Way back in 2007, the Chatham Capitol Theatre restoration project was ongoing.

At that time, it was estimated the initiative, which would transform a 1930s cinema into a vibrant 1,200-seat theatre, was estimated to cost around $14 million.

As we all know, the final cost far exceeded that amount and while I don’t know the exact figure, it was over $20 million.

And that was well before the upheavals we have seen as a result of a global pandemic and the resulting impacts on supply chains and prices.

Which brings me to the point of today’s discussion, and that is why I think it’s a huge mistake for the municipality (read, we the taxpayers) to even be contemplating the proposed Chatham-Kent Community Hub.

If we have learned nothing from our COVID experience, it’s that many people transitioned to doing a lot of their business online.

As a direct result, many corporations and government entities have abandoned or downsized their bricks and mortar operations.

But, for whatever reason, Chatham-Kent’s local government is moving in the opposite direction, pushing for the community hub that would bring the library, museum and civic centre into the space formerly occupied by Sears in the former Downtown Chatham Centre.

Perusing an old newspaper article from back in 2007, I read:

“Poor soil conditions, partly as a result of being located about 200 metres from the Thames River, created some challenges.

“Helical piles were required since the soil wasn’t solid below nine feet, (architect Peter) Cook says.”

© Sarnia Observer