A public meeting is scheduled for tonight, March 11, 2020 to discuss the idea of a Community Hub for Wallaceburg.
A public information session is taking place from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Wallaceburg Municipal Centre, 2nd Floor Board Room.
“Any person, community group, business or organization that is interested in taking part in this discussion is encouraged to attend,” Wallaceburg Councillor Aaron Hall posted on social media.
“We are still in the information gathering and brainstorming stage and this will be an opportunity to have your ideas, thoughts and comments documented and included in the process.”
Hall said he and Councillor Carmen McGregor will be joined by Municipality of Chatham-Kent staff at the meeting.
“In order to continue engaging with the community about the idea,” Hall added.
“Councillor McGregor, Mayor Darrin Canniff and I have already met with several groups and people so far and we’re all looking forward to keeping the momentum moving forward and making the picture look more clear.”
Hall entered a notice of motion at the Monday, November 4, Council meeting, asking administration to investigate and provide options to Council about building a new facility in Wallaceburg, or retrofitting an existing building within the community.
“Multiple community groups and organizations in Wallaceburg have expressed an interest and need for a new space and location in order to fully maximize their goals,” Hall said in his motion.
“These groups focus on a wide spectrum within the community, including: arts, music, seniors and inclusiveness.”
Hall added one of Council’s strategic priorities is to look at the current facility asset inventory.
“And consider alternative and better uses for these facilities,” Hall said in his motion.
“The use of public/private partnerships and other partnerships with community groups are ways to move the community forward in a fiscally responsible way.”
When the motion was discussed at Council on November 18, Chatham Councillor Doug Sulman entered a successful motion to refer the motion back to administration for more public consultation.
Back in December, a pilot project to take a closer look at Wallaceburg’s Municipal buildings and parks was approved by Council.
West Kent Councillor Melissa Harrigan, who brought forward the motion, said focusing on Wallaceburg first with this pilot project would coincide with Councillor Hall’s motion about looking into a Community Hub for Wallaceburg.
“This will be some important work in our community and provide us with some key information,” Hall said.
“Not only related to the Community Hub idea, but (it) will be valuable information overall. I’m looking forward to working with the community on this.”
Here is some more background:
– More public consultation sought for ‘Community Hub’ concept
