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Blenheim became a part of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent during the 1998 amalgamation of Kent County and its municipalities.[2] Up until 1988, Blenheim had its own elected officials with a mayor, two reeves, and six councillors.[3] As of June 2025, the mayor of Chatham-Kent is Darrin Canniff.[4] In the municipality of Chatham-Kent, Blenheim is a part of the South-Kent region which is represented by 3 councillors: Anthony Ceccacci, Mary Clare Latimer, and Trevor Thompson.[5]
Blenheim received regional media attention in 2019 when councillor Trevor Thompson refused to remove an image of a toy car with the Confederate flag on it, which he had shared via social media.[6]
Economy and industry
Blenheim is home to Rol-land Farms, Platinum Produce and Thompsons Ltd. Blenheim's Industrial Park and surrounding area house many employers. Major employers in the area include:
Apollo General Contracting (60 employees), General contractor specializing in commercial and industrial construction.[7]
In July, downtown businesses offer discounts during Ontario's longest running carnival-sidewalk sale, the Cherry Fest and Sidewalk Days.[17][18] The Cherry Fest has been held annually since 1963; in 2020 and 2021, it was not held in person due to COVID-19.[17] The Cherry Fest includes a cherry pit spitting contest.[19] J.P. Huggins, organizer of the Cherry Fest, was named Citizen of the Year by the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce in 2021.[20] Blenheim also hosts the Father's Day weekend for the Blenheim Classics Auto-show.[21]
Blenheim is home to two golf courses: Willow Ridge Golf & Country Club and Deer Run. Blenheim also offers a variety of parks and trails including the Talbot Trail place.[22] Other outdoor recreation opportunities can be found in Rondeau Provincial Park, or C.M. Wilson Conservation area.[19]
Demographics
The population of Blenheim is 4,487.[23] In 2021 27.6% of the resident population in Blenheim were 65 or over compared with 19% in Canada. The median age was 50.4 years compared to 41.1 for all of Canada.
Harwich-Raleigh Public School is the "rural" public school. It offers Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8. H.R.P.S offers both English and French Immersion programs. H.R.P.S is home of the Wildcats and its school colours are red and white. The motto of the school is: "live to learn, learn to live".[24]
St. Anne Catholic School serves the rural community and the town. It offers Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8. St. Anne's offers both English and French Immersion programs. St.Anne's is home to the Stars.[25]
W.J Baird is the in-town public school and offers Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8. "Baird" as it is known is home to the Griffins. Its school colours are green and white.[26]
Secondary school
Blenheim District High School is Blenheim's only public high school. It is known for hosting community events. B.D.H.S is home of the Blenheim Bobcats, and their colours are Black and Gold (yellow). The population of the school has declined in recent years and is currently under 500 students.
B.D.H.S. offers a variety of Clubs and Athletics including: Student Union, Sears Drama, Musicals, Redfeather events, Volleyball, Basketball, Football, Cross-Country, Golf, Tennis, Curling, Rugby, Track & Field, and Badminton.[27]
Media
Blenheim News Tribune: A weekly newspaper published every Wednesday.[citation needed]
Blenheim is known for its high school sports teams from Blenheim District High School, which are particularly known for their football and rugby programs.[28] Its ice hockey team is called the Blenheim Blades.
Blenheim also offers a variety of minor and competitive sports including:
Minor hockey: South Kent Lightning, the South Kent Lightning was formed by the Communities of Blenheim and Ridgetown.[29]
The minor soccer team is the Blenheim Blaze offering both house league and competitive teams within the Sun County Soccer League.[30]
Blenheim Golden Eagles Gymnastics Club, which is the longest running gymnastics facility in Chatham-Kent.[31]
Blenheim & District Minor Baseball Association
The Blenheim Blast Swim Team, a competitive swim team
Blenheim Golden Acres Curling Club
Blenheim Youth Bowling
Blenheim Figure Skating Club
There are also two golf courses in Blenheim: Willow Ridge and Deer Run.
Prominent athletes from Blenheim include hockey player Todd Warriner.[28]
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