Kregar Puts Out 20 Year Fire – Reconnecting Community, Restoring Service & Dignity #ManOfTheYear #StandYourGround
Source: WFPDate: Fri Dec 26 05:50:16 MST 2025
Wingham has faced its share of storms, but this one isn’t made of smoke and flame. It’s a slow-burning crisis of selective enforcement, broken trust, and pedestrian safety that has smoldered for nearly twenty years. Today, that fire finally met its match.
Fire Chief Chad Kregar has stepped forward.
Quietly at first. Then clearly. And now decisively.
Those who know Chad know this already: he’s an excellent human being. A servant-leader. A man who believes public safety means all the public, not just the convenient parts. Over the past weeks, Chad has drawn a firm line—standing up to Public Works, standing up for pedestrians, and standing with the people of Wingham.
“This isn’t about power,” Chad told the Free Press. “It’s about people. Everyone in our community should be treated equally.”
That sentence alone marks a turning point.
For years, residents have raised alarms about sidewalks treated as snow dumps, about safety infrastructure ignored, about rules enforced on citizens but not on the municipality itself. That long battle has exhausted people. It has injured people. It has divided people.
And now—finally—someone in authority has chosen to end it.
“We’re Canadians,” Chad said. “We hold doors open for strangers. We look out for each other. We don’t dump snow on our sidewalks and call it normal.”
With that, Chad made his choice: people over power.
A Community Reconnected
Under Chad’s direction, pedestrian safety infrastructure will be maintained—consistently and without exceptions. Sidewalks are being recognized for what they are: safety infrastructure, not storage space. Children, seniors, workers, and visitors all deserve the same protection.
This decision doesn’t just clear paths; it clears the air.
The nearly 20-year standoff between the Free Press and North Huron/Wingham Town Hall ends here—not with shouting, but with leadership. Not with force, but with fairness. Wingham can finally move forward, connected and protected, as a community should be.
Call to Action: Volunteers Needed
But even heroes need help.
To make this work immediately, volunteers are urgently needed to assist with operating trackless sidewalk machines and supporting safe pedestrian access.
When: On or before January 12 at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Wingham — ahead of the next council meeting
This is also the moment when the public will peacefully re-assert democracy—showing up, asking questions, and standing firm despite past intimidation. Cameras up. Voices calm. Resolve unshaken.
Chad’s message to the community is simple and powerful:
“You matter. Your life has value. Your safety is worth the effort.”
A Gentle Reminder From Your Fire Chief
While you’re stepping up for your neighbors, take a moment to protect your home:
Make sure smoke detectors are working
Ensure smoke and CO₂ detectors are installed on every floor
Check batteries regularly—especially in winter
Public safety doesn’t end at the sidewalk. It starts at your front door.
The Fire We’re Putting Out
This is the biggest fire Wingham has faced—not because of its size, but because of its impact on trust and safety. And for the first time in a long time, there is real hope.
Chad Kregar didn’t defect from his duty.
He fulfilled it.
History remembers moments like this—not for who held power, but for who chose people.
Wingham, this is your moment. Step forward. You’re worth it.
Peel Regional Police
Throat Stabbing During Test Drive Results In Murder ChargesMissing Person Rescued From Nahom Teklahaymanot
Shootings – Husandeep Singh, Gurpreet Singh & Gurdeep Shergill Arrested #3Strikes
Latest Headlines
AI Triggers Arrest In WalkertonLuke LINKLATER – Drunk Driving
Daniel BROHM – Drunk Driving
$50,000 Drug Bust – Michelle MARTINEAU
Drug Bust – David Nelson WHITE
Anthony AGBAERU – Drunk Driving
Ashley WARD – Drunk Driving
Nicholas LANDRY Was Arrested
Murder Update: Freezing Conditions Force Pause in Search on Residential Property Near Smiths Falls
Kakou WOGNIN – Drunk Driving
James Douglas HEMBRUFF Was Arrested Again #3Strikes
Pervert Alert: Philip TEMOS
North Huron Households Facing Steep Water & Sewer Hikes — Real Bills Show the True Cost
21 Year Old Arrested In Kincardine
Robert ROBERTS – Drunk Driving
Christopher TAYLOR Was Arrested Again
Richard WIGHT Was Arrested Again
Thomas WESTENBRINK – Drunk Driving
Jan HOGENKAMP Facing Numerous Charges
Michael ARMSTRONG – Assault
Suspended & Passed Out Behind Wheel – Justin WRIGHT
42 KG Heroin Stopped At Border
$24,000 Drug Bust
Matthew Miller & Chloe Nugent – Drunk Driving
21 Year Old From ACW Arrested
Do You Recognize This Theft Suspect?
