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  • A well of frustration

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

     

    Christine Burke says the Ford government has reneged on its promise to test the sediment in North Kent’s fouled water wells.

     

    Her comments came following a recent letter from the Ministry of Health, asking residents in North Kent to test their wells for E. coli and coliforms. A resident who received the letter passed it on to Burke.

     

    But it looks like the government isn’t looking to test the bio-accessibility of sediment found in the aquifer’s black shale – something homeowners with dirty wells have been seeking for years.

     

    “They want to check for E. coli and coliforms and ignore the sediment,” Burke told The Voice. “Testing the sediment to find out if it’s toxic to humans was the whole purpose. 

     

    “We want to know what the sediments are doing if we consume or ingest these sediments,” she emphasized. “We were promised a health hazard investigation by Doug Ford. This was reduced to an all-hazard investigation. It’s just so frustrating.”

     

     The Mitchell’s Bay area resident, whose own well has been spewing black water for a decade, has been dealing with the issue since 2014 when the East Lake St. Clair wind farm went into operation. Burke and her husband Terry have been part of the fight advocating for clean water for residents whose wells have been affected.

     

    Some of wells are now useless and homeowners are forced to truck in water for drinking, cooking and bathing.

     

    However, Burke’s well wasn’t among the those tested by in the ministry’s all-hazard study conducted in 2022. 

     

    The letter, sent to all of the North Kent residents whose wells were tested in the study, states that “overall, the water quality in this area, from the sampled homes, does not constitute a health hazard under the Health Protection and Promotion Act. Nevertheless, the ministry recommends that individual well owners exercise vigilance to safeguard against any risks that may be present in an individual’s owner’s well.”

     

    As part of what it calls a “final outreach” the ministry is encouraging residents to undertake E-coli and/or total coliforms” this November, and again in April and August of 2026. 

     

    If problems are found, the ministry is encouraging residents to seek help from Chatham-Kent Public Health. 

     

    The letter is the latest development in Chatham-Kent’s long-running black-water saga. Residents in the former Dover and Chatham Townships discovered their wells went bad during the construction and subsequent operation of three wind turbine projects.

     

    In the Dover area, the Boralex project came online in 2009, with the East Lake St. Clair prouect taking shape in 2013. The North Kent Wind project in the former Chatham Township became operational in 2017.

     

    That’s led to the formation of grassroots advocacy groups, protests, court cases and pleas to government to remedy the problem. In response, the province ordered an all-hazard study of affected wells in Chatham Township, overseen by an expert panel, including local geoscientist Keith Benn. At the time, Benn stressed that toxic heavy metals found in the water needed to be tested, but his request went unheeded.

     

    In 2023, Burke and Wallaceburg Area Wind Concerns members fundraised to have nine North Kent wells tested by an independent lab in the United States. The water analysis found significant concentrations of arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, lead, and nickel. Mercury was found in two cases.

     

    Later in 2023, a motion was brought forward by North Kent Coun. Rhonda Jubenville asking the Ministry of Health to test the well sediment for health hazards.

     

    Two letters requesting the sediment testing be done have been sent to the MOH by the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, but no response has been received to date.

     

    In recent times, three wind turbine projects have been turned down, including one in the Wallaceburg area and two in East Kent. However, the municipality has stopped short of declaring itself an unwilling host to wind turbine farms. To date, 159 Ontario municipalities are prohibiting wind turbine development.

     

    Burke said she is in contact with Ontario ombudsman Tom Baker about the matter. She also points out that while on the campaign trail prior to the 2018 election, Doug Ford wrote a letter to Water Wells First members vowing to complete a health hazard study of affected wells.

     

  • Storyboards showcase local military history in Chatham

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

     

    Two new storyboards are paying homage to Chatham-Kent’s military history.

     

    Located at the cenotaph on King Street in downtown Chatham, one tells the tale of how the monument came to be. The other details a battle that took place at the location as part of the War of 1812.

     

    Royal Canadian Legion Branch 642 president Len Maynard said the Chatham cenotaph is one of a kind – the only Canadian cenotaph located on a battlefield.

     

    “I don’t know of any others,” said the 30-year Canadian Armed Forces veteran. “Chief Tecumseh was wounded here,” he added, noting the esteemed Indigenous warrior who fought alongside the British, perished at the Battle of the Thames the following day.

