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October 27 2026: Bus Trip - Learn & Support Indigenous Culture and History

Join the Chatham Catholic Faily of Parishes Truth & Reconciliation Action Table October 27, 2026 for a day of learning, reflection and honouring.
Bus departs St. Ursula Church Parking Lot at 7:45 a.m. Return to St. Ursula Church parking Lot at 5:30 p.m.
Register: Online at the Chatham Catholic Parishes website or call the Parish Office 519-352-8530.
Cost: $50/per person. Includes bus travel, guided tours, and museum admission.
Make payment in case of cheque (payable to "St. Ursula Parish") at Parish office by Friday, October 9.
Please bring a bagged lunch.
Space is limited to 56 people. Attendees do notContinue reading

Join the Chatham Catholic Faily of Parishes Truth & Reconciliation Action Table October 27, 2026 for a day of learning, reflection and honouring.
Bus departs St. Ursula Church Parking Lot at 7:45 a.m. Return to St. Ursula Church parking Lot at 5:30 p.m.
Register: Online at the Chatham Catholic Parishes website or call the Parish Office 519-352-8530.
Cost: $50/per person. Includes bus travel, guided tours, and museum admission.
Make payment in case of cheque (payable to "St. Ursula Parish") at Parish office by Friday, October 9.
Please bring a bagged lunch.
Space is limited to 56 people. Attendees do not need to be a member of the Catholic Family of Parishes.

Tour includes:
Woodland Cultural Centre, Brantford
Explore Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contemporary art through engaging exhibits and stories.
Former Mohawk Institute Residential School
A guided tour of this interpretive historic site that honours the experiences of Survivors and preserves the truth of Indigenous history.
Goodminds.com Bookstore, Brantford
Visit this inspiring Indigenous bookstore and discover new reads and rising Indigenous authors.
Applications for Committees of Council & Local Boards Open until October 30
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is currently recruiting volunteer citizen appointments to various Local Boards and Committees of Council.
Committees of Council are groups made up of community members and sometimes Council representatives who work together to provide advice and recommendations on specific issues, projects, or services in Chatham-Kent. These committees give residents an opportunity to share their knowledge, experience, and perspectives, helping Council make informed decisions that reflect the needs and interests of the community.
The following Chatham-Kent Local Boards and Committees of Council are recruiting citizen members for the 2026 – 2030 term:

Accessibility Advisory Committee

Blenheim Landfill LiaisonContinue reading
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is currently recruiting volunteer citizen appointments to various Local Boards and Committees of Council.
Committees of Council are groups made up of community members and sometimes Council representatives who work together to provide advice and recommendations on specific issues, projects, or services in Chatham-Kent. These committees give residents an opportunity to share their knowledge, experience, and perspectives, helping Council make informed decisions that reflect the needs and interests of the community.
The following Chatham-Kent Local Boards and Committees of Council are recruiting citizen members for the 2026 – 2030 term:
Accessibility Advisory Committee
Blenheim Landfill Liaison Committee
By-law Appeal & Property Standards Committee
Chatham-Kent Board of Health (Indigenous representative only)
Chatham-Kent Municipal Museums Advisory Committee
Chatham-Kent Police Services Board
Chatham-Kent Public Library Board
Committee of Adjustment
Court of Revision for Local Improvements
Drainage Board
Municipal Heritage Committee
Ridge Landfill Liaison Committee
Information about each of these committees can be found on the municipal website or on Let's Talk Chatham-Kent.
Paper copies of the applications can also be picked up at any Municipal Centre.
Applications must be completed online or returned to any Municipal Centre by Friday, October 30, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.
Together CK Grants Open - Application Due Oct 31
The Together CK 2027 Municipal Grant Program is now open for applications.
Together CK grants support local projects and events that benefit the community. Chatham-Kent based community organizations and not-for-profit corporations are eligible for funding. This portfolio includes annual Together CK grants for Significant and Community Events, and Community Projects, as well as Together CK Core Grant funding which supports operational needs for a four-year grant term.
To begin your application, please visit the Together CK Municipal Grant webpage: Together CK Municipal Grant Link
Once on the webpage, click the Apply Now button. This will take you to the E-provalContinue reading
The Together CK 2027 Municipal Grant Program is now open for applications.
Together CK grants support local projects and events that benefit the community. Chatham-Kent based community organizations and not-for-profit corporations are eligible for funding. This portfolio includes annual Together CK grants for Significant and Community Events, and Community Projects, as well as Together CK Core Grant funding which supports operational needs for a four-year grant term.
To begin your application, please visit the Together CK Municipal Grant webpage: Together CK Municipal Grant Link
Once on the webpage, click the Apply Now button. This will take you to the E-proval landing page.
Eproval is the new online application portal used to submit Together CK grant applications. The system allows applicants to complete applications, upload supporting documents, and track the status of their submissions through one centralized platform. All applicants must register a new Eproval account before submitting an application.
Important Dates
Application submission period begins: October 1, 2026
Information Webinar: October 7, 2026, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. (Webinar Ticket Link)
In-Person Information Session: October 15, 2026, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. (In-Person Ticket Link)
Capital Theatre, Rotary Lounge
Application deadline: Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
Together CK Committee Review: November to December 2026
Funding recommendations submitted to Council for approval: January 2027
Funding notifications to applicants: January 2027
Considering applying? Review the program guidelines and begin preparing your application early.
Questions? Email TogetherCK@chatham-kent.ca
Indigenous Veterans Day and Remembrance Day

