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By Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Essex Free Press

Essex Council provisionally passed By-law 2242, to repeal and replace By-law 2038, to prohibit and regulate noise in the Town of Essex.

Under the current Noise By-Law, Essex By-Law Officers and OPP Officers make professional judgments regarding the reasonableness of amplified noise, Director of Planning Services, Lori Chadwick, explained. That could be from sound equipment, like stereos, speakers, radios, and music, and sound-producing equipment.

“That professional judgment is used to decide whether or not a noise is a disturbance at a point of reception…the location where the sound is received, not the location from where the sound originates,” she added.

Administration reviewed Essex’s Noise By-Law to address growing concerns related to amplified noise, and to improve enforcement abilities to add teeth behind the judgment made.

According to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation, and Parks’ (MECP) Environmental Noise Guidelines for Stationary and Transportation Sources, Chadwick relayed, an acceptable level for noises ranging between 40 and 60 decibels, or matching the ambient background noise, whichever is louder.

Using the MECP guidelines, Chadwick proposed amendments to the Noise By-Law to incorporate acceptable levels of noise at the point of reception, to include: a maximum of 45 decibels, or the ambient background noise, between the hours of 7am and 4pm; a maximum of 55 decibels, or the ambient background noise, between the hours of 4pm and 11pm; and a maximum of 40 decibels, or the ambient background noise, between the hours of 11pm and 7am.

These levels were proposed to enforce noise from radios, sound-producing equipment, loud speakers, etc.

She proposed the Town’s By-law Enforcement Officers use a Decibel Reader to measure noise levels when investigating complaints. For consistency, Administration proposes to provide the OPP Essex & Harrow Detachments with a minimum of two meters, identical to the Town’s.

Within the By-Law, Chadwick also suggested cleaning-up language surrounding bird bangers for simplification.

Deputy Mayor Rob Shepley asked for the rationale in increasing the maximum decibel acceptance between 4pm and 11pm, when it is 45 decibels from 7am-4pm. He thought it may be more sensible to have it 55 throughout both time periods.

Kevin Carter, Chief Building Official, noted the MECP bumped the decibel range higher for the 4pm-11pm period to address backyard parties.

He added if By-Law Officers use a Decibel Reader and it triggers higher than the acceptable range, they will not issue a ticket without looking at the ambience at the point of reception.

The By-Law will be officially adopted in the near future.

By Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Essex Free Press

Essex Firefighters will get a second pair of gloves, balaclavas, and helmet liners, thanks to the $24,691.35 received through the Fire Protection Grant.

This will help ensure clean gear for local Firefighters, which then supports cancer prevention initiatives. In providing the spare gear, Firefighters will not have to put on any contaminated gear.

“It is really beneficial for our people, for our staff,” Essex Fire Chief Jason Pillon noted.

Last year, the Ministry of the Solicitor General, Office of the Fire Marshal, received Treasury Board approval to put $30 Million through the Fire Protection Grant over three-years to support municipal fire services in acquiring essential equipment and addressing other needs, Pillon explained.

That includes health and safety measures, minor infrastructure improvements, and specialized tools to enhance fire protection services, Pillon told Council at the March 3 meeting.

The first year of the grant, he explained, focused on Firefighter health and safety, particularly cancer prevention and minor infrastructure upgrades.

Pillon noted Essex Fire will use this funding to upgrade its PPE and implement cancer prevention measures. That included enhancing decontamination practices.

“A challenge persists in quickly cleaning all exposed gear, without compromising Firefighter availability,” Pillon explained. “While spare bunker gear is accessible, there are not enough second sets of structural firefighting gloves, balaclavas, and helmet liners, posing a risk of skin contamination.”

While those items can be washed, rapid drying is often not feasible between back-to-back emergencies, Pillon added.

“Providing each Firefighter with a second set of gloves and protective hood will ensure their gear can be washed and decontaminated without affecting their readiness.”

