Construction of Chatham-Kent’s new $53 million Community Hub is moving forward on schedule and within budget, according to a recent report presented to municipal council.
Located at 130 King St. W. in downtown Chatham, on the former Sears site, the project is considered one of the largest infrastructure investments in the municipality’s history. Construction is currently about 22% complete.
The facility is being built by Fortis Construction Group Inc., while architectural design was provided by Architecttura.
Three major services under one roof
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 in a single modern facility.
The building is designed to improve accessibility and customer service while offering greater energy efficiency and reducing long-term operating and maintenance costs.
Construction crews have already made significant progress on the building’s north and south additions, including structural steel, roofing, mechanical systems, electrical infrastructure and interior framing.
Work is also continuing on elevator structures, utility servicing, ductwork, plumbing, HVAC systems and exterior elements.
Project remains below construction budget
According to the municipal report, the construction services contract is valued at $39.3 million, including the HST rebate. This is below the original construction estimate of $42.3 million.
The contract also includes approximately $3.4 million in contingency funding to cover unforeseen costs.
Total project cost is $52.8 million, including more than $7 million in contingency funds. The figure remains consistent with the estimate presented to council in May 2025.
The construction contract was awarded in October 2025, with work beginning in December of the same year.
Since then, crews have completed the demolition of the existing interior and exterior structures and progressed with structural, mechanical, electrical and roofing work.
No new property tax increase planned
The municipality says the project will move forward without a new property tax increase. Funding is being provided through a combination of property sales, existing reserves and long-term financing already incorporated into the municipal budget.
Municipal officials are also meeting with Fortis Construction Group and project consultants every two weeks to review progress, coordinate activities and address potential issues.
Mayor Darrin Canniff said the project’s progress reflects careful planning and preparation that began well before construction started.
With construction continuing according to schedule and costs remaining within the approved budget, Chatham-Kent expects its new community hub to take shape as planned, creating a modern centralized facility for municipal, cultural and community services.