November 8th is Indigenous Veterans Day and November 11th is Remembrance Day in Canada.
These days are a chance for us to recognize the courage, contributions, and sacrifices of Veterans who serves our Country. We remember. We honour. We are grateful.
Learn about Remembrance Day: Remembrance Day - Canada.ca
Learn about Indigenous Veterans Day: Indigenous Veterans | Veterans Affairs Canada
Learn about Black Canadians in Uniform: Black Canadians in uniform | Veterans Affairs Canada
Learn about Women in Service Women in service | Veterans Affairs Canada
Learn about 2SLGBTQIA+ in Service Pride in service | Veterans Affairs Canada
November 8th is Indigenous Veterans Day and November 11th is Remembrance Day in Canada.
These days are a chance for us to recognize the courage, contributions, and sacrifices of Veterans who serves our Country. We remember. We honour. We are grateful.
Learn about Remembrance Day: Remembrance Day - Canada.ca
Learn about Indigenous Veterans Day: Indigenous Veterans | Veterans Affairs Canada
Learn about Black Canadians in Uniform: Black Canadians in uniform | Veterans Affairs Canada
Learn about Women in Service Women in service | Veterans Affairs Canada
Learn about 2SLGBTQIA+ in Service Pride in service | Veterans Affairs Canada
November 14, 2026: Diwali in CK 2026

Join the Chatham-Kent Asian Cultural Association for Diwali in Chatham-Kent 2026, an evening celebrating the festival of lights!
Saturday, November 14, 2026 at Chatham-Kent Secondary School.
5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Dinner (registration required)
7:00 - 10:00 p.m. Entertainment (free and open to all)
For more information: ckaca.events@gmail.com

Join the Chatham-Kent Asian Cultural Association for Diwali in Chatham-Kent 2026, an evening celebrating the festival of lights!
Saturday, November 14, 2026 at Chatham-Kent Secondary School.
5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Dinner (registration required)
7:00 - 10:00 p.m. Entertainment (free and open to all)
For more information: ckaca.events@gmail.com
Resources for the Municipal Election
The next municipal election in Chatham-Kent is October 26, 2026. Below are resources for people about voting or who are considering running for Council.

Chatham-Kent Election Information
General Election information: Chatham-Kent | 2026 Municipal Election
Candidate Information: Candidate Information
Make sure you are on the Municipal Voters' List before election day: RegisterToVoteON.ca

Resources from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario
The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) hosted a series of FREE workshops for people thinking about running for municipal Council in 2026, with some specifically for equity-deserving communities.
Other resources they offer:
Learn how to get involved in Continue reading
The next municipal election in Chatham-Kent is October 26, 2026. Below are resources for people about voting or who are considering running for Council.

Chatham-Kent Election Information
General Election information: Chatham-Kent | 2026 Municipal Election
Candidate Information: Candidate Information
Make sure you are on the Municipal Voters' List before election day: RegisterToVoteON.ca

Resources from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario
The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) hosted a series of FREE workshops for people thinking about running for municipal Council in 2026, with some specifically for equity-deserving communities.
Other resources they offer:
Learn how to get involved in 2026 municipal elections
Learn about the general process of running for local Council
Find resources and organizations for equity-deserving communities considering running

Other Ways to Shape Municipal Decisions
Learn about other ways to get involved in municipal government on the Municipality of Chatham-Kent website
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.
CKOHT and Partners Commitment to Action on Anti-Black Racism

