YEAR IN REVIEW 2020: TOP 10 STORIES OF THE YEAR
#1 – WHO declares COVID-19 as a global pandemic
Normally when we do our Top 10 Stories of the Year, we count down from 10 to one.
However, this year has been anything but normal.
There is no doubt that this story from March 11, 2020 is the top story of the year.
Most of the stories that make out the Top 10, and many daily stories throughout the year, stem from this day.
It has changed us all as individuals, as communities and as a global society. The COVID-19 pandemic will carry forward into 2021 and leave a lasting impact for years to come.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the World Health Organization ‘s (WHO) director-general, made the announcement on March 11, 2020, in a media briefing, officially declaring COVID-19 as a global pandemic.
“In the past two weeks, the number of cases of COVID-19 outside China has increased 13-fold, and the number of affected countries has tripled,” Dr. Tedros stated.
“There are now more than 118,000 cases in 114 countries, and 4,291 people have lost their lives. Thousands more are fighting for their lives in hospitals.”
Dr. Tedros said in the days and weeks ahead, WHO expects to see the number of cases, the number of deaths, and the number of affected countries climb even higher.
“WHO has been assessing this outbreak around the clock and we are deeply concerned both by the alarming levels of spread and severity, and by the alarming levels of inaction,” Dr. Tedros said.
“We have therefore made the assessment that COVID-19 can be characterized as a pandemic.”
Read the full story, here.
The first COVID-19 case in Chatham-Kent was announced on March 18, 2020.
Fast forward to the end of December of 2020, and there are nearly a record number of active COVID-19 cases across Chatham-Kent.
#2 – May 16th Miracle
A group of community leaders and business owners volunteer their time to lead a Chatham-Kent-wide food drive on May 16.
The project is asked every resident to place a non perishable food item on their doorstep at 12 p.m., and all donations will be given to food banks and organizations across the community.
The outcome was incredible to say the least.
Over 678,200 pounds of non-perishable food donations were gathered across the community.
“That food is helping to support food banks and food support programs in the community,” officials with 519 Events & Promotions posted on social media on Monday, May 25, 2020.
“This is more than the world record set in 2011 which came in at 559,855 lbs.”
Here is a video recap:
Here is some more coverage on the May 16th Miracle:
– A miracle for Wallaceburg’s food banks, soup kitchens & community meals
– Dresden unites to create a miracle
– ‘May 16th Miracle’ an amazing success
The event sparked similar events in communities across Ontario and also inspired a holiday event in Chatham-Kent called ‘The Gift’. Details, here.
#3 – Cancellations & Lockdowns
The COVID-19 pandemic took a major toll on community events and impacted the economy as well.
Here is a list of just some of the annual community events forced to cancel this year:
– WAMBO
– Sydenham Challenge Dragon Boat Festival
While many events could not take place this year, some groups and events were able to pivot and still manage to be successful.
The best example of this is the Wallaceburg Farmers’ Market, who held bi-weekly events all summer long and also held a successful Christmas Market to kick start the holiday season.
The pandemic has also led to varying degrees of lockdowns throughout the year, issued by the Province of Ontario.
The first wave of COVID-19 brought various restrictions back in the spring and with increasing cases across the province this December, a province-wide shutdown was implemented on Boxing Day, December 26, 2020.
#4 – Funding for Wallaceburg’s Hospital
Chatham-Kent Health Alliance officials say Ontario is investing in healthcare in southwestern Ontario with a $7.3-million grant that will pave the way for critical upgrades at CKHA’s Wallaceburg site.
Hospital officials say the province’s funding will pay for construction of a new power plant to replace aging equipment with new boilers, generators and electrical distribution equipment.
The Replacement Power Plant Project marks the beginning of a phased approach to redeveloping the Wallaceburg site to meet the community’s needs for years to come, hospital officials say.
The new power plant will support the following services as part of the hospital’s redevelopment plan:
– 24 hour emergency department
– 5 inpatient beds
– Ambulatory Care including specialty clinics
– Diagnostic imaging including radiology and ultrasound
– Respiratory therapy
– Physiotherapy
– Laboratory services
“This is the first major building block for the hospital’s redevelopment,” stated Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development and MPP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, in a media release.
“This is something very close to my heart. We’re committed to the highest level of care and service for the communities of Wallaceburg, north Kent, and south Lambton.”
