Class 2 - 1st place - Petrolia Lambton Independent, February edition

BEES UPEND THE SQUIRES

Ryan Marshall of the Alvinston Killer Bees upends a Petrolia Squire in the second period of the Feb. 9

scored three unanswered goals to take the win in the final regular season game of the Battle of

Bailey bails on all candidates meetings

Cathy Dobson The Independent

It’s not like Sarnia-Lambton incumbent MPP Bob Bailey to pass up an opportunity to speak to voters but he’s not attending a single all-candidates meeting this campaign.

“We’re trying something different this time,” said the local PC candidate Tuesday as he entered Global Donuts in Sarnia for something his campaign team calls a “Coffee and Conversation” event.

“It’s a winter election. It’s hard to get out in the evening. I can hardly get myself out of the house in the evening,” Bailey said when pressed for why the change in strategy.

Rather than go to a number of all-candidates meetings to discuss the issues with his political competitors, Bailey has opted to attend a number of restaurants for breakfast and lunch, then host a number of skating parties, even a public swim.

Lambton EMS looking for $10.8 million headquarters in research park

Heather Wright

The Independent

There could be a new $10.8 million paramedic headquarters in Lambton.

The idea to consolidate the administration, which had been based at Lambton Meadowview, operations, logistics and storage, was part of an emergency medical services master plan brought to county council last year, said Stephen Turner, Manager, emergency medical services, in his report to council. It said the new consolidated centre should

be in the area of Highway 40 and Highway 402 and would need to be about 24,000 square feet.

Turner says EMS management has been talking with the Western Research Park about using its site. It’s already moved its administration to the building.

“Having administration and operations co-located is important to ensure better connection between the service’s leadership and the day-to-day operations of the service,” Murphy wrote.

Moving into the Research Park, he added would save about $3 million because EMS would now

only need a 14,000 square foot building.

Engineers have estimated the cost of the building at $10,795,706. Murphy says about half of that will be recovered by provincial grants over the course of the building’s life.

Murphy is proposing about $1.08 million be taken from reserves for EMS. The rest, the county would be covered by a loan.

County council will look at the plan during budget, but councillors Feb. 5 gave EMS approval to work with the research park on a lease. It’s not the only big ask from

EMS which will be dealt with at budget.

Murphy also wants to move ahead with 12 more hours of service a day in Sarnia. The recent EMS Master Plan found 62 per cent of calls are in Sarnia but only 32 per cent of the ambulances and paramedics are in the city “requiring ambulances from the rest of the county to be brought into the city on standby for coverage,” writes Murphy.

“This movement has resulted in longer response times in the county’s rural regions, which approach 27 minutes in some areas.”

Murphy is proposing four new paramedics be hired starting in June to man a new ambulance assigned to Sarnia.

The EMS head says it will cost $600,000 to staff the ambulance in 2025 which will be part of this year’s property taxes. Half the cost of the salaries will be funded by the province the next year, he added.

The $322,000 for the new ambulance will come from EMS Reserves.

County councillors will begin budget deliberations March 5.

2 –

Libertarian, independent candidates join MPP race

Heather Wright The Independent

There are now six people on the ticket in the race to become the next MPP for Sarnia-Lambton.

The president of the Libertarian Party of Canada, Jacques Boudreau, and former Sarnia City Councillor and current owner of an online news organization, Nathan Colquhoun, is running as an independent.

They join incumbent Bob Bailey of the Ontario PCs, Liberal Rachel Willsie, the NDP’s Candace Young and Keith Benn of the New Blue Party in the Feb. 27 election.

Boudreau, formerly of London but now a Petrolia resident, believes government plays too big of a role in our lives.

Libertarians, he says, advocate for more freedom from government regulations. “People can argue this is good or this is bad, or whatever, but (government regulation) has now grown so large as to be a massive infringement on our freedom.

“Governments are way too big. Regulation is killing the coming to market of new companies,” he says adding Canadians now pay 45 per cent of their income to taxes.

Ontario PC Leader Doug Ford called the election in the face of a 25 per cent tariff threat from the US. Ford has said he needed a mandate to provide aid to businesses.

“He knows that his argument is nonsense,” says Boudreau. “We know it’s nonsense, and he knows that we know it’s nonsense. But this is the type of ritual that we often go through with politicians where there’s a veneer of acceptability to what is said … he had 18 months to go, so this idea that he needed the strong mandate or whatever, again, simply does not hold water. This is purely for political gains.”

Boudreau says ideally, Canada under a Libertarian government, wouldn’t be in a trade war since all trade regulations would be dropped to

allow the free flow of goods across the border.

“Libertarianism is absolutely opposed to any form of managed trade, including tariffs,” he says.

Boudreau acknowledges that he wouldn’t be the typical MPP, trying to bring government spending to SarniaLambton.

“What I would hope to do, which would benefit not only the people locally, but ultimately, all of Ontario, is to finally have a voice to describe that there are a lot of things that are unacceptable and need to change,” he says.

Meantime, the independent candidate new to the race wants to be able to speak for Sarnia-Lambton residents, not represent a party.

“I think that a candidate should be free to back bills, back policy and legislation that supports the community that they’re representing, and not just the legislation that their own party gives,” Colquhoun tells The Independent.

He cites housing and health care as two of the issues that need action in the region.

Colquhoun advocates for more public housing instead of trying to get private developers to increase the housing stock, as the Ontario PC party suggests.

While the province funds some housing initiatives, planning for the projects is done at the county and municipal level.

“Our municipalities have not been doing a very good job at all getting that kind of stuff going,” says Colquhoun. He believes housing corporations, which are arms length from government are a good way to improve the housing stock in the community.

“I think we’re something like six per cent of off-market (public) housing right now in Canada and other countries such as something like Denmark, is closer to 20 or 30 per cent and I just think that if we want to see healthy communities, that focusing on housing that isn’t just strictly driven by

the markets or profits by developers, is something that is very needed.”

Colquhoun also wants to see a larger investment in education and health care which he believes is “almost intentionally underfunded.

“Wait times are at crisis levels. Emergency rooms are short staffed,” he says.

“We need to start putting money back into funding classrooms properly, ensuring students with special needs get the supports they deserve, paying teachers what they’re worth.”

With three candidates outside the traditional parties in the field, Colquhoun recognizes it could pull votes away from the legacy parties in a close race.

“Vote splitting is very real, and that could be something that puts Bailey back in,” he says.

“But the alternative is just trying to pick a party that aligns the closest to what I’m trying to do, and then still splitting the votes anyway.

“This way I’m not losing anybody because I picked a party, I’m just standing up for Sarnia-Lambton, and there’s no party that I am loyal to.”

Colquhoun owns The Sarnia Journal, billed as ‘Sarnia’s only independent news source.’ He says the online forum is committed to providing equal coverage for the candidates in the election.

But the candidate admits running for office as the owner of a news source could create conflicts.

Colquhoun says while he’s not the editor of the site. “My partner is the editor. So there’s lots of conflict there,” he said.

Colquhoun does write a weekly column, which he said he intends to continue during the election.

Traditionally, journalism organizations which allow politicians to write columns, as Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley did in the past, suspend the columns during an election to eliminate any appearance of bias.

Colquhoun said he was not aware of the practice but would consider it.

Exhaust system at Petrolia Fire gets a funding boost

The Petrolia/North Enniskillen fire hall will be getting a diesel exhaust extraction system this year.

The system “continuously removes diesel exhaust fumes and other contaminants from the fire hall, protecting our firefighters

from prolonged exposure to carcinogenic pollutants and other harmful toxins,” says Chief Rick Cousins in a report to council.

Studies by Cancer Care Ontario show firefighters have a higher risk of several types of cancer including

melanoma, prostate, colon and nonHodgkin lymphoma because of what they are exposed to while firefighting.

The $60,000 unit was budgeted for this year. The department recently received word it is getting a $8,230 grant to help pay for the system.

Township of

The Township of Dawn-Euphemia has an immediate opening for a FULL-TIME DEPUTY CLERK. Reporting to the Administrator-Clerk, this position will assist with the overall organization and operation of the Clerk’s Office including Council and Planning Functions; provide administrative support to various departments including Public Works, Fire, and Drainage; and backup receptionist duties.

• Post-secondary education in legal/public/business administration;

• Minimum 2 yrs experience in an office environment –municipal experience is an asset;

• Working knowledge of municipal governance, is an asset;

• Excellent written and communication skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office applications; strong timemanagement and organizational skills with a keen sense for accuracy and attention to detail; ability to work independently and under pressure to meet deadlines; work with minimal supervision

More info is available at www.dawneuphemia.ca – under “Alerts & Notifications”. Resumes will be accepted until Wednesday, March 5, 2025 @ Noon by the Township of Dawn-Euphemia, 4591 Lambton Line, RR4, Dresden, ON N0P1M0 Ph: 519-692-5148 Fax: 519-692-5511 or Email: deputy.clerk@dawneuphemia.on.ca

Case wants governments to buy Canadian

Heather Wright The Independent

Warwick Township Mayor Todd Case wants to make sure Lambton County is buying as many Canadian products as possible as the US begins imposing tariffs on Canada.

