Local Man Wants Arena Discussion To Happen

It seems it has been years since Chatham-Kent officially discussed a new twin pad arena and sports complex for the Municipality.

One local man, Ben Labadie, however, reignited the discussion on social media this week by posting an image of a possible sports complex (pictured above) for Chatham-Kent, and stating his desire to see this happen, along with his skepticism that it ever will.

“I have dreamed about this type of sports complex since I was a kid and now I have 2 kids aged 7 and 9 that I’m doubtful will see this dream come true either,” wrote Labadie. “Every city seems to have this type of sports complex with twin pad arenas, basketball courts, swimming, soccer, fitness zones and even libraries except our area. This is not an impossible idea, as it has been proven all over, over and over. I think its time. Let’s start the conversation. Comment, share etc. There is a big chunk of land on Richmond St. where a factory once was that a beautiful sports complex would be perfect for.”

And comment and share people did, as the initial post, which was made on Labadie’s real estate based Facebook page, garnered hundreds of likes, comments, and shares overnight.

Of course, most comments featured Chatham-Kent’s trademark style of aggressive, negative online comments, but many also engaged in a real discourse.

Many topics raised included where the funding would come from (Municipal vs. Private), how this would impact Chatham-Kent’s smaller communities (Chatham vs. Kent), and the fact that a consultation on a multi-sport indoor complex has already been held in the past twelve months (although that consultation didn’t involve arenas).