Rick Nicholls, MPP for Chatham-Kent-Leamington said this is an exciting step in local health care delivery at CKHA’s Wallaceburg site.
“The construction of the replacement power plant is the backbone to ensuring service delivery for this community into the future and is another example of how the province is supporting high-quality and timely access to health care,” Nicholls said in a media release.
Hospital officials say the Wallaceburg site expansion is part of the province’s plan to update hospital infrastructure in Chatham-Kent and follows an earlier $1.5 million grant to replace old heating and cooling distribution equipment.
“Today’s celebration reiterates our mission that CKHA is one team, two sites serving Chatham and rural Kent,” stated Greg Aarssen, Board Chair for CKHA, in a media release.
“We are pleased to officially welcome construction crews to begin this important work. There is much to look forward to with the redevelopment of this site and the future of health care delivery for the patients we will serve.”
The power plant should be completed in 2021 with minimal disruption to patient services.
“We know CKHA’s Wallaceburg site is important to many community members and plays a significant role in health care delivery to the surrounding area,” stated Lori Marshall, president and CEO at CKHA, in a media release.
“This is a milestone occasion for us and the community; it marks the first step towards our renewal of services and reaffirms our commitment to program and service delivery at this site.”
With the entire healthcare system under pressure across the globe due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the funding from the province was a welcome breath of fresh air, which helps solidify and ensure a bright future for the Wallaceburg site of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.
#5 – Walpole Island Election
A new Chief has been elected by the members of Walpole Island First Nation.
Charles (Chaz) Sampson captured the most votes for the office of Chief, gathering a total of 339 votes.
Long-time Chief Dan Miskokomon finished second in the race with 298 votes.
Mino Giizhgad (Chris Riley) finished third with 176 votes, Steve Tooshkenig finished fourth with 171 votes, Lorne Loulas was fifth with 66 votes, Alexandre Nahdee was sixth with 21 votes and Clem Hall rounded out the field with five votes.
A total of 1,076 votes were cast for Chief, with 11 ballots being rejected.
Newcomer Elaine Wrightman was the top vote getter for the newly elected Council, as she gathered 510 votes.
Also newly elected to Council were Marsha Miskokomon, Kennon Johnson, Lee Jacobs, Tyler White, Cody Miskokomon, Burton Kewayosh and Bree-Ann Thompson.
Re-elected to Council were Lyle Johnson, Valarie Wabosse, Neva Isaac-Sands and Ron Soney.
A total of 1,070 votes were cast for Council, with 17 ballots rejected.
“This count was diligently conducted in accordance with the Indian band Election Regulations,” Walpole Island First Nation officials said on social media.
While the election of a new Chief on Walpole Island certainly warrants a place in the Top 10 Stories of the Year, it was the early inclusion of two famous individuals on the nomination list for the election, that makes the story even more intriguing.
Sir Paul McCartney, a former member of The Beatles, and Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds were nominated for Chief and appeared on the initial list of nominees, which was shared on Walpole Island’s Facebook page:
Walpole Island First Nation officials pointed to an “archaic” clause in the federal Indian Act, which allowed the two high profile celebrities to be nominated for Chief.
“Both names were nominated by eligible electors,” James Jenkins, director of operations for Walpole Island, told the Sydenham Current.
“Our electoral officer is attempting to contact them under guidelines from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC).”
Having the musician and actor on the list in the first place is technically allowed under the legislation.
“Under the Indian Act, the Chief does not have to be a member of the First Nation,” Jenkins said.
“The Indian Act has not been amended for over 100 years except by Supreme Court decisions.”
Having McCartney and Reynolds listed as nominees has led to international attention to the First Nations reserve.
TMZ, a tabloid news website, published an article on August 11, 2020 and several other media outlets have picked up on the story as well.
“The international attention may shed light on how archaic the Indian Act is, which is the federal legislation that governs First Nations in Canada,” Jenkins added.
When it was all said and done, attempts to contact both McCartney and Reynolds were unsuccessful.
“The celebrity names were removed by our Electoral Officer under the direction of Indigenous Services Canada (ISC),” Jenkins said on Friday, August 14, 2020.
“I understand that ISC Elections Division has a protocol for this because if the nominated person cannot be contacted with the information provided, it is impossible to determine who the candidate was intended to be.”
Jenkins added: “For example, there are many hundreds of people with the names ‘Ryan Reynolds’ and ‘Paul McCartney’ in Canada and the United States.”
