Welcome to the very first edition of Wallaceburg Local — a dedicated briefing just for Wallaceburg and the surrounding area. Every week we'll round up the news, events, and community happenings that actually matter close to home. Let's dig in. 👇

Big news for the community: the federal and provincial governments have committed over $6.7 million to build 50 new affordable housing units at 199 Westcourt Boulevard. The project will transform a vacant, municipally-owned lot into a 72-unit mixed-income development — 50 affordable units plus 22 at market rate. It's one of the largest housing investments Wallaceburg has seen in years. Read more →

With current councillors Aaron Hall and Carmen McGregor both stepping away, the Wallaceburg area is guaranteed two new faces on Chatham-Kent's next council. Seven candidates have put their names forward so far — Brendan Authier, Loree Bailey, Steven Burritt, Jason Debuck, David Hyatt, Zac Nicholson, and Chris Young. A recent meet-and-greet at Glasstown Brewing Co. gave residents a chance to speak with them directly. Keep an eye out as the campaign heats up toward the October municipal election. Election info →

Members of the Wallaceburg Adult Activity Centre made the most of summer with an evening kayaking trip along Running Creek — one of the area's most popular paddling spots. A good reminder that with the Sydenham River running right through town, some of the best local recreation is right in our backyard.

Organizers of the Gala Days Ladies Two-Pitch Tournament are on the hunt for umpires to work the event. If you know the game and want to get involved in one of the area's community sporting traditions, they'd love to hear from you.

Plan your routes accordingly: the Dufferin Avenue bridge over Running Creek — located between Mirwin Road and Highway 40 — is closing to all traffic for a rehabilitation project. If it's part of your regular drive, map an alternate before work begins. CK road closures →

Hometown pride: the Wallaceburg Minor Lacrosse Association's U11-1 Griffins have been crowned Zone 7 champions after a strong season. Congratulations to the players, coaches, and families — a great result for Wallaceburg's young athletes. 🥍

The Knights of Pythias are running a series of summer barbecue fundraisers at the Wallaceburg No Frills, with all proceeds supporting the beloved Wallaceburg Christmas parade. Swing by, grab a burger, and support a cause that keeps a hometown tradition going.

Here's something special worth the short drive. This Friday's main CKNow briefing features Puddleford Tree Farm in nearby Kent Bridge, where Matthew and Gail Whitney grow fields of sunflowers each summer as a fundraiser for the CK Alzheimer Society Day Program.

Now in their sixth year, they've raised over $17,000 for the cause. The fields open August 1st, 10am–8pm daily, for about two weeks — walk the rows, take photos, and cut your own sunflowers to take home. Admission is just $5 per vehicle, $1 per cut stem, with every dollar going to the Day Program. Follow along for bloom updates on Facebook and Instagram.

👉 Watch for the full feature — photos and all — in Friday's briefing.

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See you next week.
— The CKNow Team