Storey questions ongoing costs
By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
When it comes to the Chatham-Kent Community Hub, Alysson Storey isn’t convinced council has all the facts.
That worry prompted the Chatham councillor to bring forward a notice of motion at the Oct. 6 meeting asking administration for specific numbers with regard to the facility’s ongoing operating and lifecycle costs.
It will be tabled on Oct. 20, the date council is expected to vote on moving into the hub’s construction phase.
Administration has recommended council accept a tender from Fortis Construction Group Inc. for $39,280,323, including HST rebate. According to a municipal media release the bid comes in under budget from the original estimate of $42,920,000 and provides “sufficient contingency funds” to budget for the unexpected.
Contingencies for tariff impacts have also been built in, the release said.
Overall, the budget for the hub remains at $52.8 million, including more than $7 million in contingency funds, aligning with the cost estimate presented to council in May 2025. If council approves the tender, it means that the hub can proceed without creating any related property tax increases.
But Storey said construction costs are but one piece of the puzzle.
“For any project, construction is only 30 per cent of the overall cost,” Storey told The Voice in a recent interview. “There are also operating costs, upkeep and renewal costs. To date, we’ve only seen very limited detail. It’s very reasonable to have those numbers in front of us when we make the next decision.”
As well, Storey said she is concerned about a rise in operating costs for the new museum and library as each space for each is more than doubling, noting it will increase costs all around, which could impact library service and staffing across the municipality.
“When you buy a house that’s double the size of your old one, your expenses go up,” Storey said. “Why would this proposal be any different? I worry we are about to make a significant cost decision that will impact taxpayers for generations to come, with only half the story. As councillors, it’s our responsibility to make sure we have the full financial picture when we’re making decisions, especially when it comes to the most expensive project in our history.”
When questioned about Storey’s motion calling for more detailed numbers, Mayor Darrin Canniff said administration has already provided them to the extent officials can on multiple occasions.
“My goal is zero impact to the budget and we’re adding services with the hub,” the mayor explained.
As for lifecycle costs, the mayor said they can’t be broken down exactly because, for example, “we don’t know how much we’ll be spending on items like stationary.”
The mayor continues to stress that consolidating the C-K Civic Centre and the library and museum under one roof creates savings due to shared “synergies,” as well as 35 naming and sponsorship opportunities. Plus, he said, the new build will meet state-of-the-art energy efficiency standards – a significant cost savings measure.
Critics of the community hub project have been vocal since the outset. The mayor said he’s well aware that many are against the hub, mainly because they’ve heard misinformation about it.
He said he remains stoked about the possibilities.
“We’re committed to ensuring this project proceeds in a financially responsible manner, so seeing the recommended bid come in under budget is extremely exciting. This project is one of the most significant investments in our community’s future and it’s something we’ve been saving for, for many years.
“We can’t afford to not do this: the alternative options are more expensive and don’t offer nearly as many benefits to the community,” Canniff explained. “I am committed to seeing this project progress responsibly, sustainably and for the betterment of Chatham-Kent.”
Storey’s motion is asking that the tender decision be deferred if the numbers she’s requested are not available.
But if council approves the tender, construction will start in December 2025 with completion slated for 2028.
The full report on the hub can be viewed at letstalkchatham-kent.ca.
