Following extensive public consultation, Chatham-Kent Council will soon be asked to decide on the future of the proposed Chatham-Kent Community Hub project.
A report will be presented to council during its October 21 meeting for a decision on the continuation of the multi-year project, which would see the Chatham-Kent Civic Centre, CK Public Library and CK Museum amalgamated into the former Sears building in downtown Chatham.
Council’s vote during the meeting will determine whether or not the Community Hub project moves into its next phase, which would include the finalization of designs, tendering of costs, construction procurement, and the commencement of construction. Additional decisions by council on the how the project will move forward will also be made in the first and second quarters of 2025.
The municipality will be releasing its report two weeks ahead of the meeting on October 7 to ensure residents have ample time to review the information.
In place of deputations, CK administration is asking that anyone wishing to express their opinion to send an email to Council@chatham-kent.ca for council review prior to the October 21 meeting.
Chatham-Kent Council agreed in January to purchase the Sears portion of the Downtown Chatham Centre at a cost of $2.95 million. Since then, the municipality has provided multiple opportunities for public engagement on the proposed Community Hub, including three public information sessions that were attended by over 300 residents. Two online public surveys were also conducted, as well as three stakeholder engagement meetings and several one-on-one meetings with local advisory committees and boards.
For more information about the CK Community Hub, click here.