There has been a lot of chatter lately on social media and around town regarding a “secret” meeting between Chatham-Kent officials and the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). What started as a buzz about the potential for a major sports franchise in CK has quickly shifted into a heated debate about transparency, leadership, and whether all of our voices are being heard at the Civic Centre.
What Happened?
Earlier this month, news broke that Mayor Darrin Canniff, the CAO, and only seven select councillors held a virtual meeting with OHL Commissioner Bryan Crawford. The meeting was reportedly an exploratory discussion about expansion and the possibility of bringing a team to Chatham-Kent — a project that could involve a new arena costing upwards of $200 million.
The controversy isn’t about hockey; it’s about the process. During a recent Monday night council meeting, several councillors—including Rhonda Jubenville, Alysson Storey, and Michael Bondy- expressed their shock and disappointment. They didn’t find out about the meeting through internal channels; they found out through the media and constituents.
The Mayor defended the move, stating the Clerk advised against a full council meeting to avoid quorum issues. He noted that he reached out to those who had previously “expressed an interest” in an arena or the OHL.
The Growing Disconnect
From where I sit, this highlights a clear disconnect. When nearly half of council is left in the dark on a “generational” project of this scale, it creates a sense of separation within the very body that is supposed to lead us.
- Council as One Body: Councillors should be working for their constituents’ best interests, and that requires having all the facts.
- Leadership and Collaboration: The Mayor should be working with all councillors, not just a handpicked group.
- Voter Sentiment: Voters are feeling sidelined. There is a sense that “behind-closed-doors” politics is overriding the transparency we expect from our local government.
Looking Ahead to October 2026
With a municipal election coming up later this year on October 26, 2026, this issue couldn’t have come at a more critical time. This isn’t just about hockey; it’s about representation. Voters are looking for leaders they can count on to be open and honest about how tax dollars are being planned for.
What are the next steps?
- Transparency Demands: Expect more motions at council for full disclosure and reports on what was actually discussed.
- Code of Conduct Review: Some councillors have already hinted that this “select” meeting style might be a breach of protocol.
- Campaign Trail Heat: As we move toward the election, expect the “OHL Seven” vs. the “Left Behind” to become a major talking point.
We are likely going to see some new faces running for seats this year, and that will be incredibly important to watch. Chatham-Kent is at a crossroads, and we need a council that works together—not one that operates in silos.
What do you think? Is a “handpicked” meeting ever okay for a project this big, or is it time for a change in how CK does business? Let me know in the comments.
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