Organizers of a Tecumseh Park event are looking for a new location after the municipality has asked them and others to relocate next year due to a construction project.
Organizers of a Tecumseh Park event are looking for a new location after the municipality has asked them and others to relocate next year due to a construction project.
Chris Glassford with the Chatham Ribfest said Chatham-Kent staff notified him just after this year’s event in July. In a news release, he said there may not be a site to accommodate the event’s “large needs.”
Options like St. Clair College and Memorial Arena had challenges with “proper infrastructure” and “usable space,” he said.
“We require specific conditions to operate the event, including enhanced hydro, on-site water hookups and space, something that Tecumseh Park has been able to accommodate us with for 13 years,” Glassford said in the release.
The construction is the first phase of the Tecumseh Park area sewer separation, which includes the reconstruction of streets surrounding the park. This includes Stanley Avenue from the Thames River to William Street North, William Street North from Stanley Avenue to Colborne Street, and Colborne Street from William Street North to Adelaide Street North.
Although he was “shocked” by the notice, Glassford said he understands there is a need for development in the area.
“Anytime there is a chance to improve or mend infrastructure, we should be excited that the municipality is working on it,” he said. “While I am extremely worried about where we will move to temporarily for 2023, I can see the value in the project.”
Glassford said planning for next year’s event could be delayed if he doesn’t find a location soon. He said anyone with suggestions for properties, including privately owned land, can contact the Ribfest at [email protected].
Genevieve Champagne, the municipality’s special event co-ordinator, said the project will likely take the entire construction season between June and December next year.
Approximately seven to 10 events will need to relocate, she said.
“However, we are lucky to have such a large community where some of these events can be relocated to new locations or even different communities and allow for a different crowd or theme for the 2023 year,” she said in an email.
Champagne said removing William and Stanley streets and the infrastructure also removes access to the park.
“Once the construction takes place, their excavation areas are an active construction site and only those permitted on the construction site will be allowed within that area,” she said.
Small private events can still be held if organizers can bring their equipment over the pedestrian bridge, Champagne said.
She said she isn’t concerned at this time about the Chatham Concert Band continuing its weekly performances next summer. The municipality will be working with organizers to ensure some park access, she said.
The reconstruction includes replacing the existing watermain; removing existing combined sewer, maintenance holes and services; replacing existing sanitary sewer, maintenance holes and services; installing new storm sewer and catch basins; rebuilding the asphalt road and granular base; replacing existing concrete curb, gutter and sidewalks; and boulevard restoration.
In March, council approved a $310,750 proposal from RC Spencer Associates to complete the engineering services on the project.