Essex Council approved the 2025 post-budget approval for the Capital Project “Firefighter Cancer Prevention Supplies” in the amount of $24,691.35, to be fully funded from grant funding received from the “The Ministry of the Solicitor General, Office of the Fire Marshal.”

“Money well spent,” Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy noted.

By Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Essex Council received a report detailing information about Essex Fire & Rescue Services participating in the “Cobalt Magnet (CM25) Nuclear Emergency Exercise” for information at the March 3 meeting.

Essex Fire Chief Jason Pillon explained this training program is focused on managing the offsite consequences of a nuclear incident.

“Planned since 2023, it aims to strengthen collaboration among response organizations, identify gaps, and improve operations,” Pillon told members of Essex Council.

This exercise is in line with the provincial nuclear emergency response plan, which outlines municipal actions during a nuclear emergency at the Fermi 2 Nuclear Generating Station.

The Town of Essex and City of Windsor have been designated as host municipalities for the facility in the response plan, Pillon noted.

The exercise will have over 100 organizations and over 2000 participants, Pillon said, adding it will test international agreements, and cross-border implications, and communications.

It will take place between March 14-21. Essex will participate March 17 and 18.

“During this period, Fire Station 2 will function as a reception centre for evacuees, and the Emergency Operation Centre at Fire Station 1 will be fully operational,” Pillon outlined. “Expect increased activities at these locations on those dates.”

This exercise will be the largest nuclear emergency simulation in North American history.

Pillon assured there will be no disruptions or changes to service, due to the training. Both stations will remain in service, ready for response.

“That’s pretty exciting. What an honour to host the event,” Councillor Kim Verbeek said.

“It is going to be an eye-opener, it is going to be really something to experience,” Pillon noted.

By Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Essex County Council has directed Administration to advise proponents that the procurement process for its Intensive Supportive Housing program has been cancelled.

This program assists the most vulnerable in the community.

The County and City began to operate an Intensive Supportive Housing Program three-years ago, which provides specialized support to individuals experiencing homelessness and facing complex medical needs, mental health issues, and/or addiction issues.

This program is offered through one facility for the County. The City also operates one as well.

County Staff was also directed to utilize any one-time Safe Start funding if any transitional support is needed, and that the County work with the City on a joint campaign to the province to work at increasing the funding envelope for the Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) in the region.

Members of County Council made this decision at the March 4 meeting, in addition to advocating to the province to directly fund rural and small urban areas in addressing housing, homeless, and metal health and addiction issues

This issue stems back to the January 15 meeting, when County Admin was directed to commence a procurement process for the Intensive supportive Housing program in the County. Staff was then to report back to County Council, which it did last week.

With the RFP process complete, Council needed to decide on how to proceed, either direct administration to explore a contract or advise the proponents the procurement process has been cancelled.

Two proponents submitted a proposal, David Sundin, Director of Legislative and Legal Services, explained. The result was that the Intensive Supportive Housing program is significantly higher than the County’s traditional program.

The Report to County Council on the matter notes if the County was to negotiate a contract to continue the Intensive Supportive Housing Program, the total program costs through 2025 are expected to remain at approximately $107,000 per month.

The program’s costs would be partially offset by provincial funding through a funding agreement, rent recoveries from residents, and surplus funds, if any, from the County’s Homelessness Program.

Sundin explained that if the County were to commit to the program, it would have to put at least $500,000 in year one towards this program, which will grow to $650,000 by year five of the contract. That would be for 35 individuals in the program.

In year one, the cost per resident per day would be $100.66, growing to $111.55 by the end of year five. That exceeds the $60 per resident per day the province provides for this type of program, Sundin said.

For Lakeshore Mayor Tracey Bailey, she was glad to see the report noting the County was billed $18M in 2024 for this regional housing envelope, which is subject to final reconciliation by the City. The total costs of the Regional Social Services and Social Housing Programs are cost shared.

“I think we are doing exceptional work,” Bailey said, adding she was appreciative to learn the HART Hub is coming forward. The Report details that the province approved Windsor to open and operate a Homeless and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub program. Funding for the HART Hub – a shared model of care – has been announced to be $6,300,000 per year, and will initially house 16 individuals.

