Evacuation area in downtown Wheatley. (Submitted photo)
Chatham

Natural Resources Minister stops by Wheatley to offer reassurance

Ontario Natural Resources Minister Mike Harris stopped by downtown Wheatley on Friday to survey the site of this week's gas leak after 60 homes were evacuated on Thursday.

Harris reassured officials in Chatham-Kent, including Mayor Darrin Canniff, MPP Trevor Jones, Chatham-Kent Fire and Rescue Chief Chris Case, and TL Watson & Associates, that his government will continue to find, cap, and monitor abandoned gas wells.

Residents told to leave their homes on Thursday were allowed back on Friday morning.

The homes were evacuated after a fire crew found gas and water bubbling up from the ground behind the Wheatley Library. The library remains closed.

Fortunately, the gas event was concluded quickly, and the Wheatley Fish Festival will go ahead as planned.

Residents who haven't signed up for CKAlert already are encouraged to do so by going to www.CKAlert.ca.

Read More Local Stories

Sauble Beach to host Winterfest

The much-anticipated Winterfest 2026 is returning to Sauble Beach for another unforgettable weekend of winter fun and community celebration.

Basketball net. © Can Stock Photo Inc. / Kagemusha

Scoreboard, Jan 15

Brandon Ingram had 30 points in the Toronto Raptors 115-101 victory over the Pacers in Indiana Wednesday night.