     

    The other storyboard offers a brief history of how local residents came together to create the 190-ton granite memorial to honour veterans after the First World War. It was officially unveiled on Nov. 8, 1923.

     

    The plaques are part of the improvements undertaken at the Chatham cenotaph in the last couple of years following a bout of vandalism. A wrought-iron fence has been installed, a vibrant mural graces a nearby wall, poppies adorn the utility box and state-of-the-art camera surveillance is on site. 

     

    According to Maynard, he and Mayor Darrin Canniff have worked together on the upgrades.

     

    “The mayor and I have had many discussions on that and the way forward, we thought, is to educate the public,” Maynard said. “There’s so much history in this area. A lot of people don’t realize how important Chatham-Kent (then Upper Canada) was in the War of 1812.”

     

    Mayor Darrin Canniff said the improvements, notably the storyboards, are being made to honour and to educate.

     

    “We want to make it so people want to come and visit them,” the mayor said of the cenotaph plaques. “When people learn about our military history, it’s a powerful tool.”

     

    Canniff said the upgrades in Chatham have boosted security and made the monument more attractive.

     

    “It certainly improves the site a lot,” the mayor explained. “That was our objective.”

     

    The two Chatham plaques are the first to be installed in Chatham-Kent and more are on the way, telling the many stories of local heroes all the way from the War of 1812 to present day. Five storyboards will take shape in Chatham, and other C-K communities will be getting them as well.

     

    Following approval by council in 2023, Chatham-Kent has spent $200,000 improving cenotaphs across the municipality. On top of that in Chatham, a vibrant mural has been created on the west side of the cenotaph thanks to Hydro One Community Fund donations made on behalf of the mayor and Chatham Coun. Brock McGregor.

     

    Crosswalks paying tribute to Canada’s veterans have also been installed in Chatham, Wallaceburg, Tilbury, Erieau and Dresden,

     

    Canniff said the municipality is looking to work with all of C-K’s 11 legions on the storyboard project.

     

  • If province implements mandatory addiction treatment, Chatham-Kent could be interested

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

     

    If Ontario opts to create a pilot program to force the mentally ill and addicted to get help, Chatham-Kent could be on board.

     

    That’s the hope of North Kent Coun. Rhonda Jubenville, who was expected to introduce a notice of motion at Monday’s council meeting to see if the municipality can take part if such a program comes to fruition.

     

    “What’s going on right now isn’t working,” said Jubenville, who, along with councillors Michael Bondy and Ryan Doyle, has been exploring local addiction services. “For those who suffer from addiction and mental health, there is no way out of it other than treatment.

     

    Jubenville pointed out that society doesn’t “cast out” people who suffer from dementia or who have a brain injury. 

     

    “We look after them. It’s worth it if you can save a life.”

     

    Late last month, Windsor city council directed staff to write a letter to the province asking if Windsor can be considered for a mandatory treatment program. This follows on the heels of the City of Brampton requesting the province allow for involuntary treatment. 

     

    As well, in October, Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM) Group passed a comprehensive motion calling on the province to probe solutions to Ontario’s homelessness crisis and to investigate the possibility of establishing mandatory treatment for the addicted and mentally ill.

     

    Mayor Darrin Canniff, who is part of the OBCM, said he agrees with involuntary treatment for extreme cases, but is unsure if Ontario has the faculties to handle it.

     

    Canniff compared the plight of the severely mentally ill and addicted to people suffering with dementia and Alzheimer’s who are housed against their will in specialized facilities.

     

    “We don’t ask them if we can do this,” the mayor said. “We put them in… they are going to hurt themselves or harm themselves or others. It’s the same thing here. They’re in a state of mind where they don’t have control of their faculties. 

     

    “So, it behooves us as a society to say, you need help,” he added. “We want to help and we’ll help you. So, to me it makes sense. Is that for everyone? No. But there’s certainly some people that would make sense for. I’m not an expert but I agree with the concept of looking at it.”

     

    Involuntary treatment for mental health and addicted people has become a hot topic in Canada as municipalities grapple with the fallout of homeless encampments and social disorder resulting from drug and alcohol addiction.

     

    British Columbia is already allowing mentally ill and addicted people to be detained in psychiatric facilities, and Alberta and Manitoba are all looking at implementing similar measures.

