Chatham-Kent seeks input on Wheatley revitalization plan Saturday

Chatham-Kent wants residents’ input on redeveloping Wheatley in the wake of the August 2021 gas explosion downtown.

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Chatham Kent Economic Development Services is hosting community consultations Saturday to discuss Wheatley’s revitalization plan, a municipal release said.

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“These consultations aim to gather insights, ideas, and aspirations from residents, business owners, and newcomers alike, in an effort to collaboratively shape the future of Wheatley,” municipal officials said.

The consultations are taking place at the Village Resource Centre, 108 Talbot Trail Rd. E., from 10 am to 1 pm Refreshments will be provided.

A second session will be held at the same time and place on Aug.17.

“Residents are encouraged to actively participate and share their perspectives on both aspirations and concerns,” municipal officials said. “(It’s) an opportunity for residents to contribute to the development of Wheatley’s future and inform community priorities in the revitalization plan.”

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Those interested in attending can RSVP Kyra Knapp, economic development officer for Wheatley at [email protected].

The community is encouraged to review the Wheatley Updates page on Let’s Talk Chatham-Kent at letstalkchatham-kent.ca/wheatley-updates.

In February, Chatham-Kent council approved $3.5 million to buy properties in the evacuation zone deemed unsuitable for redevelopment. The purchase was funded by a $3-million provincial grant, with the rest coming from a strategic reserve.

Demolition of nine blast-damaged downtown buildings is expected to begin in early June.

Many residents were glad when three blast-damaged buildings on the west side of Erie Street North were torn down in December 2023. No toxic gas was found in any of these buildings, a municipal official has said.

The Aug. 26, 2021, blast was linked to highly toxic hydrogen sulphide gas seeing up through the ground in the downtown area. It destroyed two buildings, damaged several others and injured 20 people in this community about 45 kilometers southwest of Chatham.

Officials, alerted to trouble by gas detectors, had cleared the area 90 minutes before.

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