The request came at Lambton County Council, just days after US President Donald Trump gave a month’s reprieve from a threatened a 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian goods coming into the US. By Monday, the president had changed his mind and imposed 25 per cent tariffs on steel and alumnium.

Feb. 5, Case asked county administrators to prepare a report on the county’s purchasing policies and how many Canadian items the county uses.

“We just went through a situation here with the threat of tariffs of 25 per cent on our country’s (goods) in the United States, I just wonder if we’ve ever taken a look at what we buy, where we buy it from,” he said

“I think it’s very important that a government body like ourselves, leads by example, (and) tries to buy as much Canadian content as possible.

“Like most people, I hope that this is perhaps done. I really don’t think it is, but I think it would be important for us to really try to support Canadian-made products here at the County of Lambton.”

Sarnia City/County Councillor Brian White agreed saying it would be a good idea to “do a deep dive into where else we can continue to support local and support Canadian first.”

This is not the first time Case has raised the issue. He questioned Warwick Township staff about the amount of American products it may have to purchase.

There are three vehicles in the township’s budget which potentially could come from the US and be subject to tariffs.

That, says Case, has the potential to cost the local government thousands of dollars.

PC candidate and incumbent MPP Bob Bailey has a coffee with Wyoming resident Les Armstrong at a donut shop Tuesday. Meeting residents at restaurants and skating parties is Bailey’s strategy this election, he said.

PC’s bail on all-candidates meetings

CON’T FROM PG 1

Bailey said he initially thought he might attend the Lambton Federation of Agriculture’s allcandidates meeting in Brigden on Feb. 19. But that was before the election was officially called Jan. 28.

Although a number of other Conservative incumbents are also not attending all-candidate meetings during this campaign, Bailey said there was no directive from the party.

“No, there was no email, no letter…I am just doing what I’m doing. I thought it was time to do something different,” he said. “Besides, the same people are going to the all-candidate meetings all the time. They aren’t as popular anymore.”

George Dickenson, organizer for the Lambton Federation of Agriculture (LFA) all-candidates meeting, said he is disappointed Bailey will be a no-show.

“If I’m hiring someone and they don’t come to the job interview, I’m not going to hire them,” Dickenson said. “Bob’s never done this before. But if something changes, Bob’s more than welcome.”

Dickenson is also organizing an LFA all-candidates meeting for the Lambton Kent Middlesex

riding on Feb. 20 in Alvinston and said Conservative incumbent Steve Pinsonneault has also sent his regrets.

Dickenson said he is convinced the PC Party of Ontario is “trying to control the narrative.”

“I find it really arrogant,” he said. They think they have it in the bag.”

Five other candidates have confirmed attendance at an all-candidates meeting at 12:15 p.m. Feb. 18, hosted jointly by the Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Sarnia. But Bailey sent his regrets.

“Of course we are disappointed,” said Chamber CEO Carrie McEachran. “It would be nice to hear from the person whose been serving this community for such a long period of time.

“But certainly it’s also a good opportunity for the other candidates to be able to speak and let us know what their platforms are for the upcoming election,” she said.

Also running to represent the Sarnia-Lambton riding at Queen’s Park is: Rachel Willsie for the Ontario Liberal Party; the NDP’s Candace Young; Keith Benn of the New Blue Party; Libertarian Jacques Boudreau; Independent Nathan Colquhoun and Mark Lamore for the Ontario Party.

HAPPY FAMILY DAY

REMEMBER WHO LOVES YOU

A lonely child, she hopelessly, wandered through the street, Born of a harlot, she knew only cursing and deceit. Curiously dabbling, he slide into a drug filled life, Constantly bullied, split parents, he knew only strife.

Does “Praise of self”, create a generation that doesn’t give? Empowered by “Me”, “My rights”, is that how we live? But, the bloodthirsty, unfaithful and violent, continue to soar, Are we doomed to damnation and destruction, for-ever more?

He who sits in the Heavens, says, “Ask of Me”, For there is nothing hidden, that He does not see. Cleanse me Lord, / cry, from secret faults and presumptuous sin, Peacefully, your ‘Precious Spirit’ forgives and fills me, from within.

You see, For God so ‘loved’ the world, He gave His Son, for you, Valentine’s Day is for mankind, His Love and Promise, for-ever true. Salvation belongs to the Lord; Jesus awaits your call, For every created soul, “One irrevocable breath”, determines all.

The Eternal ‘Love’ Gift: Lord, I find myself alone; I want to know your ‘unconditional’ love Please forgive all my sins, I invite you into my heart, to be Lord of all the areas of my life. May your ‘precious’ Holy Spirit guide and lead me, through life’s journey. Thank-you for the assurance of an Eternal love and home in Heaven, with you. Amen.

family would have taken about 1888/89. It’s not clear what street the house was on.

wife, Mary Jane Barnum, left Petrolia about 1908/09 for Bakersfield, California.

Avoiding the thoughtful exchange of ideas leads to crass politics

It’s really not surprising that the local Ontario PC candidates have decided not to attend all-candidates meetings. It’s another sign that almost all politicians serve their party first, before the people who elected them, the crass opposite of what should be happening.

As you have read, both Sarnia-Lambton PC Candidate and Lambton-KentMiddlesex PC Candidate have decided not to attend all-candidates meetings this time around saying they’d rather go door-todoor or meet people in coffee shops. There are reports the party has nixed the traditional event, but local candidates deny that.

Traditionally, all-candidates events have

been forums to really understand where a candidate stood on the issue. Impromptu questions about specific subjects gave people a chance to see if the would-be MPPs knew what they were talking about – if they understood the problems in their community. They can be lively and uncomfortable if you’re the incumbent MPP.

The decision to leave behind the forums is by design. It’s far easier to gloss over the public’s concern if there is only one person there, as opposed to a crowd in a community hall who will raise more questions.

Today, politicians market themselves instead of proving their smarts. Videos of

candidates shaking hands or giving that dreaded thumbs up fill social media. It’s not enough to judge whether someone can deal with the challenging times were in.

There are some thoughtful, engaged people who still want to interview the men and women who will represent them. And we should expect our leaders to be able to answer our questions, not read from a party playbook. The Ontario PCs may feel all-candidates meetings don’t matter, but by opting out, they anger those who are engaged and send a message that party politics matter more.

Sadly, we let them get away with it by electing people who serve party over the people over and over again.

THEINDEPENDENT

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You can also deliver letters to The Independent at 4156 Petrolia Line, Petrolia or drop them in the mail at The Independent, Petrolia, ON, NON 1R0. The Independent reserves the right to edit letters for brevity and clarity.

Town hall elevator needs $118K fix

Heather Wright

The Independent

The elevator at Victoria Hall is reaching the end of its life and the Town of Petrolia will have to shell out $118,000 to fix it.

That from Julie Bullock, director of parks and recreation for the town.

In a report to council Monday, Bullock said there were two incidents last fall where people were stuck in the elevator at Victoria Hall “for a short period of time” because the doors wouldn’t open.

Firefighters were called to help open the elevators, freeing the passengers.

In the new year, when the theater season ended, Bullock called in the town’s elevator maintenance company to take a look. What they found was a 33 year-old elevator which needed to be overhauled.

Normally, TK Elevator said, the units need to be replaced every 20 to 25 years.

Bullock asked council to fund the

project through the working capital reserve this year, even though it was not in the 2025 budget.

“We can actually have TK Elevator start building the equipment as soon as possible, and then we can store it,” she told council. Or, Bullock said, the town could order the equipment closer to Jan. 2026 when the repairs would be complete.

“We actually have been leading more on the side of let’s get it built as soon as possible. We’ll store it just so that the equipment is here, and hopefully that helps with any cost pressures that might come down the line.”

She adds that building it immediately would mean the fix would be in town should the elevator fail before the theatre season is complete.

“If something drastic were to happen, we might be able to get it between the last of the October show and before the Christmas shows.”

Bullock says it will take some time to install.

“Since the work will shut down the

use of the elevator for four weeks, staff plan to schedule the work for January of 2026 after the close of the theatre season. Signing the quote now will allow time for processing and ordering equipment and will lock in current pricing, which is likely to increase in the coming month,” she said.

Bullock says it will also give town staff to figure out some logistical problems. The elevator, she says, makes the building accessible.

“In the meantime, before January, the municipal office will have to find a solution to remain accessible to people who want to come and visit us,” Bullock said.

The renovations will not be noticeable to people at the hall; it’s the mechanical works which will be replaced not the interior of the car.

And Bullock said, with the repairs, the elevator will be as good as new, lasting another 20 to 25 years without any further repairs.

