Chatham-Kent Community Hub $39M construction contract approved

Concept of Chatham-Kent Community Hub. (Source: Municipality of Chatham-Kent)

Chatham-Kent Council has officially approved a $39-million contract for the construction of the new Chatham-Kent Community Hub.

The contract has been awarded to Fortis Construction Group Inc. of Tecumseh, Ont., for a total value of $39,280,323 (including HST rebate), coming in $3.6 million under the estimated construction cost.

The project will now move forward into the construction phase, with work expected to begin in December 2025.

Municipal officials say it marks a major milestone in one of the most significant infrastructure projects in the municipality’s history.

“This is an exciting moment for Chatham-Kent. The Community Hub will be a cornerstone for civic life. It will be a place that connects our residents to services, culture, learning, and community. The fact that this project is moving ahead, and already under budget, is a testament to the strong planning and fiscal responsibility behind it. This is an investment in the future of Chatham-Kent and it will serve generations to come,” said Mayor Darrin Canniff.

The new Community Hub will bring together the Chatham Civic Centre, Chatham Branch of the Chatham-Kent Public Library, and the Chatham-Kent Museum into a single, accessible, and energy-efficient facility located at 130 King St. West in downtown Chatham.

This project will also support the Municipality’s Asset Management Plan by replacing aging facilities and reducing long-term infrastructure costs.

Construction is expected to be completed by early 2028, with the facility opening shortly afterward.

Municipal officials said the construction of the hub will move forward without any new property tax increases, as the project is being funded through a combination of property sales, existing reserves, and long-term financing within the municipality’s existing budget.

It is not expected to result in the closure of any rural libraries or municipal service centres.

Further updates will be shared as the project moves through the construction process and will be available online.