     

    Last month, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown called on the province to consider launching a pilot project that would allow first responders to place people with mental health disorders, addictions issues and brain injuries into treatment facilities against their will, if found to be necessary by a doctor. 

     

    However, this type of care raises legal questions. 

     

    The Canadian Civil Liberties Association, a registered charity that advocates for people’s civil liberties and human rights, has said this strategy is “unconstitutional” and “unlawful,” according to previously published reports.

     

  • Drug use rampant at tiny cabins shelter in Chatham: resident

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

     

    Heather Brown says she doesn’t feel safe living at Chatham’s tiny cabin complex.

     

    Clean and sober for 22 years, Brown found herself homeless earlier this summer, living in her car with her dog.

     

    Originally from Blenheim, the lifelong Chatham-Kent resident lost her job and the room she was renting, which in turn led her to Pathways on Park – Chatham’s new tiny 50 cabin transitional housing complex.

     

    Brown, who is currently on medical employment insurance benefits, pays $600 a month to live at the complex, but she says Pathways is full of drug users, and only a handful of residents are clean.

     

    Brown, who has made her circumstances known on social media, said she feels like she’s getting the short end of the stick, and calls Pathways on Park “Pathways of False Hope.”

     

    She said the Pathways’ motto “to help everyone” doesn’t seem to apply to her.

     

    “I feel like I’m alone with no help,” she said in a recent interview with The Voice, adding that because she owns a car and has a car payment, she’s disqualified for extra help and can’t get an Ontario Works drug card to cover her life-saving blood pressure medication.

     

    Brown said she’s not alone in her concerns. Other Pathways on Park residents feel the same way she does, but they don’t want to draw attention to themselves by complaining.

     

    “I’m not worried about any hate getting directed towards me,” Brown said. “They’re already trying to push me out.”

     

    When contacted by The Voice regarding the problems Brown is speaking out about, Jennifer Crowell, Chatham-Kent’s manager of housing services and the person responsible for homelessness prevention throughout the municipality, said she was aware of the issues posed by Brown on social media.

     

    However, she said she couldn’t speak to an individual case due to privacy restrictions.

     

    “I’m sorry one person feels that this is not a safe place to live, but there are 49 others here,” she said. “We encourage residents to come forward and let us know so we can fix issues.”

     

    Aside from residing with active drug users, Brown said there are problems with maintenance at the site. Blood on the bathroom walls, human feces inside the shower that she had to clean up before she could use it, feces on toilets and needles on the walkways are some of the problems Brown said she has encountered.

     

    “This is supposed to be transitional housing not a daycare for addicts,” Brown added, noting there have been seven fentanyl overdoses in the past month she’s aware of.

     

    In response to allegations of drug use at the complex on social media and a lack of supports, Crowell said she can’t speak to an individualized case because of privacy concerns.

     

    However, she did say that Pathways on Park takes a “housing first” approach and that sobriety is not a requirement to live there.

     

    “Pathways on Park is transitional housing with a goal of finding long-term housing,” Crowell said. “If substance use is a barrier to that, staff will be having those conversations to find out if they want to address it.”

     

    However, she stressed that case managers are “not counsellors.” Instead they refer clients to appropriate services.

     

    “We connect the client to community resources,” Crowell said. “We create an individualized case plan for each person and this can look very different for everyone. We work with people where they’re at, building supports and services for them that they need.”

     

    Meanwhile, Brown said she feels somewhat imprisoned.

     

    “It’s like being in jail but jail provides you with three meals a day,” she explained, adding that as someone who suffers with PTSD and anxiety, she’s triggered by drug activity at Pathways.

     

    “Fetty (fentanyl) fills that place like you wouldn’t believe,” she said, and people constantly smoke cigarettes and drugs inside their cabins. 

     

    As far as cleanliness in the shared washrooms and common area goes, Crowell said the space is checked numerous times a day, as five bathrooms are shared amongst 50 people. Mud can be a problem within the shared spaces she said, as it’s tracked in by people using the dirt walkways.

     

    As for people being asked to leave because they aren’t following the rules, Crowell said it happens. Since opening in August, eight individuals have been asked to leave. 

     

    Nine individuals have moved on to permanent housing and two have left to attend residential treatment for substance use disorder.

     

    Crowell said an ultimatum is given to people who refuse to work with a case manager to try and resolve their issues. 

