Construction of the new Chatham-Kent Community Hub continues to make steady progress, with the project remaining on schedule and on budget as work advances on one of the largest infrastructure investments in the Municipality’s history.
Council received an update on the project at its meeting, highlighting significant construction milestones and confirming that the project is approximately 22 per cent complete.
The new Community Hub will bring together the Chatham Civic Centre, the Chatham Branch of the Chatham-Kent Public Library and the Chatham-Kent Museum into one modern, accessible and energy-efficient facility.
Since construction began in December 2025, 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.
The project supports the Municipality’s long-term Asset Management Plan and reducing the infrastructure gap by replacing aging municipal facilities with a single, more efficient building that will reduce long-term operating and maintenance costs while improving accessibility and customer service.
The construction contract, valued at $39.3 million (including HST rebate), was awarded below the original construction budget estimate of $42.9 million. The project continues to track within its overall approved budget of $52.8 million, which includes more than $7 million in contingency funding consistent with best practices for a project of this size.
There are currently no known delays to the construction schedule. The Community Hub remains on track for completion in early 2028, with detailed transition planning expected to begin in 2027.
The Municipality continues to meet with Fortis Construction Group and project consultants every two weeks to monitor progress, coordinate construction activities and ensure the project remains on schedule.
Residents can continue to follow the project’s progress through updates posted on the dedicated Let’s Talk Chatham-Kent project page at key construction milestones.
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Media Contact:
Eric Labadie
Manager, Corporate Communications
Municipality of Chatham-Kent
EricL@chatham-kent.ca
