit www.CKAlert.ca.

    The Chatham-Kent Public Utilities Commission will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide further updates if needed.

  • POLICE BLOTTER: Police make multiple arrests in Chatham-Kent

    By: Muhammad Aamir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter

    The Chatham-Kent Police have made several arrests in recent days for outstanding warrants, court violations, and criminal offences. Among those taken into custody are individuals charged with theft, mischief, and breach of bail conditions. Authorities also arrested suspects connected to break-ins, fraud, and trespassing. Police urge residents to report suspicious activity as investigations continue.

    ARRESTS ON WARRANTS

    The police have made multiple arrests in recent days for outstanding warrants, failure to appear in court, and various criminal offences.

    Essex County Ontario Provincial Police located a 27-year-old Wheatley man who was wanted on a bench warrant for failing to appear in court. The charges against him include possession of property over $5,000, possession under $5,000, and obstructing a peace officer. He was returned to the police and released with a court date of April 28.

    In an unrelated case, police arrested a 55-year-old Chatham man in connection with a break and enter investigation dating back to August 6, 2024. The incident involved the theft of approximately $67,000 worth of property. Through the investigation, police identified the suspect and determined he was involved in selling the stolen goods. The property was recovered and returned to its rightful owner. The accused was charged with possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 and trafficking in stolen goods under $5,000.

    On March 19, a 29-year-old Blenheim woman was arrested on a witness warrant after failing to appear in court for an assault trial. She was released with a court date of March 28.

    A 40-year-old Wallaceburg man was taken into custody for mischief. The same day, a 34-year-old Chatham man and a 41-year-old Chatham woman were arrested for trespassing at night and theft under $5,000. Both were released with a court date of April 14.

    A 41-year-old Chatham man was arrested under a warrant for failing to attend court. He was released with a court date of March 28. That same day, a 37-year-old Chatham man was also arrested for failing to appear in court and was released with a court date of March 24.

    A 49-year-old Florence woman was arrested during a traffic stop on March 17. She was found to have outstanding unendorsed warrants for failing to attend court, theft, and possession under $5,000. She remains in custody pending a bail hearing. Also on March 17, a 33-year-old Chatham man was taken into custody on mischief charges. He was remanded at South West Detention Centre until his next court appearance on March 19.

    On March 14, police arrested a 35-year-old Moraviantown woman for failing to provide fingerprints. She was released with an April 7 court date. Later that day, a 31-year-old Chatham-Kent woman was arrested for failing to attend court and mischief. She was released with a March 17 court date.

    MAN ARRESTED FOR BREACHING BAIL CONDITIONS

    A 54-year-old Chatham man has been arrested after allegedly violating his bail conditions just hours after being released from custody. The man had attended a bail hearing on March 24, 2025, in connection with multiple charges from a prior incident where he allegedly assaulted two family members. Following the hearing, he was released from custody. Later, the police received another call reporting a possible breach of bail conditions. Officers were informed that the accused was on a property on Park Avenue West in Chatham and was attempting to access the rear door of the residence. Police arrived shortly after and located the man on the property. He was arrested without incident and found to be in violation of his release conditions. He was read his rights to counsel and charged accordingly.

    WOMAN CHARGED WITH THEFT

    A 32-year-old Chatham woman has been charged after allegedly stealing merchandise from a local business. Police say that on March 21, 2025, the woman entered a store on St. Clair Street in Chatham, selected items worth $181.88, and left without paying. She bypassed all checkout areas before exiting the store. The police located the woman a short distance away and recovered the stolen merchandise. She was arrested and charged with theft and possession of stolen property under $5,000. She was released on an appearance notice and is scheduled to appear in court on April 28, 2025.

    WOMAN CHARGED IN PURSE THEFT

    A 28-year-old Chatham woman has been charged after a purse was reported stolen on Riverview Drive. The police received the call on March 22 from a 72-year-old woman who reported the theft. An investigation revealed unauthorized credit card transactions, leading officers to identify and arrest the suspect. She was released with a court date set for March 26.

    MAN ARRESTED FOR DISTURBANCE

    A 30-year-old Chatham man was arrested after allegedly causing a disturbance at a local retail business. The police responded to the incident. The man was taken into custody and transported to police headquarters, where he remains pending a bail hearing. Police are reminding residents to report suspicious activity to help maintain public safety.

    ATTEMPTED VEHICLE BREAK-INS

    The police are investigating after a resident reported two individuals attempting to break into his parked vehicle. Police responded to the call. A 53-year-old Chatham man told officers he saw two suspects on his security camera footage trying door handles on his property. The footage showed the pair walking down the street, appearing to check for unlocked vehicles. The investigation is ongoing, and police urge residents to report suspicious activity.

    POLICE MAKE 60 ARRESTS

    The police made 60 arrests during the last one week as part of an enforcement effort targeting individuals wanted for outstanding warrants, failure to comply, and domestic-related offences. The arrests were carried out across multiple locations throughout the region.