     

    Each person that comes to Pathways on Park is assigned to a case manager who works with a client towards the goal of helping them overcome obstacles and find permanent housing. They are required to meet with their case manager at least once a week and to take part in some of the 22 different programs offered at the cabins.

     

    Their case manager also follows them after they move on from the complex.

     

    While substance use at the complex is discouraged, being clean and sober is not a requirement to live in the tiny cabins, Crowell said, noting it’s not a pre-requisite in other areas of society, such as renting a home or getting a job.

     

    Crowell pointed out that’s nearly impossible to solve the homelessness issue in light of skyrocketing rents with a one-bedroom apartment renting for $1,500 to $1,700 a month.

     

    A person on Ontario Works receives only $390 a month a month for shelter.

     

    Homelessness is something that has always existed, Crowell added, but the problem mushroomed nation-wide during the pandemic.

     

    Currently there are 1,400 local residents on a waitlist for rent geared-to-income housing.

     

    As for Heather Brown, she’s hoping to find a job and a place to live so she can move on.

     

  • Waltron Trailers celebrates 50 years of manufacturing excellence and resilience

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

     

    A good-sized crowd helped Waltron Trailers Inc. celebrate its 50th anniversary at its open house on Thursday, Nov. 6.

     

    Current and former employees and their families, customers, suppliers and invited guests, as well as local residents and politicians, were on hand for a brief ceremony followed by guided tours and lunch at the same 55 Marsh St. location where Waltron Ltd. opened in 1975.

     

    Walt Spence, an electrician, and the late Ron McLean, a tool and die maker, created Waltron Ltd. to serve the local agriculture and manufacturing sectors.

     

    “There have been a lot of changes over the years since Walt and Ron joined forces to open Waltron Ltd.,” said current Waltron president Bill Loucks. “Walt is the Walt and Ron is the Ron – that’s how they came up with the name.”

     

    What started as one small building in 1975 has expanded to a 30,000 square-foot manufacturing facility with 12 production bays – including a new sandblasting building that opened this spring following a 2024 fire.

     

    “There are a lot more people here today than I remember 50 years ago,” Spence said, comparing Thursday’s crowd to the day Waltron opened. “It was a very small building that cost a lot of money back then.”

     

    Spence said it was hard to believe, looking at the expanded complex that had started from the original, small building.

     

    “I’m very proud of what the people have done with Waltron; it’s come a long way. I congratulate them,” stated Spence. “And I congratulate them for not forgetting a little fella like me and keeping my name on it.”

     

    Waltron evolved into a world-class leader in heavy-duty custom trailer manufacturing, service, and refurbishing, with an experienced and innovative in-house staff that designs, engineers, and manufactures heavy-haul trailers for the agriculture, energy, marine, and infrastructure sectors.

     

    The company name was changed to Waltron Trailers in December 2004 to reflect its focus on building specialty trailers, primarily for the boat-hauling industry.

     

    “Waltron currently builds and refurbishes specialty trailers used in a number of operations, including boat hauling, aerospace, utility, agriculture, construction rental, and salvage work,” said Loucks, who joined the Waltron team in 2004.

     

    “One of our most famous trailers was sold to Sir Richard Branson to haul a rocket in California … it’s quite the trailer to check out on our website.”

     

    Open house guests had the opportunity to see Waltron’s operations on guided tours, during which they spoke with employees about their individual roles with the company.

     

    The guests also saw firsthand the company’s many innovations, including a brand-new roll-off system designed for performance and reliability to meet today’s industry needs.

     

    The dedication and commitment of Waltron’s staff were never more evident than in the Feb.2024 fire that destroyed the sandblasting building and a production bay, resulting in $2 million in total damage.

     

    “The fact that a majority of our staff immediately came to the plant to see if they could help while the fire was still burning is a testament to the dedication and loyalty of our employees,” Loucks said. “I would like to thank each and every one of you for your dedication each and every day.”

     

    The new sandblasting building reopened in March, with a 30,000-square-foot addition to the main building, while a cement parking lot and swale were installed in the wake of the fire. New equipment was also purchased, and capacity was increased to continue developing the company’s product line, including improvements to its roll-off units, which were highlighted to guests during the tour.

     

    “The fire gave us a great opportunity to expand,” said Craig VanGassen, Waltron General Manager. “It gave us a chance to improve and streamline our processes … but it was a very long process.”