#6 – The ‘Wallaceburg/Dresden’ Maple Leafs
In what proved to be one of the final large gatherings before the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, Wallaceburg Memorial Arena was packed with hundreds of Leafs fans and Wallaceburg hockey fans on Saturday, March 7 for a charity game between the Toronto Maple Leafs Alumni and a team of Wallaceburg Lakers Alumni.
The Wallaceburg Minor Hockey Association partnered with the Toronto Maple Leafs Alumni Association to host the game. All proceeds raised from the game went to support Wallaceburg Minor Hockey and offset the costs associated with minor hockey in Wallaceburg.
Lou Franceschetti, a member of the the Toronto Maple Leafs Alumni, said it is an honour for the Leafs Alumni to give back.
“For us as Toronto Maple Leaf Alumni, we love going around to all of these small little towns and playing in front of the fans, because we know that when we played, the fans were always behind us, one hundred per cent,” Franceschetti told the Sydenham Current.
“And for us, it’s almost a sense that we are paying back their loyalty, and their enthusiasm, for staying behind us and standing behind us when we played.”
The lineup for the Leafs Alumni, included: Franceschetti, Wendel Clark, Rick Vaive, Gary Leeman, Steve Thomas, Al Iafrate, Rick Natress, Matt Martin, Christian Hanson, Mark Laforest, Dave Reid, Dimitri Mironov, Nik Antropov and Chatham-Kent native, Todd Warriner.
Honorary Leafs players for the day were Matt Wilbur and Charlie Kridiotis.
Coaching the Leafs lineup was Pat Ribble and honorary assistant coach, Tom Cogghe.
“It’s been so long since I played here that I had to come back,” Tom Regimbald, who played with the Wallaceburg Lakers Alumni Team, told the Sydenham Current.
“For me, it wasn’t about playing against the Leafs, it was about coming back… back to this arena. I started playing in ’85, and I played all the way to the Junior ‘C’ Lakers.”
The Wallaceburg Lakers Alumni Team, included: Regimbald, Steve Olah, Lisa Coats, Adrian Kloet, Paul Vanderzwart, Steve Kearns, Cezar Soares, Nathan Foulon, Ron Barnes, Shane Fraleigh, Mason Kraayenbrink, Mike Tinning, Jason Wadsworth, Chris Young, Jason Jackson, Jeff Fox and Curt Veenstra.
Coaching the Wallaceburg lineup was Brad Gauthier, Lee Salisbury and Tasha Hill, accompanied by trainer Justin McNeil.
“I had three and a half years with the Lakers, I played my whole minor career in Wallaceburg,” said Mike Tinning, who played on the Lakers Alumni Team.
“I decided to come back and play for this game because I’ve coached for about seven years and retired last year. I haven’t played in about 20 years and my son’s done playing this year. I just thought, what a great way to go out, you know. What a great way to retire and finish up my hockey career with a great experience like this.”
Carlton the Bear, the Leafs mascot, was also at the game posing for photos with fans.
Between the first and second period, Carlton raced Johnny Sherwood around the ice. Also, Mike Burm, Bill Chafe and Tyler Kloet shot from centre ice for a chance to win an autographed Wendel Clark hockey stick.
At the conclusion of the game, it was the Leafs Alumni beating the Lakers Alumni by a score of 16-7.
The three stars of the game were Tinning, Antropov and Kridiotis.
Here are some photos from the game by Junior Reporter Rori Bennett:
Leading up to the game, Dana Haggith caught up with Leafs legend Wendel Clark for an interview. Listen, below:
Keeping with the Leafs theme, Dresden Minor Hockey product and NHL veteran T.J Brodie inked a new four-year, $20-million contract with the Toronto squad back on October 9, 2020.
Brodie, 30, played in 64 games for the Calgary Flames during the 2019-20 season, recording four goals and 15 assists.
The Dresden Minor Hockey Association product added a goal and three assists in 10 Stanley Cup playoff games.
In 634 career NHL games, all with Calgary, he has recorded 266 points (48 goals, 218 assists) and has recorded four goals and 11 assists in 30 career playoff contests.
After the singing, the Leafs posted one of the coolest tweets we came across all year:
Think we should sign this kid? Just did 😏 pic.twitter.com/0jQOHGtepV
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) October 10, 2020
#7 – Masks
Municipality of Chatham-Kent Council voted in favour of implementing a mandatory mask by-law on Monday night, August 10, 2020 to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The by-law goes into effect on Friday, August 14, 2020 at 12:01 a.m.
