DCC decision set for tonight for C-K council

Today’s the day Chatham-Kent council will be asked to make a decision on buying the former Sears building at the Downtown Chatham Centre.

If approved, the municipality will acquire the building for a purchase price of $2.95 million from 100 King Street CK Holdings Inc.

The recommendation is being made by C-K administration as part of the Imagine Chatham-Kent proposal that would see some of the service at the C-K Civic Centre, the Chatham library and the museum move into the space following renovations.

Included in the deal is the use of 175 designated parking spaces in the parking garage.

The recommendation also outlines a buy-back provision that would allow the municipality to “trigger” the repurchase of the property by 100 King Street Holdings Inc. at the same price within 18 to 24 months, should the municipality decide to not proceed with the redevelopment plan.

Owners of the DCC include Rob Myers, Jessica Myers, Ron Nydam, Don Tetrault and Jim Bullock.

According to the report, council opted to investigate the Imagine Chatham-Kent concept in June 2021, and a public survey on the idea was also conducted.

In June 2022, council was presented a report on the ideas for the Imagine project, based on ongoing consultation with 100 King Street CK Holdings Inc. owners. A further update on Imagine C-K was provided to council in October.

Later on in tonight’s council agenda is a motion from Chatham Coun. Alysson Storey, asking for a report from administration before any tenders are prepared for the Imagine proposal, including operating and capital costs of the Sears building, as well as construction costs, including all funding sources and the amount it would cost to move to the DCC site or repair the existing Civic Centre.

The civic centre is reported to be in dire needs of repairs, estimated last year at $37 million.

Storey’s motion also asks for the “all tax impacts” to residents of the proposal. The councillor has stated that many citizens are opposed to moving municipal services to the DCC.

The funds to purchase the Sears building would come from municipal reserves. If it moves forward, the purchase will be complete on Jan. 31, 2024.