     

    VanGassen said that while it has been a little rough the last couple of years, “It’s fantastic to see the progress. I’m glad to see that it’s in such a good state now, and I look forward to what’s to come.”

     

    Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff talked about the company and employees’ resilience in the wake of the fire in his address to the open house crowd.

     

    “There’s been a lot of ups and downs with the fire; it’s a testament to your employees how they came out to the fire,” Canniff said. “We at Chatham-Kent are so proud of this organization for everything that you do in our community.”

     

    Canniff presented a plaque “to celebrate 50 years and to look forward to another 50 years.”

     

    East Kent Councillors John Wright and Morena McDonald also attended the ceremony.

     

    “I remember when the first shop was built, I had a small manufacturing business in Ridgetown at the same time,” Wright said. “Ridgetown was a busy place; we were all trying to make Ridgetown much better at the time, and you (Waltron) have done it … look at the number of employees you have here today.”

     

    McDonald congratulated Waltron on an amazing 50 years.

     

    “We’re so excited to see your expansion we’re looking forward to the next 50 years,” she said.

     

    Jim Brown also congratulated Waltron on behalf of the Ridgetown Business Improvement Association.

     

    Brown remembered being at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the original Waltron opening.

     

    “It was almost 50 years to the day, it was Oct. 25, 50 years ago … the road wasn’t even open yet, you were the first ones down here,” Brown said of Waltron’s Marsh St. location. “Waltron’s always been ahead of things. You’re a big part of Ridgetown; you helped put Ridgetown on the map.”

     

    “We appreciate everything that you do and keep up the good work … congratulations,” said Brown.

     

    Loucks thanked all of the vendors, suppliers and customers who have supported Waltron over the 50 years, as well as business partners Max Fantuz and Mike Kilby, Waltron CEO Gunther Haas, who could not attend the anniversary, and Ron McLean’s widow, Diane McLean, who had been a part of the company since the beginning.

     

    A ribbon-cutting ceremony preceded the lunch and tours.

     

  • Giant 200-Year-Old White Oak Wins ‘Best Tree in C-K’ Contest

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

     

    A giant white oak in Camp Cataraqui, estimated to be over 200 years old, was declared the winner of the inaugural ‘Best Tree in Chatham-Kent’ contest.

     

    The massive Swamp White Oak (Quercus alba) received two nominations in the contest organized by NatureCK.

     

    Larry Garside, of Highgate, and Mike Smith, NatureCK president and founder of ReLeafCK, both nominated the tree, which overlooks Clear Creek at Scouts Canada’s Camp Cataraqui on Clearville Road.

     

    Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff joined contest judges and a nice-sized crowd at the award ceremony on October 24, where a ‘Best Tree CK’ banner was wrapped around the giant white oak.

     

    Members of the 1st Ridgetown Scout Troop attended the ceremony, as the local group holds year-round outings at Camp Cataraqui and is very familiar with Mighty Oak and its story.

     

    “We’ve been coming out here since we started back up in 2016,” said Adam Frazee, leader of the 1st Ridgetown Scout Troop. “We get a group picture at the tree every year.”

     

    In his nomination submission, Garside said the tree overlooks Clear Creek, the site where John Colbrook Bury landed in 1815.

     

    “Later in 1816, Bury brought his family to settle for the long term in this area,” Garside wrote. 

     

    “This family was the area’s first settlers, and judging by the size of this oak, it likely witnessed the family’s arrival,” wrote Garfield, who submitted a photo of his granddaughter, Blake Johnston, standing in front of the tree.

     

    Larry Cornelius, past president of NatureCK and environmental educator and author; Greg Van Every, conservation services co-ordinator at the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority; Chatham Councillor Brock McGregor; and Smith were the contest judges.

     

    A Shumard Oak (Quercus shumardii), located in Tecumseh Park in Chatham, was named the runner-up. In contrast, a huge Black Walnut (Juglans nigra), located in Maple Leaf Cemetery in Chatham, was the third-place tree.

     

    Over 20 trees were nominated, including one on Chestnut St. in Ridgetown and two inside Rondeau Provincial Park, during the nomination period that ran in July and August.

     

    A slide show of all entries can be found on the NatureCK Facebook page.

     

    The judges took into consideration the age and size of all entries, along with their historical value, species importance, aesthetic appeal, community connection, and personal significance to the nominee.