“Basically it’s almost a brand new elevator. “

No cash to help with Petrolia’s feral cats this year

Heather Wright

The Independent

The Caregivers of Petrolia Ferals

won’t be getting a grant from the Town of Petrolia this year.

Monday, the group requested a $3,000 grant from the town, which had provided cash to control the feral cat population in the past.

In a letter sent to council, the organization said over 275 cats have been trapped in the last two years in town. About 220 of those have been adopted. Several have been released back into the community after being spayed or neutered.

“The number of lives that have been prevented from being born in Petrolia

is astronomical,” said Julie Medeiros in a letter to council.

The group estimates it has spent about $62,000 in Petrolia alone.

Medeiros called the group’s work “critical” since leaving the feral population unchecked would lead to disease.

While councillors appreciated the work of the volunteer group, it didn’t agree to the grant.

“We have a deadline for these kinds of things, and this is, unfortunately, one of those items missed the deadline,” said Councillor Bill Clark.

“I think they do good work, but if we go down that road, then we have to entertain every request, and that’s why we set a deadline in the first place.”

The Corporation of the Town of Petrolia is currently accepting applications to join our team for

PLEASE NOTE:

• Some positions have varying lengths, please take note of the start and end dates.

• Applicants must be attending post-secondary education in the fall of 2025 for positions identified with a double asterisk (**)

• The rate for all positions is $17.20, except for Bartender ($18.18)

Resumes to be submitted, in confidence clearlymarkedwiththepositionyouareapplyingfor no later than 4:30 pm on Monday March 3, 2025

in person: Town of Petrolia | 411 Greenfield Street | Petrolia, Ontario from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm OR via email: jsmith@petrolia.ca

6

– The Independent of Petrolia and Central Lambton

Tariffs, health and housing issues in LKM

Heather Wright

The Independent

They’re back.

Ten months after knocking on the doors of prospective voters in LambtonKent-Middlesex in a May by-election, the same four candidates are out on the streets again, vying for votes in the provincial election. And depending on which candidate you talk to it’s either vital or completely unnecessary.

Doug Ford called the snap election for Feb. 27 with 16 months left before his majority government would normally go to the polls. He said he needed a new mandate to deal with the tariff threat coming from US President Donald Trump. Since the election was called Trump has delayed and then imposed tariffs on Canadian goods.

Ontario PC Candidate

Steve Pinsonneault, says the election call was necessary to give the PC’s a mandate to deal with the fall out from the 25 per cent tariffs which could cripple the economy.

“At the end of the day, you need somebody like our leader to stand up to him. I can’t imagine (Liberal) Bonnie Crombie or (the NDP’s) Marit Stiles going head on with Trump like Ford’s going to,” he said.

Liberal Cathy BurghardtJesson disagrees. “The Premier has majority that he needs to do the work that he does. If he wants to lead, then lead,” she said.

“The reality is, Trump’s not going to be negotiating with Ford. He’s not having those conversations with Ford. I wonder if (Trump) even knows who he is.”

Pinsonneault argues Ford is “a very strong voice” for not just Ontario but Canada.

“We can divert a lot of this by being a loud voice at the table right now,” he said.

Kathryn Shailer of the NDP doesn’t believe the election call was necessary, but welcomes it saying last time she was only pitching for the MPPs job; this election gives people the chance to change the government.

“Even last spring, I was hearing about the desire for change, but people didn’t act on it. And I think we’re at this stage now where people are like, ‘Oh, we didn’t really want an election right now, but here we are. We have it, and we need to make the best of it.’ And to me, the best of this waste of money, which is like nearly $200 million, is to change the government.

“We can’t afford for more years of the Ford govern-

ment, for health care, for education, for affordable housing, for cost of living.

“We can’t afford four more years of this government and rural municipalities haven’t got more voice. They’ve had a little bit more money sprinkled around. But that doesn’t begin to make up for what has been over the years, downloaded on the municipalities and left for them to try and deal with, either by cutting services or by raising taxes,” said Shailer, an Alvinston resident.

Shailer says people are concerned about the possibility of tariffs and the province should be trying to diversify trade markets particularly for the agriculture community.

But there are also pressing problems at home, like housing. Shailer says the NDP intends to change rent control laws so landlords can’t boost rental housing costs just because a new tenant is coming in.

Burghardt-Jesson says the province also has to invest in supportive housing, changing some of the rules to make it more attractive for developers to invest in as well as dealing with the issues around rent control.

Pinsonneault, when asked about rent control, said the problem was about the availability of housing. Ford promised in 2022 to build 150,000 homes a year for the next 10 years. In 2024, about 81,000 homes were built across the province.

Pinsonneault, who says higher interest rates slowed demand, expects that to improve.

“I think you’re going to see us meet our target, and when we meet our target, I think everything’s going to fall into place (for renters.)”

But he believes the biggest threat to Lambton-KentMiddlesex voters is coming from south of the border.

“We, as a government, need to promote small to medium sized businesses to get them moving forward. Part of the problem with us is we have all our eggs in one basket with the United States. We need to start manufacturing our own stuff. We need to really promote that. I think you know, removing these boundaries between provinces is a great idea,” he says.

Burghardt-Jesson agrees the potential trade war is on people’s minds. But she’s also hearing from people who can’t get the medical care they need in Ontario right now. The Liberal Party is basing its campaign on a promise to provide more

family doctors in the next four years.

Burghardt-Jesson says its not just family doctors which are the issue. She’s heard stories at the door of people waiting for months for treatments like cortisone shots.

“It’s the access to primary health care that people are struggling with, but it’s also the wait times for surgery, for treatment, that sort of thing,” she said.

“We all got a $200 (affordability) cheque (from the Ford government before the election), $3 billion...Maybe that should have gone into the actual infrastructure. And when I say infrastructure, I don’t mean building up hospitals. I mean fixing what’s happening in our emergency rooms, incentivizing doctors to come out to our rural areas.”

Pinsonneault says the PC government has invested heavily in health care, adding hundreds of new beds. And it has promised to do more, pledging $1.8 billion to find a way to draw family doctors to the province.

The NDP has also pledged to spend $4 billion to bring more family doctors to Ontario.

The only other candidate in this race is Andreaena Tilgner of the Green Party, who also ran in the May by-election.

The candidates will have an opportunity to debate the issues Feb. 20 in Alvinston as the Lambton Federation of Agriculture hosts an AllCandidates Forum.

Pinsonneault has already said he won’t attend.

Charlotte’s Corner

At Charlotte Eleanor Englehart Hospital (CEEH) of Bluewater Health, kindness often extends beyond medical care. A perfect example

Emergency Department (ED) Patient Registration

Several years ago, Michelle recognized a simple but significant need—some inpatients lacked clothing, and emergency patients sometimes left without anything to wear after their clothing was soiled or damaged. Rather than sending patients home in a gown, she took action. Michelle reached out to staff and volunteers, encouraging them to donate gently used clothing for all ages. She personally laundered and organized donations, ensuring a steady supply of sweatpants, sweatshirts, and children’s clothing. Over time, Charlotte’s Closet expanded to serve both the ED and Complex Continuing Care unit, providing comfort and dignity to those in need.

The CEEH Auxiliary quickly stepped in to support the cause, generously donating both clothing and funds. Their contributions have helped purchase essential personal items, ensuring that no patient is left without the basics.

Charlotte’s Closet is a testament to the caring spirit of CEEH and Bluewater Health staff, where small acts of generosity make a big difference. Thank you, Michelle, and the CEEH Auxiliary, for bringing warmth and comfort to our patients!

February 13, 2025

Potential for $3.5B investments in Lambton

Tariff threats holding companies back says SLEP leader

Heather Wright The Independent

The head of Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership says there are nearly 50 organizations “actively considering” setting up shop here.

But Matthew Slotwinski says the potential for massive tariffs from the US government is making companies nervous enough to put their plans on hold.

Slotwinski provided his annual report to Lambton County councillors Feb. 5. He told council the organization is talking with 99 clients, 48 of which are actively considering Sarnia-Lambton for a project in the future. Those projects, he said, could bring $3.5 billion dollars of investment to the area. Eleven of those potential projects would invest more than $100 million.

And Slotwinski says there is a potential for about $350 million of expansion in existing businesses.

But when he was asked what the possible impact of US President Donald Trump’s 25 per cent tariff threat on Canadian goods, Slotwinski said it has already slowed development.

“As recently as this week, we saw a major investment lead that had come as far as doing site visits in the area to suggest that project is on long term hold at this point in time, until there is some level of certainty,” he says.

“There was a major project that was investigating St Clair township last year, where the word was, it is St Clair township or is nowhere in the world,” Slotwinski said speaking about Diagio’s plans for a Crown Royal plant there.

“And ultimately, because of political uncertainty at that time, before the election had even taken place, it was decided that it was too uncertain for the project to ultimately move forward.