Bailey wanted to table the option to advise of the cancelling of the procurement process, direct administration to utilize any one-time Safe Start funding if any transitional support is needed, and that the County work with the City on a joint campaign to the province to work at increasing the funding envelope for the HPP in the region.

While Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy voiced support for the motion, Amherstburg Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb could not. Though he agreed the province ought to be putting more funding into these types of programs, and it should not be up to municipalities to backfill what is a provincial responsibility, “we all know that is not going to happen.”

The alternative is, “what do we do for this group of people that need higher-level support?”

Gibb added that it is a lot of money to put into a program, but he questioned how much it is saving by keeping high-needs individuals out of the hospital, an ambulance, off the streets, or out of shelters.

Kingsville Deputy Mayor Kim DeYong saw this as an important step in showing the province it needs to step-up and fulfill its responsibility.

“I really am pleased to hear we are going to work on this regional effort, and work with the City, to ensure that those with intensive care needs get the services they deserve. And I am confident the commitment of the Safe Restart dollars will ensure that happens,” DeYong said.

Lakeshore Deputy Mayor Kirk Walstedt believed in holding the province accountable on the matter.

Downloading onto municipalities, he added, is no longer acceptable.

“This wasn’t easy for any of us. This is a very difficult decision,” LaSalle Mayor Crystal Meloche said, adding one of the important parts is knowing the County is going to do everything it can for those residents to find somewhere safe to be.

Essex County Warden and Mayor of Leamington Hilda MacDonald called the situation “heart wrenching.” She noted these individuals have a higher-level of needs.

MacDonald didn’t think the County had a whole lot of options in the matter.

“We are all trying to do our best, I believe, with the options that we are given.”

A majority of County Council supported Bailey’s motion, with Gibb and Tecumseh Mayor Gary McNamara opposed.

County Council also supported Bondy’s motion to send correspondence to the Premier and relevant provincial ministries to seek direct funding from the province to assist rural and smaller urban areas in addressing housing, homeless, and mental health and addiction issues.

Members also invited local MPPs to appear before Council to hear the concerns County Council has with funding related to the above-mentioned issues for rural and smaller urban areas.

The City of Windsor is the Service Manager for social housing, Bondy explained, noting she believes some conversation has to be had with the City, because the County and the City need to have adequate service.

Since the 1990s the City of Windsor has been the Consolidated Regional Service Manager for social services for both the City and the County, the previous report to County Council on the matter notes. The City receives funding from both the provincial and federal governments to provide social services, including programs related to addressing homelessness in both the City and the County.

“As long as we continue to pay, they won’t,” Bondy said, noting the province talks about how it hasn’t increased taxes, “meanwhile we are increasing taxes at the local and County level to bring services” where there is a gap.

“We continue to look like the bad guys raising our mill rate, our tax levy, to bridge the gaps where the province has downloaded or failed to fund with the complex issues that our society is facing,” Bondy said. “We need to be louder on this issue until the province comes forward.”

County Council unanimously carried Bondy’s motion.

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

Construction is set to resume on the Queens Line and Merlin Road intersection improvements in Chatham-Kent, including the installation of a single-lane roundabout and the rehabilitation of the Queens Line Bridge over Government Drain No. 1. Huron Construction has been contracted to complete both projects under one contract.

Work is scheduled to begin the week of March 17, 2025, with equipment mobilization, traffic control signage, and detour route information being set up. The work will be completed in three phases over the spring.

Phase 1 will focus on the westbound traffic lane of Queens Line. During this phase, the road will remain open, though lanes will be shifted south, potentially causing delays and temporary lane reductions down to one lane, with flagging at times. A full closure of Merlin Road between Queens Line and McDougall Line will start on March 24, 2025. Merlin Road south of Queens Line will remain open. This phase is expected to take about six weeks to complete.

