Debate over Chimczuk money heats up at council

There were some strange exchanges and pointed questions at Windsor city council Monday over the "Chimczuk money."

Auto worker Joseph Chimczuk left the cash the city when he died more than 20 years ago. He specified it be used to build a museum with his name attached. More than $3 million is now available.

David Wonham,a retired doctor, has no ties to Chimczuk or the money, but said he has legally registered a company called Chimczuk Museum Inc.

Wonham appearedbefore council last night. Coun. Drew Dilkens is not impressed and had a pointed response for Wonham.

"I've sat here, tried to be patient, and this has come before us, I don't know how many times, but the more it comes in front of us, the more I find out, this sir, with all due respect is the biggest bunch of hogwash and nonsense that you're undertaking here that I think I've ever seen since I've been on city council," Dilkens said.

Coun. Hilary Payne questioned Wonham's motives.

"Are you suggesting that the mere fact that you've registered the name allows you to control in some way the funds that were left as a bequest to the city?" Payneasked.

Wonham tried to explain.

"We've never mentioned the funds that are left there. All we've said is that by registering the name, we want to secure that Joseph Chimczuk's will is carried out," he said.

City council is exploring its legal options. It's also awaiting a study that will make recommendations on where and how to create the museum.