Dennis leaves all-candidates forum before it begins
Former Oil Springs mayor, Lambton warden Byers ‘valued community, friendship and service’
August 11, 2026
The Independent
Long-time Oil Springs Mayor and Lambton County Warden Owen Byers has passed away.
Byers, his family said in his obituary “valued community, friendship and service, leaving behind many lasting connections and memories.”
Byers, who was a driver with Suncor, began his political career as a councillor in 1976. After a three-year-term, he became the community’s reeve until 1991, when the title changed to mayor. He served 14 years as the leader of the community.
Byers was elected by his political peers in 1993 to be Warden of Lambton County, two years after a massive shift in county government when Sarnia returned to the county fold.
After he left politics, Byers passion became supporting Charlotte Eleanor Englehart Hospital, chairing its foundation board until 2023.
Byers passed away Monday at the age of 86, leaving behind his children, Jeff, Brian and Rebecca and five grandchildren.
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Dennis leaves all-candidates forum before it begins
September 23, 2026
Cathy Dobson/The Independent An abrupt departure by Bill Dennis at a youth-led all-candidates forum Wednesday means the five Sarnia mayoral candidates have not yet faced off during this municipal election campaign. Numerous people witnessed a verbal altercation between Dennis and a youth prior to the event held at the Lambton College events centre. He left shortly after, according to Michelle
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OPP looking for information after reports of a man in the St. Clair River under Bluewater Bridge
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Front Page
Good news – for now – at Village Green
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MTO planning snow hedgerows along 402 to improve safety
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It’s filed notice to expropriate 36 parcels of land on the north side of the highway Heather Wright/The Independent The Ministry of Transportation is planning to plant 30 km of snow hedgerows along Highway 402 in London and Middlesex. And it’s served notice it may use expropriation to claim the land it needs for the project. “The Ministry of Transportation
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