Phase 2, set for later this spring, will involve work on the eastbound lane of Queens Line, with traffic shifted to the north. Queens Line will be reduced to a single lane, with temporary portable traffic signals in place to manage traffic flow. Merlin Road will be fully closed between Gleeson Line and McDougall Line during this phase. It is anticipated to take about five weeks.

Phase 3 will focus on the construction of the middle section of the roundabout at the realigned intersection of Queens Line and Merlin Road. This phase will require lane shifts, and a short full closure of Queens Line will be necessary to complete the roundabout. The exact timing of this closure will be announced later in the spring.

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent will provide updates as each phase of work approaches. Motorists are reminded that reduced speed limits are in place along Queens Line during construction and will remain after the roundabout is completed. Drivers are advised to follow posted speed and detour signs.

Access to all properties will be maintained throughout the project. The Municipality of Chatham-Kent thanks the public for their patience during this important infrastructure work.

For further updates and information, visit the Chatham-Kent Construction Projects website at www.chatham-kent.ca/constructionprojects.

By Matt Weingarden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter

Spring has arrived in LaSalle, and the town is set for an exciting season of activities and events. From local celebrations to outdoor adventures, residents are invited to take part in everything the community has to offer.

Mayor Crystal Meloche shared her enthusiasm about the upcoming events in her message to residents, encouraging everyone to get involved. “March is here, and LaSalle is gearing up for an exciting spring! Enjoy the LaSalle Spring Fling, the opening of the LaSalle Boat Ramp, and many more local activities,” said Mayor Meloche. “Be sure to like and follow the LaSalle Events Facebook Page to stay up to date on everything happening in and around the Town.”

Boat Ramp Passes Now on Sale at Early Bird Rates
For those looking to take advantage of the warmer weather and head out on the water, the LaSalle Boat Ramp opens on Friday, April 4, 2025. Residents can purchase annual boat ramp passes at the early bird rate of $130 (or $90 for seniors 55+) until March 31, 2025. After this date, regular rates will apply.

Passes can be purchased at the Vollmer Centre front desk or online through LaSalle Active. This is the perfect opportunity for those looking to enjoy the spring fishing season, water sports, and all the Detroit River has to offer.

16th Annual Detroit River Walleye Classic
Fishing enthusiasts won’t want to miss the 16th Annual Detroit River Walleye Classic, hosted by the LaSalle Firefighters Association. The popular event is set for Saturday, May 3, 2025, and serves as a community fundraiser benefiting local programs, organizations, and families in need.

Early bird registration is available until April 1, 2025. Interested participants can register at Detroit River Walleye Classic. This event continues to be one of LaSalle’s most beloved community fundraisers, drawing participants from across the region.

Road Closures Due to Infrastructure Projects
While spring brings plenty of exciting events, residents should be aware of two significant road closures in LaSalle this season. The Turkey Creek Bridge Rehabilitation project will result in a two-month closure, while the Matchett Sprucewood intersection improvements will require a one-month closure.

For more details, including detour information, residents are encouraged to visit the Public Works web page or check the news page for updates.

Border Mayors Alliance and Economic Advocacy
Mayor Meloche also joined all the mayors in Essex County in the Border Mayors Alliance, which advocates for policies that protect Canadian border municipalities. Co-chaired by Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens, the alliance seeks to promote fair and stable trade, especially in light of economic pressures.

“As we stand united with our counterparts across the border, we are taking decisive action to safeguard cross-border trade, which is vital for our local economy,” Mayor Meloche said. “We are committed to defending the economic interests of our community, and we will work alongside industry leaders and government partners to ensure a prosperous future.”

Get Involved and Stay Connected
From outdoor activities to community events, LaSalle is welcoming spring with open arms. Be sure to check out all that is happening and stay up to date on the latest news and updates by following the LaSalle Events Facebook Page.

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

The Chatham-Kent police made 35 arrests over the past week, including 13 on outstanding warrants. Officers also responded to multiple incidents, charging three individuals in separate assaults, arresting a man for threats, and suspending a driver’s licence during a RIDE program. A suspect caught on CCTV stealing scrap metal was also charged.