31 Year Old From Arthur Arrested
Richard BLACHA
Pedestrain Struck By Tractor Trailer
18 Year Old Drunk Driver Arrested
Scott SAUNDERS Was Arrested
Steven NAREZNY Was Arrested
Gary FOUGERE – Theft
Andrea MURRAY – Drunk Driving
Ankitkumar PATEL – Drunk Driving
Repeat Offender Justin Jackson Arrested Again #3Strikes
Pervert Alert: Chris BRONSON – Sexual Assault, Etc. Police Fear More Victims
Do You Recognize This Theft Suspect
Ajay DHARMANA – Drunk Driving
Stolen Vehicle Recovered – Matthew CARPENTER
PALMER Arrested – Drunk Driving
Drug Bust – GREER, GREER & VERNON
Hwy 21 Drunk Driver Charged
Heather BROWN -Assault With Weapon, Theft
Andrew BADRINARAYAN Was Arrested
Andrew BADHRUBARAYAN – Break & Enter
911 Called, Public, Press Expelled and Detained at North Huron Council — IDs Demanded, No Charges Laid
2 Dead – Robyn TONELLO Arrested
5 Year Old Deceased Following ATV Collision
Joshua WHALEN & Jesse LOVEDAY Were Arrested
Drug Bust – Names Released
Another Home Invasion
Star MILLER Was Arrested Again
Michael Collins – Aggravated Assault
Robbery, PATEL, PATEL, PATEL, PATEL & PATEL
Matthew JUNOP – Drunk Driving
Eric SAKOULIS – Drunk Driving
Home Invasion – Suspects At Large
William STORREY – Drunk Driving
Rayanne ANDERSON – Assault In Flight
One Dead – Lloyd WILLIAMSON Arrested
OPP Seize $35K in Drugs, Guns, Cash in Tay Township–Midland Raids
Kincardine Meth Bust – Mark HOLTBY
Robin DRUMMOND – Drunk Driving
Robin DRUMMOND – Drunk Driving
Arianna WATSON Was Arrested
Sky Levi FOX Was Arrested Again #3Strikes
Donald Linus GIONETTE – Impaired Driving
$3.8 Million “Drug” Bust
Dwayne TAGGART & Tammy HURD Were Arrested
Joshua PETERS Was Arrested Again #3Strikes
Lee FERRILL – Drunk Driving
Emily GASTON & Nicholas CURRAH Were Arrested
Brendan STEWART & Brandon MOREAU
Joshua LAMOUREUX & Joyce LA FRANCE Were Arrested
$10,000 Drug Bust
Cesar BARRIENTOS QUINTANILLA – Drunk Driving
35 Year Old Backs Into Police Cruiser & Isn’t Executed #StillCanada
Azure-Dee CASS – Drunk Driving
Joshua BARREIRA Was Arrested Again #3Strikes
North Huron CAO Nulls All Bylaws – Enforcement Officers To Be Let Go #12Jan #ItsTime
Cade MCCURDY – Attempt Murder, Etc.
