Is OHL Arena In Chatham Still Possible?

A $4.8 million upgrade to Chatham’s Memorial Arena is one of three arena upgrade possibilities for C-K’s future – Photo by Helen Heath/ Chatham Maroons

Building an arena suitable for a Junior ‘A’ hockey team in Chatham-Kent isn’t out of the realm of possibilities. Yet.

Chatham-Kent council adjourned Monday evening with a split decision on the future of an OHL-sized arena in Chatham, pushing the topic to the back-burner, but not quite off the stove.

Council was split 9-9 after the vote Monday night. This vote comes after administration has recommended Chatham-Kent NOT pursue the venue, mainly due to financial consequences. The proposed cost of an OHL arena in Chatham is said to sit around $60 million.

The discussion amongst councillors has been interesting to say the least, with differing opinions and heavy debate. The split vote means council is still open to the option of an OHL arena in C-K’s future. Although council may not be actively pursuing an OHL team at the moment or in the near future, it seems they will entertain any possibility that may come down the pipeline.

That being said, former OHL owners and clubs with Chatham on their radar in the recent past, have previously stated that their team needs the arena BEFORE moving to the area.

Council will also be receiving a feasibility report from a consultant regarding the three current Chatham arena upgrade options. These possibilities include the OHL scale of $60 million, fixing Memorial Arena (home of the Chatham Maroons) for a price tag of $4.8 million or building a new twin-pad arena in the $25 million neighbourhood. The twin-pad possibility could come with closures of either or both of Memorial and Erickson Arenas in Chatham. Consultation fees will cost $35,000-$55,000.