Blenheim News Tribune

11/06/2025

The Chatham Christian Flames Sr Boys Volleyball team completed their perfect undefeated season with three wins over the Blenheim Bobcats during Wednesday evening’s Lambton Kent Secondary School Boys A Sr Volleyball championship. The Bobcats didn’t go down without a fight as all three games were close wins by the well rounded Flames.

Read more about the finals in next weeks Blenheim News Tribune

10/10/2025

Chatham-Kent by-law officers have been contracted to patrol encampments in Chatham-Kent. The by-law officers are currently working two shifts, Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. These hours will be monitored and adjusted if needed to best meet the needs of the community.
In addition to enforcing the Municipality’s encampment by-law, the role of by-law officers is to maintain a presence at the sites, deter non-compliance and build relationships with encampment residents. This approach will help the by-law officers enforce the by-law when required.
When issues are identified, Housing Services, ROCK, and by-law officers will first speak with individuals, advising them of the infraction and offering guidance and support to correct it. If compliance is not achieved, the by-law officers, in consultation with Housing Services will issue a formal order with a deadline for compliance. Continued non-compliance could result in further action, including municipal remediation of the issue or a summons to court. All such actions will be carried out in consultation with Municipal Legal Services and under the direction of Housing Services.
While the community may expect immediate results, the Municipality emphasizes that this process is structured and deliberate. By-law officers only recently began their patrols and have begun to address some concerns. Written compliance orders are expected to begin this week, if required.
In addition to enforcement, regular clean-ups are scheduled twice weekly, and staff continue to work with encampment residents to meet compliance expectations.
For questions or to report encampment-related concerns, residents can call 311. Complaints made directly to the by-law officers will be redirected to 311 to ensure all concerns are tracked and responded to appropriately.

More information on encampments can be found at

There has been a noticeable increase in public interest and concern surrounding encampments in Chatham-Kent. Residents, business owners, and community organizations have raised important questions about how encampments are being addressed, what supports are available

10/06/2025

Chatham-Kent Council will be voting on the tender award for the Chatham-Kent Community Hub (CKCH) project, with the recommended bid for construction services coming in below original cost estimates.
Following a competitive procurement process, Fortis Construction Group Inc., based in Tecumseh, Ontario, is being recommended to lead construction of the CKCH at the former Sears building in downtown Chatham. The total construction services contract, valued at $39,280,323 (including HST rebate), comes in under the previously projected budget. The initial budget estimation for construction was $42,920,000. There are significant contingency funds included in the tender to budget for the unexpected. The construction services contract bid excluding contingency funds and taxes is $35,200,946.
The overall project budget remains at $52.8 million including over $7 million of contingency funds that are best practice for project of this size, which aligns with the cost estimate presented to Council in May 2025. The funding plan ensures should Council vote to move forward, that the project will proceed without requiring any related property tax increases. This budget includes contingencies for tariff impacts.
Funding for the project will come from a combination of property sales, reserves, development charges, and a debenture, with no additional tax levy increases required. There is a strong potential of donations and naming rights attracted to this project to further support and reduce the final debenture required. In the current funding model, $0 donations or naming rights have been included.
“We’re committed to ensuring this project proceeds in a financially responsible manner, so seeing the recommended bid come in under budget is extremely exciting,” said Mayor Darrin Canniff. “This project is one of the most significant investments in our community’s future, and it’s something we’ve saving for for many years. We can't afford to not do this; the alternative options are more expensive and don't offer nearly as many benefits to the community. I am committed to seeing this project progress responsibly, sustainably, and for the betterment of all of Chatham-Kent.”
Should Council award the tender, construction is expected to begin in December 2025 with completion anticipated in early 2028. Once open, the Hub will not only serve as a central destination for civic and cultural services but will also support the Municipality’s Asset Management Plan by replacing aging facilities and reducing long-term infrastructure costs.
The Chatham-Kent Community Hub will bring together a new Civic Centre, Library, and Museum under one roof, consolidating municipal services into a modern, accessible, and energy-efficient facility. The project is designed with a strong focus on accessibility, inclusivity, enhanced services, and community input, reflecting feedback gathered during public consultations.
To find out more about the Chatham-Kent Community Hub project, and to see the full report, visit www.letstalkchatham-kent.ca/community-hub

