YEAR IN REVIEW – THE TOP 10 STORIES OF 2018
Here is our look back at Top 10 Stories of the Year in 2018:
#10 – State of emergency declared in Chatham-Kent
Chatham-Kent declared a state of emergency on February 23 this year, due to the imminent threat of flooding along the Thames River and they requested an immediate voluntary evacuation of the community of Thamesville.
Following the flood, the Ontario government activated the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians program in flood-affected areas in the communities of Chatham and Thamesville.
The provincial announcement notes that “the floods in Chatham and Thamesville were caused by heavy rainfall and warm temperatures that melted deep snow in the Thames River watershed. At its peak, the river was more than 5 metres above its normal level.”
Bill Mauro, Minister of Municipal Affairs who toured the flooded areas Monday said: “I commend the hard work and cooperation among local emergency workers, municipal leaders, volunteers and residents to ensure the safety of those affected by the flooding in their communities.”
Chatham-Kent Mayor Randy Hope praised the quick action by the province.
“Our goal is to help those affected by the flood to get things back to normal as soon as possible and I’m glad the province and Minister Mauro acted in a quick and decisive manner. I encourage anyone who suffered flood damage to contact the province regarding eligibility.”
Here is some drone footage provided by the Sydenham Current of the flooding:
#9 – Progressive Conservative dominance
It was a busy year locally for Progressive Conservatives, both provincially and federally.
As many separate stories filled our headlines all year long, we decided to lump them together in our ‘Top 10’ list for 2018.
Doug Ford, the leader of the Ontario PC Party, made a ‘whistle stop’ in Wallaceburg on Friday afternoon, April 20.
Ford and his team pulled up to Country Style Donuts in their campaign bus and met with Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Monte McNaughton, along with dozens of other PC supporters.
Ford told the crowd inside the Dufferin Ave. shop that “help is on its way.
“It’s on its way for everyone in Ontario. Every policy we make is going to be beneficial to each and every single person in this province. I can’t wait for June the 7th to roll around and we’ll make sure we get this province back on track,” Ford said, adding that the taxpayers are going to start being respected.
Fast forward to June 7, 2018, and it was Ford winning a majority government across Ontario.
The Ontario PC Party won 76 seats at Queen’s Park during the election.
The NDP formed the official opposition, as Andrea Horwath and her team gathered 40 seats. The Liberals only picked up 7 seats, while the Green Party picked up one seat in Guelph, the first ever seat in Queen’s Park for the party.
Winning locally in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, was PC candidate and incumbent MPP, Monte McNaghton.
McNaughton gathered 55.34% of the vote for a total of 27,877 votes.
McNaughton was 11,086 votes ahead of the second place finisher in the riding, Todd Case of the Ontario NDP Party. Case gathered 33.33% of the vote for a total of 16,791 votes.
Mike Radan, the Liberal candidate, finished third in the voting in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex with 6.23% of the vote for a total of 3,138 votes.
McNaughton was later sworn-in to Ford’s cabinet as well, having been named the Minister of Infrastructure at the end of June.
“Humbled to be sworn in as Minister of Infrastructure in the Ontario government under Premier Doug Ford,” McNaughton said on social media.
“It was a truly moving day and I experienced it with my wife Kate, daughter Annie, and my parents Gary and Susan McNaughton. We took the TTC (subway) to the ceremony and treasured the time together. I began the work immediately and will continue working every single moment for the people.”
Federally, long-time Conservative MP Bev Shipley made the headlines back in July when he announced he would not be seeking re-election in 2019.
“It’s been the greatest honour representing the people of Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, and I am truly grateful for their support over the past years that I have been their MP,” Ship[ley said in a media release.
Shipley was first elected in January 2006 and served his constituents through the 39th, 40th, 41st, and the current 42nd Parliament.
“The years have gone by quickly,” Shipley stated.
“And I am proud of the Conservative record of fiscal management, lower taxes and support for families, seniors, our armed forces and veterans, small business and agriculture. I’ve had two Private Member’s Motions pass in the House of Commons, both of which have brought positive influence on government decisions.”
Shipley’s announcement in the summer has led to a highly contested race to fill his role as the Conservative candidate in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex.
