One CK councillor is calling for more transparency before the Community Hub moves to the next phase of development.
Councillor Alysson Storey put forth a notice of motion at Monday’s council meeting asking administration to produce a report listing all costs associated with renovating the old Sears building.
Administration is presenting a tender bid from Fortis Construction Group Inc. to build the new Community Hub at the October 20 meeting, recommending council approve the bid, which came in under budget from the Tecumseh-based contractor.
Storey has previously raised concerns about transparency on costs for the Community Hub. In March 2024, their motion to hire a third-party consultant to review the costs of moving to the old Sears building was defeated in a 12-6 vote.
The Ward 6 representative is now asking council to vote on a report that details the full financial picture of the Community Hub, including long-term costs.
“The costs of any project are not just upfront construction costs, but long-term life cycle and maintenance costs, operating costs like increased staffing needs, utilities, insurance, security, equipment, IT, and more,” said Storey.
Under provincial legislation, the municipality is responsible for funding the full life cycle costs of any asset. At the October 21, 2024 meeting, council was presented with a Community Hub update for the former Sears building, including concept designs, preliminary costs, and projected ongoing operating and maintenance expenses, highlighting that all future financial obligations would fall to Chatham-Kent.
Storey’s notice of motion references a council report from April 28, 2025, where a funding shortfall of $2.36 billion over 10 years for Chatham-Kent’s existing infrastructure was identified.
“This is without the addition of the old Sears reconstruction,” said Storey.
“Council has not received yet a detailed asset management plan specifically related to the old Sears proposal.”
Storey is asking for a pause on moving the Community Hub into the next phase until administration presents a report detailing:
- Incremental annual life cycle costs
- Potential tax impacts
- Full project management costs
- Utility, maintenance, and security increases
- Debenture interest charges
- Costs tied to expanded space, including furniture and HVAC
- Potential staffing and operating budget increases for the museum and library
