Wheatley Updates
This page will act as a resource page for Wheatley's Revitalization project.
This page will act as a resource page for Wheatley's Revitalization project.
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Chatham-Kent Public Library Wheatley Branch Set to Reopen
Following the successful investigation and plugging of the well discovered behind the Chatham-Kent Public Library Wheatley Branch at 35 Talbot St. West, the Branch will be reopening on August 9.
Starting August 9, CKPL’s Wheatley Branch will resume regular hours:
- Tuesday, 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
- Wednesday, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
- Thursday, 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
- Saturday, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
At no time was gas detected inside the library. The building was closed to the public out of an abundance of caution for staff and the public due to its proximity. Active monitors around the well will remain for at least the next two weeks, meaning parking behind the library will be closed during this time. The site will be added to the monthly soil gas surveys going forward. The customer service drop box will again be available once the library reopens.
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent would like to extend sincere appreciation to The Village Resource Centre for the use of their space during the service interruption.
TD Summer Reading programming continues at Wheatley Branch:
- Creativity Lab every Wednesday from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, drop-in
- LEGO Club every Saturday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, drop-in
- Storytime at Coulter Park on Friday, August 15 at 11:00 am
Teens and adults can also participate in Summer Reading Programs. Drop-in to learn more.
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Wheatley Update - July 29, 2025
Contractors began operations today at the potential well site behind the Chatham-Kent Library Branch on Talbot Street West. Crews quickly unearthed a 6'' metal casing in the area of the gas emissions consistent with a water well mentioned in historical records.
The area was fully excavated, and a new pipe was installed on the casing to extend it to surface. (Photos attached).
The contractor has mobilized the water well drilling rig to the site and preparations are being made to enter the well tomorrow morning, July 30th, to confirm sizes and depth. Once confirmed that the well is free of debris, the drilling rig will be able to begin the process of plugging the well.
A community meeting for those wanting to learn more about the operation will be held Thursday, July 31st at 7:30pm in person at the Wheatley Village Resource Centre.
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Wheatley Update Meeting - July 26
What Happened?
• June 28th odour complaint, found water and gas emerging from the ground behind the library.
• Diversion equipment was installed behind the library.
• July 1stand 8thadditional emissions occurred behind the library
• Monitoring well at Elm St has been used to divert flow and has been successful
• Emission point is consistent with a historic water well that caused an explosion in 1934.
• H2S readings during all events were below detection limits outside of the immediate area.
What are we doing?
• On Monday, equipment will be mobilizing to the library site
• Excavation to locate the old water well will begin on Tuesday.
• Once found, extend the old water well to surface in order to properly abandon.
• The monitoring well at Elm St will be used to divert flow throughout the operations.
• H2S monitoring will continue
• A full Emergency Response Plan is in place
Emergency Response Plan information
• Emergency Response Zone based on modelling from the Monitoring Well. Emissions from the library have been significantly less that what was modeled.
• If H2S above 5 ppm is detected on the worksite an incident will be called.
• If an incident is called people within the EPZ will be advised to shelter in place.
• Downwind monitoring will continue
• Evacuation would be initiated if downwind monitoring indicated sustained H2S concentrations of 10 ppm. Highly unlikely.
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Demolition Taking Place in Wheatley
As Wheatley moves toward revitalization, contractors will be on site in the downtown area to continue to move this process forward.
On Monday, July 21st, the owners of 24 Erie St. North will have a demolition contractor on site to begin the demolition process. It is expected that the work will be completed within two weeks.
Traffic disruptions are not anticipated during demolition and Erie St. N. will remain open. We ask that residents use caution when in the area and keep clear of the demolition site.
If you are interested in learning more about the future plans for Wheatley, please review the Imagine Wheatley plan for information and progress updates. The Imagine Wheatley page can be found on Let’s Talk Chatham-Kent at https://www.letstalkchatham-kent.ca/wheatley-updates.
As communicated last week and at council on July 14, activity around the monitoring well will continue. Pumping tests of the monitoring well divert all gas through the H2S scrubber unit but odours may be detected, particularly in low wind conditions. Monitoring in the scrubber, around the site, and at the library site continue.
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Update – Activity in Downtown Wheatley
Residents will see activity in downtown Wheatley over the next few days while contractors run tests on the monitoring well. Gas migration tests are also being taken around the monitoring well and the library property. Additional remote air monitoring has been installed on the library property as well as a temporary vent stack to capture any gas.