Seven people are vying for Shipley’s job, including: Peter Cuddy, Bruce Lamb, Mattheu Kok, Pete Aarssen, Lianne Rood, Kevin Mitchell and Greg Hetherington.
A nomination day for the Lambton-Kent-Middlesex candidates has yet to be confirmed.
However, sources say it will not take place until March of 2019.
The 43rd Canadian federal election is scheduled to take place on or before October 21, 2019.
#8 – Sombra ferry closed due to ice damage
The causeway leading up to the Bluewater Ferry dock and the Canada Border Services Agency office, was destroyed by ice back on January 11.
Sarnia-Lambton MP Marilyn Gladu brought up the Sombra ferry issue during question period at the House of Commons in Ottawa:
@MPMarilynGladu discussing the #Sombra Ferry issue at the House of Commons. Video from Gladu’s Facebook page. pic.twitter.com/t9e8152urk
— Sydenham Current (@SydenhamCurrent) 2 February 2018
Gladu says the Prime Minister’s office needs to step up and fund the proposed $2.5 million fix.
“After being refused funding by four Ministers, I escalated to the Prime Ministers Office,” Gladu said on social media.
“They understand what is needed and the critical timing and they have gone radio silent since Thursday… no return of emails or phone calls. Please email or mail Justin Trudeau and let him know of the huge impact the shut down of this border crossing will be.”
Reports say the owners of the ferry are suing the federal government over the broken causeway.
Meanwhile, the ferry business in Sombra remains closed.
#7 – Sydenham Campus revitalization
After unveiling their redevelopment plans for Wallaceburg’s hospital back in November of 2017, the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance began moving those plans forward in 2018.
The plans got a kick-start in April, as it was announced that the Sydenham Campus in Wallaceburg was getting a $7.3-million boost from the province.
The CKHA received approval for the Replacement Power Plant Project from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to replace essential infrastructure at the Wallaceburg site with a total project cost estimated at $8 million dollars.
Hospital officials say the province’s grant of up to $7.3 million funding will go towards the construction of a new power plant to replace aging equipment with new boilers, generators and electrical distribution equipment.
The balance of the project cost will be funded through hospital funds allocated for investment in this project.
“CKHA is one team, two sites,” stated Greg Aarssen, Board Chair for CKHA.
“Today’s announcement reiterates the new mission for the organization and the importance of the Wallaceburg site to serve rural Kent. We are pleased with the funding announcement and look forward to the future of this site and the patients we will serve.”
The zoning and site plan received approval by Chatham-Kent Council in November.
The hospital has a series of projects planned over a number of years to substantially replace the current facility on the existing site, a plan that could span 10 to 20 years.
Construction is expected to begin in 2018 with the completion in the summer of 2019.
In other CKHA news this year, the supervisor appointed to guide a restructuring of operations and governance at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) has completed his work.
Erie St. Clair Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) officials say the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario rescinded the Order in Council of Rob Devitt’s appointment and his final day was March 31, 2018, after 18 months at CKHA.
In 2016, the LHIN recommended to the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care that an Investigator be hired to ensure public confidence in the governing model for hospital services in Chatham-Kent.
Devitt was appointed Supervisor to address the recommendations resulting from the Investigator’s report.
#6 – Controversial billboard outside of Dresden
An anti-gay billboard erected near Dresden “attacks the very soul of Chatham-Kent,” according to the head of the local Pride Association.
Marianne Wilson, president of the Chatham-Kent Gay Pride Association, said the billboard – located at the intersection of Highway 21, Kent Bridge Road and Countryview Line south of Dresden – doesn’t just attack the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, questioning) community, but the entire municipality.
A large portion of the sign reads, “God says no to homosexuality & abortion.”
“This opinion attacks the very soul of Chatham-Kent. It says to new investors, new businesses, new residents to the area, or those seeking a move, that Chatham-Kent is not open to diversity; that we are closed minded; that we don’t want people with differing opinions from our own living near us,” Wilson said in a media release.
“I believe that this is the furthest from the truth. The outstanding Week of Pride has illustrated this for all of us. We are a unified, open, and welcoming community of diversity. This was celebrated vibrantly,” she added.