The approved by-law can be read, here.
Chatham Councillor Brock McGregor entered a successful motion, after pulling a petition from the communicated items portion of the Council agenda.
In order to get the item on the floor, Councillor McGregor first made a successful motion to waive the notice period required to discuss the mandatory mask issue on Monday.
After a lengthy debate, where many Councillors called the issue a “polarizing” one, Council approved the following:
– That Council approve a by-law mandating masks in indoor public spaces.
– And that further amendments be developed in consultation with the (Medical Officer of Health) addressing other preventative measures including physical distancing requirements, and the provision of hand sanitizer in public spaces, to be discussed at the September 14th meeting.
The final vote resulted in 63% of Council in favour and 38% opposed.
“Those that have reached out in support of mandatory masking agree with the hierarchy that Dr. Colby has maintained, that physical distancing, maintaining social circles and built space primary prevention remain the most important aspects of preventing community transmission,” Councillor Brock McGregor said.
“Passing this by-law and mandating masks in indoor public spaces does not promote masks as an alternative to any of these practices, but rather as an adjunct or compliment. While evidence is not perfect, which is most often the case, we have seen we have seen a shifting balance from various public health agencies in Ontario and across Canada promoting and mandating masking.”
McGregor said there were already areas in Chatham-Kent “where we’ve seen value in mandating masking”, including in personal care settings and public transit.
“What we’re really speaking about this evening is expanding that to include indoor public spaces,” McGregor said.
“I think it is reasonable if we are going to be asked to where a mask to our doctor’s offices, to get a haircut, to visit a massage therapist… that we can where a mask when grabbing some groceries or visiting a local retail shop.”
McGregor said over the past few days and weeks a number of physicians in Chatham-Kent have expressed their support for mandatory masking.
“As well as most recently the medical advisory committee at CKHA,” he said.
“I think we should take this feedback into strong consideration. The regional reality is, that along with Lambton County, we remain the only locale in Ontario without mandatory masking.”
McGregor added the by-law, which was circulated to Council in advance of Monday’s meeting, is similar to other communities that have implemented mandatory masking.
“With exceptions for small children, those engaged in exercise and those with pre-exisiting conditions,” McGregor said.
“As we go through this pandemic together, I think it is vitally important that we do our best to prevent shaming about mask wearing and the inability to wear a mask and uphold respect for each other. I’m hopeful that on the balance of evidence and the support of our medical community we can move forward with this tonight and it is also my hope that as a community we can move past the at times negative tone around this polarizing topic and continue to move through this pandemic supporting each other.”
Varying opinions were expressed by Council members during the electronic meeting.
North Kent Councillor Joe Faas said the masking topic has divided the community.
“Usually when there is a crisis, whether it be a war or something like that, communities are brought together… working together for a common cause, but the face mask situation has divided our community and I’m very disappointed in that,” Faas said.
“I was encouraged when the pandemic first started we had the (May 16th Miracle), which was a very successful show of community support in working together in trying to deal with this pandemic. I hope that whatever the results are today that this community can move forward, deal with the pandemic and work together in dealing with this crisis.”
Wallaceburg Councillor Carmen McGregor, who is also the president of the provincial organization the Association of Local Public Health Agencies (alPHa), said she recently signed a letter on behalf of the organization lobbying Christine Elliott, the Minister of Health in the Province of Ontario, and Premier Doug Ford, calling for mandated masking across Ontario.
“We spend a great deal of time dealing with all public health issues,” she said.
“I have struggled terribly, because I don’t like to go against our Medical Officer of Health’s direction. But what I’ve seen and what I’ve heard throughout the Province and people that I’ve talked to, I don’t think it is necessarily hurting. Yes, there needs to be an understanding of masks and people are gaining and gathering information all the time.”
Councillor Carmen McGregor added: “This has been tough on each and every one of us.”
Wallaceburg Councillor Aaron Hall said he made an effort to keep an open mind throughout the entire process.
“I’ve wrestled with it… have struggled with it, but I have tried to weigh all the information I’ve heard, read and discovered while preparing for this evening,” Hall said.
“I told myself with this, and even before being elected, that I would always do what I felt was right. And tonight, I believe the right thing to do, and a way for us to enhance the safety of our residents during this pandemic, especially, is to make masks mandatory across Chatham-Kent.”