It is believed the latest gas release was caused by a previously abandoned water well behind the library. Operational plans for bringing contractors to the library to expose the well and eventually abandon are underway. Further communication on timing of this work will be forthcoming. T.L. Watsons and Associates and Provincial representatives are continuously being engaged in the plans.
Library services will temporarily relocate to The Village Resource Centre beginning Saturday, July 12. A small selection of materials will be available to browse, and patrons are encouraged to place holds on items to be delivered to Wheatley Branch for pick up at search.ckpl.ca.
The Wheatley Pop-Up Library will be open:
- Tuesdays, 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
- Wednesdays, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
- Saturdays, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Staff will offer TD Summer Reading Club programs at the Pop-Up Library, including:
- Creativity Lab every Wednesday from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, drop-in
- LEGO Club every Saturday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, drop-in
Storytime at Coulter Park will also continue on Fridays at 11:00 am on July 18, August 1, and August 15. This program is great for children ages 0 to 6, but all are welcome to join. No registration is required.
Chatham-Kent Public Library staff can’t wait to see you at The Village Resource Centre, 108 Talbot Rd E, Wheatley!
Residents are reminded that if they smell gas to call 911 immediately.
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Updated - Gas Venting Stopped in Wheatley
The gas that was venting from the investigation site at 35 Talbot Road West has stopped.
There is no risk to public safety and no action is required from residents.As a reminder, the CKAlert emergency notification service is designed specifically for emergency situations where immediate action is required, such as evacuations, road closures, or other urgent safety measures. CKAlert will not be used for general updates or information sharing unless there is a direct/potential threat that necessitates immediate public action.
Wheatley residents can sign up to receive CKAlerts at www.CKAlerts.ca.For regular Wheatley updates, residents are encouraged to subscribe to the Wheatley email list at www.chatham-kent.ca/services/digitalresources/Pages/Subscription-Services.aspx (select ‘Wheatley Emergency’).
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CK Public Library Wheatley Branch to Remain Closed While Investigation Continues
Investigations are continuing into recurring gas emissions detected at 35 Talbot Road West in Wheatley. At present, there is no risk to public safety, but residents are encouraged to avoid the area.
As a result of the minor gas event that took place July 1, the Chatham-Kent Public Library Wheatley branch will remain closed until further notice as a precaution and to ensure continued public safety. Library staff are working to provide temporary library services in Wheatley while the branch is closed. More details will be shared in the near future.
“As the investigation continues, our top priority is public safety,” said Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue Chief Chris Case. “We are working closely with technical experts and provincial partners to determine the source of the gas and take any actions necessary to protect the community.”
For regular Wheatley updates, residents are encouraged to visit the Let’s Talk Chatham-Kent Wheatley Updates page at www.letstalkchatham-kent.ca/wheatley-updates and subscribe to the Wheatley email list at www.chatham-kent.ca/services/digitalresources/Pages/Subscription-Services.aspx (select ‘Wheatley Emergency’).
As a reminder, the CKAlert emergency notification service is designed specifically for emergency situations where immediate action is required, such as evacuations, road closures, or other urgent safety measures. CKAlert will not be used for general updates or information sharing unless there is a direct/potential threat that necessitates immediate public action.
Updates will continue as new information becomes available.
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Gas Event Ended in Wheatley
The gas emission discovered in Wheatley has now stopped and T. L. Watson and Associates, Chatham-Kent’s oil and gas expert who oversaw previous Wheatley incidents, has confirmed there are no imminent risks to public safety. Chatham-Kent Fire and Rescue Services (CKFR) also conducted gas checks in homes closest to the incident site and no gas was detected.
Residents temporarily displaced from their homes are permitted to return. All roads have reopened and Entegrus has restored power to the area. The Wheatley Library branch will remain closed until further notice while the investigation continues. Chatham-Kent Economic Development and Tourism Services’ dedicated Wheatley Economic Development Officer is currently on scene to assisting businesses affected by the situation.
CKFR remains on scene and is conducting air monitoring every 30 minutes to ensure ongoing public safety.“This was a terrible incident for everyone still affected by the 2021 event,” said Chatham-Kent Fire Chief Chris Case. “However, we quickly assembled all agencies and the experts we have relied on over the past years and were able to determine the community could return to their homes. We appreciate the support and understanding from everyone involved.”
“I am extremely thankful that this situation was quickly resolved through rapid response and teamwork from multiple agencies and cooperation from Wheatley residents,” said Mayor Darrin Canniff. “The people of Wheatley have been through so much over the last few years, and this incident is a firm reminder of the importance of vigilance and monitoring in the community.”
