No Funding, No Arena Council Hears

Chatham-Kent Council heard a report from Municipal CAO Don Shropshire Monday on the potential of a new twin-pad arena being built in Chatham-Kent.

Shropshire made it clear that this report, and the ensuing discussion are to gain direction, not a spending commitment, although money was an issue.

One necessity stated is Chatham-Kent’s need for Provincial and Federal funding to supplement two-thirds of the construction costs.

CAO Don Shropshire says traditional funding model where senior governments pay two-thirds of cost will be pursued. Without senior funding, project would not be brought back to council. #ckont

— Chatham Kent (@MunicCK) May 29, 2018

At this point, the Arena, which is suggested could cost between $25-$56 million excluding land acquisition costs and other expenditures, is simply going to be examined by Council, with no immediate timeline in place.

Council hearing report on twin-pad arena plan for Chatham as directed earlier this year. Administration looking for council approval to investigate costing, senior government funding possibilities and direction on size of facility.

— Chatham Kent (@MunicCK) May 29, 2018

In 2015, Chatham-Kent Council discussed a similar action when an OHL team turned down the Municipality. Consultant fees for the feasibility study were listed at approximately $55,000 at the time discussing a $25-60 million arena, or $4.9 million in repairs to Memorial. Council was urged not to pursue an OHL sized arena at the time.

This time around, planning will be done in house by Municipal staff.

While some residents took to Twitter looking to defer the vote and action until a new council is elected in October, the current council believes continuing this process is important.

Ward 6 Councillors Brock McGregor and Derek Robertson replied to comments defending the motion.

“I would’ve loved to have the report 6 months ago – heck 2 years ago, but the timing will never be perfect. I respect and will listen to anyone’s opinion on the matter, but I believe we’re elected to serve not defer. Let’s not lengthen the lame duck period to play politics,” Tweeted McGregor.

“Brock is absolutely correct!! The approval of this report will gain the next council valuable information to avoid being in a situation bereft of the same for months on end,” Robertson Tweeted in support.

In the end, council voted 13-1 to authorize administration to prepare a report on the potential arena.

Council authorizes administration to prepare report for incoming council regarding proposal for twin-pad arena. #ckont

— Chatham Kent (@MunicCK) May 29, 2018