It’s decision time for Chatham-Kent Council tonight as they vote on a proposed new arena project. 
With a $64-million twin-pad arena project being recommended for approval, Mayor Darrin Canniff says it’s up to council to figure out what direction they want to take, but now is not the time to sit on the fence.
“Back in 2008 when the financial crisis hit, the federal and provincial governments were giving away a lot of money (for recreational projects) and a lot of communities took advantage of that. We didn’t,” Canniff says.
Municipal administration is recommending a 2200-seat twin-pad arena with land for outdoor sports fields, replacing Memorial and Erickson Arenas in Chatham.
If approved, upper levels of government could fund up to 73% of the project.
“If we could spend like that all day long for 27 cent dollars, we have to be prepared to do it, who knows when the next opportunity is.”
A number of other major issues will be up for discussion in council chambers tonight, including the municipal impact of changes in provincial funding and proposed funding for the Wallaceburg Concert Band.
