Municipality of Chatham-Kent officials say on Monday, April 15, the first Stakeholder Engagement Group meeting was held for the proposed Chatham-Kent Community Hub (CKCH).
The Stakeholder Engagement Group meetings are being held to ensure that the lived and practiced experiences from community stakeholders are heard, considered, and reflected when designs for the proposed Chatham-Kent Community Hub are being developed, Municipal officials say.
The group was able to review initial draft designs of the first and second floor of the CKCH to ensure that the needs of their respective groups are being met.
This meeting marked the first of three meetings planned with this group.
At the table to provide input and feedback on the project were representatives from the CK Public Library Board, the Accessibility Advisory Committee, the Municipal Museums Advisory Committee, and the Gallery Advisory Committee.
These stakeholders represent their respective boards and committees and will be bringing feedback and input from their groups for consideration as the project progresses.
“(Monday) night’s meeting was an excellent first engagement exercise with our very knowledgeable stakeholders,” said Edward Soldo, General Manager of Infrastructure and Engineering, in a press release.
“As we move along the project timeline, we want to be sure that the voices of those using and working in these facilities are being heard. This project has the potential to reshape our community, so we want to make sure we have community input throughout the process.”
The proposed Chatham-Kent Community Hub is a multi-year project that is currently in its second phase.
The first phase was completed in October of 2023 when Council authorized the purchase of the former Sears portion of the Downtown Chatham Centre.
The current phase, expected to last until summer of 2024, entails establishment of the Stakeholder Engagement Group, creation of detailed concept designs, an updated cost estimate, and public engagement on the concept designs.
At the end of the second phase, the project will return before Council for a decision on the continuation of the project.
If approved, the third phase will entail finalization of the designs, tendering costs, construction procurement, and pending approval, the commencement of construction.
To find out more about the Chatham-Kent Community Hub project, including the initial design drawings, visit www.letstalkchatham-kent.ca/community-hub.