ASSAULT INCIDENTS, THREE CHARGED

The police responded to two separate assault incidents, resulting in three individuals facing charges.

Police were called to a domestic assault involving a 41-year-old Chatham man and a 19-year-old Windsor woman. The accused allegedly physically assaulted the victim during an argument. He was arrested and charged with one count of assault before being released with conditions. His court appearance is scheduled for April 14, 2025. In a separate incident, a woman entered a business on Queen Street in Chatham seeking help after being assaulted with bear spray by two unknown individuals. Police located the suspects, both under 17, and charged a 15-year-old male with assault with a weapon, failure to comply with an undertaking, and administering a noxious substance. He was held in custody pending a bail hearing. A 16-year-old male was also charged with assault with a weapon and administering a noxious substance. Still, he was released on an undertaking with conditions and a future court date.

35 ARRESTED

The police made 35 arrests during the past seven days, targeting individuals wanted for outstanding warrants, failure to comply, and domestic-related offences. The arrests were carried out in multiple operations, ensuring compliance with legal orders and addressing public safety concerns.

MAN ARRESTED FOR THREATS

The police arrested a 39-year-old Chatham man after he allegedly drove a scooter into a vehicle and threatened the owner at a local business.

Officers responded to the incident, where the suspect was taken into custody and charged with mischief and uttering threats. Police confirmed that the accused has a prior criminal record, including offences related to harassment, mischief, and impaired driving. He is currently being held in custody pending a bail hearing.

MAN RECEIVES LICENCE SUSPENSION

The police stopped a 56-year-old man from Port Lambton during a RIDE program.

Officers conducted a roadside breath test using an Approved Screening Device (ASD), which resulted in a three-day licence suspension. The individual was also issued a Highway Traffic Act violation, and his vehicle was towed from the scene.

WOMAN HELD ON OUTSTANDING WARRANT

Sarnia Police notified the CK police that they had a 42-year-old woman in custody who CKPS wanted for multiple offences. The woman was transported to Chatham-Kent Police headquarters, where she was held in custody on the strength of the warrant.

MAN ARRESTED

A 36-year-old man previously charged with sexual-related offences against a young person was arrested for breaching his release conditions. The man was initially charged on Oct. 23, 2024. He was released on an undertaking prohibiting him from communicating with or being in the company of anyone under 16, with limited exceptions. The police responded to a domestic dispute in Blenheim. Upon arrival, officers identified the man and determined he had violated his release conditions. He was arrested and taken to police headquarters, where he was held pending a bail hearing the following morning.

CCTV CAPTURES THIEF

The police responded to a call from a local business owner after CCTV footage captured a suspect stealing scrap metal from the property. Officers located and arrested a 54-year-old Chatham man, charging him with a break and entering an indictable offence. The accused was released with conditions and is scheduled to appear in court on April 7, 2025.

13 ARRESTED ON OUTSTANDING WARRANTS

The police arrested 13 individuals on outstanding warrants between March 3 and March 10, 2025, for various offences, including assault, impaired driving, failure to comply with probation orders, and theft.

Among those arrested was a 37-year-old Dresden man who turned himself in after being charged with assault in a previous incident. A 34-year-old Thamesville woman also surrendered to the police on an endorsed warrant for impaired driving. Additionally, officers arrested a 36-year-old Wallaceburg man during a traffic stop for failing to comply with his probation order.

Other arrests included a 35-year-old Dover Township woman stopped for a Highway Traffic Act violation, a 27-year-old Chatham woman found with an endorsed warrant for failing to comply with probation, and a 34-year-old Chatham woman arrested for failing to attend court.

Police also worked with Brantford and Moraviantown police services to apprehend individuals wanted in Chatham-Kent. A 25-year-old Wallaceburg woman was arrested following a suspicious person call, while a 46-year-old Chatham man with four outstanding warrants remains in custody pending a bail hearing.

 

By Matt Weingarden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter

Muslims in the Municipality of Lakeshore are celebrating Ramadan, gathering with family, friends, and neighbours to mark the holy month despite the absence of a local mosque.

