BIZ VOICE: Teaming up to tackle affordable housing

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From left, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent’s Gabriel Clarke is seen with Chatham-Kent Association of Realtors personnel Janice Wieringa, Barbara McCaugrin, and municipal staffers Paulo Magliaro and Allison Lambing. The two groups are teaming up to embrace affordable housing initiatives.

The Chatham-Kent Association of Realtors (CKAR) gathered recently with Municipality of Chatham-Kent personnel to refresh their knowledge of local property standards, incentive programs and regulatory changes.

This collaboration helps local realtors remain trusted advisors for the public navigating complex real estate processes, including adding additional dwelling units.

“This knowledge is essential for realtors to guide buyers, sellers, and investors through the evolving landscape of housing policies,” said Barbara McCaughrin, CKAR president, in a media release. “Understanding municipal regulations and housing programs helps create more affordable housing options in our community.”

Municipal staff provided an in-depth presentation on Chatham-Kent’s Community Improvement Plan, which offers financial incentives such as grants, fee rebates, and municipal property tax increment grants to encourage desirable residential, commercial, and employment-based development.

A key focus of the discussion was on the additional dwelling units, which are a hot topic in the real estate sector.

The Chatham-Kent Housing Supply Action Plan aims to deliver 567 additional residential units over the next three years is supported by a $10 million grant.

Justin Lowes of Kent Bridge enjoyed a $10,000 shopping spree recently at Leon’s. Supporting him here are sales associates Michelle and Ava.

Shop ’till you drop

Justin Lowes of Kent Bridge recently went on a $10,000 shopping spree at Leon’s, thanks to a recent contest.

Lowes said he had a late night craving one night and came to Chatham for a burger and a coffee.

He received two game pieces, and they were the two he needed to complete the three pieces needed to win.

Dan Houle of Alexander & Houle Funeral Home presents a print, “Supreme Sacrifice,” to Branch 642 Legion Pipe Band tenor drummer Jill Vince.

Supreme Sacrifice

The folks at Alexander & Houle Funeral Home are very much in support of the Ontario Massed Pipes & Drums Band heading to Holland to mark the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Holland.

Recently, Dan and Anne Houle of Alexander & Houle Funeral Home in Chatham presented every Ontario Massed Pipes and Drums member with a print, titled “Supreme Sacrifice.”

This print commemorated the 50th and now the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands.

This print will be presented to the families band members are staying with next month.

Salus Mutual is mailing out refunds to qualifying policy holders. Spotted here are Canada Post’s Charlie Cofell, upper left, receiving envelopes from Stefan Polychuk, Steve Dilts and Lisa Collins of Salus.

Salus offering refunds

Salus Mutual is proud to give back to its members with a premium refund for qualifying policyholders.

As a mutual insurance company, Salus is owned by its policyholders, meaning surplus funds are reinvested in the company or returned to members.

Following a strong financial year in 2024, the company is issuing refunds on qualifying personal property, commercial property, liability, hail insurance, and farmer’s accident and sckness policies.

“This refund is a reflection of our financial strength and commitment to our members,” said Steve Dilts, president and CEO of Salus, in a media release.  “When we do well, our policyholders’ benefit.”

Refund cheques are now being delivered. For more information, members can contact Salus Mutual directly.

  • Business Voice is a bi-monthly column in The Chatham Voice that highlights some of the achievements made and efforts underway in Chatham-Kent’s business community. Send your information to [email protected].

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