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• Resources for Running for Municipal Council

  

  The next municipal election in Chatham-Kent is October 26, 2026. Below are resources for people considering running for Council.

  
  

  Chatham-Kent Election Information

  General Election information: Chatham-Kent | 2026 Municipal Election

  Candidate Information: Candidate Information

  
  

  Upcoming Information Workshops

  The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is offering a series of FREE workshops for people who are thinking about running for municipal Council in 2026. The sessions will provide useful insights and strategies.

  • Stronger Leaders, Stronger Communities series— Has a stream for currently elected officials and another for first-time candidates.

  
  

  Additional Resources

  Learn about other ways to get involved in municipalContinue reading

  The next municipal election in Chatham-Kent is October 26, 2026. Below are resources for people considering running for Council.

  
  

  Chatham-Kent Election Information

  General Election information: Chatham-Kent | 2026 Municipal Election

  Candidate Information: Candidate Information

  
  

  Upcoming Information Workshops

  The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is offering a series of FREE workshops for people who are thinking about running for municipal Council in 2026. The sessions will provide useful insights and strategies.

  • Stronger Leaders, Stronger Communities series— Has a stream for currently elected officials and another for first-time candidates.

  
  

  Additional Resources

  Learn about other ways to get involved in municipal government on the Municipality of Chatham-Kent website

  Learn how to get involved in 2026 municipal elections from Association of Municipalities of Ontario.

  Learn about the general process of running for local Council from Association of Municipalities of Ontario.

  Find additional resources and organizations that support equity-deserving communities to run for municipal office on the Association of Municipalities of Ontario website.

• June 27 to July 26 2026: Taste of Chatham-Kent

  

  Taste of Chatham-Kent (TOCK) is a multi-week and multi-event celebration of cultural diversity in Chatham-Kent happening June 27 to July 26, 2026.

  TOCK brings together ethno‑cultural associations, First Nations, Métis, Inuit or other Indigenous organizations, cultural restaurants, businesses, and community groups to highlight their culture and heritage through events, programming, recreation, food, and storytelling initiatives.

  Proudly founded and organized by the Taste of Chatham Kent Committee in partnership with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.

  Get Involved

  • Organize a cultural event or activity within Chatham-Kent or a nearby First Nation (supportive grant funding may be available)
  • Sponsor Taste of Chatham-Kent
  • Participate inContinue reading

  Taste of Chatham-Kent (TOCK) is a multi-week and multi-event celebration of cultural diversity in Chatham-Kent happening June 27 to July 26, 2026.

  TOCK brings together ethno‑cultural associations, First Nations, Métis, Inuit or other Indigenous organizations, cultural restaurants, businesses, and community groups to highlight their culture and heritage through events, programming, recreation, food, and storytelling initiatives.

  Proudly founded and organized by the Taste of Chatham Kent Committee in partnership with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.

  Get Involved

  • Organize a cultural event or activity within Chatham-Kent or a nearby First Nation (supportive grant funding may be available)
  • Sponsor Taste of Chatham-Kent
  • Participate in an event

  Learn more at the Taste of Chatham-Kent website.

• Sept 12 - 13, 2026: Harvest Moon Pow Wow

  

  Dgwaagig Pii-maadoongeng Dibik Giizis

  "Harvest Moon Pow-Wow"

  September 12 and 13, 2026

  Highbanks Park, Bkejwanong Territory, Walpole Island

  
  

  For more information visit the Walpole Island First Nation website or the Dgwaagig Pii-maadoongeng Dibik Giizis Facebook Page.

  
  

  Learn more about Pow Wows and etiquette:

  A primer on Indigenous Pow Wows from Indigenous Corporate Training(External link)

  Indigenous Pow Wow Protocols from Indigenous Corporate Training(External link)

  Indigenous Pow Wow Dances from Indigenous Corporate Training(External link)

  Pow Wow Guide by Full Circle Indigenous(External link)

  
  

  Tips for Attending:

  Listen to the Master of Ceremonies/Emcee – they’ll explain what’s happeningContinue reading

  Dgwaagig Pii-maadoongeng Dibik Giizis

  "Harvest Moon Pow-Wow"

  September 12 and 13, 2026

  Highbanks Park, Bkejwanong Territory, Walpole Island

  
  

  For more information visit the Walpole Island First Nation website or the Dgwaagig Pii-maadoongeng Dibik Giizis Facebook Page.