“We have lost projects. We have projects that are no longer moving through the pipeline as a result of this. And I think that’s something where we’ll see some instability for some time.”

Councillors wanted to know what SLEP was planning in the face of the tariffs.

“The reality is, we don’t know what’s going to happen in as little as 30 days from now, and how that’s going to impact certain businesses, so it’s difficult to be completely proactive when we don’t know what we’re being proactive towards,” he said.

But Slotwinski did again urge local municipalities to be proactive, urging them to invest in getting industrial land ready for development.

“We lose investment because we often aren’t on par with engaging jurisdictions. We need to be proactive in readiness to drive capital investment and job creation,” he said.

Sarnia City/County Councillor Brian White asked, “are you basically suggesting that one of our municipalities, if not the county, purchase a property so that it is ready for development...Is that ultimately what you were indicating that we were behind other jurisdictions by not having one of those sites ready?”

Slotwinski says municipally owned industrial land has “significant advantages.

“When you own a property, it provides you the most leverage for truly making it investment ready, for deciding how proactive you’ll be in pursuing certain types of investment to the area and how you’ll ultimately deal in driving that investment,” he said.

But Slotwinski added municipal governments could work with private land holders to bring services to them.”

“When you don’t have control of the land, it’s hard to justify, in many cases, bringing the infrastructure to that land,” he said.

HOCKEY FOR HUNGER

The Petrolia U15 4C team is helping out the community this month. It’s hosting a food drive for the Petrolia Community Refrigerator for the next couple of weeks at Heidi’s Independent. The players can be found in the store occasionally or even trying to flag down shoppers as they

Enniskillen/Petrolia homeowners will get pick up

The Independent

Four homeowners whose lots are in both Petrolia and Enniskillen Township will be getting curbside garbage collection. But they’ll have to pay for it.

Jeff Hackett came to Petrolia Council in January on behalf of his 99 year-old Oozloffsky Street neighbour.

For 30 years the man and three of his neighbours had received curbside pickup from Petrolia. Their homes front onto Oozloffsky but much of their property lies within the Township of Enniskillen. They pay property taxes to both municipalities.

When Waste Management brought in its new garbage collection system, complete with garbage and recycling ‘wheelie’ bins, the residents were told they were not eligible for pickup.

Hackett’s neighbour was one of the residents who no longer gets garbage pickup.

He argued the elderly man should not have to take his items to the dump after having curbside pickup all these years.

Monday, at the request of Councillor

Liz Welsh who was absent due to illness, council reconsidered the issue.

Councillor Bill Clark was among those who wanted to find a solution.

“I think it’s just worth mentioning that we’ve been collecting this for 20-plus years or more, and I don’t see any reason why we wouldn’t continue to do so.

“These property owners, they’re all paying taxes, and truly, I realize their properties are divided into two municipalities, but it’s a service that we provided for as long as I have known, I don’t see any reason why we wouldn’t continue.”

Mandi Pearson, director of legal services, says while the homeowners pay taxes in both municipalities, they pay taxes for a vacant lot in Petrolia. And because the portion of the land is so small for the homeowners, the highest tax bill among the four is about $70.

Council asked staff to reach out to the homeowners involved and see if they would like to pay for curbside pickup.

If they would, the town will work with Waste Management to bring the service back to the four homes.

Countryview plan for 27 homes moves forward

The Independent

A plan to build 27 new homes in Countryview Subdivision has cleared its first municipal hurdle.

Developer Louis Bratanek plans 27 single family homes in phase nine of the subdivision and the end of Countryivew Drive.

The parcel of land is almost 17 acres, however the homes will sit on about eight acres since some of the land near Bear

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Creek is an Environmental Protection zone. The land Elbee proposes to use is already zoned for single family homes.

Petrolia Council held a public meeting on the proposal in January and while there were some concerns about access to the area, council gave the development a green light Monday.

Bratanek will now work with Lambton County planners to come up with a plan of subdivision, which the town will approve.

Thursday, February 13, 2025

Overnight stays up in Sarnia-Lambton

Heather Wright

The Independent

Sarnia-Lambton’s tourism industry did better than surrounding communities in 2024 That from Adam Veen, marketing director for Tourism Sarnia-Lambton. He was giving his yearly report to Lambton County council Feb. 5.

Veen says overnight stays in SarniaLambton were up 9.3 per cent in 2024 over the year before. Revenue from those stays is up 10 per cent, bringing in $25.2 million. Most of the tourists visiting SarniaLambton are coming from Ontario.

Domestic Travel Data shows 92 per cent of the 283,207 visitors came from Ontario – mostly from the Greater Toronto Area and London. The rest are coming from Quebec and Alberta. There were 16,875 visitors coming from the US, more than half of them

from Michigan.

Some county councillors were interested in tapping into those visitors in their own communities.

“Have you you reach out regularly to all our municipalities that are represented here to sit down with them and talk to them,” asked Plympton-Wyoming Mayor Gary Atkinson. “Is there something going on in their area that maybe you could be involved with to help out, or we can work together with them to promote and bring more people into our area?”

“I always encourage anybody that has a new idea to reach it directly towards us,” Veen said.

Warwick Mayor Todd Case reiterated the request saying it would be good if TSL’s executive director would visit local councils to give everybody an update on what the county-funded body is doing.

New tourism group likely to promote Lambton Shores

Heather Wright

The Independent

Lambton Shores may set up its own tourism promotion organization.

In 2017, the province gave municipalities permission to charge a tax of up to four per cent on accommodations in their municipalities. Half of the cash was to be spent on tourism promotion.

Lambton Shores is home to one of the biggest summer tourism spots in southwestern Ontario – Grand Bend. Several years ago, the municipality started talking about implementing an accommodation tax. Part of the provincial rules say an arms-length organization has to spend at least 50 per cent of the money raised by the tax.

Lambton County has it’s own tourism promotion entity, Tourism Sarnia Lambton, but Lambton Shores Mayor Doug Cook says his municipality is working towards its own organization – a municipal services corporation.

“Half of (the tax money) would come back to the municipality for our use, and then the second half would be used by them to promote activities in Lambton Shores,” says Cook. The tax could generate between $300,000 and $400,000 a year, he added.

Cook said the municipality originally reached out to Tourism Sarnia Lambton to see what services it could provide if it turned over Lambton Shores tax revenue.

“We asked for presentation from the group several times in the last year, and we weren’t provided with any presentation from them. So as a result, we decided to go on our own to fund our own services corporation,” says Cook. “We need to have an organization that is

St.

The Independent

St. Clair Township is looking for more grant money for its Courtright waste water treatment plant.

The township has been exploring expansion of the Courtright plant for some time. It became more urgent when Crown Royal maker, Diagio, announced it would be building a new $245 million plant in St. Clair. The distiller would need most of the capacity from the Courtright plant.

There has also been a surge of home building in St. Clair.

In August, before Diagio put the Crown

going to support us,” he said. “And at this point, Tourism Sarnia Lambton did not appear to be the funding agency to deal with.”

Lambton Shores CAO, Steve McAuley, said in a report to council “Staff are of the opinion that tourism in Lambton Shores is best served through the establishment of an MSC focused solely on Lambton Shores and areas in the immediate vicinity of Lambton Shores.”

Cook says the other half of the tax, which the municipality can spend, may be used to promote economic development.

Administration is now working on a report required to start the new tourism agency. It’s also preparing a bylaw for the project.

Cook says Lambton Shores will be holding a public meeting and host an online survey to get public input. It will also be meeting with the Grand Bend Chamber of Commerce and the Forest BIA to hear their ideas about an accommodation tax.

So far, the mayor says, the reaction is mixed with some businesses worried how the new tax will affect the number of visitors coming to the region and the added paperwork it may cause.

Lambton Shores would become the third Lambton municipality to charge the accommodation tax. Both Sarnia and Point Edward, which are home to most of the areas hotels.

It was estimated to generate $600,000 for Point Edward when the village became the first Lambton municipality to collected the accommodation tax.

Sarnia generated about $97,000 yearly with the tax, with about $480,000 brought in since it started.. There was also concern about how the money was being used to promote the city, an issue which has since been resolved according to Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley.

Royal plant on hold, the province kicked in $33.87 million for the expansion of the plant. With the province saying new plant will create waste water system capacity for over 600 homes and allow more industrial development in the future.

But the cost of the project is expected to top $45 million and St. Clair Township would be expected to cover the additional $12 million.

At a recent meeting, council agreed to apply to the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund to help cover some of that cost.

Without the additional grant, the township will have to finance the rest of the project.

Meadowview dementia project moves forward

Heather Wright

The Independent

Small home dementia unit at Meadowview moves ahead despite objections

A plea to reconsider a $12 million, 12 bed dementia care unit at Lambton Meadowview in Petrolia has been ignored.

Heather Martin, CEO at Vision Nursing Home for the past 37 years, urged the politicians to reconsider building Ontario’s first Small House Project for dementia patients in a letter to Lambton County Councillors Feb. 5.