Yesterday at 1:45 PM, CKFR crews responded to reports of an odour behind 35 Talbot Street West in Wheatley. It was found that hydrogen sulfide gas was emanating from a small area near the back of the property.
Once the gas was discovered, an immediate evacuation of the area took place and Windsor Fire Rescue’s Provincial Hazardous Materials (HAZ MAT) Team was called in to assist. Chatham-Kent Police Service (CKPS) and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were also on scene to support public safety efforts. As a precaution, the Wheatley Arena was opened as a temporary evacuation centre. Chatham-Kent Employment and Social Services coordinated temporary lodging for all residents displaced by the incident.
Numerous other agencies also assisted with the incident, including:
- Chatham-Kent Public Utilities Commission
- Chatham-Kent Victim Services
- Enbridge
- Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks
- Ministry of Natural Resources
- Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response
- Geological scientists from the University of Windsor
For immediate notifications in times of emergency, residents are encourage to sign up for CKAlert at www.CKAlert.ca.
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Gas Event Detected in Downtown Wheatley
Reports of the odour of gas in the area of the Wheatley Public Library branch at 35 Talbot Road West in Wheatley have prompted an evacuation of the area.
An evacuation centre has been established at the Wheatley Arena.
Crews from Chatham-Kent Emergency Services, as well as Entegrus and Enbridge are on scene assessing the situation and further details will be provided as they become available.
Residents are being asked to avoid downtown Wheatley.
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A Full Look at the Wheatley Downtown Urban Visioning Concept Plan
Concept Plan Option 1
Developed from early discussions and impressions, Design 1 explores a specific approach to economic development and storytelling. Recognizing the amount of seasonal through-traffic passing along Talbot Road, the boat serves as a unique feature and curiosity encouraging visitors, and those passing by, to stop when they may not have, be drawn in, and ultimately interact with the amenities of downtown. The boat pays homage to the heritage and culture of Wheatley, tying the identities of the waterfront and up-town Wheatley together into a cohesive image for locals to be proud of and visitors to learn from. The site is a vibrant space for locals allowing for socializing, festivals and relaxing; a destination park you can consider to be “the backyard of Wheatley”. We fully recognize the boat shown is an open water vessel, not a Great Lakes trawler. If chosen, the boat would be a design process in itself to execute appropriately.Take a Closer Look at Concept 1 Plans »
Concept Plan Option 2
Design 2 emerged a bit later in our process as our team fielded more and more input from the community. It was developed over many iterations and revisions. One of the key starting points was the desire to accommodate 20 farmers market stands or Christmas Village Booths (which now both designs provide space to accommodate.) Business and economic development take a slightly different approach in Design 2. Whereas Design 1 provides an attraction, the overall function of Design 2, for the existing and future community, becomes the catalyst for a busier, more animated, and more consistently engaged downtown core. Design 2’s form is based on the geography of Wheatley, a series of parks within a park, each interesting, dynamic, and playful, connected by a main circulatory “river.” This flow explores the cycle of give and take between the land and water, utilizing “inland habitats” (the planted mounds and swales) which feed into the main “river” of circulation leading to the “open water” of the main intersection of town.