Reports say Ralph Baker, an elderly Petrolia man, rented the billboard to tackle the suicide rate of the LGBTQ community and to steer young people away from homosexuality.
He says he is relaying God’s message, published reports indicate.
Read the full original story provided by the Chatham Voice, here.
The sign was eventually taken down a few days later, after a firestorm of attention on social media across Chatham-Kent.
In the wake of the “removal of controversial messages on a billboard at Kent Bridge Road and Countryview Line” the Municipality of Chatham-Kent provided a statement to the media about the issue.
“The municipality became aware of the billboard late last week and began an investigation into whether it violated any bylaws or regulations over which the municipality has control,” Municipal officials stated.
“The Chatham-Kent Police Service was in the process of determining whether the message violated the Criminal Code of Canada. While conducting those investigations, the content was removed.”
#5 – Dresden Arena re-named after the late Ken Houston
Dresden’s Ken Houston, who played nine seasons in the National Hockey League, died peacefully at home on Saturday, March 10, with his family by his side after a battle with cancer.
He was 64.
It did not take long for the community of Dresden to step up to honour their fallen hero.
Fast forward to September, Chatham-Kent Council voted unanimously in favour of re-naming Dresden’s arena to the Ken Houston Memorial Agricultural Centre.
The name change was unveiled in December as part of the Rogers Hometown Hockey celebrations.
#4 – Chatham-Kent Council shake-up
First-time mayoral candidate Darrin Canniff defeated five other candidates to claim the mayor’s position in the October 22 municipal election.
Canniff finished with 19,316 votes.
Alysson Storey finished second with 9,255 votes while incumbent Randy Hope, seeking a fourth term, finished third with 4,722. The three remaining candidates garnered a total of 1,196 votes.
In West Kent, incumbent Mark Authier finished first with Melissa Harrigan taking the second seat.
South Kent saw incumbent Trevor Thompson returned to office with newcomers Anthony Ceccacci and Mary Clare Latimer joining him.
In east Kent, incumbent Steve Pinsonneault was elected as was newcomer, John Wright.
North Kent saw incumbent Joe Faas returned to office. He was joined by Jamie McGrail.
Incumbent Carmen McGregor was returned to Wallaceburg with first-time candidate Aaron Hall securing the second seat.
In Chatham, former councillor Marjorie Crew led the polls, joined by incumbents Michael Bondy, Brock McGregor and Doug Sulman. Newcomers Karen Kirkwood-Whyte and Amy Finn secured the remaining two seats.
“Tonight marks the start of a new era in C-K,” Canniff said during his inaugural address on December 3.
“The era of team work and collaboration. One thing I have learned over all the things I have done is the importance of team effort. That no one person can do it. No few individuals can do it. We are here as a team together. That’s how we will accomplish a lot of amazing things.”
In Ward 5 – Wallaceburg, long-time Councillor Jeff Wesley had announced he would not be seeking re-election.
Wesley was also named as the Citizen of the Year this year by the Wallaceburg and District Chamber of Commerce.
In Ward 4 – North Kent, Leon Leclair also announced he would not be running for another term.
#3 – Murder charge laid in Wallaceburg
A homicide investigation was launched in Wallaceburg back in April.
As previously released, Chatham-Kent Police Service officials allege that on April 18 at around 6:30 p.m. emergency crews responded to a residence on Book Street where a man was found without vital signs.
Nicholas Laprise, 24-years-old of Dover Township, was pronounced dead at the scene, police say.
Kourtny Audette, 25 years old, of Book Street in Wallaceburg is charged with first degree murder, police say.
Reports say Audette is scheduled for a focus hearing on March 25, a confirmation hearing May 1 and a preliminary hearing from July 15 to 19, 2019.
In the meantime, Audette will remain in custody.
Evidence heard during the bail portion of the case is protected by publication ban.
Our original story about the incident “Police investigating a homicide in Wallaceburg“ was the most viewed story on the Sydenham Current in 2018.
#2 – Otter Creek Wind Farm cancelled
The Otter Creek Farm project, planned for north of Wallaceburg, was cancelled in July by the new provincial government.
The project was on the list of 758 renewable energy contracts cancelled across Ontario.
