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.
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.
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.
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.
Take a Closer Look at Concept 2 Plans »
We're so excited to share the Wheatley Downtown Urban Visioning Concept Plan with all of you — a vibrant reflection of the voices, ideas, and dreams of our community.
These concept plans are the result of months of thoughtful collaboration with the Wheatley Task Force, The Municipality of Chatham-Kent, and many passionate community members who shared their input through outreach sessions, events, and conversations. Now, we want to hear from you once again!
Share Your Feedback!
We're inviting all community members to complete a short survey to share your initial thoughts on the concept plans and provide any additional feedback you may have. Your input is essential as we continue to shape a park that truly belongs to Wheatley.
Wheatley Park Plans Feedback Survey »
PLEASE NOTE: All designs, plans, views, structures, and materials show are conceptual. While these efforts are based on extensive community input and collaboration with the Wheatley Task Force, The Municipality of Chatham-Kent, and other partners, further refinement, detailing, and formal approvals are still required before any construction can begin.
Let's continue building something special, together.
CONCEPT PLAN OPTION 1
CONCEPT PLAN OPTION 2
FULL CONCEPT PLANS
VENDORS WANTED! Join Wheatley’s Community Event!
Calling all local vendors! We’re looking for food vendors, artisans, and businesses to help make Wheatley’s Community Event a day to remember!
Date: June 7, 2025
Location: Downtown Wheatley
Time: 11 AM - 6 PM
Why Join?
- Connect with the community
- Showcase your business to a lively crowd
- Celebrate and support local talent
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Booth Details: 10x10 spaces available—bring your own tent! Generators are provided, but water is not. Limited spots, so register early!
Be part of this fun-filled, family-friendly event with live entertainment, activities, and an incredible community vibe!
Apply Now: https://www.letstalkchatham-kent.ca/wheatley-updates/surveys/vendor-application
The Site Excavation, Re-entry, and Data Analysis Preliminary Report is now available! 📄
This report provides key insights into the progress made at the Wheatley site following the 2021 explosion. It includes:
✅ Detailed findings from the excavation
✅ Steps taken for safe re-entry
✅ Data analysis outcomes
We invite the community to review this important document to stay informed about the ongoing recovery efforts and next steps.
📥 Access the report here: Preliminary Report Link
Site Enhancements and Landscaping
With the departure of contractors, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent is now overseeing essential tasks to prepare the site for spring. This includes:
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Site Leveling & Grass Seeding: The site will be leveled and planted with wheat and grass seed to reduce dust and improve its appearance over the coming months.
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Sidewalk Repairs: Work is underway to address necessary sidewalk repairs for safer pedestrian access.
Scrubber Monitoring and Safety Fencing
The scrubber will remain on-site for a six-month monitoring period, which began at the end of October. Temporary fencing around the scrubber has been re-installed to ensure safety during this period. Additionally, a smaller fence will be erected around the wellhead.
Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) staff will continue to oversee the site until all monitoring equipment is configured for remote alerts. Once this system is operational, it will monitor for gas 24/7. Daily checks will ensure proper functionality, and in the event of any gas detection, the system will issue alarms, prompting an immediate response from the crew.
PW Trailer and Wellhead Decisions
The PW trailer will remain stationed at 17 Elm Street for at least the duration of the six-month monitoring period. Pending favourable monitoring results, discussions will be held on the future of the wellhead, specifically whether it will be left as is or cut and buried, a decision that will be made with guidance from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF).
Thank you for your attention and ongoing support during this phase of the project.
Business and Community Service Organization 1:1 Interviews
Throughout November, the Task Force and Economic Development Office (EDO) are conducting a series of one-on-one interviews with business owners and community service organizations in Wheatley. These interviews are part of our ongoing efforts to gather insights and strengthen support for the local community.
If you are a business owner or work with a community service organization and have not yet scheduled an interview, we encourage you to reach out to Kyra Knapp at kyra.knapp@chatham-kent.ca to arrange a convenient time. Your input is valuable to our work in supporting Wheatley's growth and resilience.
UPDATE: Drilling operations continue. Due to some logistical problems with acquiring services and materials, our projected date for the drilling equipment to move out is extended to October 23rd. After this date you may see other Chatham-Kent equipment working on the site to complete fencing, topsoiling and seeding.
At 6:00 pm on Saturday the surface casing was successfully installed and cemented into place. This installation will greatly contribute to the overall safety of further operations. The blow out preventer will now be installed prior to drilling deeper into the well. It is our belief that we are still tracking the original wellbore that was probably drilled between 1890 and 1910 and subsequently abandoned in the 1930s. While we are drilling deeper we will be conducting many tests, including; gas, geologic and pressure analysis.
We continue to watch for any changes in the monitoring well. Currently the monitoring well has stopped venting any gas, including H2S. Ongoing testing of the monitoring well and other wells that were previously abandoned on the site will further our understanding and help to confirm if we have been successful in stopping the gas migration.
Following the discovery of a potential petroleum well found in downtown Wheatley, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent is hosting a community open house for Wheatley residents tomorrow September 24th from 2pm-3pm at the Wheatley Village Resource Centre.
Municipal representatives and consultants will be on hand to explain technical details and answer any questions. Materials will be posted on the Let’s Talk Chatham-Kent Wheatley Emergency Webpage for those who cannot attend, located at www.letstalkchatham-kent.ca/wheatley-updates.
Part of the conversation will be around the operational plan instigated by the investigation project team that will involve bringing the contracted drilling rig to the site to further investigate the potential petroleum well found. The mobilization of the rig will bring much more activity to the site including noise and light, once drilling operations begin, they will operate 24 hours per day 7 days per week as communicated during the last public meeting.
GOLDER-WSP-Wheatley Pathways Report-Final (14.6 MB) (pdf)