She had hoped to speak to council about her concerns, and Sarnia City/County Councillor Chrissy McRoberts thought they could “benefit” from her experience. Council opted not to reconsider the project or allow Martin to speak.

“It’s an innovative, creative idea but it’s not affordable,” said Martin said.

“It’s not a good business decision. Putting this burden on the taxpayer isn’t called for.” The project started out smaller and for a quarter of the cost but has mushroomed in size and expense over the past four years.

What began as a 10-bed addition costing $3.6 million in 2020 was approved in October as a 12-bed addition costing $12.2

million.

“If it was a $6 million project, it would be okay. But in whose world do we build $1-million long term care beds?” Martin asked.

“This is crazy.”

Michael Gorgey, Lambton County’s general manager of Long Term Care said the National Institute on Aging says long term care should move away from larger institutions with wards to smaller, homelike settings. The Meadowview project, the first in Ontario, provides a private bedroom and washroom to each resident. There is a small group a place to live, dine and socialize together.

“These beds are for people with complex dementia who are often denied space in long term care,” he said. “A lot of people with behaviours that make them unsafe are given more of a home environment, less interaction with others, and they experience reduced hospitalization, lower incidents of infections, less violence, and require less anti-psychotic medications.

“The cost of construction is higher but there are real benefits to it,” he said.

The county has to begin work on the unit by March 31 or risk losing $3.6 million in provincial funding for the project

Police may patrol shelter neighbourhood

Heather Wright

The Independent

It wasn’t the answer Tony Gioiosa wanted but word the temporary homeless shelter in Sarnia neighbourhood will close, likely by the end of 2025, was welcomed.

Gioiosa went to Lambton County council Feb. 5 asking for the Laurel Lea Emergency Shelter set up last year to be closed in 90 days. And he laid out some of what is happening in the neighbourhood.

“Our once stable and harmonious community is now a hot spot of unwanted activity,” says Gioiosa. That includes “open drug use, public defecation, violent behaviors, threatening altercations and littering of abandoned grocery carts sometimes filled with unwanted items… and zombie-like individuals walking the streets.”

Gioiosa said when the shelter closes during the day, particularly in the summer, its residents stay in the neighbourhood off Exmouth. “We are now in a situation where the community has gave an inch with the best of intentions, and the shelter is extracted over a foot this past summer. Simply put, it is unbearable.

“It’s gone on too long, and it’s gone too far,” said Gioiosa.

While the residents wanted the shelter

closed in 90 days, Valerie Colassanti, general manager of Social Services, said that’s not possible.

“Ninety days is not doable. We will not be able to find housing for the 35 individuals who reside there,” she said, adding “I think we would be looking the earliest would be the end of 2025.”

Colassanti said some of the residents may end up at new shelter beds created at the Inn of the Good Shepherd across town.

“We’re doing the best we can with the shelters, but perhaps maybe not being done the right way, and we’re still suffering as a community, because if we don’t have a shelter for these folks to go,” said Sarnia City/County Councillor Chrissy McRoberts. Lambton Councillors agreed with her suggestion to place a police officer near the shelter to reduce the problems in the neighbourhood, which staff will investigate.

“I think it is a step forward,” said Gioiosa after the meeting. “Are we get what we’re asking for, not necessarily. It was nice that the discussion was had that it will be closed.”

Community Futures launches new grant program

The Independent Community Futures Lambton will be helping the community with money which comes from the sale of the organization’s building.

Sarah Reaume of Community Futures told Lambton County councillors Feb. 5 the organization recently sold its building on Durand St. in Sarnia and purchased a smaller building on Christina Street. The group’s board wanted to use the proceeds from the sale to “activate community economic development.”

So, it’s starting the Community Futures Grant program.

Up to $40,000 per year will be handed out in grants ranging from $500 to $5,000.

“Our intention is really wide open

to anything that impacts economic development at the grassroots level within Lambton County.,” says Reaume.

“That could be a street festival in Alvinston. It could be a tourism initiative. It could be a special event or a municipal anniversary. It could be a youth initiative, we’re really wide open with these grants for anything that is uplifting and empowers economic development at the at the community level,” she said.

Reaume said the grants will be provided to not-for profits, service clubs even municipal governments.

She’s hoping the money will be “seed funding that they might need to help launch initiatives.”

Applications open March 1 and will be announced April 14.

Cannabis plant destroyed in Dresden

The Independent

The Ontario Fire Marshal is investigating after an industrial fire in Dresden which destroyed a cannabis operation.

Firefighters were called to the former MPT plant on Community Road around 3 am Monday after a passerby noticed the building in flames. About 40 firefighters from stations were on the scene. The single story of the building on site has been gutted. Assistant Fire Chief Sean McRoberts says the two-storey steel clad building next to it sustained smoke damage but was protected from the flames by a concrete firewall.

The Chatham-Kent Police Service Criminal Investigations Unit and the Ontario Fire Marshal’s are working on the cause of the fire. Police have yet to respond to questions about the investigation.

The building, owned by an Ontario numbered company based in the GTA, is a licensed cannabis facility according to McRoberts. Witnesses tell The Independent, four people who were believed to live on site, were seen leaving the building with their suitcases as firefighters tried to contain the blaze behind the large blue, steel sheeting fence. McRoberts could not comment on whether the men were residents at the industrial site.

Kineto tries artsy, silly produce fundraiser

Heather Wright

The Independent

“Why would somebody give $6.2 million for a banana on the wall?”

That’s what Forest’s Jose Van Haastert thought after seeing what a crypto billionaire paid for a piece of conceptual art with a banana on the wall. Her family talked about the massive price tag for the art over Christmas. But the concept got Van Haastert, a member of the Forest Kiwanis Club, thinking about a fundraiser for the much needed projection equipment at the Kineto Theatre. It has a price tag of about $80,000.

The club has just raised $1.5 million to update the theatre and club members didn’t seem to be interested in a big campaign. Van Haastert thought a tongue-in-cheek conceptual art series might be just the ticket.

“If we do something really silly, then it’s a fundraising, but it’s also fun.”

So, Van Haastert raised the issue at a Kiwanis meeting. “I said, ‘Hey guys, we can get $6.2 million every if we tape something on the wall, but we don’t do the banana, we do an apple on a rope. And that’s how it all started.”

Kiwanis agreed and Van Haastert created a sequence of three objects to be part of the fundraiser.

“I added a what was the Mandarin and on the other side, accompanied by a cucumber.” She also added an artist statement. “It came as a very silly write up. It just didn’t make any sense.

But that was part of that art, because it’s called conceptual art. It’s not about the art, it is about the idea,” she said.

The orange, the statement says, “reflects the continuous, eternal and persistent relationship between the Kineto Theatre and its astonishing community.”

The “strength, beauty and shape of the rope” is around the apple which “represents the power of community.”

And cucumber taped to the wall depicts “the vulnerability, perishability, beauty and fifty shades of green, bring the emotions of peace, common sense and love into the cosmos.”

The Silly Sequence is on display at the Kineto Theatre for people to bid on

the art.

“If you sign up for the silent auction, you get the bronze apple, (donated by artist Morris Wazney) you get the real art, the mandarin, the apple, and the other produce. But we also made a canvas with all three on them, so you have something to hang on your wall eventually,” says Van Haastert.

The club is also making the fundraiser “accessible to the public” by creating bookmarks and post cards which people can purchase for $5 each “where people who like reading, they see the bookmark, they think about Kineto every day.”

Bids can be made in person or by emailing info@kineto.ca.

Franchise record eludes Flyers in loss to Bulldogs

Barry Wright

The Independent

The race for the regular season banner in the PJHL’s Yeck Division has come down to the final weekend.

The Petrolia Flyers lead the standings with a record of 26-11-3 and 55 points. But they are only three points ahead of fourth place Port Stanley and the Sailors have a game in hand. Exeter and Mt. Brydges are second and third with 54 and 53 points respectively.

Feb. 6 at Greenwood, Mt. Brydges beat the Flyers, 4-3 to snap Petrolia’s six-game winning streak.

Cam Davidson, Tobias Iantorno and Owen Peters scored from the Flyers with Andrew Jaques adding a pair of assists.

Elijah Grant took the goaltending loss with 42 saves as the visitors outshot Petrolia, 46-40.

Petrolia will try again to reach a new franchise plateau for wins in a single season on Thursday when they host the Thamesford Trojans at 7:30.

Petrolia closes out the regular season on Saturday taking on the Sailors in Port Stanley. Aside from the game against the Flyers, the Sailors were scheduled to have played Lucan on Tuesday but the score was not available prior to our press deadline and Aylmer takes on the Sailors in St. Thomas on Thursday.

Exeter is home to Mt. Brydges Friday and will end the regular season in Lucan next Monday afternoon. The Bulldogs’ other game is against the North Middlesex Stars in Parkhill on Saturday.