Inclusion and representation are essential to building a health care system that reflects and meets the diverse needs of everyone in Chatham-Kent.
In 2021, the Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team (CKOHT) Diversity and Equity Working Group established the Anti-Black Racism/Anti-Oppression Action Team.
For several years, the Anti-Black Racism/Anti-Oppression Action Team has heard anecdotal evidence about racism, discrimination, stereotypes, stigma and oppressive behaviours and actions occurring in health care environments in Chatham-Kent.
In 2024, the Action Team asked the community questions to understand their experiences of racism in local health care.
Find out what the Team learned and how CKOHT and PartnersContinue reading
Inclusion and representation are essential to building a health care system that reflects and meets the diverse needs of everyone in Chatham-Kent.
In 2021, the Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team (CKOHT) Diversity and Equity Working Group established the Anti-Black Racism/Anti-Oppression Action Team.
For several years, the Anti-Black Racism/Anti-Oppression Action Team has heard anecdotal evidence about racism, discrimination, stereotypes, stigma and oppressive behaviours and actions occurring in health care environments in Chatham-Kent.
In 2024, the Action Team asked the community questions to understand their experiences of racism in local health care.
Find out what the Team learned and how CKOHT and Partners are committing to action on Anti-Black Racism through the video linked above and on the CKOHT website.
Re-Launch of Our Door is Open to Everyone Window Sign Campaign

CK Pride and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent Relaunch “Our Door Is Open to Everyone” Window Sign Campaign
CK Pride, in partnership with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, is proud to announce the relaunch of the Our Door is Open to Everyone campaign, a visible community initiative that affirms inclusion, safety, and belonging for 2SLGBTQIA+ residents and visitors across Chatham-Kent.
Originally launched with cardboard signage, the campaign has been refreshed in 2026 with durable window clings and stickers that reflect CK Pride’s updated name and new logo, making it easier for businesses, organizations, and public spaces to visibly demonstrate their commitment toContinue reading

CK Pride and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent Relaunch “Our Door Is Open to Everyone” Window Sign Campaign
CK Pride, in partnership with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, is proud to announce the relaunch of the Our Door is Open to Everyone campaign, a visible community initiative that affirms inclusion, safety, and belonging for 2SLGBTQIA+ residents and visitors across Chatham-Kent.
Originally launched with cardboard signage, the campaign has been refreshed in 2026 with durable window clings and stickers that reflect CK Pride’s updated name and new logo, making it easier for businesses, organizations, and public spaces to visibly demonstrate their commitment to welcoming and affirming environments.
The window clings were designed by Joel Emery and produced locally by CutiePatootieStudios, supporting community-based creatives while ensuring high-quality, long-lasting materials suitable for storefronts, offices, and public-facing spaces. This project is supported by Council Ward Funding, through a partnership between the Municipality of Chatham-Kent and Hydro One.
The Our Door Is Open to Everyone window clings signal that a space is one where people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions are respected and supported. Participating locations are encouraged to reflect this commitment not only through signage, but through everyday practices rooted in dignity, equity, and inclusion.
“Visibility matters,” say the Board of Directors at CK Pride. “In a community as diverse and geographically large as Chatham-Kent, these window clings offer a simple but meaningful way to signal safety, allyship, and care. For many people, especially youth, newcomers, and those navigating rural isolation, seeing that sign can make the difference between entering a space or walking away.”
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent continues to support the campaign as part of its broader commitments to equity, diversity, inclusion, and community safety. The relaunch aligns with ongoing municipal efforts to foster welcoming public spaces and strengthen trust across communities.
Window clings and stickers will be available to local businesses, community organizations, and municipal spaces. Participation in the campaign is voluntary, and CK Pride encourages participants to engage with the campaign thoughtfully and authentically.
Organizations interested in displaying an Our Door Is Open to Everyone window cling can contact info@ckpride.com, or pick one up from Bill's Place, Community Space, 48 Centre St. during drop-in hours. They will also be distributed at Municipal Centers and CK Public Library branches.
Website: Free Food Resources in CK
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent's Employment and Social Services program has created a website with information for people who may need food assistance, including resources like:

food banks

little free pantries

soup kitchens

food voucher programs

drop-in/outreach services.

Visit www.chatham-kent.ca/EmergencyFood or scan the QR code above to go to the website.
These services are here to support individuals and families in our community. Whether you're in immediate need or looking for ongoing assistance, there are options available to help you.
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent's Employment and Social Services program has created a website with information for people who may need food assistance, including resources like:

food banks

little free pantries

soup kitchens

food voucher programs

drop-in/outreach services.

Visit www.chatham-kent.ca/EmergencyFood or scan the QR code above to go to the website.
These services are here to support individuals and families in our community. Whether you're in immediate need or looking for ongoing assistance, there are options available to help you.