     

    “We asked for submissions and we received many beautiful photos from all over Chatham Kent,” said Susan Jeffrey, of NatureCK, at the ceremony. “Choosing a winner was not an easy task; every tree had its own qualities and attributes which made it a contender.”

     

    Jeffrey stated that heartfelt stories of family memories, history and personal connections with the trees accompanied the nominations.

     

    “We have some really great personal stories about people and trees, which was the best part of it,” Jeffrey said.

     

    “They’re all historically great and they’re great specimens of trees, but it was the connection that the people had with the trees that was encouraging because it makes us think there are still people out there who don’t want to cut them down,” said Jeffrey.

     

    NatureCK thanks everyone who took the time to nominate and share their favourite tree story.

     

    Residents are encouraged to find their personal favourite tree and learn its history for the ‘Best Tree in Chatham-Kent’ contest in 2026, as nominations will open in July.

     

    NatureCK is the rebranded name for the Sydenham Field Naturalists, an environmental advocacy and education organization that has been around for over four decades.

     

    A new NatureCK website is currently under consideration, as information is still available on the original www.sydenhamfieldnaturalists.ca website.

     

  • ‘The Gift’ Keeps Giving: Annual Food and Toy Drive kicks off sixth year of community support

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

     

    It’s The Gift that just keeps on giving!

     

    Hundreds of residents have experienced the joy and excitement of being beneficiaries of The Gift over its first five years.

     

    Local organizers of The Gift will hold their sixth annual food and toy drive this Saturday to help people in need in the community.

     

    Residents are asked to place their donations of food, toys and clothing on their front steps by 12 noon. The items will be collected by volunteers from the Kiwanis and Rotary clubs, Fire Station 11 firefighters, and the East Kent Celebrates group.

     

    The teams will take their collections to the Scout Hut for sorting and packing, where they will be available for pick-up on Saturday, Dec. 6.

     

    Collections from the Morpeth, Rondeau, Highgate, and surrounding rural areas will also be brought to Ridgetown for sorting and distribution.

     

    Residents can rest assured that all donations collected in town will stay in town to be distributed to local residents.

     

    “This is a very generous community; they have always supported The Gift really well,” said Charlie Mitton.

     

    The Gift is important not only to the people receiving the donations, but also to the large number of volunteers who collect, support, and distribute the items.

     

    “It brings a smile to my face when I check with the groups and they all agree to do it again,” Mitton said. “They say ‘just let us know when and where’ and everybody pulls together to make things better for those who are in need.”

     

    “There is always a huge need in the community, a lot of people are looking for help this time of year for their families,” he added.

     

    Suggested non-perishable food items for residents to consider donating include canned meats, fruits and vegetables, boxed items such as cereals, pastas, crackers and rice, peanut butter and jams, coffee and tea, juice boxes and cases of water. Residents are reminded to check the expiration date on all food items.

     

    Baby needs (food, formula, diapers, wipes) are also suggested, as well as hygiene products (toothbrushes and toothpaste, soap, deodorant, feminine products).

     

    If you wish to donate toys, games, books, or puzzles, please note that only new, unopened items will be accepted.

     

    New clothing items, including winter coats, gloves, hats, scarves and thick socks, as well as art supplies and backpacks.

     

    Gift cards are also very welcome donations.

     

    Distribution takes place on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Ridgetown Scout Hut, located at 26 Ebenezer St. W., from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. No registration or qualification is required to request a food package, toys, or clothing. 

     

    Residents in the Ridgetown area, as well as in Morpeth, Rondeau, Highgate, and surrounding rural areas, are welcome to visit the Scout Hut.

     

    “If you need help, just show up,” Mitton said. “We’ll give you a pre-packed bag with various non-perishable foods, and if you have children, we’ll give them toys for Christmas.”

     

    Anyone interested in volunteering with the four collection teams or assisting with the unloading, sorting, and packing afterwards can simply show up at The Scout Hut on Saturday.

     

    Volunteers are also welcome for the Dec. 6 distribution. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Mitton by email at charlesmitton@gmail.com

     

    The local Gift Committee is grateful to the 1st Ridgetown Scout Troop for making their facility available for the week.

     

    The Gift CK will run similar campaigns in communities all across Chatham-Kent on Saturday.

     

  • Santa for Seniors Campaign launches to deliver joy to every Chatham-Kent senior this holiday season

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

     

    Santa for Seniors launched its 2025 campaign last week to connect with every senior citizen in Chatham-Kent during the Christmas holidays.