Flags’s offense clicking with win over Sharks

Barry Wright

The Independent

The Mooretown Flags connected for 15 goals in victories over the Sharks in Wheatley and at home against the Walpole Island Wild.

Mooretown has now won three straight contests and has only suffered a single regulation loss in seven games.

The Flags struck for five, second period tallies on their way to an 8-4 win Feb. 5. Wes Brooks scored twice and added an assist for the winners and Dylan Dupuis continued his torrid pace with a goal and three assists. Parker Currie, Masen Flett, Jace Dupuis, Carson Crawford and Dane Nisbet also scored for Mooretown.

John Chartrand faced 41 shots to become just the third goalie in Flags history to reach 50 regular season wins between the pipes joining Jake Wilkins and Brandon Johnston.

Saturday, Chartrand and Josh Breault combined to make 27 saves in backstopping the Mooretown Flags to a 7-0 win over the Walpole Island Wild in Mooretown.

Jack Baerg led the Flags with two goals and an assist with Flett also scoring twice. Brooks, Landon Marcy and Dylan Dupuis each had a goal and an assist for Mooretown. Dupuis is now riding a 14-game point streak with 14 goals and 11 assists over that stretch dating back to early December. Jace Dupuis contributed a trio of assists and Crawford had two helpers.

The Flags called a timeout in the last minute of the game to allow the players of both teams to honour Jeff Parney who was officiating his last PJHL league game after 30 years of service in the OHA.

Mooretown is in third place in the league’s Stobbs Division one point up on Amherstburg and three points better than Wheatley.

The Flags are home to Lakeshore on Wednesday night (Feb. 12) and will close the regular season with a game against the Admirals at the Moore Sports Complex on Saturday. Both games are scheduled for 7:30. The Sharks are at home to Blenheim on Wednesday (Feb. 12) and the close the regular season the next night against the Wild on Walpole Island.

Dane Gubbels scrambles as the puck heads to the net in the Bees 6-5 over time win Saturday.

Faulkner scores winner for Killer Bees in OT victory

Barry Wright

The Independent

Another unlikely hero lifted the Alvinston Killer Bees to a comefrom-behind 6-5 win over the Petrolia Squires in Ontario Super Hockey League action.

Caden Faulkner scored twice, in Alvinston Saturday, including the game-winner at 4:04 of overtime, and added an assist.

The second-year player only has three goals on the season and hadn’t scored since late October.

Ethan Lamoureux also had two goals and an assist for the winners with James McEwan scoring a goal and adding three helpers. He is second

in league scoring going into the final weekend with 15 goals and 48 points in 23 games.

Jayden Lammel had the other Alvinston goal.

Zach VanEyk and TJ Harris each scored twice for the Squires who had period leads of 2-1 and 4-2 and had a 5-3 advantage late in the third period before the Bees scored twice in 97 seconds to force extra time.

Joey Ferrera had the other Petrolia marker.

Dane Gubbels was the winning goaltender. Jakob Knowles took the loss. The Bees outshot the Squires, 37-33.

The Bees won four of five games against Petrolia this season but most

games were close with four games being decided by two goals or less. Alvinston is now 19-3-1 on the season and will close the regular season Saturday at home against Tilbury at 6:45. If they win against the Bluebirds, the Killer Bees will set a new league record for victories in a single season. Tilbury won 19 games in the 2022-23 campaign.

Petrolia ends the season with a record of 13-10-1. They have this week off.

The Squires are tied with Tillsonburg and Stratford for third place in the division standings but can’t finish any higher than fourth as the Thunder and Fighting Irish finish the season playing each other in Stratford on Saturday.

Legionnaires lose one-goal game to defending champs

The Independent

Lambton Jr. Sting grad Carter Fogarty had his first career GOJHL home ice hat trick and added an assist but he and his Sarnia Legionnaires ran out of runway in a 6-5 loss to the Listowel Cyclones last Thursday night at Pat Stapleton Arena.

With his effort, Fogarty is now second in rookie scoring with 21 goals and 41 points in 38 games.

Brendan Cooke had a goal and an

assist for the Legionnaires with Luke Laevens scoring the other.

Blake Barnes and Austin Fellinger chipped in with two assists each.

Ryan Burroughs made 32 stops in the Sarnia crease.

With just 10 games left in the regular season, the Legionnaires are now nine points back of Strathroy for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference with a record of 15-21-4.

Oil Springs’ William Hull had two assists and Alvinston’s Hayden Duncan

made 26 stops in the Rockets 4-3 win against St. Thomas in overtime last Saturday.

Sarnia was scheduled to play the St. Thomas Stars on Tuesday at 6:40 but the score was not available prior to our press time. Sarnia hosts LaSalle on Thursday before a pair of road games. They play at Strathroy on Saturday and skate against the Kings in Komoka next Monday afternoon.

Bulldogs’ other game is against the North Middlesex Stars Saturday.

LCCVI unbeaten in high school hockey heading to playoffs

The Independent

LCCVI remains unbeaten in four games this season following a 2-1 win over previously undefeated CKSS in Chatham.

The Golden Hawks are 3-1 on the season. The Lancers are 2-0-2. LCCVI is at Wallaceburg on Feb. 12 and return home for a rematch with CKSS Thursday at Greenwood. Puck drop for both games is 2:30.

Meantime, in boys’ action, LCCVI moved into a second place with a 5-1 win over North Lambton.

Nathan Reidhead broke a 1-1 tie with the game-winning goal early in the second period. Jack Thompson, Roen Douglas, Sam Sanderson and Hunter Mitchell also scored for the LCCVI. Jace Hall and Tayt Stonehouse each had two assists. Emmett Jones replied for the Eagles.

The Lancers are now tied for second place with St. Patrick’s with 4-3 records after the Irish upended Northern, 4-2. The Vikings lead the standings with a 5-2 mark. The Lancers have a chance to tie Northern for top spot when they take on the Vikings at Greenwood on Wednesday at 2:30. LKSSAA hockey playoffs begin next week.

Thursday, February 13, 2025

Briefly: Sting on three game slide

The Sting is mired in a three-game winless streak after losses to Windsor and Peterborough. The latter in a shootout. Brady Stonehouse ripped a wrist shot through the five hole on goaltender Evan Maillett in the fourth round of a shootout to give the Peterborough Petes a 3-2 win over the Sting before 4,110 fans at Progressive Auto Sales Arena. Maillet made 20 saves in taking the loss in the crease. Sarnia remains in seventh place in the Western Conference standings three points behind Flint with a game in hand. Sarnia is home to Guelph Wednesday, travels to Windsor on Thursday and hosts the Soo Greyhounds Saturday. Saginaw is in town for Sarnia’s annual Family Day game next Monday at 2. Meantime, the Sting has announced that Carter Kostuch will not return to the line-up this season. He’s been out since suffering an eye injury against the 67’s in Ottawa two months ago. •••

It was an eventual week for the London Knights. First, they clinched a playoff spot for the 24th straight OHL season beating Kitchener, 5-3 and then Easton Cowan had his 65-game point streak snapped in a 3-1 win over Peterborough Friday. That was London’s 40th victory of the season. The week ended on a sour note when defenceman Cam Allen was arrested and charged with impaired driving following an accident in London in the pre-dawn hours on Sunday. Tuesday, the league announced that Allen has been suspended pending a league review. London travels to Barrie for a contest with the Eastern Conference-leading Colts on Thursday. The Knights host the Soo and Flint on Friday night and Monday afternoon respectively. •••

Forest’s Tyler McGregor will wear the C for Team Canada in the Reeve Hockey Classic in suburban Boston later this month. The Canadians will take on Team USA in a game on Feb. 19 to raise money and awareness for the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. The foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury and improving the quality of life for

individuals and families impacted by paralysis. An actor, activist, hockey fan, and goalie, Christopher Reeve became paralyzed due to a severe spinal cord injury when he fell from his horse in 1995. The actor, who played Superman, died in 2004.

•••

Local teams won three championship banners at the girls’ Outdoor River Classic in Buffalo. The Lambton Attack won a total of eight games to win both the under-11 and under-15 B title and the Mooretown Flags won the under-15 BB crown. Trailing 2-0, the Flags rallied to win the championship in overtime.

•••

Sombra’s Lily Klompstra is the first recruit to commit to the Lambton College women’s softball team for the 2025 campaign. She comes to the Sarnia campus via Wallaceburg District Secondary School and the Chatham Golden Eagles program. Her brother Logan was a member of the Lambton College baseball team last season.

•••

The Alvinston Ice Angels won four medals, including a pair of gold, at a synchronized skating event in Oakville. The adult On the Edge squad took top spot in its competition, as did the Star 4 Elementary team. The Star 4 Intro and Pre-Novice squads both won bronze. The On the Edge and Pre-Novice squads set personal best scores in the process.