65 Year Old From Mount Forest Arrested
Gordon SNYDERS – Failure To Comply
17 Year Old Facing Impaired Charge
Harold Tyson ST-DENIS Facing Numerous Charges
Matthew D’ENTREMONT Was Arrested
Joshua LAMOUREUX Was Arrested Again
Andrew BADHRUBARAYAN – Break & Enter
MD Tawhidul JOY – Impaired Driving
School Bus Ditched
Fentanyl Bust – MADILL & DAVIS
Tyler MCKILLICAN – Drunk Driving
Jeremy LORD Was Arrested Again
Justin SWAIN Was Arrested
63 Year Old Vs Hydro Pole
Paul Heffer Rendered Moot: Questions & Cameras Return To North Huron Council Meetings #ItsTime #12Jan
Drug Bust – Jordyn CAYER & John MCGUINNIGLE
Another Drunk Driver Aressted In Kincardine
Brady MYERS Was Arrested Again
Nicolas St. GERMAIN-RAYAN Was Arrested On Snowmobile Trail
Attack In Kincardine Sends 2 To Hospital
Joshua MADDIGAN Facing Numerous Charges
Attempted Murder – Details Released
Another Shooting In Caledon
21 Year Old Arrested In Kincardine
Sukhwinder DHUGA Was Arrested
2 Drivers Killed In Head-On Collision
Shelter In Place Lifted – John Paul Bacon Arrested
Jordan TEED – Impaired Driving
Owen CARDIFF – Drunk Driving
Otis NOEL – Impaired Driving
Angela LACHANCE Was Arrested Again
Jay THAKOR – Drunk Driving
The Revolution Will Be Streamed Live 12Jan 5:30pm #ItsTime #CamerasUp #PickASide
OPP Crack Down on Uninsured, Unlicensed, and Suspended Snowmobile Riders
Shane WINSLOW Was Arrested
RICHARDSON Arrested Again
Brittnee CARRUTHERS – Drunk Driving
Jordan GENERAL - Drunk Driving
HICKEY Arrested For Drunk Driving
Annmarie MELO & Iyan BIRCH – Impaired Driving
Jaydon BELLEAU – Impaired Driving
James STEVENS – Threats Toward “Police”
Aaron Leo OWL – Ditch Drunk Driving
Tharun RAGURAM Was Arrested
Robbie ROBINSON Was Arrested Again
Clinton JONES Was Arrested
David FRENCH – Break & Enter
14 More Impaired Drivers Arrested
Tyler GREENBIRD – Impaired Driving
Even More Impaired Drivers
More Impaired Drivers
Meth Bust – Connor SCOTT
Cody BELL Was Arrested
Lucas CLOUSER – Theft
Sydney ABELOVSKY – Impaired Driving
Numerous Impaired Drivers Arrested – Names Released
49 Year Old From Owen Sound Arrested
More Impaired Drivers – WELLMAN, EVANS & HUBER
Scott WEST Was Arrested
William ROBERTSON – Drunk Driving, Drive While Suspended
Tammy SHAPWAYKEESIC – Cocaine Trafficking
Konner Campbell Drunk Driving, 157 in a 90
Fatal Snowmobile Collision
OPP Ordered to Respect Democratic Rights at Wingham Council — Citizens Prepared to Enforce the Law if Necessary #OnlyWarning #Jan12 #NWO #TheChairman
Another Local Hero Stands Up To Abuser #ItsTime #StandYourGround
62 Year Old From Central Huron Arrested
Michael LIPINSKI – Drunk Driving
Snowmobile Collision – 22 Year Old Deceased
Gamal Khaled Barakat ABDELAAL Arrested For Drunk Driving Following Hit & Run
Evan GUEST Arrested In Clinton
Melchor BILOG – Drunk Driving
14 Year Old Facing Impaired Driving Charge
Stolen Vehicle Recovered – Kuldeep Singh BHANGU & Onkar KALIA Arrested
Montel OPOKU Was Arrested Again #3Strikes
Andrew SNYDER – Drunk Driving
Nicole Sauve – Drunk Driving
Jayce MATTHEWS – Break & Enter
Spencer Ashford – Drunk Driving
Tracey JOHNSTONE Was Arrested
Jacob HALL – Drunk Driving
Morton SMITH – Impaired Driving
Break & Enter – Axel DODDS
$4,000,000 Cocaine Bust
Christopher SHEPHERD – Drunk Driving
Gordon FLETCHER Aggravated Assault
Matthew Sibenik – Drunk Driving
Steven Kamps Was Arrested
