A new advocacy group has been formed to help Chatham-Kent (CK) grow economically.
The Chatham-Kent Growth Alliance (CKGA), made up of eight local organizations, officially launched this week.
It features representatives from the Kent Federation of Agriculture, Grain Farmers of Ontario, CK Essex Christian Farmers Federation, CK Property Rights Association, Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers, CK Association of Realtors, CK Home Builders Association, and the CK Chamber of Commerce.
Carson Warrener, who sits on the board of directors for the CK Association of Realtors and CK Home Builders Association, told CK News Today the goal is to have one localized source with perspectives from different sectors that has the municipality's well-being at heart.
"It'll just make council's life so much easier because we got everybody on board from an organized industry sense," he added.
Warrener explained that it's a coincidence that the CKGA launched as candidates campaign for the 2026 municipal election. The goal is for the organization to last well past this election.
"If we're doing this right, there will be lots of elections that we'll counter," he said.
The coincidence has also been beneficial as the group has been able to reach out to each candidate to get their thoughts on four key priorities they believe will help the municipality grow. They are meaningful consultation early and often, fiscal responsibility and transparency, investment in critical infrastructure, and fair and sustainable taxation.
The CKGA is also holding an open house where residents can ask candidates their own questions. It's happening on September 9 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Chatham-Kent Armoury.
So far, four of seven mayoral candidates and around half of councillor candidates have confirmed they'll attend.
More information, including how to RSVP for the open house, is available online.