  • Lakeshore Council greenlights Hydro One partnership projects in Comber

    Lakeshore Council greenlights Hydro One partnership projects in Comber
    By: Shazia Nazir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter

    In a significant step forward for community development, the Lakeshore Council has given the green light to the inaugural series of projects in Comber, marking the commencement of the Hydro One Community Support Agreement inked in 2023.

    During the latest council session, officials also tasked the administration with collaborating alongside the Comber Agricultural Society to explore enhancements to the Comber Fairgrounds, with a comprehensive report slated for review. Additionally, Lakeshore’s administrative team will join forces with Hydro One to ensure proper acknowledgment of project contributions, underscoring the ongoing alliance between the entities.

    The roots of this collaboration trace back to August 2023 when Lakeshore entered into a transformative Community Support Agreement with Hydro One, earmarking a staggering $8 million for localized investments, with a notable $5.8 million designated for bolstering culture and recreation initiatives. This strategic pact forms part of Hydro One’s broader transmission expansion endeavour to fortify the agri-food sector, foster economic prosperity, and advance the region’s commitment to clean energy.

    Mayor Tracey Bailey, expressing gratitude on behalf of the council, emphasized the invaluable input from Comber residents in shaping the investment trajectory. “Community input is pivotal to our decision-making process, and the enthusiastic response from residents in the affected area has been truly heartening,” remarked Mayor Bailey. “We are elated to witness the fruition of these projects, emblematic of our enduring partnership with Hydro One.”

    The slated projects encompass a diverse array of community enhancements, including the establishment of a new park with dedicated space for canine companions, the creation of a verdant parkette featuring seating areas, a gazebo, and lush foliage, as well as the modernization of Comber’s community signage network to streamline wayfinding. Other slated endeavours include the installation and refurbishment of sidewalks and trails, streetscape beautification along Main Street, the introduction of a pollinator garden in collaboration with local organizations, the deployment of digital signage to enhance public awareness of community events, upgrades to the Comber Community Centre, and a generous contribution of $5,000 towards the 2024 Comber Fair fireworks extravaganza.

  • International students balance declines: college official

    By Sandi Krasowski, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Chronicle-Journal

    Confederation College is not alone in being forced to make hard financial choices and suspend programs. Of the 24 colleges in Ontario, 16 of them have also recently suspended programs.

    Michelle Salo, Confederation College president, said that amounts to more than 300 programs across Ontario, which is a significant impact across the Ontario college system.

    “On Wednesday, we made the very difficult decision to suspend 11 programs. This decision was not made lightly,” Salo said, citing recent policy changes through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), low domestic enrolment and financial sustainability.

    “These are very important programs to the school, but it was important to make this decision for the future financial viability of Confederation College.”

    Aaron Skillen, the college’s vice-president of academic, explained that caps on international students for the college in the 2025 calendar year results in an allocation of 1,544 provincial attestation letters.

    “Those are letters that must accompany a student’s application to the (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) for a study permit to study with us here at Confederation College,” Skillen said, adding that the school’s initial allocation in the 2024 calendar year was 1,929.

    “We did take a decline of around 20 per cent of our allocation.”

    Salo added that the college, together with the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce and the Community Economic Development Commission, have tirelessly advocated for immigration changes for the Northwest and plan to continue in their advocacy strategies.

    The program suspensions come on the heels of the college’s new partnership with Seneca Polytechnique, the possibility of developing a veterinarian course and the expansion of the school’s aviation program.

    “The suspensions don’t impact those (proposed courses) and they’re our response to try and make the college more viable,” Salo said. “We’re continuing to look at opportunities around partnerships and program development to make sure that we have an everlasting presence here in Northwestern Ontario.”

    Skillen pointed out the distinction between a program cancellation and a program suspension.

    “Cancellation means we would have no intention to have that program ever again,” he said. “A suspension allows us the possibility of revisiting that program at a future date . . . and if the circumstances change in a favourable manner that allow us to be more optimistic on a higher enrolment or allow us to deliver these programs in a more financially sustainable way, then we’ll certainly be open to revisiting that.”

    At least 54 students or four per cent of the overall domestic student intake in this upcoming fall semester will be impacted by the suspensions.

    “We’ve reached out to every one of those students,” Skillen said. “As of Wednesday, we’re discussing options on the next steps for them. We’re certainly hopeful that they’ll find another program here at Confederation College that interests them,” said Skillen, adding that the current students in these programs will be able to complete their studies. There is no impact here with these programs.

    Salo says the school’s focus has always been to provide domestic students with opportunities in Northwestern Ontario.

    “The reality is that our domestic numbers have been declining. Our population has been declining, and we’ve seen some migration to university versus colleges,” she said. “This was a responsible way to provide these programs to our domestic students in small numbers while we’re able to attract international students to fill those seats. So in our perspective, it was a very responsible thing to do. Growth in our international student enrolment over the past decade is very much in line with our decrease in domestic student enrolment over that same time.”