Natasha Demetriades, a media spokesperson for the Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines, provided a list of the projects identified to wind-down.
“The projects on these lists are Large Renewable Projects that have not achieved their Key Development Milestones, and Feed-In Tariff projects that have not received Notice To Proceed,” Ministry officials stated.
Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Monte McNaughton said he was thrilled with the news.
“Promise made. Promise kept,” McNaughton said on social media.
“Otter Creek Wind Farm will not proceed. I’m proud to have stood with our community to stop this project. Our government is keeping our word – and lowering hydro bills.”
McNaughton said the community of Wallaceburg worked hard to help make this happen.
“Hundreds of people in the community of Wallaceburg worked to stop the Otter Creek wind project,” McNaughton tweeted.
“I am making dozens of calls tonight to inform them that our (Ontario PC) government kept our word. Otter Creek wind project is done. Big step in lowering hydro bills for the people.”
Denise Shephard, a member of the Wallaceburg Area Wind Concerns group, was elated with the news as well.
“Speechless, crying tears of pure joy, praising the Lord – Otter Creek Project is on the list,” Shephard said on social media.
The local group also received the Environmental Award by the Wallaceburg and District Chamber of Commerce this year.
#1 – Whyte’s Foods invests $16.5-million in Wallaceburg
2018 was the year of the pickle in Wallaceburg.
Whyte’s Foods Inc., a leading manufacturer of marinated food products, announced on August 23 an investment of $18-million to increase its production capacity in Ontario and in Quebec.
Of this, more than $16.5-million will be invested by Whyte’s to expand its current manufacturing facilities to include a new location in Wallaceburg, Ontario.
Company officials say they have purchased a building consisting of 150,000 square feet, which is located at 6800 Baseline Road in Wallaceburg.
This building will be transformed into a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, dedicated to the production of marinated food products for the Food Service and Retail sectors of the food industry, company officials said in a media release.
“This endeavor is currently under way, with the grand opening date anticipated in the fall of 2019.”
Company officials say Whyte’s Foods expects to create nearly 100 new jobs in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.
Wallaceburg Coun. Carmen McGregor also thanked Whyte’s for choosing to come to Wallaceburg.
“This is very good news for our community,” she said.
“We’ve had a turn in the last little bit and things have started to happen, but this is major for our community. I know everybody that is going to leave here today, it’s going to be the talk. We look forward to working with you… welcome to Wallaceburg.”
Wallaceburg Counc. Jeff Wesley said he is ecstatic to welcome the new business to Wallaceburg.
“This is such a great community and thank you for coming here,” he said.
“You will not find a more dedicated, compassionate, concerned and supportive community in all of Ontario… it’s right here in Wallaceburg and Chatham-Kent. Thank-you for the investment. We will do anything we can to assist you. I’ve said I love pickles, now I can say I love Strubs pickles.”
Wesley added: “I did want to thank Mayor Randy Hope, I know we’ve been talking about this for some time, it took a lot of effort to keep Carmen and I in confidence of what was going on. I appreciate that he had a dogged determination to make this happen along with all of the farmers. This is agriculture-town here in Ontario and we appreciate that. Thank-you all, I can’t say it enough.”
Karen Debergh, president of the Wallaceburg and District Chamber of Commerce, provided greetings at the ceremony. She also handed Whyte’s representatives with a commemorative ‘Flying W’ to welcome the company to town.
“Thank-you for the investment you are putting into our town,” she said.
“You don’t know how much we appreciate it and how much we look forward to having a great and long partnership with you.”
More information about the plant opening
– Facility renovations are expected to be completed in January 2019.
– Nearly 100 new jobs will be created within the next 18 months. A few specialized jobs will be announced within the next year, with the bulk of recruitment by end of summer 2019.
– Job posting will be announced publicly through Chatham Daily News, Indeed, Chatham Employment Resources Center, Strub’s Facebook page, jobs fair etc.
– Retail production lines are targeted to be in operation by November 2019, and Food Service by April 2019.
*Editor’s note: We chose these 10 stories to highlight this year based on a number of factors. By looking at online traffic, social media interaction and our thoughts on what stories made the biggest impact on the community.*
