By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A final report on the proposed Chatham-Kent Community Hub project – including cost – will come before council May 12.
That’s according to engineering and infrastructure general manager Edward Soldo.
Soldo made the comments when answering questions from councillors Rhonda Jubenville and Michael Bondy at a recent council meeting., adding it is a “recommendation” report.
At the meeting, Bondy said he wanted to know if May 12 is the time council will vote on whether to proceed with the hub.
In clarifying, Soldo said the recommendation will be to proceed with tendering the project.
“If we vote to send it out to tender, that’s not voting to proceed?” Bondy questioned.
However, chief administrative officer Michael Duben said it’s not the final decision, as council will still have the option of turning down a tender.
“So, it wouldn’t necessarily be the final decision,” Duben said.
Soldo explained the report will confirm the estimated cost – a matter that’s been hotly contested by the development’s critics.
Estimates brought forward earlier in the process, have stated that Chatham-Kent can revamp the old Sears building into a new Chatham-Kent Civic Centre, museum and library for a net sum of $6 million. However, this number includes the sale of the existing Civic Centre and library buildings.
Officials confirmed that deputations will be allowed at the May 12 meeting.