•••

Wyoming Minor Ball is looking for players for the coming season. There are openings on some of the River League boys’ teams and Local League girls’ teams. Go to their website at www. wyomingminorball.ca for details.

Scholarship set up in honour of late judge

The Independent Students in St. Clair Township and Sarnia will be able to apply for a new scholarship program, named in honour of an Ontario Court Justice from Sarnia.

The Sarnia Community Foundation says the family of the late Anne McFadyen has set up an annual scholarship program, similar to LCCVI’s Nicol Scholarships. It will honour five graduating students from Great Lakes Secondary School providing $12,000 for tuition, housing and supplies for post secondary education.

The scholarship will be handed out based on academic excellence, community service, leadership, and financial need, said Mike Barron, executive director of the community foundation. McFadyen moved to Sarnia with her family when she was 14. She pursued a career in law, she became the first woman to be the president of the Lambton Law Association and the first lawyer from Lambton County elected to the executive board of the County and District Law Presidents Association.

McFadyen was appointed a judge of the Ontario Court of Justice in October

1998 until she retired in 2022 although she continued hearing cases occasionally after her retirement. She passed away in February last year.

In her obituary, family members said her greatest joy at work was to officiate adoption ceremonies, welcoming each of the 400 families to celebrate the event.

Outside of the courtroom, McFadyen was an long distance runner, working with the Sarnia Road Runners on events and named runner of the year in 1985. She also completed 13 marathons including the Boston Marathon three times.

McFadyen acted in the Lambton Law Association’s fundraising plays and was an avid book club member.

“Anne McFadyen believed in the power of community and importance of education,” said Barron in a news release. These scholarships will help perpetuate that belief and inspire others to follow in her footsteps.”

High school playoffs begin this week

The Independent

LCCVI ended the LKSSAA senior boys’ AA basketball season bowing to the John McGregor Panthers, 54-43 Monday. Zac Colborne had 12 points for the Lancers with Owen Layne and Elijah Robinson adding nine and eight points respectively. The same two teams will open the playoffs on Wednesday at John McGregor. First tip is 5 p.m. Great Lakes plays Wallaceburg in the other semi-final. The winners will play for the Lambton Kent championship Friday. Meantime, in Senior A division action, Pain Court beat North Lambton, 48-40 Monday. The Eagles ended up in third place and will travel to Pain Court for a semi-final contest Thursday at 7 pm. The championship game is set for next Tuesday.

In Junior AA playoff action, LCCVI is hosting John McGregor Wednesday in the Petrolia gym at 5:30 with the winner advancing to Friday’s final. In Junior A post season play, North Lambton travels to Chatham Christian Thursday at 5:30 with the winner moving to the championship contest next Tuesday.

In Senior girls’ AA volleyball playoffs, LCCVI was home to Wallaceburg on Tuesday for a chance to advance to Friday’s final. And, North Lambton was at Chatham Christian in a girls’ A quarterfinal on Tuesday with a chance to move on to Wednesday’s semi-finals.

In Junior AA action, LCCVI is home

Tyler Collins goes to the basket during the Lancers loss to McGregor.

to Wallaceburg Tuesday with the winner moving to the title match on Friday and North Lambton entertains Tilbury in Junior A play with the winner advancing to Wednesday’s semi-finals. Scores from games on Tuesday were not available prior to our weekly press time.

The Petrolia & North Enniskillen Fire Department is currently recruiting for VOLUNTEER/PAID ON-CALL FIREFIGHTERS

Volunteering with the Petrolia and North Enniskillen Fire Department is both challenging and rewarding. It will require a very high level of dedicated service to the community and a willingness to always help others.

General Outline:

This position will require that you respond to all emergencies when called upon. Specifically, you will respond to the following: all hazards, fire emergencies, technical rescue including high angle, structural collapse, confined space, machinery, water, hazardous materials, medical emergencies to provide emergency patient care and assistance, motor vehicle emergencies, other specialized emergencies and calls for public assistance. In addition, you will be required to assist and provide public safety education, fire inspections, develop pre-fire emergency plans, engage in training activities on a regular basis and maintain fire apparatus, equipment, and stations.

Skills and Requirements:

• 18 years of age or older and legally entitled to work in Canada.

• An Ontario secondary school diploma (Grade 12) or equivalent.

• Willing to obtain Standard First Aid certificate and a valid CPR for Health Care Providers (Level HCP) certification. Offered in-house.

• NFPA 1001 Level I & II certification an asset, must be willing to obtain.

• Valid Class “DZ” driver’s licence with a satisfactory Driver’s Abstract within two years of hire.

• Ability to attend meeting and training nights, weekends, and holidays.

• Ability to understand and communicate clearly in English, both oral and written.

• Ability to cope in high stress situations.

• Ability to work as a team member.

• Ability to obtain and provide a satisfactory vulnerable sector criminal record search.

• Successful completion of Firefighter aptitude and physical agility tests

• Must be physically fit to handle the sustained, intense, physical effort often required to perform these duties

• Must live within our response area of North Enniskillen or Town of Petrolia

• Must be physically fit to handle the sustained, intense, physical effort often required to perform these duties.

Interested applicants are invited to visit www.petroliafire.ca to view a detailed description and additional information on requirements when applying, including supporting documents.

Resumes to be submitted in confidence no later than 4:30 pm on February 28, 2025

Resumes clearly marked “Volunteer/Paid On-Call Firefighters” to be directed to: Town of Petrolia Attention: Chief Rick Cousins 411 Greenfield Street Petrolia, ON N0N 1R0 or electronically to: jsmith@petrolia.ca

We appreciate the interest of all those who respond; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Information obtained through this posting is collected

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH

HANEY, Marilyn Norma

Age: 84, of Corunna

D.J. Robb Funeral Home

DARBY, A. Kent

Age: 83 Smith Funeral Home

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5TH

McKAY, Lorne Elmer

Age: 86

Needham-Jay Funeral Home

PARKE, Ron Age: 70

Needham-Jay Funeral Home

BELANGER, Lois Christina (Falloon)

Age: 92

D.J. Robb Funeral Home

MILLER, Carman Wilbur

Age: 90 Van Heck Funeral Home

TRUSLER, Ryan

Age: 55 Smith Funeral Home

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6TH

HINDMARCH, Marilyn Lois

Age: 80 McCormack Funeral Home

HANDS, Raymond “Ray”

Age: 93

John C. Badder Funeral Home

TAYLOR, Timmothy George “Tim” Age: 74 Smith Funeral Home

Obituary

After

Villa, Petrolia, with family by his side. Lorne spend his entire life working and living on the family farm for over 80 years, in Enniskillen Township. Beloved

OLENIUK, Donald Alexander

Age: 92 Smith Funeral Home

DAFOE, Kevin Bryce Age: 67 Smith Funeral Home

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7TH

KEECH, Charles Patrick Age: 57 Van Heck Funeral Home

LETOURNEAU, Albertine Marie (Marentette) Age: 91 Van Heck Funeral Home

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8TH

FRASER, Jack Age: 90 Needham-Jay Funeral Home

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9TH

NICKELS, Mary Rachel Age: 88 Smith Funeral Home

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10TH

IGNATIUS, Christie Selvanesam Age: 94 McKenzie Blundy Funeral Home

EWING, CoraLou (née Hayes)

Age: 73

Needham-Jay Funeral Home

Obituary

McILWAIN

Patricia At Bluewater Health, Sarnia on Saturday, February 1, 2025, Patricia Ruth McIlwain of Sarnia passed away in her 91st year.

Obituary

FERGUSON

Kenneth “Kenny”

Predeceased by her husband Garland (April 2024) of nearly 72 years. Dear mother of Sherry Morrison (late Gary), Christine Mathers (Dave), George (Susan), Lynn, Gary and Bill McIlwain. Also survived by her grandchildren Connor Mathers (Julie), Melissa Bush (Adam), Lana McIlwain, Devon McIlwain, Meghan and Colleen McIlwain and greatgrandchildren Owen, Cole and Maya. Predeceased by her siblings Katherine Page, Barbara Parsons and George Young. Patricia worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital in the Purchasing Department for many years. Cremation has taken place and a family service will be held at the Alvinston Cemetery in the spring. Memorial donations may be made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Sarnia-Lambton and online condolences at www. vanheckfuneralhome.ca

husband of Eileen McKay (nee Rundle). Loving father of Brenda and Scott Elliott, Brian McKay, and Wayne and Melissa McKay. Treasured grandpa of Lauren and Craig Baan, Breanna and Brandon Wilson, Nick and Cailee Morreau, and Colton, Morgan, Sydney, Jenna, Danielle, and Leah McKay. Great grandfather to Lilah and Flora Morreau and Flynn Wilson. Predeceased by his infant grandson, Tyler Elliott (1995), and his parents, Elmer and Vina McKay. Lorne was a quiet man with a deep faith in the Lord, and attended People’s Church, Wyoming. Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., from People’s Church, 3888 London Line, Wyoming, where a funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Private interment in Hillsdale Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made by cheque or online to the C.E.E. Hospital Foundation (CEEHF.ca), or Lambton Meadowview Auxiliary. Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.NeedhamJay.com

