To help engage the community in creating a vision for new neighbourhoods, the municipality has launched a planning initiative for development in the south Wheatley area.
In addition to residential growth, the project, Imagine Wheatley – A Land Use Plan for South Wheatley, will also include places for businesses, natural areas and public spaces.
The municipality stated in a release that Wheatley is projected to be one of the fastest growing communities in Chatham-Kent over the next 30 years. It is expected to increase by 500 new households and 1,300 new residents during that time.
Residents can have their say during an upcoming virtual public information session, slated to take place on Zoom on May 18, from 6 pm to 8 pm
Participants will learn more about the overall plan and can share their respective visions for the project area.
To sign up for the event, visit www.letstalkchatham-kent.ca/imagine-wheatley.
Mayor Darrin Canniff called the project a “great opportunity,” particularly in the wake of last summer’s gas explosion in the downtown core, along with the ongoing investigation and mitigation efforts.
He believes there are many assets in the area to capitalize on.
“Wheatley is a wonderful community for people to live, work and play. More and more people are recognizing this and want to move here,” he stated in the release.
“The timing is even more significant now as the community continues its recovery from the devastating events of 2021. New neighborhoods will add vitality to the entire community, including the downtown.”
West Kent County. Melissa Harrigan encouraged people to take part, noting there are “meaningful opportunities to participate” that will help shape the outcome of the plan.
West Kent County. Mark Authier added that “having a good plan today will make great neighborhoods tomorrow.”
For more information, or to sign up for regular updates, visit the Imagine Wheatley website at www.letstalkchatham-kent.ca/imagine-wheatley.