When Chatham-Kent council meets Monday night to discuss a move of municipal operations to the former Sears building, councillors need to decide if they’re going to meet the needs of the community or bow to the wishes of a vocal but misguided minority.
From the day the Chatham-Kent Community Hub project was announced, there has been a concerted effort to stop it, no matter what it took.
The Hub is designed to replace the Civic Centre, Chatham branch of the library and museum.
Opponents initially accused developer Rob Myers and his group of profiteering. When Myers announced the creation of a $5 million foundation for the benefit of the museum and library, he was accused of trying to “buy” council votes.
Opponents said the project was part of a plot to close rural municipal service locations while paradoxically claiming it was designed to increase staff.
Some opposed the project because the community has other needs, somehow believing there will be a time when there aren’t other needs.
There has been misinformation and disinformation spread on social media. The integrity of municipal staff, consultants and those who favour the project has been called into question by self-styled experts who want council to abandon its role and call a referendum on the matter.
We had a referendum. We elected council to carry out its duties. Councillors have a duty to consult. They do not have a duty to capitulate.
There have been legitimate questions about the project, but is becoming obvious that if a new facility was built and donated, it wouldn’t be enough to appease some of these people.
Let’s be blunt. The Civic Centre is a dump. Its heating, cooling, electrical and plumbing systems are deficient and it fails by any measure of being accessible.
We’re in this position because previous councils have always bowed to pressure and refused to invest in the building. It is no longer prudent to do so.
Times change, needs change. The Civic Centre is no exception. It is not some holy grail.
We urge councillors to do what’s best for the entire community and show they won’t be bullied. The project must be moved forward, and with it, the revitalization of downtown Chatham.
To refuse to do so based on nostalgia and a lack of vision would be a disservice to the community.