     

    The local volunteer group encourages everyone to write cards and send gifts to seniors during this holiday season.

     

    “With 2,000 seniors living in retirement and nursing homes, and hundreds more living on their own, we’d like each senior to get a greeting card and gift again this year,” said co-organizer Emmalee Longbottom. 

     

    Santa for Seniors is a project inspired by many other food and gift drives that took place in Chatham-Kent during the COVID pandemic.

     

    Individuals and families are encouraged to write holiday cards and put together a package of small gift items, which will be delivered by Santa for Seniors volunteers – and Santa himself – to seniors living in retirement and nursing homes across Chatham-Kent in time for Christmas.

     

    “Too often, the senior population is forgotten during the holiday season,” said Dava Robichaud, co-chair of the Santa for Seniors initiative, now in its sixth year. “Many seniors who live in retirement and nursing homes, as well as those who live independently, will be spending the holidays lonely and isolated.”

     

    Robichaud said the last few years have been particularly challenging for many seniors in the community due to the restrictions in place.

     

    “Isolation continues to be a challenge, especially for seniors, and we hope to brighten their day with some gifts and cards from every corner of Chatham-Kent,” said Robichaud. 

     

    Many families make it a weekend project to create homemade Christmas cards and put together boxes of gift items, such as toiletries, cookies, tea, puzzles, hats, gloves, stationery and other small gifts.

     

    When completed, cards and unwrapped gifts can be dropped off at the TekSavvy Security Kiosk, 800 Richmond St. in Chatham (in the plaza next door to the McDonald’s Restaurant), or at Community Living Administration Offices in Wallaceburg at 1100 Dufferin Ave. 

     

    Volunteers will sanitize all gifts before wrapping and placing them in boxes. The deadline to submit cards and gifts is Friday, Dec. 12.

     

    Santa for Seniors volunteers will spend the next week organizing and packing the items for delivery the week of Dec. 18-23.

     

    Boxes and cards will be safely distributed to all retirement and nursing homes in Chatham-Kent, and cards will be included in all Meals on Wheels deliveries.

     

    Longbottom said the community came together to provide over 5,800 greeting cards and more than 800 gifts to local seniors in the first year of the Santa for Seniors program in 2020.

     

    Since then, over 5,275 gifts and 14,860 greeting cards have gone out to seniors, thanks to the many local residents who take the time to participate.

     

    “Let’s come together again as a community to send out as many cards and gifts to our senior population as we can,” Robichaud said. “If you’d like to contribute, spend some time this weekend with your family and have some fun writing cards and putting together gift boxes.”

     

    If you would like to support Santa for Seniors, you can send an email to santaforseniors@teksavvy.ca 

     

  • Horizon Investment Holdings purchases former Harrow High to build 160 units for sale/rent

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

     

    In November of 2021 the Town of Essex announced it was to purchase the former Harrow High School from the Greater Essex County District School Board for $845,900, after it had sat vacant since 2016, when the school board closed its doors to students. 

     

    Since that time, the Town of Essex completed a building assessment that estimated it would cost over $10M to convert the facility to a recreation centre, and then issued two RFPs, with the first being unsuccessful with the inclusion of an affordable housing target of 20%, to find a developer. 

     

    Last Thursday, it was announced Horizon Investment Holdings Ltd. was selected as the successful proponent for the Harrow High School foot print of 3.4-acres. 

     

    The high school footprint will be developed into a high-density residential site with 160 housing units of varying styles, with a mix of townhomes and apartments up to six stories. Some will be for purchase, others for rent for those who want to live in Harrow. This development will also offer barrier-free units to ensure inclusivity. 

     

    A focus in the development will be environmentally friendly features, such as geothermal heating and cooling, EV chargers, and rooftop solar panels. The energy efficiency is to help residents pay as little in energy costs as possible. 

     

    The remaining greenspace acreage will remain with the Town of Essex. Four-years ago, when the Town of Essex purchased the site, it eyed the opportunity to expand the current recreation opportunities in Harrow, enhance the greenspace, and increase access to the property by directly connecting to Pollard Park. 

     

    Mayor Sherry Bondy was thrilled to make the announcement. Though the sale price has not been released yet, she noted Essex is more than breaking even with the sale, while still retaining the green space. After seeing the building assessment, the Town decided to sell the property, not able to justify putting millions into the facility.

