Editor: There’s a lot to do in Chatham-Kent but it’s just not enough. This is my response to the June 1 editorial in the Chatham Voice, “A hotbed of activity.”
Being someone who has recently moved into this cozy and scenic landscape, I am definitely enjoying my time in an extremely friendly, safe and caring neighbourhood, but having said that I strongly feel that this place has way more potential and can offer so many of us so much more than it already does.
It can up its game when it comes to multiple necessary lifestyle options that can address and cater to the needs and demands of the community, especially the younger people living in Chatham Kent.
I am a shopaholic. I would love to see a couple of high street brands and outlets pop up in Chatham Kent. Instead of driving all the way to Windsor or London or Detroit, I hope my retail therapy needs are taken care of within Chatham-Kent itself.
The downtown Chatham mall remains a silent spectacle. I have walked into it multiple times only to find it looking like a deserted space with only a few shops to name. How it would benefit from a much-needed makeover. I, for one, would be over the moon to see that happen.
With kids aged eight and 12, I look for more places for my children to enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities. Perhaps by giving the Chatham Kent youngsters more options to choose from, the area can develop itself to be a major attraction for millennial tourists from nearby neighbouring cities. After all, shouldn’t people from Windsor and Detroit look forward to coming to Chatham Kent and not vice versa?
It was such a welcome change and a breath of fresh air to hear that an indoor trampoline park is soon to open in Chatham-Kent. My kids are excited for that and so am I.
Chatham Kent is already an inclusive community. Undoubtedly it welcomes people from different backgrounds and faiths. More places of interest targeting a newer set of people, making Chatham-Kent their home need to be integrated to make it even better.
Hence, without ignoring the many pros of Chatham-Kent I am simply asking for more. As Oliver Twist would have said, “Please Sir, I want some more”.
Abida Ali
Chatham
