Chatham-Kent Councillors are divided on whether the Civic Centre needs a major renovation.
The 40-year-old building needs some upgrades, and a $14 million dollar option to renovate the Civic Centre was presented to council.
Chief Administrative Officer Don Shropshire says it’s no surprise council debated this issue.
“Any time you’re going to spend a large amount of money there’s going to be a major debate about it,” Shropshire says. “I think what we’re trying to be most concerned about is is the workplace safe for the people that are coming to visit here.”
Shropshire says there are also some basic safety issues that need to be addressed and other concerns that go hand-in-hand with a building of that age.
In the end, council voted against the renovation with some stating the money could be better spent on other community needs, and that the public should have been involved in the decision.
