As planning begins for future growth and development in south Wheatley, municipal officials are looking for input from the public.
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is preparing a “secondary land use plan and servicing strategy” for Wheatley’s south end, which will promote new land uses such as residential, commercial, industrial, natural, and public spaces. The land in the specified area is historically agricultural.
The municipality said the plan, entitled Imagine Wheatley, will encourage the environmental, social, cultural and economic sustainability of the area.
Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff said the project in Wheatley is even more significant as the town continues to recover from the gas explosion in August 2021, which destroyed one building and injured 20 people.
“Wheatley is a wonderful community for people to live, work and play. More and more people are recognizing this and want to move here,” said Canniff in a news release. “New neighbourhoods will add vitality to the entire community, including the downtown.”
To ensure community engagement, the municipality will be hosting a digital public information session through Zoom on May 18 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. During the meeting, the municipality will share its plan and allow the community to provide ideas, ask questions, and raise concerns.
According to the municipality, the town of Wheatley is projected to be one of the fastest-growing communities in Chatham-Kent over the next 30 years. Over this time, the town is estimated to grow by 500 new households and 1,300 new residents.
To sign up for the online public meeting, click here.
