A plan for a new twin-pad arena and multisport complex in Chatham-Kent is moving forward.
Municipality of Chatham-Kent Council approved a motion by Chatham Coun. Brock McGregor on Monday night, May 27.
The motion was carried by a vote of 13-4.
Chatham Councillors Michael Bondy and Doug Sulman, along with East Kent Councillors John Wright and Steve Pinsonneault were opposed. Chatham Coun. Amy Finn was absent.
Council approved replacing Chatham Memorial Arena and Erickson Arena with a twin pad and an Indoor Multisport Community Centre.
The maximum municipal contribution was set at $18.5-million, with investments in servicing and traffic mitigation costs not included.
The design will include a maximum 4,000 seat and 200 seat twin pad complex, with the final sizing and scope being dependent on private contributions and investments.
The Project construction will commence only when a number of sources of funding are contractually confirmed, including:
– $18.5-million from Municipal reserves or if desired, debt financing
– A minimum of $46.6-million from higher level government funding. The application is still pending.
– Private funding
– A budget increase commensurate with the operating and lifecycle requirements for the finalized project.
Council approved that upon completion of the construction of the new facility, both Memorial and Erickson Arenas will be closed, re-purposed, divested, or potentially demolished.
Council also directed administration to secure land options to accommodate the project along with an incremental 60 acres for outdoor sports fields for baseball, rugby, hockey, cricket and soccer.
Administration is set to proceed immediately with preliminary architectural work and land acquisition options.
