What's Happening in Chatham-Kent Today — Sunday, August 16

Good morning, Chatham-Kent. This year's council race is officially the biggest in at least five elections, and a Blenheim community group followed through on a promise made by a member who didn't live to see it finished. Here's your Sunday. 👇

⛽ Gas & ☀️ Weather

Gas: Prices around Chatham are ranging from 153¢ to 159.7¢ today. Check today's cheapest stations on GasBuddy →

Weather: A wet one today. Morning starts at 23° (feels 30°) with a 40% chance of a thunderstorm. Afternoon warms to 26° (feels 37°) with an 80% chance of showers and 1–3mm expected — wind picks up too, gusting to 39 km/h. Evening stays wet at 80% chance of a few showers, cooling to 25°. Clears out overnight, dropping to 20° with just a 30% chance left. If you have outdoor plans, get them done early.

🗳️ Major Story — 2026 Sees the Largest Candidate Field in at Least Five Elections

Chatham-Kent's council is shrinking from 18 members to 15 this fall — but that hasn't slowed anyone down. This year's municipal election has drawn the largest field of candidates in at least five election cycles, easily surpassing 2022's total of 43.

With nomination day landing August 21, the list is still growing. We've been tracking every confirmed candidate by ward — updated as new names file.

See every candidate by ward →

💙 Major Story — Blenheim Shriners Honour the Legacy of Ray Fenton

Ray Fenton, who spent most of his life on the family farm near Highgate, had an idea: fill a toy chest for kids visiting the new Blenheim Health Hub, so they'd have something to enjoy while getting their shots or waiting for treatment. He didn't live to see it happen — but the Blenheim Shrine Club followed through anyway.

The Shriners presented Ray's wife Bonnie Fenton and their family with a commemorative plaque, and committed to keep the toy chest stocked for kids coming through the Hub going forward. The Hub's executive director called it "a wonderful example of the impact that community collaboration can have."

Full story in the Chatham Voice →

📰 Today's Quick Stories

🗑️ Another chance to weigh in on the York1 Dresden landfill project. If you have concerns about the proposed waste facility near Dresden, there's another opportunity to make your voice heard. Details via the Chatham Voice →

🐶 Chatham Retirement Resort going to the dogs — August 26. In celebration of National Dog Day, the seniors' facility is opening its doors for a pet-friendly celebration. A sweet local event worth knowing about.

🚓 Youth charged with impaired driving on Bloomfield Road. Early Friday morning, a 17-year-old Chatham youth was arrested after failing a breath test in a Bloomfield Road parking lot. He's facing an Operation While Impaired charge with a court date set for October. Full release at ckpolice.com →

⚾ Barnstormers drop a heartbreaker to Barrie, 7-2 — rematch today at 1:05pm. Chatham-Kent led 2-0 through six strong innings behind starter Dakota Parsons, but the Barrie Baycats erupted for seven unanswered runs over the final three frames to take Saturday's game. The two teams wrap up their series this afternoon at 1:05pm — a chance for the Barnstormers to salvage the split.

🗓️ Today in Chatham-Kent

🧘 SUP Yoga — Sunday, 6pm. Stand-up paddleboard yoga continues its Sunday evening sessions. Check local listings for location.

☔ Heads up — showers and thunderstorm risk this afternoon. Get outdoor plans done early if you can.

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