Major infrastructure projects will enhance local quality of life

Proposed St. Clair College HealthPlex

Within two years quality of life in Chatham-Kent will play an even greater role in attracting new investment and people to the region upon completion of three major capital projects in the sectors of culture, recreation and education.

If multi-million-dollar fundraising campaigns are successful, Chatham-Kent residents will have a new YMCA, a major venue for live performance with the Capitol Theatre and a state-of-the-art recreation and fitness facility at St. Clair College, Thames Campus.

“The investment in educational, cultural and recreational facilities will support the Municipality’s overall investment attraction and retention efforts while enhancing the quality of life for Chatham-Kent residents,” says Aileen Murray, Acting Director, Chatham-Kent Economic Development Services.

St. Clair College has embarked on a $23 million capital fundraising campaign to build recreation and fitness facilities at both Chatham and Windsor campuses. The St. Clair College HealthPlex will provide opportunities for academic, athletic, recreation and extracurricular programs to address the needs of students, faculty and the community.

“We see the addition of the HealthPlex as a necessary part of the development of this campus. The potential economic spinoff of a project like this for the community is significant,” says Lynn McGeachy-Schultz, Director College Advancement, Thames Campus. The college anticipates this facility will enhance the school’s image as a destination college and help boost full-time enrolment at the Chatham campus from 1,000 to 1,500 students.

The YMCA of Chatham-Kent has launched a capital campaign to construct a $15.5 million building to replace the 50-year-old facility on King Street in Chatham. The organization anticipates a new facility will expand efforts within the Y’s three core service areas of health and wellness, child care and development and community development work.

“The new facility project is driven primarily by our desire as an organization to make a more significant impact with our work in the community,” says Project Manager Mike Walters.

Structural challenges limit programming and recreation for Y members and the general community. Chatham-Kent YMCA Chief Executive Officer Jim Janzen says the new facility will be designed to service the needs of families, children and the community for several years. Slated for completion in late 2010, this project hinges on funding from all levels of government.

The Chatham Capitol Theatre is in the final phase of construction with a soft opening slated for spring 2010. The $20 million reconstruction project will give Chatham-Kent a premier performance venue in 1930s design to reflect the original theatre.

“You can expect to see things on that stage that have not played in Chatham-Kent before,” says Dan Donaldson, Capitol Theatre General Manager. The largest venue of its kind between Windsor and Stratford, the Capitol will also have a balcony to accommodate 1,200 guests.

For more information, please contact Chatham-Kent Economic Development Services at 519.351.7700/1866.542.5994 or by email to ckeds@chatham-kent.ca