In recent years, dozens of Muslim families have moved to Lakeshore, a growing community east of Windsor. While the municipality does not have a mosque within its boundaries, residents travel to Windsor or Chatham to attend prayers and connect with a larger congregation.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is observed by Muslims worldwide as a time for fasting, prayer, and charity. From dawn to sunset, observers refrain from eating or drinking, breaking their fast with a meal called iftar. The fast is meant to cultivate spiritual discipline and empathy for those in need.

Nadeem Aslam, who immigrated from Pakistan to Canada in 2002, said he cherishes Ramadan for its emphasis on faith, reflection, and community. He landed in Toronto and moved to the Lakeshore area during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He enjoys spending time outdoors and works at a local bakery in Tecumseh. He is grateful to see that his neighbours greeted him for Ramadan, a happy surprise.

“Ramadan is not just about fasting; it’s about gratitude, patience, and giving back,” Aslam said. “Even though we don’t have a mosque nearby, we’ve created a close-knit group. We invite each other for iftar, share meals, and make sure no one feels alone.”

Ramadan lasts for approximately 30 days, beginning in the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. During this time, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, refraining from food and drink.

Exemptions are made for children, pregnant or nursing women, travellers, and those who are ill. Along with abstaining from food and drink, Muslims also avoid smoking, sexual activity, and negative behaviours throughout the month.

Asma Bensalem, who moved to Lakeshore from Morocco with her family in 2023, also finds the experience enriching. For her, Ramadan is a time to strengthen bonds with her neighbours.

“This is our second Ramadan in Canada, where we are away from a large Muslim community, but we’ve found kindness and warmth here,” Bensalem said. “Our non-Muslim neighbours have been incredibly supportive, even joining us for iftar and asking about our traditions. It makes us feel welcome.”

Bensalem enjoys volunteering with friends at a local church and is grateful for the opportunities to engage with the community. “We are all created by God, and Canada is a great place to worship and live in peace and harmony,” she said.

The purpose of fasting extends beyond mere physical restraint. It seeks to strengthen one’s relationship with Allah, encourage personal growth, and nurture compassion for others.

While some families travel to Windsor’s mosques for nightly Taraweeh prayers, others pray at home. Some Muslim residents of Comber, a small community within Lakeshore, attend a mosque in Chatham.

Despite the logistical challenges, Lakeshore’s Muslim residents say the spirit of Ramadan remains strong.

“We may not have a mosque yet,” Aslam said, “but we have each other, and that is what Ramadan is all about.”

Aslam added that they have met many new friends and neighbours and are planning to organize a fundraiser and food drive for the local food bank. They are excited to connect with the welcoming community.

 

By Pam Wright, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Chatham Voice

Four retired correctional officers who worked at Chatham’s historic jail say they don’t mind doing a little more time.

The men, former guards who spent part of their careers at the imposing limestone structure will again serve as guides, offering curiosity seekers a final glimpse of the 176-year-old building before it’s turned into an apartment complex.

The 90-minute tours, running from April 15 until June 28, will give history buffs one last look before construction starts later this year. They come off the heels of tours held last year

The stories – ranging from a drug-fueled riot to a pair of executions – are legendary. The men enjoy telling them.

Bob Picard remembers a daring escape by a single prisoner in the 1990s. The man broke loose by making his way through the ceiling and ended up stealing a car and liquor from a nearby residence.

“The neighbour down the street called it in and said ‘I think you’re missing one body,’” Picard said.

Later, the escapee was nabbed by the OPP on Highway 401 when he lost control of the vehicle as he was too drunk to drive.

“The fellow was well versed in the correctional system,” Picard noted, “and it was his idea when he got in here was ‘how do I get out?’”

Dave Arnold recalls an infamous riot that also occurred during the ’90s, when prisoners got stoned and went wild, setting fires and flooding the cells. A special tactical team from London had to be called in to quell the disturbance.