09/19/2025

It’s moving day for Dr’s and staff at the Chatham-Kent Family Health Centre Blenheim Branch located on Chatham Street here in Blenheim. Local Dr’s along with thousands of their files, equipment, cabinets, fridges, everything is being moved to the all new and very spacious Blenheim Medical Health Hub at 2 Hyland Drive. Patient’s please be reminded that the offices are closed for the move Friday, on the weekend and Monday with re opening set for Tuesday. Staff from Mike’s Moving is pictured here assisting with the move.
The grand opening for the Blenheim Medical Health Hub was held with over 1000 people attending and touring the new location last Thursday on Hyland Drive. Once filled with specialized services, What a wonderful facility this will be for the Blenheim and South Kent Communty for many years to come. Thanks to so many people that made this happen.

09/17/2025

A great day to celebrate the opening of the Blenheim Medical Health Hub during a community event that featured live entertainment, games, food trucks and
a ribbon cutting to officially open the Health Hub. Taking part in the official ribbon cutting were Foundation Board members Emily Sterling, Tyler Mercer (new
Executive Director), Shantel Cardoso, Jeannette Steen, Edward O’Brien, Chair, Cathy Smith, Vice Chair, Dr. Andrew Lanz O’Brien, Vice Chair, Cayley
DeBrouwer and Chris Maris. Absent was Chris Muckle. Our local Doctors will be moving into the Health Hub as early as Tuesday of next week.
See this weeks News Tribune for more pics and complete story

08/18/2025

Village of Erieau
Golf Cart Pilot program launched
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is excited to announce the launch of a Golf Cart Pilot Program in the community of Erieau, following recent approval from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation. The program will allow golf carts to operate on public roads within Erieau under specific safety and licensing requirements.
The pilot program is part of the Province of Ontario’s Golf Cart Pilot Program under the Highway Traffic Act, which aims to assess the safe integration of golf carts with other road users. Chatham-Kent joins the Town of Amherstburg, Municipality of Lakeshore, Township of Huron-Kinloss, and Township of Pelee in participating in the initiative.
“This is an exciting opportunity for Erieau residents and visitors to enjoy a new, convenient way to get around the community, while ensuring safety remains the top priority,” said Councillor Trevor Thompson. “We appreciate the Province’s support in making Erieau part of this pilot program, and will continue to advocate for its expansion into other locations within Chatham-Kent.”
Program Details
Launch Date: Summer 2025
Location: Entire community of Erieau (including adjacent built-up area along Erieau Road/Ross Lane)
Speed Limits: Golf carts may only operate on roads with a posted limit of 50 km/h or less. All roads in the program area meet this requirement.
Permits: Required annually for operation; available through the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.
Duration: Program runs annually from April 1 to November 30. The provincial pilot program runs until June 3, 2031.
Driver & Vehicle Requirements:
Minimum driver’s licence: Class G
Minimum passenger age: 8 years old
Maximum occupants: 6 (or the number of seating positions, whichever is less)
Required equipment: four wheels, steering wheel, rear-view mirror, slow-moving vehicle sign, turn signals, brake lights, daytime running lights, headlights (for night use), and reflectors.
Carts must follow all rules of the road and remain within the designated area.
Golf carts are not permitted on roads outside of the Erieau program boundary, on roads over 50 km/h, in parks (except driveways and parking lots), or on trails.
Signage will be installed at the entry and exit points of the Erieau Golf Cart Program Area and at trail and park entrances to clearly mark permitted and prohibited areas. Full program information including the permit application form, and safety guidelines are available through the Municipality’s website.
For more information and to apply for a permit, visit www.chatham-kent.ca/apply/licences/Pages/Golf-Cart-Pilot-Project.aspx. For more information about the program, visit the MTO website at www.ontario.ca/page/golf-cart-pilot-program.