Hall added: “The pandemic has challenged all of us, everywhere. This issue has challenged us as a Council and as a community, but making tough decisions is what we were elected to do.”
East Kent Councillor Steve Pinsonneault said the proper process should have been followed with this issue.
“I personally don’t think we should be making policy on the fly,” he said.
“This by-law should have went through the policy process in my opinion.”
Chatham Councillor Doug Sulman said he felt the draft by-law should have been sent back to staff for more information and a special meeting should have been called, allowing for proper public consultation.
“I’m concerned that the education portion isn’t addressed at all,” he said.
“There is no time to get signs in every location. Those are the kind of things we did with the smoking by-law. If you’re going to do it, do it right. when we rush things, we end up with messes.”
Mayor Darrin Canniff, who had publicly stated over the past few weeks that he would support the decision by Dr. Colby to not mandate masking, said he would be supporting Councillor Brock McGregor’s motion on Monday.
“Dr. Colby will not be taking this as a slight,” Mayor Canniff said.
“Him and I have chatted about this an awful lot, realizing there is medical and political decisions. A lot of this is political but it is medical if it can help at all, as Councillor (Melissa) Harrigan pointed out, if it can prevent one case, it’s worth it.”
Here is how the vote broke down:
Once the by-law came into effect on Friday, August 14, it received favourable reviews from a number of business operators, Municipal officials said in a media release.
Cathy Hoffman, Chatham-Kent’s acting CAO said, “the employees of the Municipality are committed to providing services safely to the citizens of Chatham-Kent and will be wearing masks to serve our public in circumstances where Plexiglas barriers are not available. Please come with your mask and let’s continue to be in this together.”
Mayor Darrin Canniff said he’s pleased that the community will be using all of the recommended actions to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
“We’re emphasizing social distancing, frequent use of hand sanitizer and masks to do our best to keep everyone as safe as possible,” Mayor Canniff said in a press release.
“All three together makes us a safer community.”
Chatham-Kent did propose some amendments to the mask by-law, which included requirements for physical distancing and the use of hand sanitizer. However, the changes were turned down by Council. Details, here.
Eventually later on in the fall, the Province mandated masks in indoor spaces, with limited exemptions, across Ontario.
#8 – Erie Shore Drive
In what would prove to be the final “in-person” meeting by Chatham-Kent Council in 2020, a special meeting was held at the Civic Centre focused on Erie Shore Drive on Friday, March 13, 2020.
Prior to this meeting, Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff had declared a state of emergency for the Erie Shore Drive area of Chatham-Kent. The declaration was made at 4:15 p.m. on February 28, 2020.
Based on information received by the municipality, it was announced that there is an elevated possibility of failure of a portion of Erie Shore Drive dike.
Mayor Canniff eventually terminated the emergency on Thursday, April 9.
“This emergency was related to lands that could be affected by flooding, including Erie Shore Drive, plus the low lying lands behind the dike and those portions of Erieau Road,” Canniff stated in a press release.
Based on information received by the municipality back in February, it was announced that there was an elevated possibility of failure of a portion of the Erie Shore Drive dike.
Fast forward to March 2, Chatham-Kent Council unanimously agreed to close Erie Shore Drive until further notice.
A lengthy debate took place at the Civic Centre in Chatham, which included a total of 12 deputations from members of the community impacted by the decision.
West Kent Councillor Melissa Harrigan entered a successful motion for staff to adopt a bylaw to provide for the temporary closing of part of Erie Shore Drive in Harwich, effective March 9, 2020, until further notice.
Council also agreed to delegate to the General Manager of Infrastructure and Engineering Services the authority to complete all work and to make all necessary purchases to respond to unstable conditions on the Erie Shore Road and dike during the initial phase of the work.
Council also agreed to waive all requirements of the Chatham-Kent Purchasing by-law in relation to these purchases.
Harrigan also successfully moved to have administration bring a report back to Council within eight weeks, on or before April 27, 2020, including the following options:
– Preparing alternative access via a newly constructed road.
– Buy-out of property owners affected by the road closure.
– Introducing further permanent closure of Erie Shore Drive.
– Any other creative options.
Harrigan also successfully directed administration to advise the province, including all necessary ministers and the premier, of this emergency and the hardship being endured by the impacted residents and property owners.
Council also directed administration to take any and all steps necessary to have the province partner with the people of Chatham-Kent for the resolution of this matter.
