Chatham-Kent announces economic developer for Wheatley

Chatham-Kent has hired a provincially funded economic developer to help Wheatley continue its recovery from the 2021 gas blast.

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Kyra Knapp will take on the two-year mission, working with the Wheatley Task Force to spearhead the small lakeside community’s revitalization, a release said Tuesday.

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The comprehensive recovery and development strategy’s $450,000 budget is fully funded by the Ontario government.

Knapp’s accolades include being named one of the Economic Development Council of Ontario‘s Top 10 economic development professionals in 2021 and one of Business Elite’s 2023 Top 40 Under 40 in Canada.

She will focus on project management for the task force, including efforts aligned with the municipal-provincial agreement to foster economic growth, support business retention and expansion, engage with community business leaders, and act as Wheatley’s ambassador.

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“We are grateful for the provincial support and for the opportunity from Chatham-Kent to have participated in the selection process,” task force chair Howard Gabert said.

“We felt that Kyra’s professional background and leadership attributes made her the ideal candidate. . . We are confident that she will. . . help the community move forward in a progressive and positive way.”

Knapp’s “adeptness in municipal and Indigenous economic development underscores her comprehensive approach to fostering regenerative economic practices,” the release said

Her appointment marks a significant step toward Wheatley’s recovery and long-term development, it added.

“We’re confident that this position and Kyra’s leadership will add significant momentum to Wheatley’s recovery,” said Stuart McFadden, Chatham-Kent’s economic development director. “The future of the community is bright.”

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The Aug. 26, 2021, explosion was linked to highly toxic hydrogen sulphide gas seeing up through the ground. It destroyed two buildings, damaged several others and injured in the community about 45 kilometers southwest of Chatham.

Multiple downtown Wheatley businesses were shuttered in the aftermath, with some ultimately closing or relocating.

Last month, Chatham-Kent council approved spending $3.5 million to buy several properties in the evacuation zone. This was funded by a $3-million provincial grant, with the rest coming from a strategic reserve.

In the meantime, the municipality is negotiating to buy remaining properties.

For updates on Wheatley, fill out the subscription form at chatham-kent.ca/services/digitalresources/Pages/Subscription-Services.aspx and select “Wheatley” in the topic field.

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