Chatham-Kent Community Hub Project Moves Forward as Construction Contract Award Approved

Chatham-Kent Council has officially approved the award for the construction of the new Chatham-Kent Community Hub, marking a major milestone in one of the most significant infrastructure projects in the municipality’s history.

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

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

Mayor Darrin Canniff said this decision represents a major step forward for the community:

“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.”

Construction is expected to be completed by early 2028, with the facility opening shortly afterward. The project is designed to meet the highest standards for accessibility, energy efficiency, and public service delivery, while consolidating key municipal and cultural services under one roof.

Importantly, the construction of the Chatham-Kent Community 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.

The creation of the Chatham-Kent Community Hub will not result in the closure of any rural libraries or municipal service centres, ensuring that residents across Chatham-Kent continue to have convenient access to local services.