“Including significant financial contribution since the Chatham-Kent municipality cannot afford to fix this problem,” Harrigan said in her motion.
“Administration to consider all options and bring a report to Council regarding steps taken and proposed next steps. Administration continue to work with the Erie Shore Drive Property Owners Association to promote transparency and dialogue, and identify a plan for how homeowners to protect their personal property,” Harrigan added.
During the April 6, 2020 electronic Council meeting, the following recommendations were approved by Council:
1. To provide owners access to their properties along Erie Shore Drive, Council approve the attached by-law to reopen Erie Shore Drive as a one way, local traffic only road with associated restrictions, as a short-term solution.
2. Council delegate authority to the General Manager, IES, to install additional traffic calming measures along Erie Shore Drive (if necessary).
3. Based on scheduling challenges, the long term proposal for Erie Shore Drive will be presented and discussed at the May 4th, 2020 Council meeting, along with the Zuzek “Chatham-Kent Lake Erie Shoreline Study” instead of the originally proposed April 27th, 2020 date.
The year will conclude on Erie Shore Drive with a flood warning issued by the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority.
“There is currently flooding along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent. There is water on many properties and water has made it onto the roadway in several locations. All non-essential traffic should avoid the area to ensure that emergency services can access the area if required,” LTVCA officials say.
The flood warning was set to be in place until the morning of December 31, 2020.
#9 – Black Lives Matter
A Black Lives Matter march was held in Chatham on Friday evening, June 5, 2020.
Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff issued a statement following the event.
“It was my family’s privilege to show support for residents taking part in the Black Lives Matter march this evening,” Mayor Canniff said in a statement.
“The lowering of the municipal flag during the marchers’ pause outside the Civic Centre was meant to demonstrate our commitment to the cause of racial equality.”
Mayor Canniff added: “We stand in solidarity with the Black community. Our local history as a destination of refuge from those fleeing slavery and oppression, as important as it is, does not make Chatham-Kent immune to the racism that plagues society.”
Mayor Canniff said we can and we must do better.
“The protests around the world show that the time as arrived for everyone to work toward that goal,” he added.
Dozens of similar demonstrations have been held across the globe, in the wake of the death of George Floyd in Minnesota.
The 46-year-old African American man died after a Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee onto Floyd’s neck, who was handcuffed, on May 25.
The Chatham-Kent Police Service showed support for the demonstration on Friday evening, with multiple officers kneeling with the protesters in front of the Civic Centre.
“At approximately 7 p.m. last night, a peaceful rally was led by multiple Chatham-Kent community members for an anti-racism march,” police officials said in a press release.
“Police blocked off intersections in the area to aide in allowing the march to continue without incident. As the march reached the Civic Centre, leaders amongst the group spoke about their goals for the march along with the events that they hope to take place in the future. The community members were joined by members of the police service who all knelt down together to demonstrate that the community of Chatham-Kent as a whole does not support racism.”
The CK Public Health Unit also supported the event on Friday, while also sharing information earlier in the week to encourage safety during the protest, which was held amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The United Way of Chatham-Kent expressed their support of the event as well.
“Last night was another moment in which Chatham Kent came together standing up and speaking out to show local love because #blacklivesmatter,” United Way officials posted on social media.
“We see you. We stand with you. United.”
Upwards to 1,500 to 2,000 community members took part in the rally.
Local artist March Reinhart posted the following video of the rally:
#10 – Murder in Wallaceburg
Some tragic and sad news wrapped up the year in Wallaceburg.
Chatham-Kent Police Service officials allege on December 26, 2020 at approximately 3:30 a.m. police responded to a sudden death at a residence on Margaret Avenue in Wallaceburg.
Upon arrival, officers located an 89-year-old woman in the residence with vital signs absent.
Despite life-saving efforts, the woman was pronounced deceased at the residence.
Through investigation, officers determined that the woman’s death was a homicide.
Her husband, a 94-year-old man, was arrested and charged with 2nd Degree Murder.
He has been remanded into custody pending a future court date of December 29, 2020 at 10:30 a.m.
The Chatham-Kent Police Service can confirm that there is no threat to public safety as this was an isolated incident.
Members of Investigative Services continue their investigation.
No further information will be released at this time.
Anyone with information regarding the investigation is asked to contact Constable Cole Abbott at colea@chatham-kent.ca or 519-436-6600 extension #262.