     

    After a comprehensive RFP process, Horizon Investment Holdings’ vision “stood out as innovative, sustainable, and it aligned with our community’s goals,” Bondy said. 

     

    “This property holds a lot of memories for many people in this community, including myself,” Bondy said as a Harrow High grad.

     

    “Harrow High School served as a cornerstone for generations of students, and families. Today, we mark a new chapter for this site,” Bondy said.

     

    “This redevelopment is more than just about new housing. It is about creating a thriving, inclusive space that reflects the future we envision for Harrow. [It is] one that provides alternative housing choices for various age groups, incomes, household sizes, encouraging our residents to remain in Harrow throughout different stages of their life, while also welcoming new residents to our community.”

     

    Harrow is limited in its housing stock, she added. There are few smaller units available, if any. This development will give options to seniors wanting to downsize, freeing up their single-family homes for families.

     

    The Town, she added, is committed to working with Horizon Investment to ensure the final product reflects the shared goals of the development. The project is also proof Essex is committed to helping the province achieve its mandate of building more homes. 

     

    The fact Harrow High School is over 114-years old is not lost on Wing On Li, CAO and Director for Horizon Investment Holdings Ltd. He noted the new development will not wipe the whole school off the map.

     

    The plan is to retain 7000-feet fronting Wellington Street as amenities for residents, probably including members of the community. He is also looking to include a hall of fame for the Harrow High alumni.

     

    Bondy was pleased to hear this, noting if any piece of the façade could be kept, it would be wonderful.

     

    Li also plans to work closely with the Town to provide ample units of obtainable and affordable housing units. 

     

    “We want to work diligently with our neighbours… I really want to make it really clear – we are good listeners, particularly of the comments of neighbours. If they don’t feel comfortable with us on day one, we will have a really bad experience,” Li said. 

     

    He intends to host an open house so the plans can be presented to the community. 

     

    As long as the building permit gets approval from the Town of Essex and the County of Essex, Li is willing to start this project early, adding that it will be done using local trade workers. He suspects three-years would be an easy timeline for him to bring the project to fruition, so long as the market cooperates. 

     

    Bondy noted the Town of Essex recently hosted an open house regarding the Harrow Fairgrounds and Soccer Complex areas. With the proceeds of this sale, it could potentially make more recreation options possible. 

     

    The location for the residential development is ideal, she added, as there are park and community spaces, a daycare, and businesses nearby. 

     

    The Town, Bondy added, has a grant application into the province to increase sanitary capacity at pumping stations to support growth. 

     

  • Conservation authority mergers looming

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

     

    Sweeping changes that could see the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority merge with six other authorities is being proposed by the province.

     

    If approved, the LTVCA will become part of the Lake Erie Region Conservation Authority, stretching all the way from the Grand River in Kitchener to Windsor and north to Lake Huron beyond Grand Bend.

     

    However, that doesn’t change anything at the local level for the time being.

     

    “It’s business as usual,” said LTVCA CEO Mark Peacock. “We are still providing services to our community and we will work with the government to ensure local delivery of services is continued.”

     

    On Oct. 31, the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) announced a plan to create a provincial board-governed agency, called the Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency, with the goal of providing leadership, governance and strategic direction to conservation authorities.

     

    In a media release, MECP Minister Todd McCarthy said the oversight body will address a “fragmented” system and cut red tape to spur the economy. A one-stop permitting process will also be introduced.

     

    “The new, dedicated agency would work with conservation leaders to ensure faster, more transparent permitting and more front-line services so we can reduce delays to get shovels in the ground sooner, support economic growth and keep our communities safe from floods and other natural hazards,” McCarthy said.

     

    How the mergers will roll out and how the new system will be financed remains to be seen.

     

    Under the current funding model for conservation authorities, a significant portion of the money comes from municipalities.

     

    “There’s a saying that those who pay should have a say,” Peacock explained. “Right now, municipal money goes toward improving the watershed in Chatham-Kent.”

     

    The conservation authority legislation has yet to be introduced into the Ontario legislature and a consultation process must take place prior to any changes. 

     

    Any changes to existing conservation authority boards will come into play after the municipal elections in 2026.

     

    The ministry has said there will be no changes to service levels and no job losses.

     

    The LTVCA was officially formed on Feb. 2, 1961.