Read Official CK Report On Possible OHL Franchise For Chatham-Kent

After news slipped earlier this month regarding the possible relocation of an OHL franchise to Chatham-Kent, council will officially discuss the possibility of a franchise in Chatham-Kent this Monday.

The document, prepared by Chatham-Kent CAO Don Shropshire states,

“Since 1998, there have been three occasions when an OHL franchise has been in discussions with the Municipality to determine our interest in supporting a franchise in our community. Chatham-Kent is viewed as an attractive location for a franchise, the community has a long history of supporting hockey and we are in close proximity to other franchises that would promote natural rivalries. The Municipality needs to address fundamental issues before determining whether it should support an OHL franchise coming to Chatham-Kent. The Municipality needs to confirm the cost of the facility construction and operation and how these expenses will be financed. A property needs to be identified that would be suitable for the facility and yield ancillary economic benefits.”

The document also discusses the impacts on the community, which include the need for a new 5,000 seat arena, which the Municipality estimates would cost 45 to 60 million dollars, and the negative impact bringing an OHL franchise to Chatham-Kent would have on the long standing Chatham Maroons Junior B franchise.

“Welcoming an OHL franchise to the Municipality has a variety of impacts that have not been fully researched. There would be a significant financial cost to build and operate a new arena. There would also be a potential impact on local businesses, in particular in the hospitality industry and the Chatham Maroons Jr. B franchise,” stated the document.

To read the full document regarding the consideration of an OHL franchise in Chatham-Kent being presented to council Monday, CLICK HERE.