Wheatley Investigation Updates
Timeline
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Hire Economic Development Officer (EDO)
Wheatley Updates has finished this stageMarch 2024
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Trade Are Report Survey
Wheatley Updates has finished this stageApril - June 2024
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Demolition of Buildings
Wheatley Updates has finished this stageMay - June 2024
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Community Consultation #1
Wheatley Updates has finished this stageMay 25th 2024
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Trade Area Report Analysis
Wheatley Updates has finished this stageJune 2024
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Business Mix Analysis
Wheatley Updates has finished this stageJune 2024
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Community Consultation #2
Wheatley Updates has finished this stageAugust 17th 2024
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Conduct Research, Surveys & Gather Statistics
Wheatley Updates has finished this stageMay - September 2024
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Seasonal Resident/Visitor Survey
Wheatley Updates has finished this stageMay - September 2024
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Exploration Under Buildings
Wheatley Updates has finished this stageSeptember 2024
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Coffee Chat with EDO
Wheatley Updates has finished this stageOctober 25th, 10AM at Lil Hil's
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Drilling
Wheatley Updates has finished this stageOctober 2024
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Drilling Equipment Moved Out
Wheatley Updates has finished this stageOctober 23rd, 2024
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Downtown Business Revitalization Report Completed
Wheatley Updates has finished this stageOctober 30, 2024
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Site Report Completed (Tentative)
Wheatley Updates has finished this stageNovember 30, 2024
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Urban Visioning RFP Circulated
Wheatley Updates has finished this stageNovember/December 2024
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Community Action Plan Completed
Wheatley Updates is currently at this stageJanaury 2025
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Urban Visioning RFP Awarded
this is an upcoming stage for Wheatley UpdatesJanuary - February 2025
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Community Action Plan Presented to Council
this is an upcoming stage for Wheatley UpdatesFebruary 2025
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Urban Visioning Process to Begin
this is an upcoming stage for Wheatley UpdatesMarch 2025
Important Links
March 1 Meeting
Golder Report
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GOLDER-WSP-Wheatley Pathways Report-Final (14.6 MB) (pdf)
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Appendix A-Work Program(Final)_12Mar2023(Final Rprt Rev B-Pathways Analysis Wheatley Nat Gas Emis) (144 MB) (pdf)
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Appendix B-Regional and Local Site Data(Final)_12Mar2023(Final Rprt Rev B-Pathways Analysis Wheatley Nat Gas Emis) (69.2 MB) (pdf)
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Appendix C-Site Field Investigtn(Final)_12Mar2023(Final Rprt Rev B-Pathways Analysis Wheatley Nat Gas Emis) (40.8 MB) (pdf)
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Appendix D-Bradco Well Abndmt Operat(Final)_12Mar2023(Final Rprt Rev B-Pathways Analysis Wheatley Nat Gas Emis) (1.45 MB) (pdf)
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Appendix E-Geochemistry(Final)_12Mar2023(Final Rprt Rev B-Pathways Analysis Wheatley Nat Gas Emis) (23.5 MB) (pdf)
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Appendix F-Limitations(Final)_12Mar2023(Final Rprt Rev B-Pathways Analysis Wheatley Nat Gas Emis) (214 KB) (pdf)
Hydrogen Sulfide Information
TL Watson Report
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Appendix 1 - Recommendation for Emergency Evacuation Zone Reduction - November 25, 2022 (7.87 MB) (pdf)
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Appendix 2 - BH Logs (538 KB) (pdf)
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Appendix 3 - Well Information Package (2.82 MB) (pdf)
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Appendix 4 - Memo July 6 Event (1.05 MB) (pdf)
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Appendix 5 - Disposal Well Concerns (14.7 MB) (pdf)
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Appendix 6 - Memo Oct 11, 2022 Flow Test (685 KB) (pdf)
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Appendix 7 - Gas Well Test Sheet Wheatley (26.7 KB) (pdf)
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Appendix 8 - Chatham-Kent Flow Test Report - November 27, 2022 (1.02 MB) (pdf)
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Appendix 9 - Dispersion Modelling Report Wheatley Townsite Vent and Flare Assessment - November 26, 2022 (14.8 MB) (pdf)
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Appendix 10 - Wheatley GM Surveys (948 KB) (pdf)
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Appendix 11a - 8T Operations Manual - 2020 (1.78 MB) (pdf)
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Appendix 11b - 320MAX Cut Sheet (31.9 KB) (pdf)
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Wheatley Gas Emission Report - November 28, 2022 (7.17 MB) (pdf)
Reduced Evacuation Zone
Resources and Information for Wheatley Residents and Business - Building Owners
CRA Message and Information for Evacuated from Homes/Businesses
Current Images of Site
Who's Listening
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Phone 519-360-1998 Email ck311@chatham-kent.ca -
Phone 519-360-1998 Email ckmayor@chatham-kent.ca
Documents & Applications
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April 19, 2023 Test Report (19 MB) (pdf)
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APEC Locations (854 KB) (pdf)
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2021 Declaration State of Emergency Wheatley (1.06 MB) (pdf)
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Wheatley Expenses - September 30 (175 KB) (pdf)
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Letter to Insurers (550 KB) (pdf)
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Wheatley BIA Disaster Relief Application Form (143 KB) (pdf)
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Wheatley Business Support Program Application (349 KB) (pdf)
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Wheatley Residents Assistance Program FAQs (29.1 KB) (pdf)
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Wheatley Residents Assistance Program Update to Guidelines (35.7 KB) (pdf)
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February 5 2024 Council Meeting: Acquisition of Property
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Wheatley Preliminary Report Jan 10 2025.pdf (85.7 MB) (pdf)