Wheatley Updates

The Wheatley Public Information Package provides critical updates on safety measures, current developments, and preparation guidelines as part of the town's ongoing recovery efforts.

You can access the full package here: Wheatley Public Info Package(External link)

On July 15^th, Council passed staff recommendations to procure the services of ELM 360 Environmental Consulting Ltd. to implement the next stages of the Downtown Wheatley Investigation. The report and video can be reviewed on the Municipality’s website:

https://pub-chatham-kent.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx?Id=dd35617b-942b-4f67-a5e6-84028649f916&Agenda=Agenda&lang=English&Item=78&Tab=attachments(External link)

On site work is anticipated to begin on September 3^rd with preparatory work already underway. As discussed in the council report, the excavation of the current evacuation zone is to confirm or deny the existence of any more water or gas wells on the site and to remove the remaining foundations of the buildings. Chatham-Kent along with the contractors have developed an extensive Emergency Response Plan to cover any scenarios that could be encountered during the work. This plan includes having all staff and equipment on standby prepared to work 24 hours a day to remediate a gas well if found.

Chatham-Kent representatives will be starting this week a door-to-door campaign informing residents in proximity to the work site as to what they can expect in the coming months and to educate about the emergency response plan. A community open house will also be held August 8^th from 6pm-8pm at the Wheatley Village Resource Centre where 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.

As part of the work plan, 360 Engineering and Environmental Consulting will be flying a drone capable of detecting methane emissions over the village and surrounding rural areas. This work will be done pre and post excavation in the work zone to confirm if any activities caused a change in known methane emissions. The drone will start flying on August 7^th and is anticipated to take several days to complete.

Also at the July 15^th meeting council approved the purchase of 17 Elm Street in Wheatley. The vacant lot will be used as a temporary staging and meeting area for staff and contractors during the excavation work. Residents can expect to see the site being prepared for office trailers over the coming weeks. After the project is complete, future uses for the property will be further reviewed and considered.

For updates and more up-to-date information on the Wheatley project, visit the Chatham-Kent Let’s Talk page at https://www.letstalkchatham-kent.ca/wheatley-updates

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Media Contact:

Eric Labadie
Manager, Corporate Communications
Municipality of Chatham-Kent
519-360-1998 x 2039
ericl@chatham-kent.ca(External link)

What it is: This is an in-depth look at the variety of businesses in downtown Wheatley. It helps us understand what we have, what we’re missing, and what could be improved. The analysis doesn’t just count shops and services; it digs into how they’re doing, what gaps exist, and where there’s room to grow.

Why we did it: The Business Mix Analysis is crucial for understanding the current economic health of downtown Wheatley and identifying both strengths and areas for improvement. It pinpoints opportunities for growth and helps guide strategic business recruitment and development, ensuring that any new businesses address community needs and complement existing ones. This thorough analysis is key to fostering a vibrant and thriving downtown that meets the desires and requirements of our community.

For detailed information, please refer to the full report: Wheatley Business Mix Analysis Full Report(External link)

Now Available: Municipality of Chatham-Kent Combined Council Meeting Agenda(External link)

Now Available: Wheatley Emergency - Single Source Purchases and Excavation By-Law document(External link)

(External link)We are pleased to present the findings from the Wheatley Downtown Revitalization resident survey. Developed following established guidelines and tailored to Wheatley's specific needs, the survey reached all 1,713 residences in the N0P 2P0 area code via Canada Post. Physical copies were available at The Village Resource Centre and various community events. The survey was also accessible online through Mailchimp and promoted on multiple community pages.

With a total of 336 completed surveys, we achieved a 19.6% response rate. Efforts to boost participation included social media, word-of-mouth, and posters around town. To incentivize responses, three participants won $150 gift cards to the micro grocery store at The Village Resource Centre.

You can view the detailed summary and individual responses by downloading the Wheatley Community Revitalization PDF(External link).

Thank you to everyone who participated and provided valuable insights for Wheatley's downtown revitalization.

Join the Conversation: Community Consultations for Wheatley!

Your voice matters! Be a part of shaping the future of Wheatley by participating in our upcoming Community Consultation. Whether you're a longtime resident, a business owner, or a newcomer, your perspective is invaluable in building a stronger, more vibrant community.

What To Expect:

• Connect with fellow community members.
• Share your ideas, concerns, and aspirations.
• Help us identify priorities and solutions together.

Together, we can make a difference! Join us at the May 25th Community Consultation and help make Wheatley a place we're all proud to call home.

Date: May 25th
Time: 10:00am - 1:00pm
Location: The Village Resource Centre

Don't miss out on this opportunity to be heard and make an impact. See you there!

Exciting News Wheatley Residents! We need your input.

We’re on a mission to make our town even better and we need your voice to do it. Join us in shaping the future of our community by participating in the Downtown Trade Survey. Your feedback is crucial in helping us understand your shopping habits, service needs, and business preferences. Every piece of information helps.

Why Participate?

• Have Your Say: Share what you love, what you think needs a tweak, and what would make Wheatley the place of your dreams.
• Win Prizes: Just by offering your insight, you could win one of three $150 gift cards to use at the new micro grocery store at the Village Resource Centre. It’s our little way of saying thanks!

Privacy Promise: Your responses are anonymous, and if you choose to enter the prize draw, your information won’t be linked to your survey answers.

So, what do you think? Ready to help us make a difference and maybe snag a great prize along the way? Click the link below to get started. The survey closes June 1st, 2024.

Take the Survey!(External link)

Together, let’s make Wheatley a beacon of community spirit and a hub of bustling activity!

Swing by for our first monthly Coffee Chat at the Talbot Trail Golf Club! Join Wheatley's Economic Development Officer, Kyra Knapp, as we embark on 'Navigating Tomorrow: Wheatley’s Strategic Path to Revitalization'. Let your voice be heard and help shape the future of our community, located at 790 Talbot Trail, Wheatley! Next Coffee Chat will be in May- date and location TBD!

Excavation in Potential Gas Emission Areas By-law (External link)

With input from several divisions of the Municipality, administration has drafted a new Excavation in Potential Gas Emission Areas By-law. The overall terms of the by-law provide that:

• No regulation of excavations that are 6 metres deep or less. This allows for most normal excavations, including construction of basements. It should be noted, however, that it is recommended that any newly constructed basements in the Wheatley area should strongly consider implementation of some gas monitoring equipment.
• Regulation of any excavations that are deeper than 6 metres (called “Deep Excavations” under the by-law). The full by-law should be referred to understand exactly what is proposed, but from a high level the regulation of these,

Deep Excavations involves:

• Applying for a permit to the Chief Building Official for the Deep Excavation.
• Submission of an application and excavation plan which will address:

-Details of the planned excavation, schedule, and site.

-Financial security to ensure work under the permit is performed.

- Insurance.

- Proof of necessary approvals from other agencies.

-Gas monitoring plans.

- A safety plan to be implemented if a gas release occurs; and

-24/7 contact information.

• The ability of the CBO to apply conditions to the permit to protect the environment, people, and property.
• A process for revocation or closing of the permit, including steps required to address any excavation that has already occurred.
• Obligations on the excavator if a gas release occurs; and o Enforcement powers. Due to the unique nature of this by-law, and the importance of getting feedback on how the implementation of this by-law would impact the community, businesses and other stakeholders, administration recommends that a public consultation process be initiated.

Corporate Communication will develop and release a consultation process. Following that process, a further report will be brought to Council with a summary of feedback received, any recommended changes to the Draft By-law, and recommendations on next steps.

For more information visit: Wheatley Emergency Update (escribemeetings.com)(External link)