Editor: Recently, Coun. Michael Bondy sent an email to media, without cc’ing myself or council, about the Chatham-Kent Community Hub. It contained inaccuracies that mislead the public.
His statement indicating that the project will cost $90-100 million is false, misleading, and an attack on the credibility and integrity of our council, staff and consultants.
The total project budget for the Community Hub is $52.8 million. Full stop.
The project’s capital budget includes all construction costs, contingencies, and procurements within the $52.8 million.
Claims of hidden costs, undisclosed interest, or a “blank cheque” are false, plain and simple. It has been explained to Coun. Bondy several times in open session and through reports that all contingencies ($7.1 million in this case) are built into the $52.8 million budget, yet he still fails to grasp the concept.
Coun. Bondy has had access to the project financing information for over a year. The information is in the October 21, 2024, May 12, 2025 and October 20, 2025 reports to council.
The debenture for this project will not be issued until 2028–2029, after the sale of surplus properties, receipt of donations, and release of unused contingencies. These repayments will be funded through the existing facility replacement budget, meaning no tax increase is required.
His statement that the contract has no spending cap is incorrect. This project is being executed under a fixed-price contract. The tender award was conducted under strict municipal procurement rules. Any costs beyond the awarded amount would require council approval through a public report.
I want to stress that this project has been subject to extensive due diligence by both external and internal professionals, including engineers, accountants, lawyers, architects and more. This due diligence has allowed us to forecast with a high degree of accuracy that this project will come in at or below the $52.8 million budget.
The Chatham-Kent Fire Hall referenced in his statements is a completely separate project that will be considered independently by council at a later date. This project, as per the council-approved Fire Masterplan, needs to take place regardless of what was decided on the CKCH project. His efforts to intertwine the costs of two unrelated projects is yet another instance of misinformation.
I take Coun. Bondy’s attempt to spread misinformation very seriously. Council, administration and I are bound to provide residents with accurate, verified information.
I understand that Coun. Bondy, ever since declaring his intention to run for mayor, is against this project, but attempting to cast aspersions on it through the spread of misinformation is unprofessional and beneath the integrity of a Chatham-Kent councillor.
The fact is: This project is the most fiscally responsible option. As reported to council on May 12, renovating the existing Civic Centre, library, and museum to comparable modern standards would cost around $55 million more than the CKCH.
We’re getting an all-in-one facility for half the cost, all while reducing payments on multiple assets. This doesn’t even include the sale of the two buildings, the possibility of unused contingency, and community donations, all of which would reduce the cost by millions of dollars.
Most of the negativity I’ve heard about this project stems from misleading information. What I’ve been hearing from informed local businesses, families, newcomers, and library and museum patrons is an overwhelming sentiment of positivity and approval. I’ve been hearing a community that is excited for progress, eager for change, and excited to see their municipality strategically investing in itself in preparation for growth.
How can we ask businesses and residents to invest in C-K if we aren’t willing to do it ourselves?
Darrin Canniff
Mayor
Municipality of Chatham-Kent
I back Bondy one hundred percent. The lack of support we have received from our current mayor has been dismal to say the least. I would vote for Bondy in a New York minute.