48 Centre Street, Chatham, Ontario
Bill’s Place serves as both the office space for CK Pride and our community hub, where we provide support, programming, and host various events. The name “Bill’s Place” is a tribute to Bill Brokenshire, a former Chatham resident who passed away in 2018. In his will, Bill generously established a trust fund for CK Pride, recognizing the importance of creating a safe space for the local 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Bill’s vision included the development of two apartments above this space, which are made available to members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community at market rates. The rental income from these apartments helps cover the operating costs, allowing us to continue supporting and serving our community effectively.
Visit our Calendar for Drop-In times.
Founding Donors
Bill Brokenshire Trust
Other Sponsors & Donors
CAROLYN COLLINS
CHATHAM PLUMBING
CK POLICE SERVICES
FRAN & RICHARD LUCID
GAYLE MARTIN
GREG SIMPSON
RDOHLA & CARLEANE MONK
RICK BURROWS
RYAN WESTON & DANIEL BOURRE
ST. PAUL’s-VICTORIA AVE UNITED CHURCH
THE RIGHT CONNECTION INC.
UNITED WAY
WENDY KEMPSTER
ZAMORA ANGELINI FAMILY
About Bill Brokenshire
Bill, born on February 14, 1945, in Chatham, Ontario, and passing away on September 18, 2018, remained deeply connected to his Southwestern Ontario roots throughout his life. He developed a strong appreciation for history and collectibles through the stories shared by his grandmothers and elderly aunts. Bill’s passion led him to amass a unique collection of heirlooms, curiosities, and antiques while living in a farmhouse with a charming veranda on the Raleigh Plain just outside Chatham. During this time, Bill and his friends were drawn to the vibrant music and culture emerging from Detroit, but the soundtrack of his life was the music of the 1920s through the 1940s.
Bill pursued his education at Chatham Collegiate Institute and the University of Windsor, earning his Teacher’s Certificate in 1968. He embarked on his teaching career in Essex County before relocating to Toronto in 1983. Throughout his teaching journey, Bill stood out for his forward-thinking approach, unwavering composure, and a remarkable ability to support struggling students. He was also known for his creativity, often having his pupils dress up in costumes and engage in furniture refinishing projects in his class.
Upon moving to Toronto with his partner, Ernesto, Bill co-founded the Draper Street Residents Association to preserve the historic Empire houses in the area. Bill’s home, affectionately referred to as “Bill’s Place,” became a cherished gathering spot characterized by his easygoing nature, sense of humor, and attentive, sage advice.
Bill’s self-assurance and love of life as a gay man were truly contagious. He empowered others, instilling in them the confidence and happiness of being themselves, showing that their identity was not the obstacle society often perceived it to be, but simply an alternative path through life. This sentiment, inspired by Bill’s spirit, has left a lasting legacy. (Adapted from Frank Marshall’s soft opening speech).
Building Bill's Place
Bill insisted that any building should be financially self-sufficient, avoiding reliance on political shifts or funding. After a two-year search, CK Pride purchased a Mixed Commercial Zoning property at 48 Centre Street in October 2020, with legal support from Deborah Verhey and Daniel Whittal. The plan was to convert the second floor into residential apartments to generate rental income for community space operations and provide safe housing for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in downtown Chatham.
Junctura Group Construction began renovations in January 2021. Despite challenges like Covid, permit delays, and vandalism, work was completed by summer 2022. Volunteers finished the final touches, and the apartments were ready for occupancy by November 2022.
Bill's Place Murals
The most prominent features at Bill’s Place are our indoor & outdoor murals.
The indoor mural is entitled “Kaleidoscope” by Joshua Huys, painted in 2022. “I view the world through a kaleidoscope. This mural exhibits the celebration of pride & nature as one. Pride is simple & doesn’t have to be difficult, & can be in unison with our world.” His vision was painted with the help of Ms.Mceachran’s art class from Ursuline College.
Our outdoor mural was painted in 2025 by Sarah M. Robbins, a Chatham-born artist. She uses bright colours to spread joy through murals. After her father’s passing in 2021 & a period of depression, she discovered public art & its uplifting impact. She then dedicated herself to mural painting, completing over 40 murals in Chatham, Windsor-Essex, Kingsville, & Petrolia, working with communities & businesses alike.
This mural captures the spirit of Bill’s Place & the vibrant community CK Pride has helped to foster. Visibility is vital for acceptance & celebrating identity, which is why the CK Pride team dedicated effort to challenge past fears & close-minded attitudes. The central feature—painted wings—was inspired by the travels of people whose relationships began at Bill’s Place. They saw similar wings used as popular photo backdrops in the Dominican Republic & Toronto. Collaborating with CanJam, this inspiration was shared with the artist, who created a larger, more impactful vision for the mural. The result is a powerful symbol of community, pride, & inclusivity that brings people together.
Starting at the center, bold wings made from the Inclusive Pride flag stretch wide, with a crown above for anyone who poses here to stand tall as their authentic self. From the wings, a surge of colour explodes outward in a tidal wave of movement—waves of creativity, joy, & unstoppable momentum sweeping across the wall. On each end, sunflowers & dandelions frame the mural, symbolizing positivity, optimism, & a wish for good things to flow into the community.
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