  
  

  Learn more about Pow Wows and etiquette:

  A primer on Indigenous Pow Wows from Indigenous Corporate Training(External link)

  Indigenous Pow Wow Protocols from Indigenous Corporate Training(External link)

  Indigenous Pow Wow Dances from Indigenous Corporate Training(External link)

  Pow Wow Guide by Full Circle Indigenous(External link)

  
  

  Tips for Attending:

  Listen to the Master of Ceremonies/Emcee – they’ll explain what’s happening to help visitors.

  Ask permission before taking pictures of people. Generally, pictures are not allowed during Grand Entry but allowed at other times, but listen to the MC for instructions.

  Use the term 'Regalia' to describe what dancers are wearing.

  Don’t touch people’s Regalia without permission. They are not costumes and hold special meaning to dancers.

  Seats closest to the dancing circle are reserved for singers, dancers, and drummers.

  Respect that some sections set aside for those with mobility issues to sit with mobile chairs or walkers.

  Support the vendors. Some vendors may have interact or etransfer options, but please make sure you have cash on hand as well.

  Outdoor settings are sometimes uneven so watch your footing.

  Sometimes bleachers are available for people, but it never hurts to bring a chair with you.

  Leave pets at home.

  Don’t bring alcohol or drugs.

  Listen for 'Round' or 'Intertribal' dances - times where people of all Nations and without Regalia are usually welcome to join in.

  Have fun!

• 2025 Food Insecurity in Chatham-Kent

  

  Chatham-Kent Public Health’s newly released 2025 Cost of Eating in CK infographic reveals an alarming trend: food insecurity is getting worse in Chatham-Kent.

  In 2024, they reported that at least 1 in 5 households struggled to afford enough food. In 2025, the latest data shows that the number has risen to almost 1 in 4 households, meaning close to 25% of local families are now unable to buy the food they need.

  This increase highlights a growing crisis in our community, driven not by a lack of food, but by a lack of sufficient income.

  “Food insecurity in Chatham-Kent isContinue reading

  Chatham-Kent Public Health’s newly released 2025 Cost of Eating in CK infographic reveals an alarming trend: food insecurity is getting worse in Chatham-Kent.

  In 2024, they reported that at least 1 in 5 households struggled to afford enough food. In 2025, the latest data shows that the number has risen to almost 1 in 4 households, meaning close to 25% of local families are now unable to buy the food they need.

  This increase highlights a growing crisis in our community, driven not by a lack of food, but by a lack of sufficient income.

  “Food insecurity in Chatham-Kent is driven by inadequate and insecure income, not a lack of food,” says Councillor Carmen McGregor, Chair of the Chatham-Kent Food Policy Council. “When people do not earn enough to cover housing, transportation, and food, they’re forced into impossible choices. Policies that support stable and adequate income, including a basic income guarantee, are critical to reducing food insecurity.”

  While community organizations across Chatham-Kent provide important emergency food supports, these services offer only temporary relief. They cannot resolve the underlying issue: too many residents do not have enough income to meet basic needs.

  Food insecurity comes with serious health consequences. Adults and children living without consistent access to nutritious food face poorer health outcomes.

  “Food insecurity is fundamentally an income issue,” says Dr Shanker Nesathurai, Medical Officer of Health for CK Public Health. “Advancing policies that support stable and adequate income ensures that everyone in Chatham-Kent can live a healthier life.”

  What Residents Can Do

  CK Public Health encourages community members to take action by:

  • Learning more about food insecurity and its root causes
  • Talking openly with friends, family, and colleagues about why food insecurity happens
  • Advocating for income-based solutions, including a basic income guarantee, to help ensure everyone in CK can afford nutritious food

  To learn more about how food insecurity affects households in Chatham-Kent, community members can visit the new CK Public Health Household Food Insecurity Dashboard. This interactive tool breaks down income scenarios and offers a deeper look at the factors driving food insecurity. Access it at www.ckphu.com/food-insecurity.