A Chatham-Kent councillor is calling for improvements at the arena in Wheatley.
Lauren Anderson notified council on March 6, 2023 that she was bringing a motion forward asking council to approve the rejuvenation of the Wheatley Arena.
Anderson said the Wheatley Area Arena has served as a critical community building for shelter, information, entertainment, and social gathering for years and has been the only gathering spot since the downtown explosion in August of 2021 closed the Wheatley Legion Hall and The Car Barn Hall.
She said opportunities exist to rejuvenate the aging facility to be more accessible, welcoming, and inspiring to Wheatley residents and wants administration to consult with the public and develop a plan for "achievable improvements" to Wheatley Arena over the short and medium term.
Anderson said the goal is to improve the accessibility, aesthetics, and the overall experience of patrons.
She added funding for the arena upgrades could come through the Capital Plan, Lifecycle Plan, grants, fundraising, or through other available sources.