07/31/2025

On Monday, July 28, Council held a special meeting to discuss the current location of the encampment, the impact that it is having on the surrounding community and explore potential measures to support neighbouring residents. Council discussed the current Encampment Protocol and strategies on how best to navigate this evolving situation.
In total, there were 28 deputations submitted on the matter, with 16 being presented in-person in Council Chambers.
Following deputations and discussion, Mayor Canniff brought forth his motion, which originally included nine points. Some amendments were made, and council voted in favour of the following revisions to the Encampment Protocol:
Administration continues to work in collaboration with ROCK to engage with individuals and prioritise them for services and housing as they become available.

Administration voluntarily transitions as many homeless individuals as possible to the new transitional cabins program thereby diminishing the number of people in encampments.

Administration actively pursues all options to reduce and end encampments in Chatham-Kent. This will include, but not be limited to, exploring opportunities to immediately deliver permanent supportive housing, and increased transitional cabins. A report back from administration on possible options and costing be returned to Council as soon as possible. The same recommendations should be presented to the provincial and federal government for financial assistance.

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

The current encampment protocols be amended to include a provision that there is to be no more than one tent per person, and that all personal items be stored within a tent (with exception of a bicycle and small structures for pets); and items in contravention to this will be removed following notice. Administration be directed to enhance the frequency of refuse collection at encampment sites.

Administration bring back a by-law as soon as possible to allow for the enforcement of the approved protocols to begin.

Administration hire an additional temporary by-law officer to enforce these amendments. Administration to report back recommendations on numbers and costs based on the approved protocol amendments.

CK Police install CCTV cameras where operationally required at the sole discretion of Chatham-Kent Police.

Administration bring a report back to the September 8, 2025 Council meeting with a plan to engage partners from mental health, medical supports, addictions, housing, ROCK that could provide supports (including crisis support alongside enforcements) to the people staying at encampments. This report should include creative solutions and best practice examples used across the province, and will also include related costs to CK.

Regular neighbourhood communication begins immediately with appropriate members of administration, residents and business owners in the 325 Grand Ave E, Chatham property area until further notice.
Councillor Alysson Storey put forth a successful motion to refer the first point of Mayor Canniff’s motion back to administration, which would have restricted encampments within 100m of either residential or commercial properties as well as 25m from a construction site and 10m from a recreational path. Councillor Storey’s motion read:
“That recommendation 1 be referred to administration in order to ensure an informed and transparent decision process to the August meeting where Administration can report back with locations that fit within the setback radius; permitting the public to provide feedback and deputations on the implications of setback distances in the by law.” This report will come back before Council at the August 11th Council meeting.
In response to the final point in the motion regarding regular communication, a dedicated Let’s Talk page has been set up for residents to learn more information and receive ongoing communications about the encampment:

There has been a noticeable increase in public interest and concern surrounding encampments in Chatham-Kent. Residents, business owners, and community organizations have raised important questions about how encampments are being addressed, what supports are available

07/23/2025

Special Council meeting scheduled
RE Encampment
In response to the new location chosen by community members for the encampment, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent is taking action to assess and address impacts on neighbouring residents.
Mayor Darrin Canniff has called a special meeting of Chatham-Kent Council for Monday, July 28 to discuss the current location of the encampment, the impact that it is having on the surrounding community and explore potential measures to support neighbouring residents. Council is expected to discuss the current Encampment Protocol and strategies on how best to navigate this evolving situation. The goal of this meeting will be to guide a strategic response to encampments in the community going forward.
“Encampments are an incredibly complex and constantly evolving situation,” said Mayor Darrin Canniff. “While we must show empathy and understanding for those experiencing homelessness, we also have a responsibility to support the safety, well-being, and quality of life for neighbouring residents and businesses. I’m calling this special meeting of Council so we can work together as a community to find an actionable and compassionate path forward.”
Chatham-Kent staff and Council members continue to actively advocate with Provincial and Federal levels of government for funding and resources to better deal with the homelessness issues that are being experienced both in Chatham-Kent and by many communities in Canada. The Municipality is committed to ensuring that our community’s concerns are heard at the highest levels of government.
For information and frequently asked questions about encampments in Chatham-Kent, residents are encouraged to visit

Learn clear, factual information about encampments in Chatham-Kent.