Kenneth “Kenny” Ferguson passed away in Petrolia following a brief illness. He was born on October 2, 1941, to Jean and David Ferguson in Cornwall, Ontario. Raised on the corner in Avonmore, many locals fondly remember him as “Hoe Handle.” Kenny married Arlene in 1985, but he lost the love of his life in 2004. Kenny began his career as a lineman, working for his brotherin-law, Bernie Robertson, and he later concluded his career in Petrolia as an Ironworker, proudly belonging to the International Brotherhood of Ironworkers Local 700. He was predeceased by his brothers, Douglas Dwayne and John David, and his brother Donald Grant, who survived him by just 14 hours. Kenny is survived by his sister Lois (Bernie)

Robertson, Ila (Blaine) McElheran, nephews Scott Robertson and Shawn (Janice) McElheran, and nieces Karen (Bryan) Moran and Lana (Alex) Leblanc. He is also cherished by his great-nieces and great-nephews. Kenny meant a great deal to many people. His love for a good country song, an open bottle of beer, Petrolia Line, and the freedom of the open road created lasting memories that we will all treasure. He will be deeply missed by many, including Terry, Rich, and Brian, but most of all by his best friend, Doug Robillard. He will be laid to rest alongside his wife in Petrolia at Hillsdale Cemetery, but part of him will take one last ride home to Avonmore, where he will be interred with his brothers and parents at Paul’s Hill. Memories and condolences may be shared online at www. NeedhamJay.com

Mom, dad and sister Sharon

Goodbyes are not forever. Goodbyes are not the end. They simply mean I'll miss you, until we meet again

Love, Jim, Audrey, Jeffrey, Jeniffer, Nathaniel, Jen and the little ones.

177 John Street, P.O. Box 561, Watford, Ontario, N0M 2S0 • www.shanahanrealty.com Leo Shanahan Sales Representative Direct: 519-878-5981 • leo@shanahanrealty.com • Office: 226-848-6684 3272 Walnut St., Alvinston

Upcoming Event

SHORES TO HOST FREE JOB FAIR ON MARCH 27

Personal • Self-Employed • Small Farms • Rentals • Small Businesses • Prior Years 519-876-2360 or 519-312-3924

256 Warwick St, Watford, ON N0M 2S0 studiotaxman@execulink.com

2025 Summer Company program. The program is looking at supporting up to 6 student entrepreneurs with grants of up to $3,000 each, providing them with valuable hands-on business experience. Student applicants are welcome to apply by submitting their Expression of Interest to get started. Summer Company Information Session on Friday, February 21st, from 12:00 to 1:00 PM. Register via https://bit.ly/2025SCInfoSession Youth Program

Lambton Shores is excited to announce a free Job Fair taking place on Thurs., March 27, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Thomas Hall, located in the Legacy Recreation Centre, 16 Allen Street, Thedford Businesses interested in participating as an employer are invited to register online at lambtonshores.ca/ JobFairEmployer by Friday, February 28, 2025. Registration is free of charge. Ahead of the event, the Municipality will share a list of participating employers on its website. For more details, visit lambtonshores.ca/ JobFair.

March 8 11am-3pm Bright’s Grove ART OF SEEING Adelle Taylor and Joan Bennet Ross - Gallery in the Grove with their exhibition, The Art of Seeing. The influence of nature is evident in both of their artwork. Gallery hours are Mon-Thurs. 2pm-5pm, Fri. & Sat. 11am-2pm. For more information visit www.galleryinthegrove.com.

Feb. 13 7:30pm Sarnia BROADWAY FOR LOVERS: A VALENTINE’S CELEBRATION OF LOVE SONGS Imperial Theatre, 168 Christina St. North, Sarnia, ON. Tickets: www.imperialtheatre.net. Box Office: 519-344-7469 | Hours: Tues-Fri, 11 AM–5 PM

Until July 6 Gallery Hours Sarnia SCULPTING LIFE: INUIT

Chief files complaint against Lambton councillor

Heather Wright

The Independent

Aamjiwnaang’s chief has filed complaints to both Lambton County’s and Sarnia’s Integrity Commissioner over comments made by Bill Dennis. Nov. 27, Lambton County Council received a letter from Chief Janelle Nahmabin about fines paid by Imperial Oil to the county for a spill in April 2021. The strong odours led to eye, nose and throat irritation, as well as headaches and nausea, for Aamjiwnaang residents.

Imperial Oil was fined $900,000 and ordered to pay a $225,000 victim surcharge after being convicted under the Environmental Protection Act.

That money was paid to Lambton County, since it runs the provincial offences court where the charges were heard. Nahmabin asked the money be turned over the Aamjiwnaang First Nation. “We are the ones directly impacted as well as South Sarnia residents in this circumstance,” she wrote adding the nation would use it to address the cumulative impacts of pollution in the community.

County councillors received the letter, but took no action. During the discussion, Sarnia City/County Councillor Bill Dennis said Nahmabin is “anti-Chemical Valley.

“She’s used words like her terms like environmental terrorism…They have an end goal to get rid of Chemical Valley,” Dennis said during the council meeting.

“We we cannot keep on being weak to these people. We can’t. We got to show some backbone,” said Dennis.

“Councillor Dennis’ remarks were untrue, reckless, offensive, disparaging and abusive towards me personally as well as the community of Aamjiwnaang as a whole and represent an attempt to bully and intimidate Aamjiwnaang and its members,”

Nahmabin wrote in a letter to Lambton County and City of Sarnia councils.

“Members of Aamjiwnaang, like all members of the public, have a right to engage with municipal governments without fear of being smeared, discriminated against or harassed by elected officials.”

Nahmabin says Dennis’ actions were against both bodies Codes of Conduct and she’ll take her complaint to the Integrity Commissioners in both Sarnia and Lambton County.

She added, Dennis’ remarks do not reflect a “respectful, constructive acknowledgement of the history of First Nations and First Nations Peoples on the lands within Lambton County” which is part of the city and county’s land acknowledgement.

“These remarks betray an ignorance of the colonial history of Canada, including the history of Aamjiwnaang and its people, and undermine efforts towards meaningful reconciliation,” she wrote.

Nahmabin urges both Sarnia and Lambton County Council to ensure Dennis publicly apologizes to the Aamjiwnaang First Nation, and

that the councils “hold Councillor Bill Dennis accountable for his inappropriate remarks, ensuring that such behaviour is not repeated” and commit to sensitivity and cultural awareness training for all Lambton County Council members “to foster a better understanding of Indigenous communities and their leadership.”

Dennis has rejected sensitivity and cultural awareness training at Sarnia City council in the past.

Nahmabin adds the bodies must take “immediate and meaningful action” since “failure to do so could significantly harm relations.”

Dennis, on social media shortly after Nahmabin’s letter was released, said “My job as city and county councillor is to defend and fight for workers and their jobs…I am staunchly opposed to anything that hampers production, productivity, growth, infrastructure and your ability to make a livelihood in the City of Sarnia.

“I find the new Chief of the Amjiwnaang (sic)remarks to be a threat against me for doing my job,” he continued.

“The Chief of the Amjiwnaang (sic) Tribe, is threatening to file complaints against me, for advocating for your jobs, for your livelihood, for your ability to feed, clothe and shelter your children. She thinks that is worth yet another integrity commissioner complaint.”

Dennis added he would “never be silenced” and “never surrender.”

Lambton Shores considers backyard chicken bylaw

Heather Wright

The Independent

Lambton Shores is entering the backyard chicken bylaw debate.

Council has asked staff to come up with a draft bylaw and set up a public meeting and an online survey to gauge the community’s interest in allowing people in the community to have a personal backyard coop.

A report to council says there were several complaints about backyard chickens in the fall. Bylaw enforcement officers went to the homes and told them the current bylaws don’t allow the practice and the chickens had to be removed. The property owners asked for an exemption. Feb. 4, council asked staff to come up with a draft bylaw and start the consultation process.

Mayor Doug Cook says they’ve had a “few emails” about backyard chickens.

“Personally, I guess we haven’t had enough of an issue that I was making an issue. And the ones that did talk to us were located in an area that were presumably large enough to not be an issue,” he said.

The public survey is not available yet nor as time been set for the public meeting.

Alvinston woman hurt in foggy crash

An Alvinston woman had to be taken to hospital after an accident near Inwood.

The Feb. 3 crash occurred during foggy conditions. Witnesses say two vehicles, a van and large pickup truck, collided at the corner of Inwood and Shiloh Line The van was T-boned.

Brooke-Alvinston Fire Chief Steve Knight confirms Brooke Fire responded to the initial call with Oil Springs. Later, he says, the driver of the van was transferred to hospital in London. Her condition is not known.