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  • Resources for Running for Municipal Council

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    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. Some workshops are specifically for people in equity-deserving communities.

    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. Some workshops are specifically for people in equity-deserving communities.


    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.

  • Respectful Cinco de Mayo Celebrations

    Learning about and appreciating cultures different from our own helps us promote understanding and respect for each other. As Cinco de Mayo approaches, we recognize it as an important day in Mexican history. Any activities or events connected to this day should focus on respect and appreciation.

    To learn more

    Learning about and appreciating cultures different from our own helps us promote understanding and respect for each other. As Cinco de Mayo approaches, we recognize it as an important day in Mexican history. Any activities or events connected to this day should focus on respect and appreciation.

    To learn more about the meaning of Cinco de Mayo and how to honour it respectfully, please visit the full document on our Let’s Talk page.

    Have feedback or ideas to share? We’d love to hear from you. Contact us at DEIJ@chatham-kent.ca.

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

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    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

    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.

  • 2025 Food Insecurity in Chatham-Kent

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    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

    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.