The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is digging deeper into arena and ice needs in the community.
Earlier this week, members of council approved spending $196,380 (plus HST) on an arena feasibility study.
The tender, passed unanimously through the consent agenda, was awarded to Sierra Planning and Management Inc., which will conduct the study to determine the type of arena or recreation facility Chatham-Kent should build or whether a larger OHL-capable arena makes more sense for the community.
Part of the 2025 Parks and Recreation Master Plan, the municipality is looking at the best way to replace the Chatham Memorial and Erickson Arenas.
In June 2026, Council directed Administration to include two possible arena streams in the feasibility study.
That includes a new multi-use arena with at least one ice pad and more than 2,500 seats to accommodate the Maroons, with additional playing surfaces based on community need.
The study will also look at an option to construct a 5,000-plus-seat arena to accommodate a potential OHL franchise, with additional playing surfaces based on community need.
Sierra Planning and Management Inc. will now commence the project this month, with the study expected to be completed in the fall of 2027.
The feasibility study was previously approved to be funded through the 2026 Capital Budget allocation.