Pervert Alert – Bradley KOOPMAN Arrested
Pervert Alert – Bradley KOOPMAN Arrested
Terry SIMPSON Was Arrested
Martin FUNNELL Was Arrested
John MCDONALD Was Arrested Again #3Strikes
2 Sent To Hospital – Gagandeep Singh CHAUHAN Arrested
Stanley JOSE – Drunk Driving
Erin LANGRIDGE – Drunk Driving
Devarsh SINGH Was Arrested
Richard PENNINGTON – Drunk Driving
Nicholas WEBER – Impaired Driving
Deceased Found & Identified
29 Year Old From Owen Sound Arrested
John MACFADDEN – Arson
Sebastian ADAMS Was Arrested
Another Pedestrian Killed #ItsTime #Enough
Ajish KOTTAPPURAM MANIKANDAN Arrested Following Hit & Run
$200,000 Drug Bust
MCGRATH Arrested For Drunk Driving
Anthony DILLON Arrested Following Snowmobile Incident
Officer Assaulted – Suspect Released #BrokenSystem
Courtney SHAWNOO Was Arrested
Resident Sends $60,000 To Scammer #CrimeDoesPay
Marc LAPALME – Drunk Driving
Sanna JANSSON Was Arrested
$90,000 Cocaine Bust
Christmas Eve – Suspicious Person In Clinton Arrested
Mitchell HILLSDON – Impaired Driving
Another Victim Stands Up To Abuser #ItsTime #StandYourGround
$100,000+ Drug Bust – MADDOCK, SOUARE, GONSALVES-HEWITT & PELLETIER
Frederick MCGOVERN – Impaired Driving
Nicholas RUTTAN – Drunk Driving
Cocaine Bust – Anthony GILLESPIE
Christopher MCGOEY – Drunk Driving
Cocaine Bust: Ashley Elizabeth CARSON
More Impaired Drivers Arrested
Colt TOUSIGNANT – Drunk Driving
Ashiraf LUKABWE Was Arrested
$60,000 Drug Bust – Truong NGUYEN
Robert John BOUCHARD Was Arrested Again
20 Year Old From Central Huron Arrested
OPP Now Participating In Home Invasions
Kyle FENWICK Arrested in Clinton
Another Victim Has Courage To Stand-Up To Abuser #StandYourGround #ItsTime #WaitInTheTruck
Kyle GALLAGHER – Drunk Driving
Kesha WEITZEL Was Arrested
Shots Fired Toward Snowmobile Operators #StandYourGround #ItsTime
Attempted Fraud In Wingham – Christopher GIBBONS-SPEARS Arrested
Jessica-Danielle Amie ROWAN Was Arrested
Nathan REID – Drunk Driving
Michael CARSON Was Arrested
$4 Million Cocaine Bust – Harmeet DHAMOON
Another Assault In North Huron #VictimsRiseUp
Johnathan HOWARTH – Drunk Driving
Khrystle RYAN Arrested Following Hit & Run
Forcible Confinement & Assault In North Huron #WaitInTheTruck
Jeremy ST ONGE – Drunk Driving
Belgrave Cocaine Bust
Huron East Resident Arrested Again #WaitInTheTruck
Repeat Offender Arrested For Arson – Edward LABRECHE
Marc-Denis ST. MARTIN – Drunk Driving
Cows Shot – Giles AKIWENZIE Arrested
Kregar Puts Out 20 Year Fire – Reconnecting Community, Restoring Service & Dignity #ManOfTheYear #StandYourGround
William MERVYN Was Arrested
Cocaine Bust – Justin REINHARDT
Cocaine Bust – Names Released
Dawson SZANTI – Drunk Driving
Justin MATHERS Was Arrested
Richard FRASER – Drunk Driving
Officers Who Crossed the Line in Wingham Added To Hall Of Shame – Richardson & Hann #HallOfShame
South Huron Drug Bust – Patrick ALBISTON & Tabatha VAN ERP
Jersey LITTLE Was Arrested
Kayden MORLEY – Drunk Driving
Tow Truck Operator Killed – Sandeep SINGH Arrested
Jobanpreet DHALIWAL – Drunk Driving
Darrin DAAMEN – Assault With Weapon, Etc.
Pervert Alert: Michael NADZIPOV – Sex Crimes & Threats Involing Children #StartTheHunt #ShareNow #ItsTime
Jamal Blenman Was Arrested Again! #3Strikes
Pedestrian Killed #PedestrianLivesMatter
Carly GAMBLE-KNECHTEL Was Arrested Again
Leroy Gary OGDEN Was Arrested