Good morning, Chatham-Kent. Three CK athletes won national gold medals this week, a major baseball complex is confirmed for Blenheim, and another stormy day is ahead. Here's your Wednesday. 👇
⛽ Gas & ☀️ Weather
Gas: Petro-Canada and Shell tied cheapest at 151.3¢. Petro-Canada (93 Park Ave E) also at 151.4¢, UPI Energy 151.5¢, Esso & Mobil 151.7¢. Prices have been holding steady all week.
Weather: ⚡ Fourth straight day of storm risk. Morning starts at 21° (feels 24°) with a 40% chance of strong thunderstorms. Afternoon warms to 26° (feels 35°) — still 40% storm risk and gusts to 29 km/h. Evening remains unsettled at 40% chance of showers. Clears overnight to 19°. Keep an eye on the radar before heading out today.
🏗️ Major Story — CK One Hundred King (Mall) 22% Complete, On Schedule and On Budget!
Photo of South End Extension (Photo from Municipality of Chatham-Kent)
The construction contract came in at $39.3 million — roughly $3.6 million under the initial $42.9 million estimate. The overall project budget is $52.8 million, which includes over $7 million in contingency funds. So far 30 change orders totaling $1.06 million have been approved to deal with previously unknown conditions. The project remains on budget and 22% complete.
Elevator structures, utility infrastructure, interior building systems, partition framing, mechanical, and electrical work are all advancing on pace. Completion expected in early 2028.
Why it matters to CK: If you’ve driven past the old mall building lately, you know — it’s been a long time coming. A $50+ million project tracking on time and on budget is the kind of news that rarely happens, so it’s worth noting when it does. When it opens in 2028 this building becomes the heart of downtown Chatham — library, museum, and Civic Centre under one roof. Better late than never, and apparently better on budget than expected too.
⚾ Major Story — $16.7M Blenheim Baseball Complex Officially Approved
Figure from Municipality of CK
Chatham-Kent council has confirmed the land purchase for a $16.7 million baseball complex in Blenheim — four diamonds, major amenities, and a facility that will serve CK athletes for decades.
Why it matters to CK: Local families currently drive hours for tournament-level facilities — this complex brings that home. At $16.7 million it’s a significant investment, but a facility that draws regional and provincial tournaments pays for itself over time in tourism dollars, stays, and local spending. Given this week’s three national gold medals, the timing feels right. CK clearly has the athletes — now it’ll have somewhere worthy to showcase them.
⚾ Barnstormers win a big one — 10–9 over the Cardinals! After a rough stretch, the CK Barnstormers pulled off a clutch win last night, beating the Hamilton Cardinals 10–9. A must-win moment in a make-or-break week. 🎉 Watch the highlights on Facebook →
📰 Today's Quick Stories
🏆 Three CK athletes win national gold in one week. The Armstrong Academy of Martial Arts won 18 jiu-jitsu medals including seven golds. Paisley Fraleigh won the Canadian football championship. Lucas Laprise and Brody Steinman won Canadian 22U baseball gold. Three national champions, one week. Read on CK News Today →
🎨 Council approves anti-vandalism measures. Two concrete reports aimed at reducing vandalism incidents across CK were approved by council this week. Read on CK News Today →
🏒 Abby Stonehouse named to Hockey Canada women's development team. Blenheim's Abby Stonehouse has been selected to Hockey Canada's national women's development team. Add her to the list of CK athletes on the national stage this week. Read in the Chatham Daily News →
🌱 CKPL native plant seed library returning September 8. The Chatham-Kent Public Library is relaunching its Grows Seed Library — borrow native Ontario plant seeds for free. Great news for local gardeners heading into fall. Read on Sydenham Current →
🌍 CK's Bhutanese-Nepali community hosting first-ever Canadian event. A historic cultural milestone — the first-ever Shrimad Bhagwat Saptaha Gyan Mahayagya event in Canada is happening right here in Chatham-Kent. Read in the Chatham Daily News →
🏗️ CK Community Hub on schedule and on budget. The former Sears building in downtown Chatham is being converted into the new Community Hub and is progressing on time and within budget. Read in the Chatham Daily News →
🚨 CK Police briefs — August 11. 257 calls for service, 51 reportable incidents. Full release at ckpolice.com →
🗓️ Today in Chatham-Kent
🎵 Thamesville Carving Club — 5:00–7:00pm, 96 London Rd, Thamesville. Weekly drop-in.
🎰 Wallaceburg Hometown Bingo — 1416 Dufferin Ave, doors 5pm, games 7pm.
⚡ Storm risk all day — check Environment Canada before heading out. Fourth consecutive day of thunderstorm warnings across CK.
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