A recent report to Chatham-Kent municipal council details its $53 million community hub is on track with timing and budget.
Cited as “one of the largest infrastructure investments in the municipality’s history,” on the Let’s Talk Chatham-Kent website, the build is approximately 22 per cent complete.
The new hub is located at 130 King St. W. in downtown Chatham, the site of the former Sears building.
The new facility will bring together the Chatham Civic CentreChatham-Kent Community HubStatusAwardValue$43.6MLocation130 King St W, Chatham ONSectorPublic – CountyTypeMunicipal · Addition · RenovationData as of August 19, 2026View Project Page →, the Chatham branch of the Chatham-Kent Public Library and the Chatham-Kent Museum into one modern, accessible and energy-efficient facility that will reduce long-term operating and maintenance costs, while improving accessibility and customer service.
In a report to council from Edward Soldo, general manager, infrastructure and engineering services, it is detailed that Fortis Construction Group Inc., the lead construction company for the build, has been steadily progressing construction on the project that was designed by architectural firm Architecttura.
It is outlined the final building configuration is taking shape with significant advancement of the King Street addition, elevator structures, utility infrastructure and interior building systems.
Mechanical and framing work has continued with installing ductwork and portioning multiple areas of the facility. Electrical, underground servicing and work on the outside of the building has also been advancing.
According to Soldo’s report, the total construction services contract, valued at $39.3 million (including an HST rebate) came in under the previously projected budget. The initial budget estimation for construction was $42.3 million. There are significant contingency funds ($3.4 million) included to budget for any unexpected occurrences.
The overall project budget remains at $52.8 million including over $7 million in contingency funds that are best practice for project of this size and aligns with the cost estimate presented to council in May 2025.
The contract was awarded in October 2025 and construction began in December of that year.
Since then, crews have completed demolition of the existing interior and exterior, erected the structural steel for the building’s north and south additions and advanced work on roofing, mechanical systems, electrical infrastructure and interior framing.
Utility servicing, plumbing, HVAC installation and preparations for roofing activities are also progressing as planned.
“This project supports the municipality’s asset management plan by replacing aging facilities and reducing long-term infrastructure costs and 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 community hub website states in a March 2026 update.
The municipality meets with Fortis Construction Group and project consultants every two weeks to monitor progress, co-ordinate construction activities and ensure the project remains on schedule.
“We’re very pleased with the progress being made on the Chatham-Kent Community Hub. The project remains on time and on budget, and that reflects the diligent planning and hard work that went into this project long before construction began. That careful preparation is paying off, and it’s exciting to see our vision for a modern, accessible community hub taking shape in Chatham-Kent,” said Mayor Darrin Canniff.
With the timeline on track, detailed transition planning is underway and will be communicated in mid-2027. Completion of the project is slated for early 2028.
