The Historic Downtown Chatham BIA is expressing its support for the proposed CK community hub in downtown Chatham.
BIA Office and Project Manager Katie Goulet told CK News Today the hub will be a catalyst for creativity, connection, and economic opportunity for the downtown and the businesses that her group represents.
"We're looking to advocate for our storefronts, for our downtown to make it beautiful and always growing. This is a huge opportunity for us to bring in a new demographic and bring in more customers and people to visit the downtown. We want to increase that foot traffic," said Goulet.
Goulet said this "transformative project" is locally grown and built for the community by the community, adding it represents a bold investment in the future of the community and downtown core.
"This is also an opportunity to keep things local. We have investors who have been supporting Chatham and Chatham-Kent for eons. I would rather it be people from Chatham than bringing people from outside our community. These are people who really care," Goulet noted.
The BIA noted the hub with a new Civic Centre, library, and museum proposed for the old Sears building in downtown Chatham will be more than just a building -- it is future focused and ensures Chatham-Kent remains relevant and responsive to new generations to come.
"We commend the Municipality of Chatham-Kent for its commitment to public engagement throughout the planning process, including multiple information sessions and stakeholder consultations," noted the BIA. "The thoughtful design and strategic location of the community hub demonstrate a clear vision for a vibrant and sustainable downtown."
The BIA urges Council to proceed with the next phases of the project, confident that the community hub will enrich the lives of residents and contribute to the prosperity of Chatham-Kent.
Council votes on the project on May 12, 2025 at its regular meeting. The council meeting will be held at the Bradley Convention Centre in Chatham to accommodate what's anticipated to be a large turnout.