Chatham-Kent Council voted unanimously and have directed administration to continue with a public engagement process to solicit feedback on the Imagine Chatham-Kent proposal.
Municipal officials say a specific project public consultation page is now available at: https://www.letstalkchatham-kent.ca/imagine-chatham-kent
The proposal focuses on the redevelopment of the Downtown Chatham Centre property in cooperation with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.
A preliminary design concept of the redevelopment, which has been funded by the investors, was presented on Monday.
Some of the “high level” aspects, include:
– Redevelopment of the former Sears portion of the Downtown Chatham Centre into a Community Hub and promenade by the investors, under terms of sale to the Municipality, which will include the downtown parking garage.
– Redevelopment of denoted portions of the Downtown Chatham Centre by the investors for the purpose of constructing an Entertainment Complex, also under terms of sale to the Municipality.
– Retention of remaining lands on the property by the investors for future private sector commercial and residential development.
For the public consultation, residents without access to the internet may also request a hard copy comment form available at any Municipal Centre or Chatham-Kent Library Branch, Municipal officials say.
A video presentation of the Imagine Chatham-Kent preliminary design concept, which was shown during Monday’s June 13, 2022 virtual Council meeting, is shared on the Let’s Talk page and can also be seen below:
Municipal officials say members of the public are able to provide comments and feedback regarding the proposal.
A Frequently Asked Questions area has been prepared on the right side of the consultation page as well, Municipal officials added.
“This section will be updated should information be available to address additional questions posed,” Municipal officials said in a media release.
The results of the consultation is set to be reported to Council on August 8, 2022.
Council also directed that up to $50,000 from the strategic reserve be allocated for the initial due diligence on the proposal.
A slide deck with more details can also be seen, here.
The community partners investing in the project, include: Rob Myers, Pete Tsirimbis, Jessica Tsirimbis, Ron Nydam, Donald Tetrault and Jim Bullock.
More details on each partner can be seen, below:
The Sydenham Current’s original story can also be seen, here: Community Hub and Entertainment Complex proposed for downtown Chatham