“It was very bizarre behaviour,” Arnold said. “They were acting out, very aggressively. They decided to tear the place apart.”

Executions were carried out at the jail, Arnold said, occurring in December 1860 and again in December 1930. Both men were found guilty of murder and hanged.

The jail was closed by the province in 2014 and local prisoners are now transported to the South West Detention Centre in Windsor.

This jail was designated a heritage site in 2003. It was purchased from the Ontario government by the Warrener family who sold it to current owner Ed McLaughlin.

Along with an overgrown prisoner’s yard, tightly compressed cellblocks, dingy passageways, dormitories and stone walls, the former high-ceilinged federal courtroom and upper-level Kent Law Association library are intact. Accented by intricate wood carvings, the faded chairs and tables where judges, juries and those who were accused stand in silent tribute to decades of Kent County law and order.

Designed by Canadian architect William Thomas, the neoclassical limestone jail features a balustraded balcony and a crowning cupola. During its construction, future Canadian Prime Minister Alexander Mackenzie worked on it as a stone mason.

Project manager Les Lonsbary said common areas of the structure, such as the federal courtroom that features an ornate glass ceiling, will be preserved as part of the jail’s heritage designation.

The outside of the building will remain the same, Lonsbary said, while the interior will be revamped.

Tours can be booked online at Eventbrite under Chatham-Kent Courthouse & Jail Tours. Cost is $20, plus HST and fees. Tours take place Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. One tour will be held each Saturday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

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

James Nelson, a resident of Tilbury, shared his thoughts on the issue, saying, “It’s so troubling to hear that these scams are happening in our community. My grandmother was almost tricked by a similar scam last year, but thankfully, she had enough suspicion to double-check. I can’t imagine how many people might not catch on in time. We need to keep spreading the word and looking out for each other.”

The Chatham-Kent Police Service is alerting the public to a growing scam that is preying on seniors in the community. Over the past 24 hours, the police have received several complaints from victims who have fallen prey to a fraud scheme commonly referred to as the “Grandparent Scam.”

This type of scam involves fraudsters impersonating a family member, typically a grandchild, and claiming to be in urgent need of money due to an emergency. The scammers often go to great lengths to manipulate their victims, often pretending to be in distress or claiming to need funds for bail, medical emergencies, or legal matters.

“Grandparent scams are becoming increasingly common, and they prey on the trust and concern that seniors have for their families,” said Chatham-Kent Police Service. “We urge everyone, particularly seniors, to be cautious when receiving unexpected calls or messages requesting money for emergencies.”

The police have emphasized that the scammers often try to gain the victim’s trust by claiming to be affiliated with law enforcement. They may even assert that they are acting on behalf of police officers or legal authorities to secure the release of the supposed family member.

“The Chatham-Kent Police Service would like to make it clear that no officer, nor any affiliate of the police, will ever attend a location to collect money for bail or any other related matter,” said a police spokesperson. “Additionally, there are no ‘Gag’ orders or ‘Safe Words’ involved in legitimate bail hearings. These claims are false and part of the scammers’ deceptive tactics.”

Eman Khoja, a resident of Comber, also expressed concern over the rise of these scams. “My parents live in Comber, and this is something I’ve been warning them about. It’s so easy for these scammers to prey on vulnerable seniors who might not be as familiar with these types of frauds. I’ve had to step in a few times to make sure they don’t fall for these tricks. It’s critical that we all stay informed and help protect our loved ones,” said Khoja.

Police are also encouraging families to have conversations with their elderly relatives about these types of scams and to make sure they know how to identify fraud attempts.

“We want to empower the community with information to help them protect themselves and their loved ones from becoming victims of these scams,” said the police spokesperson.

Anyone who believes they may have fallen victim to a scam, or who has information about any ongoing fraud attempts, is urged to contact the Chatham-Kent Police Service at 519-352-1234. Those with additional information can also reach Detective Constable Rob Bowles at 519-436-6600, ext. 80655, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

The Chatham-Kent Police Service continues to provide resources and updates to help keep the community informed and safe from such scams.