There were hundreds of stories across Chatham-Kent (CK) in 2025, but only a few will be remembered years from now.
The federal and provincial elections, U.S. tariffs, and the Toronto Blue Jays nearly winning the World Series were some of the big headline grabbers, but didn't make the list as several local stories carried more weight with CK residents.
Here are the biggest stories of 2025 (in no particular order):
Encampments and the Homeless Crisis
No list for CK would be complete if we didn't include what was arguably the biggest story of the year.
The homelessness crisis has been an issue for years, but more people started speaking up when the homeless encampment in downtown Chatham was dismantled so the municipality could start slope stabilization work on the Thames River.
This forced many people living in tents to find a new spot to set up, with many choosing the Public Utilities Commission property on Grand Avenue East.
It didn't take long before people living and working nearby started raising issues they had with the tents, forcing CK's council to take up the issue in an attempt to find a middle ground.
After several meetings and deputations from members of the public, CK's council approved a 25 metre setback for tents from any private residential property line. This shrunk the encampment at the Public Utilities Commission, but ultimately allowed those living in tents to stay.
The issue is far from being over, with those against and in support of the encampment continuing to share their thoughts and ideas.
Dresden Landfill
The controversial project wasn't a new story in 2025, but it picked up steam when the provincial government decided to step in.
Shortly after the provincial election, the province introduced Bill 5, Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025, which helped the project move forward by removing environmental assessment (EA) requirements. It claimed it was needed as the province's current landfills are nearing capacity, and they can't send trash to the U.S. due to the ongoing trade war.
Despite the province's reasoning, it didn't take long for many in the municipality to call foul.
Campaigns like 'Defend Dresden' were launched, with municipal officials and community groups trying different tactics to fight against the project.
The last update in 2025 explained that the issue is headed to court, though it wasn't the municipality that started this process. York1 Environmental Waste Solutions Inc., the company overseeing the project, served the municipality with a court challenge over land use planning.
The landfill is expected to be a big story in 2026 as well.
CK Community Hub
There might not have been a story that divided the public more than the highly debated project.
Just like the previous stories, the Community Hub grabbed headlines throughout 2025.
It was back in May when it felt like everyone in the municipality was talking about the project. A meeting was held by CK's council at Chatham's John D. Bradley Convention Centre, with hundreds taking part.
It was during this meeting that CK's council approved proceeding with the construction procurement phase of the project. This did little to ease the concerns of those across the municipality, many of whom had problems with the cost.
It was in October that the project ultimately got its final approval, with CK's council awarding the contract to Fortis Construction Inc.
Construction on the Community Hub officially began in November.
